Skiing has seen its beginnings at the end of the 19^th century. Both competitive and recreational skiing are very popular and there are many variations to the sport and the main are listed below:-

Alpine or downhill skiing
This skiing you will find at most resorts. There will be schools and nursery slopes where you can learn the techniques to control the speed and direction of your descent. Ski lifts take you up the mountain to the marked slopes which are all graded.

Backcountry skiing
This is inhabited to rural regions on unmarked slopes. As there are no skilifts it usually requires a hike beforehand and a snow camp may be necessary. It is important to have knowledge of the area and be aware that there is always the danger of an avalanche.

Ski Touring
It is basically trekking from one place to another, rather like hiking but on snow. The skiers heels are free to allow a natural walking motion. ski gloves and Ski crampons can be used on steep icy slopes. There are various forms of ski touring, ie. Nordic, Traditional Nordic, Backcountry Nordic, Telemark, Alpine Touring – each form have their own specialised equipment.

Cross Country Skiing
Skiing on snow covered roads, tracks and other low-angle terrain trails is referred to as Cross country Skiing.

Extreme Skiing
Skiing on long steep slopes in dangerous terrains.

Heliskiing
Heliskiing involves using a helicopter to carry the skier up the mountain so that they can ski down through the deep untracked powder. It involves some steep and extreme terrain along with crisscrossing through trees which can be very strenuous. The skier must be fit before attempting heliskiing and able to ski on the advanced runs. Normally skiers are lead by a guide who is able to give good advice.

Snowboarding:

Snowboarding developed and became an olympic sport in the year 1998. This has similarities to skiing, but influenced by skateboarding and surfing. The difference between skateboarding and snowboarding is that rider’s feet are attached to the snowboard with bindings

Snow mobiling

They are powerful machines, able to go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4 seconds. The snowmobile is propelled over the snow and ice by one rubber track and are idea for travel in the artcic regions. Many companies use them for exciting winter tours and vacations. Although enormous fun, this sport can be dangerous,

Dog sledding

is a popular winter activity and a competitive sport that began time long ago probably in eastern Siberia. It was then means of transport for nomadic winter tribes.

Rock Climbing:

Rock climbing is the most familiar form of climbing which It involves climbing up or across man-made rock walls or natural rock formations. Its goal is to reach the top, known as the summit. Like all other extreme sports, rock climbing needs proper training and knowledge of climbing techniques and also the usage of specialized equipment. It requires strength, agility and endurance and is a sport that is  physically demanding as well as mentally. Rock climbers also need to have  a high level of control.

Ice Climbing:

This sport involves climbing ice formations, ie.cliffs and rocks covered with ice, frozen waterfalls and icefalls. Ice climbing is generally devided into two different types alpine ice and water ice.

Alpine ice is found on mountains and is usually climbed when trying to each the summit, where as water ice is when a flow of water has frozen, it is often found on cliffs. Both types depend on  weather conditions, and training on knowledge is essential for climbers.

Buildering:

Buildering is when you climb on the outside of buildings and other structures. It is also known as urban climbing. Buildering attracts huge crowds and media attention, calling it the modern day spiderman.

Climbers start  with smaller sections of buildings and gradually build on there skills to accomplish larger structures. Buildering can be a dangerous sport if practised without ropes and protection. It makes training a must.

Bouldering:
This sport gains new skills in climbing, and is now a popular sport in its own right. It is a style of rock climbing used without rope and is normally restricted to very short climbs to limit serious injury.  It is a great sport to develop your skills.

It is usually practised  on natural or man-made boulders (a large rock). The more experienced climber can practice at the base of larger rock faces.

This year’s Glucofit Cricket Sixes tournament, starting on October 16, gives schoolboys from the once war-torn North and East the opportunity to rub shoulders with Colombo’s elite. This is further evidence on how much this tournament has gained popularity over the years. Six combined school sides will feature players from lesser known schools and districts like Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Bandarawela, Moneragala, Ampara and Hambantota.

Another new concept is the Free Hit off a no-ball and also an arts competition where students of Wesley College will figure in the Glucofit Cricart. This competition will be extended to all schools around the country from next year.

The organisers will make use of the occasion to declare open on the final day of the tournament the newly re-laid turf pitches at Campbell Park which was supervised by Sri Lanka Cricket. The winners will receive the Munchee Glucofit Champions Trophy and the runner-up the Old Wesleyites SC trophy.

There are individuals awards for Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, Highest Number of Sixes, Man of the Tournament, Man of the Final, and Best Outstation Team. Another new trophy is for the Well Disciplined Team on and off the field.

Wesley’s oldest living cricket captain who resides in Sri Lanka, Edmund Dissanayake, will be the chief guest. Dissanayake, who captained Wesley in 1946 is 86 years old and is one of four cricketers from the Hambantota district to have led the schools at cricket. The others were TI Cassim (1944), Mahendra Dissanayake (1984) and Danesh Dissanayake (1989).

From – www.cricinfo.com ]]> http://www.outdoor-sports-guide.com/camping/golden-opportunity-for-schoolboys/feed/ 0