Adventure racing combines multiple endurance activities such as paddling, biking, climbing, hiking, and rope-work. Distances range from a 6-hour sprint to a multi-day expedition challenge, bound only by mandatory checkpoints and transition areas.

Competitors face multiple hurdles as they trek through unfamiliar terrain. The appeal for most adventure racers is the excitement of the unknown. Will your body hold up? Will you get lost? Will you run out of supplies? Did you bring the right gear? These questions are all unanswered until you embark on the race.

An ideal adventure race for those looking to get their feet wet is the 12-hour dusk 'til dawn adventure race in Central California. The 2012 race was long and challenging but Santa Margarita Lake and San Luis Obispo provided the perfect playing field for all levels of racers. The race consisted of kayaking, trekking through the hillsides, running through vineyards, swimming over obstacles, mountain biking uphill and a finish-line party in downtown.

Although this was my first adventure race, along the way I learned valuable lessons mostly through rookie mistakes. To help other first-timers, I developed a list of 7 overlooked necessities that you'll need complete any adventure race.

Hone Your Navigational Skills- It's highly recommended that you take a navigation class beforehand. Learning how to plot coordinates on a map is essential for getting through unfamiliar territory. So make sure your navigational skills are on point before embarking.
Critical Item-Adventure Racing Compass: It's virtually impossible to plot your path without this helpful tool.
Cost-$26

Waterproof Map Case: This easily overlooked item will save you time and hassle, not to mention keep your most important item safe. Quick access to your map at all times is critical when working your way through the race. More often than not you'll need to double-check your location, so with your map around your neck, you'll save valuable time.
Critical Item-Seal Line Waterproof Map Case: D-rings for easy attachment to kayak, canoe, handlebars or backpack
Cost-$20

Proper Apparel and Footwear- One of the most difficult challenges you'll face is going from wet to dry. It's a difficult one to handle, so making sure your clothing is lightweight and waterproof. Don't spare any expenses with your shoes. You'll need something waterproof with traction and comfort.
Critical Item-Asics Gel FujiRacer: A lightweight, breathable cushioning and water drainage system.
Cost-$110 (photo-Samantha Brandt)

Hydro Pack- 12 consecutive hours of exercise require a lot of water and unlike a triathlon or marathon you'll need to carry it with you. Staying hydrated in the hot Central California weather is an enormous challenge you'll need to conquer. Don't waste your time with water belts or fanny-packs.
Critical Item- High Sierra Quick Shot 70: This 2-liter bladder provides enough water while still remaining light enough to run with.
Cost-$20

Portable First Aid Kit- Not only is it a mandatory item, it's a useful one-- especially with the combination of difficult terrain. Beat blisters that commonly occur when you're running with damp socks from the lake. This is an item your feet will thank you for later.
Critical Item- New-Skin Liquid Bandage-1 fl oz: For fast and easy application.
Cost-$5

Gaiters- Provides ultimate protection from the natural terrain you're trekking through, such as high grass, gnarly oat heads, bar- wire fences, cow-dung, and poison oak.
Critical Item- Mountain Hardwear Nut Shell High Gaiters for Men: These easily attach to the top of your shoes, so you can swap them on and off when you need them.
Cost-$35

MTB Gear Tool Kit- Don't end your race because of mechanical issues with your bike, especially on difficult sections of terrain. Many racers are often forced to retire early due to broken spokes and flat tires. Get a gear bag complete with a 7-function folding tool, dual spoke wrench, universal chain tool, two tire levers, and a patch kit.
Item-Compact Seat Saddle Bag: Attaches to the seat of your bike for easy transport.
Cost-$45
Next week, check out part 2 on adventure racing, which lists the top 10 events worldwide.

Photos courtesy of Kaori Funahashi. (kaoriphoto.com)

The world's best rally drivers are revved up for the start of the 2012 Global Rallycross season this Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dominant European driver Marcus Gronholm's commitment to the full 2012 season--unlike years past-- should make things difficult for the top American drivers such as Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, and Brian Deegan. Saturday also marks the first competitive race for professional skateboarder Bucky Lasek, who's following in the footsteps of his fellow action sports crossover stars.

To help celebrate the start of another Rallycross season Ken Block released a new edit, DC Gymkhana Four: Bonus Edit. A spin-off from last year's Hollywood megamercial, the new edit features more driving and never-before-seen footage from Gymkhana Four.



Check out all the action from Saturday's race live on ESPN following the nationwide series.

Exploration, culture, and adventure have become elements of Stand-up paddling, with many exotic locations offering up the ideal setting for a SUP trip. Following last year's Indo Chronicles, SUP Magazine gathered a crew of worthy paddlers and headed to the far east to produce an exclusive travel series entitled Made in Taiwan.

Candice Appleby, Dave Boehne, CD Kinley, Anthony Vela and Slater Trout's culture-filled journey to Taiwan is featured in the summer Issue of SUP Magazine. But in the meantime, check out the intro to a five-part web series featuring a perfect left-hand point break that the crew absolutely tears apart.

Think you can do the same tricks your favorite pros are doing? Skateboarder Magazine and Monster hope so, as they've created the Emulator Contest, which encourages skaters to film themselves replicating a trick from three professional skaters.

The month of May belongs to Shane O'Neill and his favorite trick, the nollie flip nosegrind. Film yourself pulling the trick and upload it to the contest page for a chance to win a Shane O'Neill specific prize pack from his sponsors, as well as automatic entry into the final round for a chance to win $1000, a year's supply of Monster Energy drinks, a Who's Hot page in Skateboarder Magazine, and an exclusive video edit on Skateboardermag.com

The month of May is almost over but it's not too late. Check out the top three entries. And if you still think your nollie flip nosegrind is better, prove it.

If that's not your go-to trick, in June Ishod Wair will be challenging you with a new one.

Complete contest details.

Wakeboarding films are alive and well. To prove it, former editor of GrindTV Patrick Wieland teamed up with Slingshot Wake to produce Lipsmack, an epic film featuring the creative side of wakeboarding. Wieland and crew spent almost a year traveling to various locations filming and building over 47 custom rails. As such, the film focuses on the explore, create, and shred aspect of the sport.

Lipsmack features riders Jeff McKee, Oli Derome, Shredtown, Mike Ennen, Jeff House, Steffen Vollert, Nate Perry, Dylan Miller, Brian Reeder, and a few special guests.



The film is available for download on iTunes.

Here are a few photos from the filming of Lipsmack:

Effective use of the helicopter.

The mastermind behind the lens Patrick Wieland