Pura Vida Adventures

Pisgah Mountain Biking: The secret is out.

2012-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Brevard mountain biking takes center stage in Bike Magazine's 2012 bike bible. Bike magazine travels to different destinations each year to test and review the year's new bikes. This past fall the bike magazine team came to Brevard, NC to test the crop of bikes coming in 2012 and check out the trails of Dupont and Pisgah.

The story of their experience in Brevard and review of bikes is now on newstands. What bike magazine talks about regarding the town of Brevard and the bike scene here has been known to those of us who live and vacation here for years. We know we have great trails, we know we have a great town, we know we have the best kept secret when it comes to our trails in Dupont and Pisgah.

The secret is now out. Everyone now knows that when it comes to mountain biking in the eastern US Brevard is the place to come. This point was made clearly in the Bike Magazine article by professional mountain biker Adam Craig who said "I'm going to say Pisgah is definitely one of the top three places in the universe that I've ever ridden-and maybe the very best one."

Once you have read the article and learn about the Pisgah Tavern at the Hub bicycle shop, and the local boy Wes Dickson and his team of mechanics and staff at Sycamore Cycles you will be ready to make plans to come here for your next biking vacation. You will be ready to ride the trails of Dupont which is our zoo for biking and survive the trails of Pisgah which is our mountain biking Serengeti.

Thanks Bike Magazine for visiting and welcome all those who now know America's best kept secret in mountain biking. When you come to visit do not forget about us at Pura Vida Adventures Brevard's only guided mountain biking service for the last 5 years. Sure you can find the trails on your own but you will maximize your experience if you hire one of our guides.

Lopez Canyon Trip Report: Canyoneering Bariloche, Patagonia Argentina

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Lopez Canyon--- Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina
Grade 3C III

Approach: The canyon approach is via the trail to Refugio Lopez. Ascend the trail toward Lopez for about 1-1.5 miles. After leaving the trail, head east into the canyon entering a scree slope which quickly becomes a faint bush whack trail. This turn off of the trail occurs just before you reach the old mountain hut and 4 wheel drive road.

Final Rappel in Lopez Canyon

Special Consideration: The water levels in this canyon can vary greatly based upon the amount of snow melt. Consider exiting the canyon via a fallen log and cable if when approaching the second to last rappel the water volume seems to great. The last two rappels consist of the narrowest and steepest part of the canyon.

Upper Rappels of Lopez Canyon

Description: Lopez Canyons lower section consists of rappels ranging from 20 ft – 125 ft in length. The canyon starts with 3-4 rappels ranging in length between 10 and 40ft. After these short rappels you come upon a rappel that seems to measure between 60- 70 ft. There is a second stage of about 8 ft. to this rappel that is not a suggested down climb due to the water flow volume. Set this rappel to length so that you are able to rappel beyond this obstacle 85- 90 ft total rappel. Once you drop into this short section of canyon you are in the canyons narrowest steepest part and at higher water flows it can be extremely challenging. The final rappel the longest and most awe inspiring is about 125ft. It can be difficult to visually set the rope length on this rappel without lowering someone. After completing this rappel the canyon widens as you boulder hop and make your way for about 1-1.5 miles back to Hwy 237.

Top of 2nd to last rappel and narrowest steepest section of Lopez Canyon

Other notes: Special thanks to Frederico of Canopy Patagonia for providing beta and showing me this great canyon. Suggested map is the infotrekking San Carlos Bariloche 1:50,000 topographic map. Additional beta available in Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Patagonian Andes. Further exploration of the upper section of Lopez canyon looked promising to extend into a longer trip. Unfortunately, my exploration was limited due to the fact that I was alone.

Bottom of Last Rappel Lopez Canyon

Pura Vida Adventures offers guided canyoneering programs as well as canyon instructional classes. In addition Pura Vida Adventures offers adventure travel trips to Patagonia Argentina and various other adventure tours in North Carolina and throughout the US. Find out more at http://www.pvadventures.com/ .

Paddling Patagonia's Nahuel Huapi Lake

2011-12-26T04:31:00.000-08:00

The Beginning of our expedition

Pura Vida Adventures began a 10 day Patagonia Expedition with clients Tom and Danielle Saunders on Dec 15th. The first portion of this trip was a 4 day 3 night paddle on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Nahuel Huapi is the largest and most popular of the glacial lakes in the Patagonia Lakes District. It borders the town of San Carlos de Bariloche and legend has it if you drink out of the waters of Nahuel Huapi you will return to Patagonia. This legendary and mythical lake was our home for the first 4 days of our Patagonia Expedition.

Day 1: We departed from Playa Serena with little wind and clear skies as we made our way around the San Pedro Peninsula we began to feel the wind and paddle through some 2 ft swells in the open waters. After completeing the crossing to the other side of the lake we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the sunny calm weather of the day. The afternoon consisted of many more hours of paddling along the shores of Victoria Island where we saw beautiful rock outcroppings with birds nestled in the rocks and flying around the island shore. We made camp that night on the island about .5 km north of Piedra Blanca Port. After enjoying a full dinner we all made our way to bed tired from the days paddle and preparing to get well rested for another day of adventure.

Day2: Day 2 started with sunny skies and calm waters just like the day before. We continued to paddle north along the east side of Victoria Island where we stopped for lunch at the Northern end of the island. The sky became hazey with ash as from the recently erupted and still smoking Volcano Peyehue just across the border in Chile. During our first two days of paddling we saw small rocks which were actually volcanic ash floating in the lake.

Hanging out in Arrayanes Forest

At lunch we began to feel the power of the infamous Patagonia winds as the northern wind began to pick up and caused us to extend our lunch break for another 2 hours. After lunch we would make a short open water crossing to visit the Arrayanes Forest outside the town of Villa La Angostura on the tip of the Quetrihue Peninsula.

As the wind calmed down we made the crossing North to the Peninsula and Arrayanes Forest. The Arrayanes tree is endangered and this forest is the only one that still exists in the world. The tree is unique because the trees grow out from one another and as a branch breaks of it can generate into a new tree over time. Many of the trees in the forest are hundreds of years old as the trees grow only 1 cm per year. As we walked through the forest we were all amazed and fascinated with this unique forest. After stretching our legs while walking through the forest and enjoying a much needed break we got back in our kayaks to find a campsite on the western shore of Nahuel Huapi. The Northern wind we had faced earlier in the day was still blowing strong but would now be of assistance as it would provide a tailwind in our travels.

Waterfall during the trip

Southwest we travelled from the Arrayanes forest making incredible time as we travelled with the wind at our back and surfing 3-4 foot swells. Camp that night was set under clear skies where the Coluco River met Nahuel Huapi Lake. We fell asleep staring at the bright southern stars that created constellations such as Orion and the Southern Cross.

Day 3

Day 3 started with us awaking to an even stronger northern wind continuing to blow. The wind was so strong that even though it blew in our direction of travel the morning hours were spent on shore waiting for the winds to slow and waves to calm. During this time we took a hike up the Coluco River jumping from boulder to boulder as we made our way up the river taking in the beauty of its waterfalls and the giant trees which surrounded its banks.

Hiking along the Coluco River

Upon returning to camp along the lake's shore we were happy to see the winds had seceded a bit. Not wanting to lose this window of opportunity to travel we had a quick bite and enjoyed the beautiful weather and a nice northerly wind which assisted us as we made our way south toward the Blest and Tristeza Rivers. As we rounded the Peninsula and began to head west toward the rivers' ports we were blasted with a tremendous head wind. As we made our way around the Peninsula the wind had a sudden shift now blowing due east. This quickly became a problem as we headed west with our head down we fought the 4-5 foot swells and slowly moved west north west . We wanted to get to the land to our north but had to be careful not to expose the entire side of the boat to the east blowing wind gusts. Slowly, we fought the winds andd made it to shore where we warmed up with some coffee and waited for the wind to provide us with another opportunity to travel toward our west south west destination.

An hour later the winds seemed manageable Tom and Danielle were getting much more comfortable in the kayak and we all felt that although there were still decent size swells the size had gone down since earlier when we were forced to go to shore.

The next 2 hours were spent battling the wind and waves in the area of the lake known as the cocktail where the Blest and Tristeza Branches meet the Nahuel Huapi. Bows of the kayaks rising up high and water splashing into our faces we made it to shore only a half mile from the next days pick up point at Arroyo Angostura where Nahuel Huapi flows into Moreno Lake.

As we got out of our kayaks and pulled them ashore we boiled water and got into warm clothes. The sky showed a storm in our future and and we quickly set up tents and made camp. While eating dinner we were pleased to see the skies clearing a bit but were still preparing for a long rainy night after a hard day of paddling. We went to bed wondering if the rain would come and bring more winds with it.

Bueno Viaje

The next morning we awoke pleased to see that the skies had cleared and winds had calmed. We paddled the last half mile where we enjoyed the sun and got some final photos before getting picked up and heading back into town.

The paddling expedition was a great success we experienced two days of sun and little wind but on day 3 Danielle and Tom got to experience the volatile weather and infamous winds that make Patagonia so unique. Patience and sound judgement made for a successful paddling expedition when the Patagonia winds came in.

Pura Vida Adventures heads to Patagonia Dec. 14th- Jan.4th

2011-11-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures is once again headed to Patagonia this Dec. Currently we have one expedition program running from Dec.14th- 24th. This program will include 7-8 days of backcountry camping while paddling the rivers and lakes of Bariloche via Sea kayak and backpacking and mountaineering in the Patagonian Andes. In addition the program will include a day of canyoneering and/ or rafting Cost of this program is $3500 a person. Contact Pura Vida Adventures contact@pvadventures.com directly for more details. A tentative itinerary can be found below:

Sea kayaking on Patagonia’s Glacial Lakes and their rivers. The trip includes great meals, as well as beer and wine with dinners. The sea kayaks are the tandem Necky Amurk . This trip you will not want to pass up. The trip also includes great opportunities for swimming, hiking, and just messing about.
Mountain Trekking/ Hiking (options from 2-6 days) located outside of Bariloche this trip requires little travel time before getting to the trailhead.
Nahuel Huapi Traverse- See magnificent, glaciers, and lakes while tackeling steep scree slopes and summiting multiple 10,000 ft peaks. At the end of the day rest your bones in a mountain hut with a hot meal made in their kitchen. Do not worry about carrying or setting up a tent, or cooking and carrying large amounts of food the key to this trip is to stay light and relaxed and let the caretakers of the mountain huts take care of your food and shelter. Finish your evening staring over a glacial lake at the Patagonian sky filled with shooting stars.

All activities includes: Transportation, equipment, english speaking guides and food.All days includes:-Accommodation.
Not included:-Alcoholic beverages, airfare, in town dinners-Phone calls.-Tips.

In addition to our expedition from Dec14th-24th we will offer the following programming from Dec 24-Jan 4th.

Spend the evenings in the city and its outlying areas dining along the natural glacial lake Nahuel Huapi enjoying Argentina’s world famous free range beef, fondue, and fine wines.
Spend your days exploring the Patagonia Andes through a variety of activities including kayak touring, whitewater rafting/kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canopy tours, and flyfishing. You will have American and English speaking Argentine guides helping you on each day of your adventure through various activities. They will also teach you more about the way of life in this place called the “Uttermost Part of the World”. Progamming price will vary based upon your desired activities and accomodation desires.

Spend the 2011-2012 holiday season adventuring in one of the worlds most beautiful places filled with history, culture, and adventure,

Basecamp: Pura Vida Adventures

2011-11-11T07:20:00.001-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures new location

Pura Vida Adventures is excited to announce that we have moved. Due to continued growth Pura Vida Adventures has located to 155 New Hendersonville Hwy. This location is right across the street from our old location still providing ideal access to Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. The new location provides Pura Vida Adventures with over 3 times the space of the prior location.

Gear Room
The new location has a gear room as well as a seperate office/classroom area. The new location will also provide ample parking for clients and plenty of visual signage. Owner Joe Moerschbaecher said, "I am very excited about our new location, it is the top location of any guide service in the area, close access to both Pisgah and Dupont, plenty of classroom space for teaching, a backyard for skills demonstration and an incredible gear room and office. In addition it is right across the street from our old office so it will be easy for returning clients to find us."

Office and classroom area

Next time you are in the area be sure to visit Pura Vida Adventures new basecamp, located at the gates of Pisgah Forest.

Ample amounts of Parking

Directions

Directions to Pura Vida Adventures outpost (Brevard/Pisgah Forest NC) We are located on Hendersonville Hwy (Hwy 64). From I 26 continue to Asheville Airport Exit 40. Turn towards airport and continue on Hwy 280 West for approximately 17 miles. At the intersection of Hwy 64, 280, and 276, turn LEFT onto Hwy 64 east, travel about 1/4 mile. We are located across the street from the Marathon gas station. Just down the street from Looking Glass Outfitters.

Touching story of Pura Vida Adventures' clients highlighted on news special

2011-11-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida Adventures, had the opportunity to meet Bill and Debra Ash this past summer when they came on a rappelling trip. Neither Bill or Debra had ever rappelled before but when booking the trip on the phone Bill was excited about the adventure.

When booking the trip Bill mentioned that a camera crew would be following along on the trip filming a story about his bucket list. The story goes much deeper than that everyone enjoy.

http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/15948799/upstate-couple-fulfills-their-bucket-list.

After the trip Bill told Joe that he is ready to try one of Pura Vida Adventures' waterfall rappelling programs. Bill's final comments about the experience was as followed: "A thrilling adventure that you"ll never forget. A trained professional, Joe Moerschbaecher, takes all of the proper safety precautions with his clients while assuring that it is an enjoyable experience. We will definitely be back for more."

November Instructional programs with Pura Vida Adventures

2011-10-20T05:55:00.001-07:00

Pura Vida will be offering two open enrollment instructional programs this Nov. The first Technical Canyoneering for beginners will be held Nov. 12 and 13 and the following week Nov. 19th and 20th will be an intro to rock climbing course. Cost for each course is $300 if you register for both courses the total cost is then $500 saving you $100. All equipment will be provided for both courses. Programs are limited to the first six participants. Read below for more details about each course.

Canyoneering: Technical Canyoneering for beginners, Nov. 12th and 13th. This course will focus on skills and techniques used in a canyon environment. The course will focus on rope skills and rigging, in addition we will discuss canyon movement, the canyon rating system, and canyon equipment. Cost: $300 a person. More details available here
http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html

Intro to Rock Climbing for beginners, Nov. 19th and 20th. This 2 day class is designed for participants who have never climbed but want to learn how, as well as people who have climbed but want to become more independent so that they can climb on their own. Topics include: Climbing movement, proper belaying and rappelling technique, anchor building.

This course is designed to provide you with competence and confidence on ropes basic rock climbing skills. It covers all skills beginning climbers shoul learn including proper gear and how it should be rigged, belaying and rappelling techniques, knots, prussic knots, and climbing techniques.The second day goes into natural and artificial anchor building for top rope set up. This program also allows for a sufficient amount of climbing time to gain additional climbing experience.

Please contact us at contact@pvadventures.com or 772-579-0005 for further questions on the courses or to reserve a spot.

Pura Vida Adventures attends American Canyoneering Association Rendezvous at Zion National Park

2011-09-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Subway

Pura Vida Adventures owner, Joe Moerschbaecher, recently attended the American Canyoneering Association Conference and Rendezvous near Zion National Park Utah.
During the week and a half stay Joe had the opportunity to meet a wide range of recreational canyoneers and professional canyon guides. There was a wide range of information shared and opportunities to do many canyons.

Over the 10 days in the Zion area, Joe had the opportunity to do 13 canyons. Some of his favorite included Mystery, Spry, Engelstead, and Pine Creek. The well know Subway was one of the most beautiful canyons of the entire trip. Joe said, "Although the subway is not an incredibly technical canyon being in the Subway was one of the most awe inspiring parts of the entire trip."

Beyond the canyon experience the trip provided Joe the opportunity to make contacts with local guide services in the Zion area, professional guides from throughout the country, and land managers from National Parks and BLM land. The opportunity to teach a basic rope skills course at the canyoneering conference was a highlight for Joe. "Being able to have the opportunity to teach a workshop at the conference was a great opportuntity. There was a large attendance for the workshop and participants were of varying ability levels, but everyone was eager to learn and it made me even more excited to teach the topics." The workshop was attended by professional who work as park rangers at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, as well as, recreational canyoneers, and other professional guides.

Pura Vida Adventures is working on developing canyoneering vacation programs in the BLM land that surrounds Zion National Park please feel free to contact us at contact@pvadventures.com to inquire about these programs.

Also attending the conference was Ansley Chappel of www.Ansleyalysephoto.com . She provided photos of the trip and we will be sure to share these photos with our readers and clients once her editing is done.

Pura Vida Adventures becomes accredited by the American Canyoneering Association

2011-06-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Accredited Guide Service

Pura Vida Adventures has recieved accreditation from the American Canyoneering Association.

Pura Vida Adventures the innovators of commercial canyoneering in the eastern United States continue to set the standard for east coast canyoneering most recently recieiving acceditation from the American Canyoneering Association.

This recognition makes Pura Vida Adventures the only accredited canyoneering guide service in the eastern United States and 1 of 7 accredited guide services in the US http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/content.php?38-ACA-Accredited-Members. For more details on the American Canyoneering Association or more details on Pura Vida Adventures becoming accredited by the ACA visit the following addresses http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/entry.php?12-Pura-Vida-Adventures-Receives-ACA-Accreditation

http://www.canyoneering.net/forums/content.php

Review of the grigri 2 for canyoneering purposes

2011-03-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have been long awaiting the arrival of Petzel's grigri 2 not so much for it performance in rock climbing applications, as I assumed it would perform to the same high standard as its original, but what interested me was whether the new grigri would perform well enough with thinner diameter ropes to start to be used for more canyoneering applications. After 2 days of testing the grigri 2 this is what I have concluded from using it.

Ratings are out of 4 stars

New features: The new grigri is truly about 75% the weight and size of the original. Descending on the new grigri is much smoother than descending on the original one was. This is especially true on free hanging descents. The grigri 2 is marketed to work on ropes from 8.9 mm-11mm in diameter. I tested the grigri 2 on 9.2 and 8mm ropes. Here are my opinions based upon my testing.

Descent device: The new grigri descends smoother than the original device making it much more comfortable for descending. It is still not my first choice for descents but Petzel has improved this feature dramatically. 9.2 mm rope the grigri2 worked extremely well while on descent; upon testing on the 8mm rope the grigri 2 also worked and would catch without any slippage it was not as comfortable for rappelling on 8mm as on the 9.2 mm rope and Petzel does not recommend its use on 8mm ropes, I suspect that over time the grigri 2 would wear a bit like the original and may not work as effectively on the 8mm rope. My recommendation if using an 8mm rope for canyoneering descent use another device as there are many devices that work much more effectively. 2.5 stars

Progress Capture Device (PCD): The grigri 2 works well as a PCD. Its most beneficial feature that other PCD's do not offer is the ability to quickly transfer from a haul to lower system. Just as in descending it worked great with 9.2 mm ropes and worked on the 8mm rope effectively as well. As a PCD it worked well on 8mm ropes and showed no slippage. I would suggest tying a catastrophe not on the back side of the grigri 2 if using it on a 8mm rope. Also if using as a PCD be sure that the grigri 2's lever is easily accessible and not rubbing against any rock or other surface which could cause the lever to be pinched open. 3.5 stars

Ascending: This feature worked briliantly with the grigri 2 on both the 9.2 and 8mm ropes, once again caution should be used if using a rope under 8.9 mm as Petzel says this is the smallest diameter in its range. The best feauture of the grigri 2 was its use in the rapid ascending system (RAD SYSTEM). The grigri 2 device allows you to transfer from ascending to rappelling and vice versa faster and more efficiently than any device I have ever used. Once again caution should be used if using it on any rope under 8.9mm in diameter. 4 stars

Contingency Anchor: The grigri2 can easily be rigged as a contingency anchor but there are many options for rigging a contingency anchor. The greatest advantage of using the grigri 2 as a contingency anchor is if you need to transfer to a haul it can be very fast and efficient because your grigri 2 is already in place as a PCD. Only disadvantages I see for using the grigri 2 as a contingency anchor is it needs to be broken down as most contingency anchors due, with the exception of releasable blocks, before the last rappeller descends. Also the lever needs to be free to move and not pinch on an object. 3.5 stars

In review the grigri 2 accomplishes many things which can also be accomplished with other devices. The features of the grigri 2 which were found to work more efffectively than other devices was transferring from ascending to rappelling and vice versa, and transferring from a haul to a lower or lower to a haul while used as a PCD. It worked great on 9.2 mm ropes and also worked on a rope tested down to 8mm. Petzel sets a limitation of 8.9 mm for a grigri 2 so I would not suggest its use if an 8mm rope is the main diameter rope you use in canyoneering.

This review was written simply as an opinion and each canyoneer should test the product in a controlled environment for themselves. The effectiveness of the product may vary based upon user weight, rope type, and various other factors. Pura Vida Adventures does not recommend the use of the grigri 2 for any rope diameter under 8.9mm.

Pura Vida Adventures offers guided canyoneering programs, as well as instructional canyoneering programs to learn more visit http://www.rappellingwaterfalls.com/ or http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html for more info

Canyon Guide certification recieved by Pura Vida head canyon guide Joe Moerschbaecher

2011-03-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Although the canyon season in North Carolina slows down during the winter months Pura Vida Adventures head canyon guide Joe Moerschbaecher has spent the winter traveling throughout the United States and Puerto Rico continuing to take courses to improve his skills, gain additional experience and pursue his canyoneering guide certification. Today Joe learned that the hardwork, practice, and commitment he put in this past winter was rewarded when Rich Carlson, American Canyoneering Association founder announced to him that he has received his canyoneering guide certification.

The canyoneering guide certification course and exam was held for 10 days this past Janurary outside of Phoenix Arizona. After completion of the course Joe had to submit an outdoor resume, a canyoneering resume, and proof of current Wilderness First Responder certification to the 3 person American Canyoneering Association board. After submitting this paper work the board reviewed his application and unanimously approved him to the rank of American Canyoneering Association certified canyon guide.

Joe commented, " The canyoneering guide certification course is not a simple 10 day program. My pursuit of this certification started over a year ago and included multiple courses and instructional programs, as well as field experience before gaining the competency and confidence to take the course and pass the exam."

Joe hopes to use his competence and knowledge to assist others in proper canyon techniques through Pura Vida Adventures' guided canyon trips and instructional programs. His gaining of this certification makes him one of very few people who now hold the internationally recognized canyon guide certification in the eastern United States. To find out more about Pura Vida Adventures canyoneering programs visit http://www.rappellingwaterfalls.com/ .

To learn more about the American canyoneering association visit http://www.canyoneering.net/content/

Pura Vida Adventures shows Canadian Pro visiting Brevard the trails of Dupont

2011-02-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

To say we showed Amanda Sin the trails of Dupont may be a little bit misleading. In fact, what Pura Vida Adventures mountain bike guide Joe Moerschbaecher did was direct Amanda where to go and try to stay close enough to her so that she did not have to wait at the major intersections to long before he and her fellow canadian Kasey Galdwin caught up to her.

Joe commented, "hikers in Dupont made comments regarding how we were getting beat by a girl, but I was pleased to know that we were close enough to her that people knew we were riding in the same group together." The long Canadian winter seems to have done little to effect Amanda's training as she had Casey and Joe chasing her for over 3hours through the single track of Dupont.

Joe commented "at the rate we were moving we were able to hit most of the major mountain bike trails in Dupont. It was a pleasure for me to not only ride with Amanda and Casey, but also to show them why Brevard is quickly becoming the mountain biking mecca of the southeast."

Amanda and Kasey will be in the carolinas training for the next couple of weeks and Pura Vida Adventures hopes that the weather treats them as well in the upcoming weeks as it did this weekend. The temperatures were in the high 60's to low 70's and the trail conditions have been incredible for the last 3 weeks.

Amanda said the following about the weather and trail conditions currently in Brevard, "The mountain biking is so awesome. Yesterday we went to Pisgah National Forest and today we hit up Dupont State Forest. The riding there is so much fun. There were tons of trails and the weather today was an amazing 23 C degrees. Pretty good for the end of February!"

Joe hopes to have an opportunity to ride with Kasey and Amanda again before they leave and all of Pura Vida Adventures wishes Amanda well with her 2011 season.

Pura Vida Adventures offers guided mountain biking and instructional programs to learn more visit http://www.mountainbikingnorthcarolina.com/ or http://www.pvadventures.com/ .

To learn more about Amanda Sin's racing visit her blog http://web.me.com/amandasin/Amanda/Blog/Entries/2011/2/27_Mountain_biking_in_NC.html

New mountain bike tour programs and camps.

2011-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Mountain bike tour vacations

http://www.mountainbikingnorthcarolina.com/

3 DAY CAMP
Mountain Bike Touring Camp 3 days at 3 different southeastern Mountain Bike meccas.

Program Dates April 1st-3rd and April 29th-May 1st

Trips available at any time for groups of 3 or more

2 DAY CAMP
Mountain Bike Touring Camp 2 days at 2 different southeastern Mountain Bike meccas.

Program Dates April 2nd-3rd and April 30th-May 1st Trips available at any time for groups of 3 or more

Day 1 Tsali: Ride the well known trails of Tsali Recreation Area. Tsali is known for its fast smooth riding. Tsali's trails will provide a great warmup for the trails to come later in the program. While at Tsali take in gorgeous views of Fontana Lake enjoy a nice box lunch and ride until your hearts content. Tsali will allow us to gauge the groups various fitness and ability levels to be sure we provide each individual with the experience they want over the three day course.

Day 2 Dupont: The day will be spent in Dupont State Forest where you will find single track of all types including slickrock trails, fast compact singletrack, technical singletrack and wider gravel roads. Dupont's rolling terrain also provides opportunities for great views of various waterfalls, overlooks, and gorgeous lakes. Once again lunch will be provided for you on this trip and the day will end back at The Hub where mechanics will look over your bike as you enjoy a beverage of your choice at the Pisgah Tavern.

Day 3 Pisgah: Spend your last day riding some of the 200 plus miles of mountain biking trails in Pisgah National Forest. Pisgah is quickly becoming known as one of the best places to mountain bike in the eastern US. The rooty technical trails will challenge your skills while the uphill climbs will challenge your lungs. At the end of the day you will have completed your three day bike tour riding some of the best trails North Carolina and the eastern United States has to offer.

Trip includes airport pick up drop off. Transportation each day to and from Brevard, NC, lunch and snacks before, during, and after the ride and a mountain bike guide. Hotel and bike rental discounts also available. Cost $375 a person

For more details visit www.mountainbikingnorthcarolina.com .

American Canyoneering Association Guide Course, Arizona

2011-01-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

American Canyoneering Association Founder and course instructor Rich Carlson

Pura Vida Adventures owner and head canyoneering guide, Joe Moerschbaecher just completed the American Canyoneering Association Guide Certification Course in Arizona last week. The American Canyoneering Association was started by Rich Carlson in 1999. The american canyoneering association does not just certify guides but in addition offers courses in basic rope skills, rigging, techniques, and rescue for recreational canyoneers. To learn more about the American Canyoneering Association (ACA) visit http://www.canyoneering.net/.

Over the years ACA has grown in popularity with both commercial canyoneering companies and recreational canyoneers. The ACA now holds recreational canyoneering courses and guide certification courses throughout the world including Mexico, Costa Rica, Scotland, Taiwan, and Nepal. The organization is truly world renowned within the canyoneering community.

The course in Arizona started with a three day recreational canyoneering course called the ART of Canyoneering. This provided those familiar with the techniques of rope skills and rigging an opportunity to assist participants who were not familiar with these skills. Joe commented that, "participating in the Art of Canyoneering workshop truly helped me to raise my ability level in rope technique and rigging by helping others less experienced in the skill set. In addition Rich Carlson the course instructor demonstrated and taught additional skills which I had yet to be exposed to which prepared me well for the upcoming ACA Guide course."

Guided Rappel

After the three day workshop the American Canyoneering Guide Course/Exam began. The course started with review and practice of many of the basic skills we had learned in the workshop. Later we went into more technical skills including, hauling and lowering a person stuck on a double stranded rope rappel, building deadman anchors, courtesy belays and sequencing of the the rappellers, and assitsing an injured person while being lowered.
Deadman anchor

The guide course and exam included daily evaluations for each participant by Rich Carlson the course instructor, as well as the other course participants. These daily evaluations allowed participants to get immediate daily feedback. The evaluations help to create the basis for the subjective portion of the course and exam. There were also two timed elements to the course which created a more objective evaluation method.

The timed elements of the exam were put in to place to add additional pressure to guide applicants to attempt to simulate the pressure placed on a guide when something goes wrong and a rescue skill needs to be used.
Rigging and Haul system practice

The first timed activity consisted of setting a rope length on a releasable system, rigging your client up for rappel and having them rappel half way down, the guide applicant being examined would then lower the client down a ways, the next step would be to convert to a 3:1 haul system and begin hauling the client back up. After hauling the client on a 3:1 haul system the guide would then convert to a 5:1 complex or 6:1 compound haul system to complete the exercise.

The second activity tested the guide's rope skills. Each guide was timed at riggging up and rappelling down, passing a knot on rappel, continuing to rappel and then converting to an ascend, while on rope before hitting the ground. The guide applicant would then ascend up the rope passing the knot while ascending and end the exercise when they made it back up to the top where they had began.
Passing a knot while on rappel

The guide exam included one final day where guide applicants took turns leading the group through El Cap Canyon. Along the way guide applicants where tested on various skills including pothole escape methods, rigging systems, guided rappels, courtesy belays on rappels, and lowering systems. Rich on this day also discussed various guiding procedures with us such as sequencing clients, providing clients with the proper information at the appropriate time, and identifying high risk areas and using various systems to minimize the risk in such areas.

Pothole escape
When the guide exam came to an end 60% of the guide applicants had passed the exam. The ACA requires more than just passing of the exam to receive the canyon guide certification. After passing the exam applicants must submit proof of a wilderness first responder, an outdoor resume, and a canyon resume. The application is the reviewed by the ACA board and once approved the guide certification is awarded.

Pura Vida Adventures, owner Joe Moerschbaecher had this to say about the course, "it has been a long time goal of mine to become a certified guide with the American Canyoneering Association. The guide exam is quite encompassing and very challenging, the opportunity to have been exposed to many of the skills on various other occassions through other ACA courses was invaluable and the many hours of practice put in preparing for the exam paid off. I am excited to have completed this first step in becoming a certified guide and hope to have my complete application completed and submitted in the next few months."

To find out more about Pura Vida Adventures canyoneering programs go to http://www.rappellingwaterfalls.com/ . More info about the American Canyoneering Association can be found at http://www.canyoneering.net/ .

Garganta del Diablo--- Canyoneering down the devil's throat Puerto Rico

2010-12-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

After a week of instruction in canyoneering techniques and rescues in Puerto Rico's southern city of Ponce with American Canyoneering Association founder Rich Carlson, a group of 6 students and Rich went out to attempt the second descent of a canyon called El Barriel. The party included Alfonso and Jorge of Del Sur Adventures who had made the first descent of this canyon, as well as Miguel, Omar, and Ronnie students from the course. Pura Vida Adventures' canyoneering guide, Joe Moerschbaecher who had been down in Puerto Rico taking the course and Rich Carlson completed the 7 person party.

Expectations for the day were a 3 hour canyon descent that would include one 30ft, one 60ft and two 200ft rappels. We took two 200ft ropes and a 30 and 50 ft rope to set up a safety line before the first 200 ft rappel. The plan for the day was one of getting out to just do some canyoneering, minimmum instruction just getting out and playing after a long week of learning and drilling canyoneering techniques. What would come next was a real life exam in the skills we had learned and drilled for the past week.

Things went smoothly during the first rappel of 30 feet. We continued on to the 60ft rappel. The rigging used for this rappel was the Joker technique. The first three people made it down without incident. As Rich rigged to descend he noticed a core shot. He isolated the core shot. Once he got what he thought was confirmation the rope was long enough he began his descent. As he descended down he stopped and a give rope signal was given to us from the bottom. We gave Rich more rope on the Joker rigging system and all seemed to be well.

I rappelled next after confirming with Jorge the plan for breaking down the system with the new knot in the rope which isolated the core shot. Jorge assured me he had it all worked out and I was confident he did. When I descended down I saw the landing spot for the rappel. It was a ledge which was diamond shaped 2-3 ft long on the ends and 5-6ft long in the middle. The rappel rope had been knotted on the end, which eased my mind a bit, and as I sat in the falls still on the rappel I was a little puckered as I saw it would take a rappelling traverse to reach the ledge which was the only stationing area for the 200ft rappel to come next.

The ledge between the 60ft and first 200ft rappel

After digesting where I was and where I needed to go and pleased by the fact that the end of the rope was knotted. I committed to the bottom portion of the rappel and made it to the ledge. Ronnie offered assistance as I took myself off rappel. I now sat on the ledge but it was quite intimidating. I felt a life line would have truly been appropriate, but this was only the second descent and with no additional bolt placements available due to the conservation of the drill battery on the first descent there was no good way to place the lifeline.

As I got to the ledge Alfonso was rigging the next rappel which was 200ft. He was down first followed by Miguel. We were slowed a bit by the core shot but the problem had been solved and once again we had a good flow with everyone now on the ledge with the exception of Alfonso and Miguel who had already completed the next rappel. Ronnie rigged and began the 200ft rappel next, Rich observed as Ronnie began his rappel. Ronnie's eyes lit up Rich saw the core shot which had caused Ronnie's eyes to grow. Rich said to Ronnie why don't you ascend back up here. Ronnie calmly did. Rich's next words were "We are f_ _ _ ed" when canyoneering guru, Rich Carlson says this you tend to believe him.

After a short period of initial shock everyone began to evaluate options. Jorge left the 60 ft rappel up above in case we needed to use it to ascend back up because above the 60ft rappel it would be easy to exit the canyon left side. This was an option but would be a difficult ascent up a small waterfall which would cause the rope to rub the edge as water hit the body of the ascending person. Another option seemed available along the canyon left side of the ledge we were on, about 15 feet up it seemed it would be easy to scramble out of the canyon.

This I thought was the solution and as I mentioned it to Rich he was already in the process of bringing out his rescue bag and tying a large knot to see if we could catch anything when we went fishing, throwing the knot and rope above us to see if we could snag on something, anything. We began to work on this option as Jorge began to attempt to ascend the rope. If he could get above the 60 ft rappel he could then come around and set a rope on canyon left for the rest of us to ascend out both parties got to work and soon Jorge came back saying that the ascent may be possible but was risky and we should try fishing for a while. Jorge then turned his attention to Miguel and Alfonso managing the rope as they made their individual ascents up.

After about a dozen tries we seemed to have gotten a snag with the fishing line. Not sure how good a snag we had Rich and Ronnie assisted me up using a pyramid to minimize the weight we put on the snagged rope. As I left the pyramid and transferred a little more weight to the handline two thoughts went through my mind: the first thought was if I can get up another 5 ft. our problems should be solved, the second thought was if this handline gives I am going to take a bit of a tumble down. I had tested the line from the ground before beginning and was pretty confident it would hold. As I made it up the 15ft and let go of the lifeline on top I saw it had snagged between the rock face and a small dead shrub.

View from the top of the fixed rope which was our escape route out.

I grabbed the end of the rope and began moving up the side of the canyon another 8 feet where I found a suitable tree to use as an anchor. We were back in business Miguel had began his 200ft. ascent back up, Jorge was managing their ascending rope and soon after Omar and Ronnie had ascended up the side of the canyon which would be our escape route out. While others began the shorter ascent out of the canyon and Alfonso began the 200ft ascent I scouted ahead to find an exit route. Everyone made there way out of the canyon onto the bank and I pointed people to what I saw ahead and what I believed was the best way out.

Rich and Ronnie continued to explore up ahead and the other 5 of us grouped together and followed the trail they had made as they pushed their way through the vines and grass.

The bushwack out

Soon after that we were back at the car and after a short drive at a bar telling the story from each individual perspective. At the bar Alfonso and Jorge told the story of their first descent and Rich asked the name of the canyon El Barriel was what they replied saying it was the name of the major tributary of which the canyon flowed in. I commented to Jorge and Alfonso that I would have called it Garganta del Dieblo (throat of the Devil). Jorge laughed and said he liked that name, so whether it is called El Barriel or Garganta del Dieblo is up Jorge and Alfonso, but I believe this particular trip would best be described as travelling through Garganta del Dieblo.

View of the canyon from above

Sometimes canyoneering courses seem to cover all the worst case scenarios and you say to yourself when will I need to use these skills. Sure it is true if everything always goes right you will not need to use many of these worse case scenarios skills, but when things go wrong you may need use many of these tools. Some of the tools we needed to use on this trip, which would not have been used if all went well included: isolating a core shot, lowering on a releasable system, passing a knot on ascend and rappel, locking off your rappel device, "fishing" pot hole escape, pyramid pot hole escape, land navigation, and bushwacking.
Video of the first descent of Garganta del Diablo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5sa8y7ZN4E&feature=&p=9E74AD2E66023DC6&index=0&playnext=1

Pura Vida Adventures offers canyoneering instruction and guided canyoneering trips. Find out more at http://www.rappellingwaterfalls.com/

American Canyoneering Course in Puerto Rico

2010-12-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures' canyoneering guide Joe Moerschbaecher recently returned from an American Canyoneering Association Canyon Leader Course in Puerto Rico.

The course included 4 days of canyoneering instruction including techniques, rescue and rigging.

Days 5 and 6 of the course included continuing instruction and the canyon leader exam.

During the exam participants were timed in their ability to ascend a rope pass a knot and continue ascending the rope then descend the rope pass a knot and continue descending the rope. The second timed portion of the exam consisted of rigging a releasable system rappelling a client part way down then converting to a lowering system. After converting to a lower participants then had to convert to a 3:1 haul system followed by their choice of a complex 5:1 or compound 6:1 haul system. This first portion of the exam was the objective portion looking at times for completeing the taskS and mistakes made along the way.

The second day of the exam was more subjective and looked at how participants operated and applied the systems learned in a canyon. During this portion of the exam participants rigged releasable rappels, guided rappels, ascended and rappelled ropes, practiced pot hole escapes, and various other techniques.

The course was taught by American Canyoneering Association founder, Rich Carlson.

During the course Rich emphasized minimizing the gear needed in a canyon by carrying the most multifunctional pieces of equipment possible. Some of the new pieces of equipment Rich introduced to participants included the Purcell Prussik and VT Prussik.

Pura Vida Adventures owner, Joe Moerschbaecher was very pleased with the training stating, "Rich Carlson and the American Canyoneering Association does a top notch job in canyoneering instruction covering all the issues canyoneering participants and guides may encounter in a canyon." Pura Vida Adventures will be sure to take many of the principles and techniques learned in the course and apply them in both our guided canyoneering trips and instructional courses.

Joe's training with the American Canyoneering Association (ACA) will not end here in Jan. he is headed to Phoenix Arizona to continue working on his canyon guide certification through the ACA.

Calendar of Instructional programs and camps for Winter/ Spring 2011

2010-11-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Below is the list of open enrollment instructional programs and camps as well as descriptions and cost of each program and its dates for winter and spring of 2010.

Give the gift of adventure this holiday season with a Pura Vida Adventures camp or instructional program.

Five Day Adventure Racing Camp
March 23rd-27th 2011 April 6th-10th 2011 May 4th-8th 2011

3 Day Adventure Racing Camps
March 25th-27th April 8th-10th May 6th-8th 2011
Camp Details http://www.pvadventures.com/news/index.html

Land Navigation Courses

March 19th

6-7 hour day course

$150 per person, includes classroom instruction and a land navigation field exercise

March 19th- March 20th
18 hour day and night navigation course

$225, includes classroom instruction, day field navigation, and night time navigation field exercise
More Details http://www.pvadventures.com/racing/index.html#landnavigation

Mountain Bike 3 days at 3 different southeastern Mountain Bike meccas.

Two programs April 1st-3rd and April 29th-May 1st

Day 1 Tsali Day 2 Dupont Day3 Pisgah

Trip includes airport pick up drop off. Transportation each day to and from Brevard, NC, food and snacks before, during, and after the ride and a mountain bike guide. Hotel and bike rental discounts also available. Cost $300 a person

Call 772-579-0005 or email contact@pvadventures.com for more details

Two Day Adventure Canyoneering Program

May 14th-15th, June 4th and 5th.

More details at http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html#2DAYCANYONEERINGCLASS

Please contact us for more information about any of these programs. 772-579-0005 or contact@pvadventures.com

Pura Vida Adventures featured in Oct. issue of Airtran's Go Magazine

2010-11-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

Airtran contacted Pura Vida Adventures for details on hiking opportunities in Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains this past summer. Their October edition of Go Magazine includes quotes from Pura Vida Adventures and detailed descriptions of some of our favorite trails for getting panoramic views and beautiful waterfall hkes in the North Carolina mountains.

Pura Vida Adventures owner stated," we were not only honored to provide detailed information to GO Magazine within there Asheville destinations article , but were happy to see many of the other programs we offer including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing as some of the other featured attractions in the area. Pura Vida Adventures believes this only reinforces the idea that we are your destination for small group adventure opportunity in the western North Carolina mountains." Joe says, "Pura Vida Adventures' goal is to create continuity for their clients from day to day or trip to trip. You will see the same guides for your rock climbing trip, hiking trip, and biking trip. You will get a quality experience and get to know your guides as they get to know you."

You can see the whole airtran article at the following link. http://www.airtranmagazine.com/features/2010/10/peep-this

A 2 night and 3 day beginner to intermediate backpacking trip is scheduled for April 18th-20th 2011.
Visit our website http://www.pvadventures.com/hiking/index.html or contact us contact@pvadventures.com for more details.

American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Update and National Conference

2010-11-08T12:11:00.001-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures' owner and head paddling guide Joe Moerschbaeher attended the annual American Canoe Association Conference the weekend of Nov. 7-9th during the conference Pura Vida Adventures got great information on trends and practices in the paddling industry.

One of the most interesting seminars attended was one on standup paddle boarding one of the fastest growing facets of the paddling industry. This sport which can be picked up by beginners and experienced paddlers alike can take place on various different waterways including lakes, oceans, inlets, and rivers. Expect Pura Vida Adventures to develop a few paddle boarding programs for the 2011 season.

In addition to the stand up paddle boarding seminar, Joe completed his Instructor Update in swiftwater rescue, which will allow Pura Vida Adventures to contine to offer American Canoe Association swiftwater rescue courses. The update was attended by a great group of instructors from around the country who shared their knowledge techniques and experiences within the discipline of swiftwater rescue.

Joe stated, "It was a pleasure to work with such a large group of industry professionals whose instructional experience varied between the college/university sector, the US Olympic Team, and other private paddling businesses." A special thanks to Justin Padgett of Landmark Learning and Gordon Black, who facilitated the course.

Instructors who participated braved less than ideal conditions as they swam in the Tuckesegee river with air temperature highs in the low 40's and water temperatures in the low 60's.

Pura Vida Adventures will have details on spring swiftwater courses being offered in the upcoming weeks.
Please contact us with questions about course dates and enrollment. contact@pvadventures.com 772-0579-0005.

Team SOG places 4th overall and 3rd in Master's division respectively at USARA nationals

2010-10-20T09:05:00.002-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures' owners Joe Moerschbaecher and Julia Pollock have been racing as part of Team Sog throughout the year. Unfortunately, Joe's season was cut short by an injury but do to the depth of the team it did not stop Team Sog from having a strong showing at USRAR Nationals. Team SOG wrapped up its season with a 4th place finish overall just missing the podium at the USARA Nationals Race, while Team SOG'S MASTERS placed third in the Master's division capturing a podium finish.

Team Sog's Julia Pollock, Brian Mayer, and Toby Angrove towed the line as SOG'S open category representative. The race was tight throughout and they yo-yoed between 1st and 4th throughout the entire race. At the King of the Mountain Stage they just missed winning the prize for fastest time by mere minutes after leading the pack throughout. There strong effort on this stage helped seperate them and the other lead teams and contributed to there strong 4th place overall finish.

The master's team led by Chris Caul and acompanied by JD Ekelson and Sue Falvey raced as cagey veterans placing 3rd in the master's category. There efforts put them on the podium in the master's category.

This race completed a strong season for Team SOG, which included 1st place finishes at Lionheart and Tidewater Traverse. It also has the team ranked 7th in the USARA point series and tied for fourth in the Checkpoint Tracker series. Unfortunately due to injuries and prior obligations Team SOG will not have a full team at Checkpointtracker Nationals, but we all wish JD Ekelson well as he represents Team SOG in the solo category.

Thanks goes out to all of the members of Team SOG, as well as SOG Knives, and Doug Crytzer and his crew at American Adventure Sports for giving us the opportunity to be part of the team.

TeamSOG wins Tidewater Traverse

2010-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our TeamSOG teammates Chris Caul, Toby Coker, and Jen Belt who placed first at Tidewater Traverse. Here is Chris's race report:

First off what a race! It was my first time racing with Jen and only second with Toby and all I can say is they ROCK!

We had a fun race and raced strong and fast but the flat land navigation really challenged me. Despite my running us in circles in brier patches for hours - when we crossed the finish line we discovered we had actually won the race. Tons of great times out on the course. Some of the highlights were - Following Toby on the bike portions(it was like riding behind a piece of plywood) - Hearing Toby and I cry like babies because we were having our skin torn apart with the thorns and briers and Jen just going walking through the same sections without saying a word(she is tough as nails) - Doing a bike O in a single track park and actually having fun! - And perhaps the best thing was having all three of us paddle my 2 person touring kayak, I hope to get pics from that experience. We came up with the idea during coffee on Sat morning, tried it out at race check in then executed it in 20 miles of paddling. I know this was a tough spot for Jen but once again she was a stud. As I said I had difficulty with the nav - so did some of the other teams - 2 coed teams that crossed the finish line before us had actually punched 2 of the mandatory points with the same punch by mistake. Due to this we ended up being the first team to finish with all the mandatory points. This is another example of the race aint over till you cross the line. It was a great time and look forward to more in the future.

Chris

Team SOG got a slow start to the season but we have put up some strong finishes lately. Next event for our team is USARA Nationals. This victory shows the depth of our team as Joe Moerschbaecher is out for the rest of the season with an injury and Julia Pollock was not able to race. Chris Caul once again showed his experience and leadership in captaining the team to a second victory in his last to Adventure Races

Rappelling Waterfalls: More details on our waterfall rappelling, canyoneering, and cascading programs.

2010-09-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures has a new site up and running http://www.rappellingwaterfalls.com/ . This resource describes the difference between waterfall rappelling, cascading, and canyoneering. It also will send you to our various guided waterfall rappelling programs and our instructional canyoneering programs.

A response to the Gear Junkie concerning adventure racing

2010-09-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

The gear junkie wrote an article entitled: An Open Letter to Adventure Racers
http://gearjunkie.venturethere.com/blogs/detail/An-Open-Letter-To-Adventure-Race-Directors/305.html

Here is a veteran adventure racers response

1. Quit calling it 'Adventure Racing'
Honestly the name the name of the sport is adventure racing. The history of the sport has given it this name. The name needs not be changed AR is a fine abbreviation but adventure racing is adventure racing, if we only called it AR people would really not know what we are talking about.

2. Allow GPS
Absurb, that would really drop participation rates. Adventure Racing and land navigation are learned through experience. Participants should begin with easier races with minnimum navigation and move to more difficult races as they develop skills. Map and compass is faster than GPS, but GPS would eliminate a lot of nav problem solving which is the heart of the sport.

3. Vet the Course
Completely agree this may be an additional cost to race directors though, so at the least they need to pre run the course the whole way through at once on their own. Experienced RD's should be able to factor in the additional appropriate time for difficult navigation areas.

4. Simplify the Sport
I agree with this the sport was simpler 5-7 years ago all cp's were mandatory. The courses could be completed in the allotted time (normally). RD's should move to centralized TA'S whenever possible to reduce their costs and stress levels.

5. No UTMs
Do not get rid of UTM,but provide UTM coordinates in addition to a master map which has the points already plotted. Will solve the problem of incorrect UTM'S and allow the racers that like using UTM'S to still use them. Racers pay RD'S TO PROVIDE THE CORRECT utm's.

6. Boat Choice
The bike boat comparison does not hold water. Boats have max hull speeds bike speed can not be compared to hull speed. Requiring races to own their own boat would increase cost. Personally, I own fast boats so I would have an unfair advantage if boats were not regulated.

7. Whitewater, Please!
This is scary to me most racers even top racers have limited whitewater experience. Whitewater paddling is a skill that takes time to develop. It is great and I love it in races but ww canoeing is one of the most difficult whitewater boats to paddle. If rd's are going to have significant ww inflatable kayaks are a safer option. Racers should have the skills needed to navigate ww. Example Pq Montana ww, best ww section of any race I have done, but to advanced for most racers as they did not have the ww experience needed.

8. Good Maps
Completely agree will pay extra for race entry for good maps.

9. Clues
Completely agree navigating is navigating, providing awkward clues just to increase the navigation difficulty is ridiculous and frustrating to racers.

10. Mandatory Gear
What needs to be carried is based on the area of the race the time of year terrain and length. Adventure racing should have a standard first aid kit most races require to little first aid gear.

11. Inform the Volunteers
Racers should already have this info it should be up to the racers to know these details volunteers are just this volunteers. Some have limited knowledge do not trust the volunteers trust yourself. RD'S should put these details in the passport.

12. The Coed Rule
This makes are sport unique coed should be the elite division, then categorize all other categories as one. If you want to race just race if you are not in the elite category go out and prove to the elite category teams that you are elite cause you kicked their a**. They will be competing against you I promise.

13. Ropes
Ropes are fun. It is an extra major expense to the RD choose if you want it or not, but racers like it. Be sure to have a rope rigging crew that knows racing, rigs multiple ropes, and put the ropes section at a point in the race that prevents bottle necks.

14. Lower Entry Fees
Most race companies are for profit and putting on a race is an expensive endeavor price your race based on cost. If you want good maps you have to pay more. If you want a race course that is vetted by a 3rd party you will pay more. I you want white water you wil pay more.

15. Elevator Pitch
Say what you want to describe adventure racing but please do not compare it to the amazing race.
_________________
Experience the Good life,
Joe Moerschbaecher
Pura Vida Adventures
pvadventures.com
772-579-0005

Team SOG places 1st and 3rd at Lionheart Adventure Race

2010-08-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures in conjunction with Team SOG competed in American Adventure Sports Lionheart Adventure Race on 8/7 and 8/8 2010. This 25 hour adventure race in Ohiopyle Pennsylvania included paddling along the middle Yough, a 100 plus ft rappel off the bridge above railroad raid on the Lower Yough, mountainbiking along fireroads and classic western PA single track and trekking along trail road and in the bush.

Pura vida Adventures was invited to race with Team SOG throughout 2010, buit until July our schedule has not allowed for it. This race was a main focus of the summer season for Team SOG, as well as the Team SOG members who make up Pura Vida Adventures.

Pura Vida Adventures had clients who had participated in our May adventure racing camp come to the event. Team Puerto Rico named after their homeland had practiced the skills they learned in May over the last few months to focus their attention on the Lionheart adventure race this August.

Team Puerto Rico 2nd place 3 person male team

Their hard work paid off as they placed second in the 3 person male division in their first adventure race competion. Their attitude and performance made Pura Vida Adventures proud and they one the respect of the competition along the way. Pura Vida Adventures hopes that this was the first race of many for Team Puerto Rico. We also hope that Team Puerto Rico becomes ambassadors to the sport in the territory of Puerto Rico.

The race started on foot followed by a long bike into another trek and on to the paddle. By the second trek Team SOG, SOG Knives, and Odyssey Imonpoint seperated themselves from the rest of the pack. Team Trakkers had mechanical which dropped them back from the lead teams and suffered a 2 hour penalty for leaving their map. This caused them to settle for a 4th place finish. The crux of the race was time trialed bike section where points were dispersed based upon fastest times. Results of the race would be determined by this section for all teams who completed the course. After the time trial Sog Knives was in first via points followed by Odyssey Imonpoint, and Team SOG. At this point SOG Knives and Team SOG teamed up to ensure a win for SOG as they made their way through the orienteering course and final bike leg.

Team Sogknives.com and Team SOG 1ST AND 3RD overall in the the 2010 Lionheart Adventure Race

Sog Knives consisting of veteran racers Chris Caul and Kristin Diffenbach, as well as up and comer Steven Baker took first followed by Odyssey Imonpoint, and Team SOG consisting of Brian Mayer and Joe Moerschbaecher and Julia Pollock of Pura Vida Adventures. Team SOGKNIVES.COM WINNERS OF 2010 LIONHEART ADVENTURE RACE

To find out more about Pura Vida Adventures Adventure Racing Camps and instruction visit www.pvadventures.com

Cascading and Canyoneering Programs in North Carolina Highlighted in Aug. 2010 Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

2010-08-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures is proud to be featured in the August 2010 Issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. The article entitled Cascading talks about the budding sport of southeastern canyoneering.

Graham Averil, the article's writer talks aboutthe development of the sport and recommends some beginner cnyoneering options in both North Carolina and Virginia. In addition it speaks of Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering programs for those interested in a more technical canyoneering and cascading adventure.

Graham goes on to call Pura Vida Adventures owner Joe Moerschbaecher a "cascading pioneer". To read the full article visit the following link:

http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/current-issue/features/cascading/

Two new canyoneering programs are almost completely developed by Pura Vida Adventures and details will be coming soon, also twwo day canyoneering instructional programs are currently being scheduled for Aug. and Sept. please contact us for more details.

You play to win the game! Adventure Racing in Virginia

2010-07-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures owners Joe Moerschbaecher and Julia Pollock were able to get some time off their busy summer schedules to team up with Brian Mayer and Baker of Team SOG to compete in the Odyssey one day adventure race this past weeekend in Virginia.

For Julia and Joe it was there first time racing in over a year and a half, and the excitement of being back on the race scene created some extra endorphins for this particular race. In addition, it was an opportunity to team up with two new teammates and join Team SOG in their quest to develop points in the checkpoint tracker series.

The race course was long and the temperature hot, so hot that tar bubbles were popping on the black top. We raced strong, smart, and persevered through the heat, cramping, and stomach issues. We stayed in or near the lead throughout the race. We attacked and got both the optional checkpoints. We had a lead on the second place team going into the last portion of the course after the optional points, but some unexpected tricky navigation left us 15 minutes short of a win.

We made the right decision in going for the optionals as it would secure the win. We went big doubling down seeking the adventure as oppose to just doing a race. We also won the respect of our competition. Thanks to team Odyssey/Imonpoint for sharing in that adventure. We would have liked to win, but if we had to lose I am happy with our decisions as it gave us the chance to win. As a wise prophet once said, "You play to win the game!," we raced to win and did not lose just ran out of time.

Pura Vida Adventures offers adventure racing camps , for more info visit:
http://www.pvadventures.com/news/index.html

Full Adventure Vacation: 2 Day Packages in North Carolina

2010-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Full Adventure Package:

This program was created to provide a full two days of adventure maximizing your outdoor adventures over a weekend or any 2 day period.

Cost of this program is $250 a person (adventure canyoneering and rafting), but climbing can be added to the rafting Day for an additional $50 a person.

Adventure Canyoneering consits of two water fall rappels the first one 40 ft the second 100 ft.

It also includes the following:
Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness. This trip is 7-9 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, and "full on adventure. This program includes the waterfall rappels pictured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine. All gear including wetsuits and rainjackets included.

Whitewater rafting (choose a raft or inflatable kayak)
Pura Vida Adventures offers unique small group rafting experiences on class II, III, IV Rivers. Cost is $100 per person and includes transportation to and from your accomodations in Brevard or Asheville, lunch and a full day of rafting. Minnimum of 3 people, Trip size does not exceed 10ppl. Duckies/Inflatable kayaks can be provided for participants who want a higher level of adventure. Top rope Climbing can be added to this day for an additional $50 a person.

What Clients are saying about this program:

"We really had a great time. I think the pictures we took and experience we had was more compelling than the ones that sold me on the trip from National Geographic Adventure magazine."--- Nick Herrero

Pura Vida Adventures' featured in April 2010 Competitor Magazine

2010-04-29T10:14:00.001-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures' Canyoneering Program is featured in the April 2010 Issue of Atlanta's Competitor Magazine.

Jennifer Bradley writer for Competitor Magazine writes about Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering programs in her article Five Adventurous Escapes from Atlanta.

Jennifer describes our canyoneering trips as "perfect for the Adrenaline Junkie." She goes on to say, "If scaling rock walls, squeezing through narrow stone crevasses, jumping through flowing streams and shimmying up huge boulders with little more than a rope keeping you from a very uncomfortable landing sounds like a fun weekend trip, then canyoneering is the mini vacation for you."

In the article Jennifer also mentions Hob Nob Restaurant http://www.hobnobrestaurant.com/ as a great place to eat after the trip and Morningside Farm as a great bed and breakfast to stay at http://www.morningsidefarm.net/ .

For more information about Pura Vida Adventures canyneering programs visit http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html .

To learn more about Competitor Magazine http://www.competitor.com/

Upcoming Instructional Programs for May of 2010

2010-04-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of upcoming Instructional Program being offered by Pura Vida Adventures in May.

Beginner Canyoneering Class on April 30th-May 1st. $275 a person
http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html#2DAYCANYONEERINGCLASS

Beginner Rock Climbing Day Trip May 10th $100 a person
http://www.pvadventures.com/climbing/index.html#Fulldayrockclimbingtrip

5 Day Adventure Racing Camp May10th-14th $700 a person
http://www.pvadventures.com/news/index.ht ml

Beginner Half Day Rock Climbing May 24th $80 a person
http://www.pvadventures.com/climbing/index.html#HalfDayRockClimbingtrip

American Canyoneering Association 3 Day Technical Canyoneering Course

May 29th-31st or May 21st-23rd
Free American Canyoneering Association Membership with Course participation
http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html#canyoneeringinstruction

A Cabin in the Woods, Accomodations exclusive to Pura Vida Adventures guests.

2010-03-31T06:39:00.000-07:00

A Cabin in the Woods is offering an exclusive partnership with Pura Vida Adventures. This cabin rental is available to Pura Vida Adventures' clients booking more than one day of activity with us.

Cost for cabin rental is $125 a night and is a minimmum 2 night rental.

The Brevard Cabin in the woods is located within 10 minutes of Pura Vida Adventures' office and within 15 minutes of downtown Brevard. The rental cabin includes: one twin size bed, a fold out cot, kitchen with pots and pans, gas heat, a wood stove, window a/c, 1bathroom, washer and dryer.

Additionally the rental cabin includes cable tv on a 13 inch screen, cell service with most providers, charcoal grill, firepit, small pond stocked with fish during the summer months.

For more details on booking the Brevard Rental Cabin in the woods in conjunction with the adventure trips with Pura Vida Adventures contact Pura Vida Adventures at 772-579-0005 or email contact@pvadventures.com

Technical Canyoneering:American Canyoneering Association Course by Rich Carlson scheduled for May

2010-03-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

American Canyoneering Association instructor Rich Carlson and Pura Vida Adventures' 3 day Technical Canyoneering Course.

May 21st-23rd and May 29th- 31st 2010 Price $395 per person

Cost/ Dates/Location $395 a person, course dates are May 21st-23rd, May 29th-31st 2010 and, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.

Prerequisite Knowledge Interested students should have experience and knowledge with rappelling, as well as be familiar with and know most basic climbing knots. Please contact us if you are interested in this course but are unsure if you meet the prerequisite knowledge.

What to bring Particpants should bring carabiners, harness, and helmets, as well as other basic rope gear. This equipment can be provided if you do not have it.

Topics covered This program is the Technical Canyoneering Course offered by the American Canyoneering Association. Technical Canyoneering. http://www.canyoneering.net/content/index.php?categoryid=156&p2_articleid=84

Instructor info Rich Carlson, http://www.canyonsandcrags.com/servlet/the-template/about/Page founder American Canyoneering Assoc., Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast

More info and booking info to find out more about this course or to book a spot email us at contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005 772-579-0005.
Accomodations Hampton Inn Brevard is the host hotel and has extended a special rate to participants of this course. Please email contact@pvadventures.com to get more details on this special rate.

Pura Vida Adventures to Manage Paddling and Ropes Sections at Atomic AR

2010-03-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures is proud to announce that they will be working with 4LPH4 1337 Adventures, LLC at the 2010 Atomic Adventure Race to be held on May 14-16th, 2010. Pura Vida Adventures will be responsible for managing the swiftwater and ropes portions of this year’s course. Joe Moerschbaecher, owner of Pura Vida Adventures, stated, “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Josh Forester and his team at 4LPH4 1337 Adventures. How they have grown their race over two years is quite impressive; their addition of a ropes section and moving water shows that they truly want to keep the adventure aspect in the sport of adventure racing.” Pura Vida Adventures’ work on the race course at this year’s Atomic AR will increase the company’s offerings in the sport of adventure racing. Moerschbaecher said, “Over the past three years, Pura Vida Adventures has introduced the sport of adventure racing to and increased the ability level of over 100 racers at our camps and clinics. We are excited to now offer our professional expertise on the race course itself.”
Pura Vida Adventures is offering the following discounts to racer registered for this year’s Atomic AR. $25 discount for a single day clinic
$50 discount for a two day clinic
$75 discount for a three day camp
$100 discount for five day camp
Five Day Adventure Racing Camp planned for March 24th- 28th 2010

3 Day camps March 26th, 27th and 28th; April 30th-May 1st; May 7th-9th choose to take part in 1-3 days of the camp
Customized adventure racing camps can also be created for teams or groups of 3 or more at no additional charge.
Pura Vida Adventures LLC is a professional guide service that offers instruction in climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, adventure racing, and paddling. Find out more at www.pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005.
4LPH4 1337 Adventures, LLC is an adventure event promotion company founded by Team ROC Gear/4LPH4 1337's captain Josh Forester and team member Jack Forester. The company's immediate focus is the promotion of adventure racing through events such as the Atomic Adventure Race and with the launch of RDBoard.com.

Banff Mountain Film Festival Brevard: Pura Vida Events

2010-01-31T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Banff Mountin Film Festival is coming to Brevard on the evening of March 19th and 20th.

In conjunction with many other local businesses including accomodation providers, restaurants, and retailers Pura Vida Adventures will be offering special events and rates during this weekend that will celebrate mountain adventures and culture.

3/19/2009

9am- 1 pm
Interprative waterfall tours of the area. See some of the spectacular formations that have given Transylvania county the nick name land of waterfalls. During this tour not only see the falls but learn about the geology, meteorology, hydrology, and history that gave this area it spectacular natural features. Cost $50 per person, Transportation provided.

2pm -5:30pm
Rappeling Instructional Program, No experience necessary. Learn how to rappel.

Spend the afternoon learning rappelling basic and the skills and experience the thrills of rappelling of a 65 ft cliff.
Cost $50 per person

Sat 3/20

8am-3pm Adventure Canyoneering
Pura Vida Adventures has brought canyoneering to the Eastern United States now experience waterfall rappelling for yourself.

This is our full day canyoneering experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness. This trip is 7-9 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, and "full on adventure. This program includes the waterfall rappels pictured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Limit of six participants.

Length: Full day program (7 - 9 hours)

Costs:

$150 per person minnimum of 2ppl, maximum of 6ppl

Limit of 6 participants. Participation age is 15 and up

8am-4pm
ACA one or two day swiftwater rescue course
American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Courses

These courses are designed to provide you with competence and confidence on whitewater. Topics include, but are not limited to, outfitting, water reading, paddling techniques, rescue of a capsized boat, portaging, identifying river hazards, rope throw, stabilization lines, and whitewater swimming. We also offer paddling courses that focus on sea kayak instruction and self rescue techniques.

One Day Course
Minimum 2 people, Max 6
$125 per person

Two Day Course
Course includes a paddling trip (inflatable kayak) on the Upper Green River or Section 9 of the French Broad River (up to class IV rapids) where we will learn and apply required skills throughout the day.

Minimum 2 people, Max 6
$250 per person

3pm -6pm
Rappeling Instructional Program, No experience necessary. Learn how to rappel.

Spend the afternoon learning rappelling basic and the skills and experience the thrills of rappelling of a 65 ft cliff.
Cost $50 per person

Sun 3/21

9am- 1 pm
Interprative waterfall tours of the area. See some of the spectacular formations that have given Transylvania county the nick name land of waterfalls. During this tour not only see the falls but learn about the geology, meteorology, hydrology, and history that gave this area it spectacular natural features. Cost $50 per person, Transportation provided.

8am-4pm
Day 2 of the ACA Swiftwater Rescue Course

Transportation provided from Pura Vida Adventures for all trips.

All equipment provided.

For more info email contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005.

More info about the Banff Mountain Film Festival can be found at
http://www.brevard.edu/LifeBC/CampusOutdoorRecreationEducation/BanffMountainFilmFestival/tabid/1565/Default.aspx

If you would like to create another adventure during this weekend visit our website www.pvadventures.com .

Final Days of the Costa Rica Adventure vacation: zipping to the coast for some surfing and kayaking

2010-01-30T07:07:00.001-08:00

After taking the horses part of the way we jumped into a van and headed to the cloudforest mountain town of Monteverde. We would spend an evening here and then take some time to zip through and above the clouds of the cloud forest before making our way to the sunny Pacific Coast beach town of Samara. The ziplines were incredibly impressive with about 10 different zips ranging in distance between 100m to well over 400m. The height of some of the ziplines over the cloud forest provided a perspective of the forest that was truly unique. After completeing our adventurous tour of the cloudforest canopy. We jumped in a van and made our way to Samara, a quaint beach town which is more popular to Costa Rican citizens on vacation, than it is to international tourists.

During day one in Samara we spent a half day paddling to an island bout 1-1.5 miles from the mainland beach. Although quite small the island was infested with hermit crabs, which covered portions of the island and scurried back and forth along the beach. Just off the island's beach there was great snorkeling opportunity various fish including the puffer fish could be seen along and within the reef that surrounded the island.
The sandstone rock formation included great opportunities for bouldering, as well as exploration and relaxing. The kayaking trip was intriguing not only from the interesting natural beauty seen on the water but also the geological formations that could be found on and created this small island.

After spending day one in Samara kayaking we were ready to try a new sport. Jessie's Surf School in Samara was the place to go. They offered us quality instruction and then let us practice surfing the Pacific's waves. Myself and Julia both had very little surf experience but were impressed with the quality of instruction we recieved, which without a doubt did more than attribute a little to our success.

Two hours later our lesson ended and Jessie's surf school invited us to keep the boards for the rest of the day and continue to practice what we had learned. Although neither of us will be joining the pro surf circuit soon evidence of the quality instruction we recieved and the success we had is in the videos and photos seen here.

The day after our surf trip our vacation came to an end but the adventures, cultures, explorations, and quality service we recieved has Pura Vida Adventures excited about sharing these experiences with our clients. Please do not hesitate in contacting us to put together any Costa Rican vacations, wether you want an adventure, naturalist ecotour, family, or romantic vacation we have a trip for you, your family, your friends or your school group.

Costa Rica Canyoneering in Fortuna, travel by horseback and soothing the bones in the mineral hot springs of Arenal Volcano

2010-01-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

After experiencing the canyoneering in Turrilaba we were excited to see how the Fortuna canyoneering compared. The Canyoneering program included four rappels of significant length, one rappel as long as 150ft. as well as narrow slot canyons. As expected the canyon was a wet canyon as are most of the canyons in Costa Rica. Although the bottom of the canyon was covered in water, the volcanic rock provided good traction as participants traveled down the canyon's watershed.

The canyon's width varied from 8ft in length to about 2ft in length at its narrowest. Many of the rappels were set up on an angle with a fixed rope above the rappel with a pulley attached to the fixed rope. This allowed the rope's life to be extended as it minimized friction with the volcanic rock.

As is the case with most of the canyoneering trips in Costa Rica the Lost Canyon has been sculpted and worked on to facilitate a great amount of participants of various levels to experience canyoneering. No experience is necessary to take a trip down this canyon and the fitness level of a moderately fit 50 year old is enough to not find the trip too difficult.

Beyond the rappels this trip allows the common person to access and get views of extraordinary waterfalls nestled deep in the jugle of Costa Rica.

The next stretch of our trip took us on horseback as we travelled from Fortuna to Monteverde. The guides provided incredible instruction and the horses were well trained as we rode along the Arenal Lake.

The expertise of the guides and the demeanor of the horses allowed even a beginner like myself to eventually relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscpe that surrounded us. This part of the trip allowed the option of travel by horseback or mountain bike, and although I know I would have been much more comfortable on the mountain bike it was a great opportunity to try something new. No surprise to me the instruction and horses provided did more than facilitate a positive expericence.

Before beginning our travel via horseback to Monteverde we had the opportunity to relax and soak our bones in the hot springs of Fortuna. Fortuna is well known for its hot springs and was a great way to spend a relaxing evening.

To learn more about Pura Vida Adventures travel vacations to Costa Rica visit our website: http://www.pvadventures.com/travel/Costa%20Rica/index.html

Rock Climbing in Costa Rica does exist and the whitewater is plentiful

2010-01-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Although not well known for its rock climbing, while traveling around the Turrialba area we were able to find one area developed for climbers. A private owner of land has a rock that is about 350-400 vertical feet in height and has developed over 20 singlepitch sport climbs ranging from 5.6-5.12 in difficulty. Not expecting to climb but only there simply to scout the area out. The owner a passionate climber happened to be there with gear and invited us to do a little climbing. We took him up on this opportunity and climbed a few routes which were well bolted and very clean. It was a great opportunity to become familiar with the area and although the climbing was great the area surrounding the climb was simply magical. To access the climbsite you crossed a crystal clear river with a 10-12 ft high canyon. The site was beautiful.

The property owner had developed a very basic lodge for camping and he also had plenty of space for tents. Off to one side of the campground a natural cool spring pool was avaialbe for soaking your muscles after a long day of climbing, mountain biking, running, or exploring the canyon. This area was a great climb site, but an even better training camp for endurance and adventure athletes. As we walked away from this place I had mentioned to Massie, our friend who brought us here, "this would be a great place for us to host an adventure racing camp out of."

While to find the rock climbing in Costa Rica takes quite a bit off local beta the whitewater is not only well known but world renown. After completing our time in Turrialba having had the opportunity to paddle the Pacure River twice, visit a world renown international tropical tree and plant research institute, a coffe making plant, a rare climbing area, and a canyon; we were on our way to Fortuna for some more adventure with Desafio Adventure, who had originally invited us down to experience their trips and adventures and discuss the possibility of working together.

Day 1 in Fortuna found us on the Rio Toro River a Class III-IV River run the Toro had over 40 rapids in its action packed 8 miles. This river unlike the Pacure is narower and reminded me of a large creek in some ways. The rapids are long and quite continuous. Desafio Adventures started their company running this river. They were the first commercial company to consistently run this river and have been doing it for some time now. In relation to the Pacure River which is filled with companies the Toro has limited companies consistently offering trips on this river and until a few years ago Desafio nearly had the river to themselves. The guides at Desafio were well trained some had experience guiding in the US, while other had trained in an intense raft guide school that was recognized by the country of Costa Rica and taught by Daniel Arguedas one of Costa Rica's first official rafting guides.

The river itself was action packed with lots of bending rapids that caused high water flows to crash into the canyon walls. The diffiulty of the rapids for the most part was class III with a few exceptions of class IV but the length of the rapids, tightness of the canyon, and the lack of slower water in between rapids made for an action packed trip.

One last thing the first day in Fortuna ended with Bungeeeee!

Turrialba Costa Rica Adventure and Ecotour Vacations

2010-01-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

Our Final Day in Turrilaba was spent was spent first visiting a Costa Rican Coffee Plantation. We were once again amazed by our guides knowledge of the process of coffee making from the seedling of the plant all the way through to the roaster. He also explained to us how the different qualities of coffee are determined and seperated from one another.

The trip ended with a coffee tasting where you could taste the difference of first quality and second quality coffee. One of the most amazing things about the coffee plant we visited was the amount use they got from each plant trying to make the farming practices more sustainable. Some examples were using the older bushes to heat the incinerators necessary for part of the coffee processing, as well as using the final composting as fertilization for future plants.

Costa Rica Adventure and Ecotour vacations with Pura Vida Adventures

2010-01-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

Costa Rica Exploratory Programs from Dec. 30th- Jan 10th Pura Vida Adventures is in Costa Rica experiencing what adventure opportunities are available and which companies we feel can provide the type of service our clients come to expect . We were invited down here by Desfacio Adventures who like us offer multi sport adventure opportunities. Our first five days however were on our own until we met up with a company in Turrialba named Explora Natura. The goal of this trip is to come back with a wealth of information about these companies so that we can recommend programs for our US and International clients:

Day one was spent on the Pacure River, considered one of the best whitewater trips in the world we were greatly pleased with the 20 miles of whitewater the Lower Pacure offered, as well as the scenic views. Our plan was to take the first day to scout the Pacure, only able to rent one kayak we, Julia and I, split time in the kayak while the other rafted. Photos of Day 1 River trip our included. Day 3 will bring us back to the Lower Pacure where now familiar with the river we will kayak as a team of two going at our own pace, scouting the rapids that need scouted, and having what hopes to be another great river day.

Day two became a two part adventure the first part of the day included a canyoneering trip with Explora Natura, followed by a mountain bike ride and educational tour of CATIE, an environmental research and study graduate institute.

First the canyoneeering tour I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting this area. I would explain it as a zipline canopy tour on steroids, but more than doable for most people. Explora Natura has put a lot of time and thought into creating a canyoneering trip that is safe and exciting. The amount of work they put into rigging, trail building, and setting ziplines over the years I can only guess. The result of the work however is a great canyoneering adventure that many more people can enjoy. The program includes 4-5 waterfall rappels, a hanging bridge, 4 considerable ziplines, and knowledgeable guides not only in the area of canyoneering but also in the flora and fauna you would see around the way.

The knowledge the guides brought to us in CATIE during the mountain bike ride was even more incredible. I would explain this trip as an experiential tour of tropical plants with transportation via mountain bike. The physical difficulty of this program is not to difficult and could be easily done by a person of basic fitness. If you can walk four miles without much difficulty, this program will not be too difficult for you. The trip includes riding through sugar cane and coffee fields, as well as experiencing in nature where palm oil, rubber, cocoa, cinnamon and various fruits come from. The guides also tell you how trees of the same family can be cross pollinated to avoid fungus or disease that are putting a species at risk.

Day three of our trip provided us with another opportunity to kayak the Pacure River. This time Julia and I were able to rent kayaks from Mario Vargas at Costa Rica Kayak tours. Mario not only owns a wide range of Jackson kayaks which he uses for teaching and some rental, but also is known as a world class boater himself. His boats are reported by many as the best fleet of kayaks in all of Turrialba, Costa Rica.

The trip along the river was great Explora Natura provided us with a shuttle, a delicious lunch and a couple of great river guides who were working a rafting trip but more than willing to provide us any information we needed during the trip. Julia and myself both had clean runs on the river and were sorry to know that this would be our last day on the Pacure River for this year's trip. The rivers 23 mile trip and continuous class 2 and 3 rapids along every turn brought two great days of river action during our river trip. Below you can see video of Julia running the river right creek line on one of the class four rapids called Lower Huacas.

More info to come on this blog. to learn more info about our travel vacations to Costa Rica visit our website: http://www.pvadventures.com/travel/Costa%20Rica/index.html

American Canyoneering Association instructor Rich Carlson and Pura Vida Adventures' 5 day Canyoneering Course.

2009-12-31T05:59:00.000-08:00

Pura Vida Adventures is proud to announce that we will be offering an American Canyoneering Association Instructional Program hosted by Rich Carlson (founder of the American Canyoneering Association) Feb 1-5/2010. Spots are limited. More info available at below as well as at http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html#canyoneering instruction.

Cost/ Dates/Location $495 a person, dates are Feb. 1st-4th 2010, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.

Prerequisite Knowledge Interested students should have experience and knowledge with rappelling, as well as be familiar with and know most basic climbing knots.

What to bring Particpants should bring carabiners, harness, and helmets, as well as other basic rope gear. This equipment can be provided if you do not have it.

Topics covered This program is a fast track course it will include material from American Canyoneering Association Technical Canyoneering, Advanced Canyoneering and Canyoneering Self-Rescue curriculums.
Instructor info Rich Carlson, founder American Canyoneering Assoc., Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast
More info and booking info to find out more about this course or to book a spot email us at contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005.

Shuttle Service, Frequently asked questions, and water sources along the Art Loeb Trail

2009-12-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

The 34 mile Art Loeb Trail is one of the most popular weekend backpacking trails in the Asheville area. The trail begins at Camp Daniel Boone and travels through the High Balsams of the Wilderness Area and drops into the forest covered lands along the last two thirds of the trip. Ending at Davidson River Campground at the southern end of the trail the Art Loeb has been described as the highlights of the Appalachain trail compressed into 34 miles. Some of the highlights along the trail include Shining Rock Ridge, Tennet Mountain, Black Balsam Mountain, Pilot Mountain, and the rock face of Cedar rock.

The most popular hike is from North to South because it provides a little less elevation gain and provides for easy alternative exits if the trail or weather makes it difficult for hikers. Many backpackers with only a weekend who find the 34 miles a bit daunting will either hike the northern section from Camp Daniel Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway (approximately 14miles, shuttle cost $125) or the southern end the Blue Ridge Parkway to Davidson River Campground (approximately 20 miles, shuttle cost $80). It is important for backpackers hiking in the North Carolina area to understand their limits based on the elevation demands along the trip.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the Art Loeb Trail,

Where are water sources on trail?
Water source 1 (WS1) Just before deep gap 1 where the trail makes its southern bend on the ridgeline, (WS2)after passing black balsam there is a short spur from the art loeb that takes you to the black balsam parking area. from there head north on Ivestor Gap trail for about 200m and you will see a spring on your right, (WS3) Deep Gap Shelter, (WS4)Butter Gap Shelter. ALL THESE WATER SOURCES WILL BE IN OPPOSITE ORDER IF YOU ARE HIKING NORTH TO SOUTH.
2. Should we carry a water pump purification system (or just chemical tablets)?
This is completely up to you either will work fine.

3. What is a good source (web site, etc.) of weather information for the trail (as opposed to cities in the Valleys)? NOAA weather website at Mount Pisgah. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much cooler it is at 6,000 feet than in Brevard? Typically 20- 30 degrees.

4. Any recommended economy places to stay in Brevard or nearby? Sunset Motel in Brevard has the cheapest rates. Once you have booked with us we can provide you a code for a discount at the Holiday Inn Brevard another option is the Hampton Inn Brevard.

5. Where are the bailout points?
Gloucaster Gap, Butter Gap Trail to the fish hatchery, Cat Gap Trail to the fish Hatchery, North Slope Connector trail

6. Any other advice you can give us? Be sure to pay attention to your map and compass, specifically on the northern end until you leave the wilderness area as the trail is only vaguely marked in this area. Please note that campfires are not allowed within the wilderness area on the northern end of the trail.

Pura Vida Adventures offers Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Guided day hikes of the Art Loeb trail, and multi day backpacking and slackpacking trips of the Art Loeb Trail. Please contact us at 772-579-0005 or contact@pvadventures.com

Canyoneering Western North Carolina's Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorge

2009-11-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Wolf Creek and Bonas Defeat Gorges which flow into the East Fork of the Tuckaseege River are two of the steepest narrowest Gorges in the Western North Carolina area. The large boulders and narrow gorges make for some of the best canyoneering in the Western North Carolina mountains as well as the southeastern region.

The highlight of the wolf creek gorge is the 150 ft Wolf Creek Falls which creates the deepest part of the Wolf Creek gorge.

The most magnificent feature in the Bonas Defeat Gorge is also located in the deepest part of its Gorge where a rock face of 400ft protrudes out of the Creek bed. This rock face is what created the name for this gorge.

Legend has it that an old hunting dog, named Bonas, had been trained by its master to run game of the rock face causing the game to fall of the cliff deep into the gorge creating easy meat for the master. However, one day a smart buck caused the dog Bonas's death or defeat when he stepped away as the dog chased him causing Bonas to take the plunge that he had caused so many of his hunting prey to take prior to his own demise.

The Bonas Defeat and Wolf Creek Gorges are beautiful remote areas that consist of large boulders and narrow slots. This landscape creates an arena for grand adventure, but not without some risk.

Both Gorges lie down stream of a lake and spillway gates can open up and increase the water levels in either or both gorges at a quick rate. In addition the travel would becomes considerably more difficult in wet or rainy conditions when rock becomes wet and slick.

The final considerations for travel in this area is the difficulty of any type of rescue if evacution was required. During our travel through the gorge we tried to stick to the most straight forward and risk reducing form of travel however even with this philosophy our travel was not without risk. We decided to wear climbing helmets while in the canyon to minimize the risk of head injury in case of an unexpected slip or short fall.

Both the Bonas Defeat and Wolk Creek gorges are remote remarkable gems that offer incredible hiking and adventure opportunity but this adventure should not be taken lightly and should include well calculated planning.

Pura Vida Adventures Feb 2010 Expedition to Patagonia Argentina

2009-10-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dates Janurary 30- Feb 8th 2010

(Dates can be customized in Feb for groups of three or more.)

Cost $3200 per person excludes airfare, exit tax of approx. $30, tips, alcohol and 5 meals.

Activities include: glacial mountaineering, backpacking, open water kayaking, camping, and trekking. (See Itinerary below)

Day 1:
Arrive to Bariloche Airport.
Transfer to Refugio del Lago
Dinner at La Marmite
Night at Refugio del Lago

Day 2:
Transfer to Pampa Linda. Hike up to Otto Meilling mountain hut. This is a five hour hike along the way we will see glaciers and waterfalls coming out of Glaciar Castaño Overa.
Night in the hut

Day 3:
Early wake up at 4am, prepare equipment and head out to Pico Argentino Refugio (approx 6-8 hours). This route will take you along glaciers on avarage 25 degrees slopes, with some steps of 40 degrees. Summit attempt of 12,000 plus ft. Pico Argentino (weather and time permitting), head back down to Otto Meiling mountain hut. Sleep in Otto Meiling Mountain Hut.

Day 4:
Glacier crossing of Glaciar Alerce, one of the glaciers that belongs to Mt Tronador.
Hike down to Paso de las Nubes heading Northeast, where we will see the Frias Valley and the Frias Valley Glaciars. All these glaciers stem from Mte Tronador.
We will put up our tents at the base of Mte Tronador where we are going to spend the night at 9,000ft. This area is called Selva Valdiviana which is comparable to a rain forest rain forest.
Night in tents

Day 5:
This day will include a short trek, hiking through the Frias Valley until the river runs into Frias Lake.
This area is like walking through a “jungle”, the vegetation is very thick and this area looks like a tropical rainforest.
The Frias River looks turquoise and brown, this color comes from the glacial sediments as it makes it way down the glacier. This water color is known as glacial milk.

We meet the kayaking guides at Puerto Blest, where we become familiarized with the kayaks and the rest of the group while we pack the boats. After a brief talk on kayaking safety and orientation, we are ready to begin our trip. A few minutes after leaving Puerto Blest, we are immersed in magical scenery, the Blest branch of Lake Nahuel Huapi is surrounded by Mount Capilla and Millaqueo, among others. We kayak part of the branch, and later stop for lunch by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. In the afternoon, we continue paddling until reaching a beach resembling paradise, where we set up our camp.

Day 6:
In the morning, we prepare our kayaks for the trip along the Nahuel Huapi lake, paddling the lake surrounded by high snow-peaked mountains, such as Mount Capilla and López, both towering above 6000 feet. We will visit Centinela island, to see Perito Moreno`s tumb. We keep paddling towards Fossils Islands and Victoria Island, where we will set our second camp site.

Day 7:
We will paddle the south side of Victoria Island, doing a long crossing to Peninsula San Pedro, and getting into the Campanerio Branch of the lake.
We will finish our trip at Playa Serena. Where the van will take us to Refugio del Lago for a nice hot shower.
Dinner at el Boliche de Alberto.
Night at Refugio del lago

Day 8: Morning free
Transfer to the airport

Additional activities and expeditions can be added to this program at an additional charge.

Contact Joe Moerschbaecher at Pura Vida Adventures for more details

772-579-0005

contact@pvadventures.com

Pura Vida Adventures Featured in National Geographic Adventure

2009-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures

Canyoneering Trips highlighted in the August/ September issue of National Geographic Adventure

From the Magazine:

"Utah no longer has a monopoly on canyoneering. Outfitter Pura Vida Adventures has imported the multisport art of descending a wet rocky gorge by foot, rope, and swim stroke to the lush wilds of the Blue Ridge Mountains." See full article on p36 of the 2009 August/ September issue.

Canyoneering
Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering programs are a combination of climbing, rappeling, waterfalls, swimming holes, and rock climbing. If you want a true multi sport adventure this trip is for you.

Explore Canyoneering
This program is focused toward families, groups, and other who have experienced rock climbing and want a bit more adventure. It is also for any person or group looking for a unique adventure that combines climbing, rappeling, and water activities. Limit of six participants.
Length: 6 - 7 hours
Costs:
$185 / person$45 / additional people up to 6
Suggested Program for Youth and Families

Adventure Canyoneering
This is our full day canyoneering experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness. This trip is 7-9 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, and "full on adventure. Limit of four participants.
Length: Full day program (7 - 9 hours)
Costs:
$150 per person minnimum of 2ppl, maximum of 6ppl
Limit of 6 participants. Participation age is 15 and up.

To get more info or book a trip contact Pura Vida Adventures at contact@pvadventures.com or 772-579-0005 or visit http://www.pvadventures.com/Canyoneering/index.html

Pura Vida Adventures Whitewater Kayak Instruction highlighted in Asheville's Mountain Express

2009-06-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Outdoors: Trial by white water
A Green River paddling intensive
by Jonathan Poston in Vol. 15 / Iss. 48 on 06/24/2009
Whenever someone asks whether I've kayaked before, I always reply, “Of course,” with a certain bravado. But as soon as that weak lie in a lion's suit springs from my lips, I have to suppress some embarrassing memories of flipping my kayak in the French Broad River's gentle waters (and even in a few still pools that I won't ever mention). Read more at http://www.mountainx.com/outdoors/2007/062409trial_by_white_water/

River Safety: Carabiner use on Whitewater Rivers

2009-05-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

I can remember the incident like it happened yesterday. Working as a trip leader on the Nolichucky River, the day began like any other. The water level was a moderate 1.5 ft. We had a large trip about 4-6 boats as it was the middle of the summer and vacationers were coming to the river in droves to be part of the best water year on the Nolichucky in over 20 years. Our trip went through the class III rapid Last Chance without incident, and did the same at the first Class IV On the Rocks. As we made our way down the river and entered the Class III hydraulic known as Jaws smiles could be seen on the faces of the rafters, as well as the guides. As I made my way through Jaws I eddied out to set safety in case anyone swam. What happened next was an incident that I believe will stick with me the rest of my life. As the next guide passed through Jaws he leaned back to pry toward river left to set himself up to run the correct line at Snappy’s, after completing the stroke he attempted to lean forward and resume his straight posture and found himself connected to the boat. The guide upon leaning back to do his pry had leaned into his non locking carabiner which was used to connect his throw rope to his D-ring. As I watched the guide helplessly flop around trying to unhook himself I quickly made my way over to assist him. When getting over there I quickly was able to assist in getting him unlocked from this situation. However the look on his face and mine was solemn for a moment in a day otherwise filled with laughter, smiles, and excitement.
Locking Carabiner
Although this situation was a minor incident and could be glanced over and forgotten in days it has stuck in my mind for the last five years. Was it the fact that the guide locked to the boat was my brother? , the terror I saw on his face when he could not free himself? , or looking at it from a “what if” standpoint? , which has left this incident so etched in my mind (I do not know). However, as an ACA swift water instructor I do retell this story to my participants when explaining why we teach that locking carabiners be used in whitewater. The facts are simple climbing standards require locking carabiners on all anchor points (unless non locking carabiners are opposite and opposing). In whitewater the idea of opposite and opposing carabiners simply will not work as we have an uncontrollable force (the whitewater) which can come in any direction.
Whitewater Instruction Course

Whitewater professionals should be setting the model for this practice and although the ACA teaches these standards in their courses I believe a better job can be done of letting whitewater enthusiasts know the dangers of having non locking carabiners or “unlocked” locking carabiners exposed to whitewater.

I can not count the number of rafting guides I have seen from various companies throughout the years decked out with non locking carabiner hanging from the shoulder straps or sides of their PFD’s, or how often I have seen guides use non locking carabiners to clip gear or a throw rope to their raft. I encourage readers of this article to educate others of the additional risk of having exposed non locking carabiners on the river. It does not just create an unnecessary hazard for the paddler with the non locking carabiners, but also those paddling with him or her.

If paddlers decide to use a non locking carabiner it should be kept in the zipper pockets of the PFD or in other places unexposed to whitewater, such as inside a sealed dry bag. .
Demonstartion on how to set up a Z Drag for releasing a pinned boat
The river already poses enough hazards for boaters let us work together to eliminate one additional hazard through education. Our efforts will help us avoid reading a story that ends the following way:

The raft turned over and as the raft continued its way down the rapid the crew began to swim to other boats and eddies. However, one paddler was not able to get out from under the boat; he and the raft floated down stream with the paddler unable to get free from the raft. Once the rest of the paddlers got to the raft minutes later the paddler was no where to be seen upon retrieving the raft the group found that the paddler’s unresponsive body was still attached to the raft by a non locking carabiner.
Kayaking Pinball Rapid on the Upper Green River

Joe Moerschbaecher is an Amercan Canoe Association swift water rescue instructor. In addition to his swift water rescue courses he also does kayaking instruction and guided paddling trips through his company Pura Vida Adventures. To find out more about the programs offered by Pura Vida Adventures call 772-579-0005 or visit www.pvadventures.com

April Adventure Racing Camp provides fun, excitement, and challenge for all

2009-04-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures hosted its first three day adventure racing camp of 2009 this past weekend on April 17-19. Over the three day camp participants learned how to read and paddle whitewater in inflatable kayaks, basic river rescue skills, proper rappel technique, rope assisted climbing , land navigation, utm plotting, and map reading.

Team Tantric at the river

Participants in this camp ranged from age 39- 72 and brought everything from intermediate adventure racing experience to no experience at all. In addition to the skills taught above classroom sessions talked about team dynamics in adventure racing, essential gear, types of races and what to eat. The camp participants were also offered technical gear advice, and advantages and disadvantages of different water treatment options, headlamps, electrolyte replacement, and knives from gear guru and owner of Looking Glass Outfitters, Phil Hoffman.

Team Tantric negotiating the rapids

Day one of the camp focused on whitewater including classroom sessions on what to wear and water reading technique, as well as, learning river rescue skills in a land based environment. The afternoon course work on the river was the highlight of the day as participants had the opportunity to practice the skills they learned in the classroom first by negotiating the class II rapids of the lower Green River, and secondly by having the opportunity to practice river rescue skills such as rope throwing rescues and whitewater swimming. The day ended with a discussion of the types of adventure races and gear demands for various races, including the ten gear essentials of adventure racing.

Stan Grochowski river swimming in the whitewater swimmers position

Reb McCown rappelling

While day one had found participants swimming in whitewater day two first saw participants suspended on a rope in mid air as they learned appropriate rappel and rope assisted climbing techniques. The afternoon was spent in the classroom learning how to use a map and compass. These classroom techniques were then applied and improved later that day as participants split up into two teams and navigated their way through a orienteering course, whose points they had plotted while learning UTM gridding. Day two would prepare the teams well for their five hour adventure race on Day 3.

Sinead Ingersol navigating in the backcountry

Sunday morning began with an opportunity for participants to share their experiences from Sat evenings land navigation course, as well as ask any additional questions they had about navigating. After a short break to prepare for the race the two teams Chaos http://www.teamchaosar.com/ and Tantric were given there maps and passports and given an opportunity to review the race course. After some final directions from the race director. The two teams headed to the start of the race.

Team Chaos at checkpoint 4 of the bike leg

The race was a rogaine style event with a maximum five hour time limit. For every 5 minutes late after 5 hours teams would lose credit for one points. Positioning would be determined fist by most points reached after penalty time followed by the total time on the course in case of a tie for points earned. The course comprised both trail navigation as well as off trail navigating and consisted of 4 foot points and 5 bike points. The teams were off after a split start where Chaos began on foot and Tantric began on bike.

Four hours and fifty minutes later the rookie master's team Tantric crossed the finish line after grabbing 4 out of 5 bike points and 2 out of 4 foot points. Finishing the course not only in under the allowed for time but showing that they had learned quite a bit of land navigation by grabbing one of the two off trail navigation points.

Team Tantric finishing the race

Team Chaos finished in a time five minutes faster and nearly cleared the course missing just one bike point to ensure they made it back to the start in the allowed time.

After the race the two teams shared their experiences and a graduation ceremony was held for all adventure racing camp participants.

Rich Ingersol of Team Chaos http://www.teamchaosar.com/ summed up the adventure racing camp with these simple words "thanks for a great weekend...definitely had a good time and learned a lot."

Pura Vida Adventures has additional three day racing camps scheduled for May 29-31 and June 25-29th. In addition interested participants can schedule their own camp date if they have three or more people and can choose to come for one or two skills specific days for any camp. Inaddition to the three day camps, Pura Vida Adventures offers five day comprehensive camps in the Spring and Fall. Please call 772-579-0005 or email contact@pvadventures.com for further detail.

Transylvania County North Carolina and Surrounding Area offer Rock Climbing Opportunities for All

2009-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

From beginner to expert, from bouldering to multi pitch leads Transylvania County and the area surrounding Asheville has climbing opportunities that will provide challenge and adventure for participants of all ability level. Although this area of North Carolina is dominated by traditional rock climbing; there are opportunities for mixed and sport routes, which can be difficult to find without getting some information from local climbers.

For those novice and intermediate climbers looking to improve their skills you need to look no further than Cedar Rock, the Sunwall, and South Face of Looking Glass. These areas offer opportunities for top rope climbing as well as moderate lead routes with good protection. The “super classic” Nose route at the Sunwall is a must do for any climber who is competent and comfortable on a traditional four pitch lead of class 5.8 climbing.

Those climbers who are looking to stay close to the ground will find bouldering opportunities around the north and south face of Looking Glass.
For those looking for a guided rock climbing experience Pura Vida Adventures, offers guided rock climbing trips for beginners and instructional courses for those interested in learning more.
Additional information on climbing in the area can be found in “The Climber’s Guide to North Carolina” written by Thomas Kelly. Regardless of your ability level be safe, use good judgment on the rock, and know your limitations.

Joe Moerschbaecher is the owner of Pura Vida Adventures and works as an adjunct faculty member in Brevard College’s Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education Program. He can be reached at contact@pvadventures.com.

Step by Step Explanation on performing a self rescue in Open Water

2009-04-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

The technique described below is for performing a self rescue with a paddle float and bilge pump in open water.

The information here is not a substitute for instruction from a competent professional, but is rather a guide to use when practicing this skill. It is recommend that you practice this skill first in a controlled environment such as a pool and master it there, prior to practicing it on open water. The self rescue technique needs to practiced often to keep proficiency once it is mastered.

Equipment needed:

sea kayak

pfd

spray skirt

paddle float

paddle

bilge pump

Self rescue ocean/sea kayak

1) Perform proper wet exit
-----Grab the grab loop and pull
-----Push boat off like a pair of pants
2) Hold kayak and paddle on water surface
3) Flip kayak right side up
4) Grab paddle float place fully on paddle blade
5) Inflate paddle float
6) Insert other end of paddle under bungee and deck line (2/3 of paddle in bungees)
7) Climb onto kayak with stomach on stern deck, using one leg on paddle shaft for assistance. Note weight should always be leaning toward paddle float
8) Place both feet in cockpit, maintain a low center of gravity
9) Rotate body into proper sitting position rotating toward paddle float
10) Bilge water out of cockpit
11) Put sprayskirt back on
12) Remove paddle from under bungee cord and breakdown paddle float
13) Secure bilge pump and paddle float and continue paddling

Pura Vida Adventures offers instruction in this skill, as well as other skills used in sea and ocean kayaking, including navigation, chart and tide reading, eskimo roll, ocean entry and exit, expedition planning and logistics.

In addition to our open water kayaking courses we also offfer whitewater kayaking instruction courses.

Please contact us if interested in learning more about our services. contact@pvadventures.com 772-579-0005

Day 2 Biking into the Atlas Mountains

2009-03-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

After a good nights sleep we were ready to begin the second day of adventure racing. Day 2 found us starting on our bikes with a 27 km bike on old dirt roads. The race start found us in the race pack battling the rolling hills that would lead to a long climb into the Atlas Mountains. After the first 15km the terrain took a sudden change that found us on the long hill climb into the mountains. This climb provided stunning views of the Atlas mountains and at the top we were rewarded with gogeous views of the canyon below. The road continued to parrallel the canyon until we hit the TA for the climb section.

Unlike many adventure races in the US the time stopped once you got to the climbing section. You were able to relax for a moment and enjoy the scenery that surrounded you before making your way down into the gorge and up the opposite side to complete a magnificent tyrolean traverse across the canyon which had created a stunning view throughout the entire climb on the bike. Pleased with our positioning through the bike leg we savoured the view of the magnificent land around us and enjoyed the ropes section across the canyon.

After completeing the ropes we were back on our bikes for another 24 miles of mountain riding through the Atlas Mountains. During this section of riding the temperature increased and the heat became a bit of an issue for the first time in the race. With about 6 km to go on the 24km second ride we were pleased to see that the rode got better making for easier and faster riding. After completing this second ride and increasing our position we got to the TA for another orienteering course. This course would prove to be longer with a max time of 1hour and 45 minutes and the same rules as the first days O course.

We began the course smoothly with a higher quality map which made the navigation a bit easier. We cleared a first point and then began a long hike up a mountain to a second point. After making the hump to the top and grabbing the second point we traversed the ridgeline to a third point which butted out on a pencil thin scree ridge. Grabbing the third point and feeling good about our navigation we felt we could get to more points prior to returning to the TA which would end the day of racing. Navigating our way down to point three the clue sheet said that the point was at the intersection of the trail and a creek. The placement on the map however seemed more on a finger above the creek. We navigated are way over th finger but did not see the point, so assumed it would be in the creek. However, when we got to the creek there was no bag. After wasting some time looking for the bag we decided that it was best to move on to the finish. The last point we were going to go for was worth only 15minutes and decided it was better to save our legs and gain the 15 minutes by finishing the course a bit early. We finished the day strong gaining 17 minutes by coming in early but a bit of frustration was still felt by the fact that we missed the last point we attempted.

That evening we were put up at the local school house provided another delicious meal and once again had an opportunity to learn about the local Moroccan culture as live traditional music was played in the camp. Talking with Team Breathe Canada we learned that the point we were looking for was actually located inside a hut that we distinctly remeber passing along the finger. Talking with the course designer over dinner he explained that the clue sheet that was translated for us was actually an older version and the clue was incorrect. He apologize for the mistake but we could not stay upset still pleased with our days performance and enjoying what the race had to offer through the first two days.

Race Days 1: Adventure Racing from the desert into the Mountains

2009-03-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Day 1

The first short leg of the course went by inconsequently as we made our way out of town, first by foot and then by ride and tie. This first leg was actually simply a prologue to the long day of racing ahead. Upon reaching the first TA teams split. We and another 19 teams headed out on a foot orienteering section, while the rest of the field started with a paddling orienteering section on a lake. We recieved that map at the TA and upon receiving the map the clock started. It was simple an hour and 15 minutes to grab as many points as possible 5 minute penalty for each minute late after 1hr 15min. Point value varied from 15 minutes to 40 minutes. There was for us however one catch. The map had no visible topographic lines. It did have shaded areas to assist with elevation change but these were an inferior tool to the contour lines that we can expect on all maps when racing in the States. I later came to find out that the land had very limited mapping and the maps we used were old Moroccan military maps.

Throwing us for a curve we spent about a half hour stumbling around before we began to figure out the maps and grabbed our first bag. Unfortunately the map, continued to add aditional challenges for us as we ended up only grabbing 2 more bags before we had to head back to try and beat the1 hr 15 minute cut off. We came in about a minute late and Julia and I both shared a bit of dissappointment with our performance on the foot o section.

Instead of getting down we took out our frustration out on the paddle. The map for the paddle was actually a satellite map from Google earth. The race organization told us that the rise in lake levels over the past few years had left other maps for paddling the lake useless. The satellite map was adequate for us as we we steam rolled the paddling portion completing the entire course and returning to the TA with ten minutes to spare.

Regaining some confidence from the paddle we headed out on the 38 km bike through the desert double track. The navigation on this portion was challenging but we performed well as teams flipped flopped positions throughout the entire ride. The riding was primarily double track trails which reminded me of some Utah riding. The scenery was primarily barren desert with a few rolling plateaus along the way. Toward the end we had a long climb up to an old historic ruin where we began another short memory based (picture orienteering section through the ruins).

This was one of many of the examples of how the race organization intertwined Morrocan culture into the race. Dodging normal tourist and gaining assistance from local people we made fairly short work of this section while still taking time to take in the historic sites.

A short 10 km bike section was all that lay between us and the end of day one. This last 10 km ride left some good route choices and are decision to navigate through some areas of flood plain and agriculture fields seemed to assist in allowing us to move in front of a couple teams.

The most frustrating part of the day came at the last point prior to the end of day 1. Located about 10 minutes from the camp we searched the bridge for the point that was located there. After looking high and low along the bridge we did not find the bridge. Assuming it had been stolen and watching teams continue on we decided to move on to the finish. At the finish we found out that the point was actually spray painted on the bridge and not knowing this we were not given credit for the point. The 30 minute penalty we recieved was a frustrating way to end the day. It was lost in translation during briefing that if no bag was seen at the point you were to look for the symbol in spray paint.

Day 1 was now behind us and we set camp and enjoyed the comradere of the race as we ate dinner under a traditional Moroccan dining tent and rested up and prepared for the second day of racing.

Day 3 Race Check in and Divulging Day 1

2009-03-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Day 3 began with the process typical of any adventure race, check in. Preparing our gear the morning of check in seemed unexpectedly easy compared to many of my past racing experiences. I hoped that the painless preparation process in preparing for check in would transfer to an easy check in as well.

I was very pleased when we stepped outside the hotel to see the check in and gear check process was very streamlined. The initial process included medical check where many participants presented physical forms and provided health insurance information to the race organization. Lost in translation was the fact that each participant was suppose to provide a medical sign off of good health during registration; we were pleased to see that this was not a big issue as the medical staff quickly took our heart rates and breathing rates and signed us of to begin the gear check of the check in process.

After having our climbing gear, bikes, and mandatory gear checked we were done registering and ready to see what we would be facing on Day 1 of the Transmarocaine Adventure Race

That evening all the racers gathered together for the race brief for Day 1. During this time we saw that day one would begin with a short run to one bike where teams would begin a short ride and tie section feeding into a split in the race. Following the ride and tie the adventure race would split teams into two courses. Half the teams would do an 1 hour 15 minute orienteering course and the other half would do a 1hour 5 minute orienteering paddle. After completing the first discipline teams would swap and complete the other discipline of the race. This would be followed by a long bike ride through the desert, and a short urban style orienteering section in historical ruins. The day would finish with a bike ride to the finish. The only catch to this race brief was we were provided a passport, which we were pleased to see the race management had translated to English, but we would not receive maps until we hit each particular portion of the course. This would be standard throughout the race and make the question of the map quality and route difficulty for day 1 a question to think about throughout the night.

After the race brief we had an opportunity to go as an entire race to a dinner hosted by the mayor of the town in their grand palace. We were welcomed with traditional moroccon music and we were provided with a grand feast. This would be the first indication that the Moroccon people truly invited us to visit their country and the race management had done their best to ensure that they intertwined us with much of the country's culture into the race as possible. After eating, singing and dancing teams slowly began to leave and head back to the hotel to get a good night's sleep before the racing began.

Over the Atlas Mountains to race check in at Ouarzazate

2009-03-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

Day 2-3 Bus Ride from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate, Race Check in

Day2 found us loading our bike into trucks in the early morning to prepare for the travel to the race start at Ouarzazate. While loading ouyr bikes we saw the exceptional focus on small details which the race management team would show throughout the race. Racemanagement provided cardboard to protect the bikes derailleurs and brakes from damage during the travel. I was very impressed but this small amount of forethought as even in my many years of racing in the US I have never seen this much attention to such small detail.

Another thing that really excited us about this adventure race was the lack of logistical demand placed on the individual racers. Within the entry fee the race staff provide hotels, transportation, and meals. Although we had to travel all the way to Morocco Julia and I both agreed that the logistics for the race up to this point had been easier than some of the races we have done as close as West Virginia.

After loading up our bikes we loaded our remaining gear and got on a bus that would take the racers over the Atlas Mountains to t6he edge of the Sahara at Ouarzazate and the official race starting point.

The bus ride over the Atlas Mountains was premonition of waht we would face during the race 8,000 ft mountains covered in wet snow and mud with steep dirt roads that ascended along the sides of the canyons. After making our way over the mountains the environment changed to flatter desert surrounded with small plateaus. Within this trip to the race start we found out quite a bit about the environments we would travel through over the next 5 days.

The town of Ouarzazate is famous for its film production as major studio lays there and desert scenes for many various Hollywood productions have been filmed in the town. The race team did not disappoint by putting the race start here this town had all the amentities one could wish for when preparing for a race and the hotel we stayed at agin was top notch. After arriving at the hotel and unloading from the buses all teams were accounted for and the initial welcome by race management was made that evening. Sunday would be the day for gear check and provide us with the opportunity to see what Day 1 of the race course would have in store for us.

Arriving In Morocco

2009-03-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Unfortuately there was little to no internet access during our trip so I will begin a summary of our trip and experience at the Transmarocaine adventure race today. I willl continue to update each day of the race every day or two for the next week or so.

Day 1 Arrival in Morocco

After a long overnight flight through Brussels we finally arrived in Morocco on March 6th. We were gtlad to see that all our luggage including our bikes arrived in Marrekesh with us. After making our way through customs we were greated by race management who helped us load our gear onto a bus and provided us with transportation to ourselves. Along with us were teams from Belgium and France. The race managemnet was able to keep us updated on the lay out of the next day or so of the race and spoke English well enough that we did not feel completely lost. Upon arriving at our hotel we were pleased to see that it had all the emenities you would expect of a US hotel. After getting to the hotel we began the process of putting together our bikes and race equipment for the days of racing to come. The hotel had a basement which provided ample room for all teams to assemble their bikes and store the bike boxes for the duration of the race.

After finishing putting our bikes together we took them for a test ride and were pleased to see that they made the trip in good working order. During our bike ride we had the opportunity to begin to see the Morocain culture that would be so tied together with the race itself. Camels could be seen in the outskirts of town and in the further distance were the high mountains we would be traveling throught during days 2,3,4, and 5 of the race. The town of Marrakesh was adorned with a great deal of Arabic architecture and palaces. It did not take us long to realize that this would be a unique experience unlike anything we have had in the past.

We finishedthe day with a dinner of pizza and burgers trying not to be to adventurous in what foods we orders as we knew we had 5 long days of adventure racing ahead of us. We ended the day early feeling the effects of our travel and getting a good nights sleep in preparations for the days of adventure racing to come. Teams would continue to arrive throughout the night arriving as late as 2 am.

Morroco, French, and Adventure racing with Breathe Mag

2009-03-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

It happened quickly , in fact the phone call came only 2 1/2 weeks ago. I received a phone call from Breathe Magazine (www.breathemag.ca/), the premier adventure racing and multisport magazine in North America, myself and Pura Vida Adventures co-owner Julia Pollock were selected to represent Breathe Magazine USA at the TransMarocaine Adventure Race in Morroco http://www.transmarocaine.org/ . Not normally willing to pass up an adventure, especially one that is to be partially financially supported the two of us did not need to do much deliberating before we had signed on the dotted lines and were on our way.

Well we actually committed to the trip prior to finding out too many details about the race itself and the country of Morroco. The past two weeks have been spent gaining this additional information that we needed to get prepared for this international racing opportunity.

The first thing we did is find out what we signed up for in terms of racing and have been excited about what we found. The adventure race will be stage style and include foot travel, ride and tie, mountain biking, ropes, and orienteering. We were pleased to see that horseback riding and rollerblading were not included in the list of disciplines. Julia was greatly disappointed that camel riding was excluded from the race. Oh, one other minor detail about the race it seems that the language is French. This has added some additional challenges to the preparation process, however with the help of a bilingual race administrator, internet translation sites, 5 years of high school French, and the Breathe Magazine Canada team, who also does not speak French, we feel we have gotten most of the information we need at this time.

After getting our hands wrapped around the race itself we moved on to find out more about the country of Morroco. Prior to my research, my knowledge of Morroco was limited to watching Eco Challenge Morroco, but since then I have found out the following:

The official language of business is French, but the spoken language is Berber Arabic. In 2002 a mandate was made that English be taught in schools after the fourth year.

It is third Largest Arabic country and is just larger than California with a population of 34 million.

The Atlas mountains rise as high 15,000 ft. This mountain divides the north higher populated areas with the low populated desert area of the south.

We hope to continue to provide information about our trip and this international race throughout our travels so stay tuned and visit http://www.transmarocaine.org/ for further race details.

We also want to thank Breathe Magazine http://www.breathemag.ca/ for this great opportunity in addition to Pura Vida Adventures http://www.pvadventures.com/ for supply support and Looking Glass Outfitters http://www.lookingglassoutfitters.com/ for providing gear support.

I am sure this trip and race willl provide additional stories and learning experiences to share with all of our 2009 Adventure Racing Camp Participants http://www.pvadventures.com/news/index.html .

Fastpacking the Art Loeb Trail

2009-02-27T10:35:00.000-08:00

The 34 miles and approximately 10,000 ft of elevation gain on the Art Loeb trail makes it a popular backpacking trail located in Pisgah National Forest. Typically hikers take 2-3 days to backpack the length of the trail, while taking in its stunning views from Tennet Mountain, Black Balsam Knob, and Pilot Mountain. The trail begins at Daniel Boone Campground and ends at the Davidson River Campground both located in Pigah National Forest. Traditionally backpacker’s camp at sites such as Ivestor Gap, Deep Gap Shelter, and Butter Gap Shelter as these are some of the only water sources directly on the trail. Over the years more and more people are beginning to tackle the Art Loeb and its 34 miles and approx. 10,000 ft of elevation in a day. It is a formidable challenge but can be done by any individual with a high level of fitness, experience, and planning. Depending on your fitness level the trek takes between 8-14 hours, so an early morning start is recommended. If you are ready to challenge yourself with this adventure here are a few tips:

Make sure you let someone know of your plans

Provide yourself with a bailout option if you begin to have trouble

Research the trail and what you can expect in regards to water sources and navigation choices.

A minimum of these ten essentials should be carried during this adventure

Lightweight day pack
MSR dromedary bladder
Lightweight headlamp
Emergency blanket/ first aid
Comfortable socks and sturdy Trail running shoes
Food of your choice
Lightweight but effective rain gear
Middle layer
Winter hat
Pisgah Ranger District Map and Compass

Article written by Joe Moerschbaecher of Pura Vida Adventures, Pura Vida Adventures offers Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Guided day hikes of the Art Loeb trail, and multi day backpacking and slackpacking trips of the Art Loeb Trail. Please contact us at 772-579-0005 or contact@pvadventures.com

Calendar of Scheduled course through March of 2009

2009-01-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

Skills Camps and Clinics Jan- March of 2009

Pura Vida Adventures is excited to offer some additional camps and clinics in 2009, which will allow adventure racers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to gain additional experience with the more specific technical skills associated with adventure racing. Details on each of the courses can be found below and the schedule for these clinics is also included. Learn more, get additional experience, and gain greater competency in our navigating day and night, Ropes and rock, and whitewater weekends. As always most of the equipment you need is provided. All classes offer small student to instructor ratios.

Jan 24th and 25th Navigating both Day and Night

Also offered Feb 28th and 29th

Length- 18 hours Part one- Classroom Instruction Part two- Daytime Navigation Practical in the field Part three- Debrief of daytime practical and nighttime classroom Part four- Nighttime field navigation followed by debrief Cost per person $150 limit of six particpants. Participants receive Instruction, field experience, Navigation workbook, and 1:2400 UTM grid. More Info: Land Navigation/ Orienteering Completion of land navigation course Topics included: Goal 1:How a compass works. Goal 2: To orient a map using a compass and land features. Goal 3: To name and identify topographic features on a map and use them to assist with navigating. Goal 4: Adapt navigational skills to a variety of weather and light conditions. Goal 5: Learn to use and plot UTM coordinates. Apply these concepts in the field and show the ability to teach these concepts in the field in the context of adventure racing.

Feb 7th and 8th Ropes and Rock Clinic

Also offered March 14th and 15th

Length- Sat day, Sun day Limit four participants, Cost $250 per person
This course is designed to provide you with competence and confidence on ropes and rocks. It covers all skills adventure racers are expected to know including: proper gear and how it should be rigged, rappelling and ascending techniques, fixed lines, passing knots, prussic knots, and Tyrolean traverse technique.
In addition this course offers additional opportunities for you to become comfortable using ropes by discussing and practicing efficient climbing techniques and showing how it translate to more effective and faster ascending and rope work. All climbing gear provided.

March 28th and 29th Whitewater Weekend
Length- Fri Night, Sat day, Sun day Limit six participants, Cost $250 per person

American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Courses and Paddling Weekend
This course is designed to provide you with competence and confidence on whitewater. Topics include, but are not limited to, outfitting, water reading, paddling techniques, rescue of a capsized boat, portaging, identifying river hazards, rope throw, stabilization lines, and whitewater swimming. All paddling gear provided
In addition this course will provide an ample amount of opportunity to gain additional paddling experience in inflatable kayaks on three different rivers.
Fri Night- Whitewater classroom instruction
Day 2- paddle Upper Green Class II and III, paddle Lower Green Class II, Rescue instruction and skill.
Day 3- paddle Section 9 of the French Broad Class III, rescue instruction and practice.

Adventure Racing 5 day camp April 22-26th

Cost $700 dollars

3 Day camps April 17, 18, and 19th; May 29, 30, 31st; June 25th, 26th,27th

Cost $375

Additional classes are constantly being scheduled so visit often or request specific dates by emailing contact@pvadventures.com

Three Day AR Camp Added

2008-08-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

A three day AR Camp has been added to the five day Camp. The three day camp will cover Ropes, Whitewater, and Navigation. The dates are Sept. 12-14. See details below.

Pura Vida Adventures Adventure Racing Camp

2008-07-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Five Day Adventure Racing Camp planned for Sept. 2008
Sept. 10-14th 2008
Focused on Beginner and intermediate racers looking to gain
the skills and knowledge to make the jump to the
next level of competition.
Price: $700 per person
Instruction in Whitewater Paddling, Ropes, Navigation, Mountain Biking,
Race training and logistics planning, Mountain Biking, River Rescue,
Flatwater Paddling, Nutrition, and ending with a
12 hour adventure race.
Call 772-579-0005 for more details or email contact@pvadventures.com

All climbing, paddling, and biking equipment provided.

Does not include and lodging, however many accomodations are available in Brevard from cabins, hotels to camping. Visit http://www.theadventurevillage.com/ or http://www.brevardncchamber.org/component/option,com_directory/page,viewcat/catid,20/Itemid,81/

for more details.

Course Details and Certification Competencies covered

American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Courses
These courses are designed to provide you with competence and confidence on whitewater. Topics include, but are not limited to, outfitting, water reading, paddling techniques, rescue of a capsized boat, portaging, identifying river hazards, rope throw, stabilization lines, and whitewater swimming.

Wilderness First Aid
Participation in lecture and hands on learning scenarios regarding various medical issues including, but not limited to: head injuries, fractures and splinting, patient care, basic life support, wound care, sprains, trauma, shock, medical conditions, spine stabilization, and scene assessment.

Sea kayaking
Instruction in paddle stroke technique, basic rescue skills and techniques for entering and exiting the boat, as well as introduction to necessary equipment, and advanced rescue skills such as boat over boat rescue, and self rescue with paddle float.

Land Navigation/ Orienteering
Completion of land navigation course

Topics included:
Goal 1:How a compass works.
Goal 2: To orient a map using a compass and land features.
Goal 3: To name and identify topographic features on a map and use them to assist with navigating.
Goal 4: Adapt navigational skills to a variety of weather conditions.
Goal 5: Learn to use and plot UTM coordinates.
Apply these concepts in the field and show the ability to teach these concepts in the field in the context of adventure racing.

Ropes Ascending and Rappeling
This course is designed to provide you with competence and confidence on ropes and rocks. It covers all skills adventure racers are expected to know including: proper gear and how it should be rigged, rappelling and ascending techniques, fixed lines, passing knots, prussic knots, and Tyrolean traverse technique.

Mountain Biking
This program focuses more on instruction in technical riding and includes longer climbs and more technical and aggressive down hills it can be shaped to suite the needs of the adventure race participant. It includes instruction on bike maintenance: changing flat tires, adjusting breaks, and additional repairs.

Packing for Racing
This covers the information on what you need for adventure racing and what you do not need. What things should no adventure racer go without and what things are not necessary and just add additional weight. This course includes items useful for emergencies and items that just add weight and slow you down as a racer. This course is also taught in relation to race climate, specific discipline, and specific race length.

Nutrition for Racing
The concepts of what racers should eat in relation to climate, race length, discipline being competed in, and environment are covered. Other topics covered are the strength of various food groups in enhancing energy level and performance including use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Hydration techniques and supplement consumption, such as electrolytes are also covered.

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or to discuss the course more in depth.

Experience the Good life,
Joe Moerschbaecher
Pura Vida Adventures
http://www.pvadventures.com/
772-579-0005

Backpacking trips with Pura Vida Adventures

2008-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Visit www.pvadventures.com for more information or call 772-579-0005 .

North Carolina Adventure Backpacking
Length: 3 days, 2 nights
Up to four people-------- $2,000 for the group, of up to four people
All food and gear supplied. Instruction in backcountry skills such as cooking, campsite selection and setup, packing a pack, and navigation.
Other price will vary based upon group numbers, length, and season.
Call us at 772-579-0005 for more info or email contact@pvadventures.com

More information about Pura Vida Adventures available at www.pvadventures.com

Rock Climbing North Carolina

2008-05-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

For more information about our guided

rock climbing trips visit

http://www.pvadventures.com/

Participants
Our guided climbing programs range to suite the needs of everyone, from novice scrammblers to experienced climbers, and can be combined as part of any other activity to create a complete day.
All gear is provided . All participants are required to wear helmets.

Pura Vida Adventures climbing guides have led trips and explored the climbing area of Western North Carolina's Pisgah Forest near Brevard since 2000.
They have developed their skills through participation in formal climbing courses, practical work, and personal experience on North Carolina's rock and rock climbing routes around the world. They hold advanced medical wilderness certifications and have been trained in high angle rescue skills.

North Carolina Mountain Biking

2008-05-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Our guided mountain bike programs range to suite the needs of anyone from beginner to experienced and can be combined as part of any other activity to create a complete day.
We can create mountain biking programs that emphasize the downhill and minimize the uphill using our shuttle programs.

You do not need to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy these programs. We can create a program that combines the joys of beginner biking while exploring the various waterfalls of the area. These programs allow you to cruise the downhills and at the end of the day have no concern about the long climbs up as we provide shuttle service for these trips.

772-579-0005 http://www.pvadventures.com/

Bikes and helmets are provided for participants or participants may bring their own gear. All participants will be required to wear approved bike helmets.

Pura Vida Adventures

2008-05-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

VISIT US AT WWW.PVADVENTURES.COM

About Pura Vida Adventures

Our Mission
The mission of Pura Vida Adventures is to offer safe personal trips to families and small groups which focus on exploration,discovery, and adventure.
Regardless of age or ability level we have a trip that will quench your thirst for adventure and an opportunity to “experience the good life.”
Joe MoerschbaecherOwner/Head Guide
Joe has lived in the Brevard, NC area for over 8 years where he first explored and discovered the surrounding mountains and for the past six years has worked as a commercial guide. In addition to his work as a guide, he received a bachelor degree in the field of Wilderness Leadership from Brevard College and Master’s in Adventure Recreation from Ohio University.
Since graduating, Joe has taught college courses in climbing, kayking, mountain biking , and backpacking at both institutions. He has attended workshops offered by the AMGA , ACA, AEE, and AORE; and holds certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, an American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and American Red Cross Instructor.

What We Do
We offer guided climbing, mountain biking, hiking, waterfall tours and paddling trips. We also provide you with an opportunity to see the mountains through any variety of these activities over one day or a series of days.

Contact Information
Pura Vida Adventures, LLC152 Hendersonville HwyPisgah Forest, NC 28768 USA
Trip bookings and general inquiries:Tel. +1 (772) 579-0005contact@pvadventures.com

Canyoneering

2008-05-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

In this post you will find out more details about our canyoneering programs and photos from our trip on 5/19/08.

Canyoneering
Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering programs are a combination of climbing, rappeling, waterfalls, swimming holes, and rock climbing. If you want a true multi sport adventure this trip is for you.

Explore Canyoneering
This program is focused toward families, groups, and other who have experienced rock climbing and want a bit more adventure. It is also for any person or group looking for a unique adventure that combines climbing, rappeling, and water activities. Limit of six participants.
Length: 6 - 7 hours
Costs:
$185 / person$45 / additional people up to 6
Suggested Program for Youth and Families

Southeastern Mountaineering

2008-05-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida Adventures

2008-05-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Southeastern Mountaineering
This is one of our premier activities. We specialize in customized adventures and offer unique adventure trips that provide you with a unforgettable adventure experience. Below is a description of our Southeatern mountaineering trip, as well as photos from our trip on 5/21/08.

Combine hiking, fixed ropes climbing, rock climbing, and rappelling for the perfect multiactivity adventure. Enjoy spectcular views and experience the freedom of visibility that the high peaks of the Blue ridge offer.
Length: (7-8 hours)
Costs:
$185 / person$45 / additional people up to 6