One thing I would like to improve within my site is the overall appearance. I feel like my site has good content, but I would like to make it more appealing. I think if I used some HTML and CSS customization my site could look a lot better. I tried experimenting with some colors and ways to change the appearance of the posts, but I still feel like my site looks a bit dull. If I could just make the site a bit more visually appealing, I think it would make a big difference. I believe I could have better promoted my content by having a bigger presence on social media. I honestly have never been very active on social media at all, which was not very good for this assignment. If I had more of a presence on social media like most other college students, I believe I would have been able to promote my site more effectively. I would say my best experience of the semester-long project was learning about the endless possibilities that the internet has to offer. I also really enjoyed learning a little bit about coding. Coding has always been something that really interests me. I would like to maybe develop my coding skills even further so that one day in the future I can implement them professionally.

My most popular week was from 2/24 to 3/0. During that week I had 12 views and three visitors. My most popular post of the semester was actually my introductory post. It got a total of nine views. I think it was the most popular because I was trying to grab viewers’ attention with my initial post.

Overall, I really enjoyed this class and this project. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, hopefully I have interested you in some type of extreme sport or adventure! (If you weren’t interested already.) If you enjoy everything that my blog has covered, here is a similar blog that you might like reading: https://www.extremesportslab.com/blog/

In the process of creating my own adventure blog, I actually ended up finding some similar blogs that I enjoy myself. Here is a link the to “The World’s Number One Extreme Sport Blog”: http://ilivextreme.com/

Another activity that I have always been obsessed with is riding motorcycles. I had a few friends with dirt bikes growing up and I always thought they were seriously the coolest thing ever. (I still do.) My parents would never let me get my own dirt bike, so I was always sneaking over to my friends’ houses any chance I got so that I could ride theirs. Some of my best memories ever are riding dirt bikes through the woods on a hot summer day. Something about being on a motorcycle is just the most free feeling in the world. It’s just you and the sound of the bike, nothing else. In my opinion, it is a great way to escape from everyday life.

I was so fascinated by motorcycles that I eventually saved up to get my own when I really should have been buying a car instead. Having a motorcycle as my primary source of transportation definitely wasn’t ideal, but I totally made it work. I have no regrets; Riding all over Houston on my first bike for about a year was one of my favorite experiences ever and still is to this day. Ideally, I would like to have a car as a primary source of transportation and a motorcycle to use as a secondary source. I eventually sold my bike and bought a car, but I hope to have another bike sooner than later. I also wanted to upgrade my bike to something a bit faster since I am quite the adrenaline junkie.

While riding motorcycles is certainly one of the most fun activities that I can think of, it is also one of the most dangerous. I still encourage anyone who is interested to get involved, but they should definitely be aware of the potential risk. In my opinion, everything we do as humans carries some degree of risk. It’s up to you to decide if that risk is worth it or not. The unfortunate element of danger involved in riding motorcycles is a big part of the reason that I eventually sold my bike. My brother was involved in a serious accident and was almost killed. Even though he was technically at fault in the accident, I still decided to give riding a break for a while. I’ve gotten a couple of chances to ride since then, but I’m always very cautious. I can’t wait to one day get another bike and return to riding for good.

Anyone who is interested in riding motorcycles just needs to take a “Basic Rider Course” in order to get a Class M endorsement on their Driver’s License. The program consists of completing skills on an actual motorcycle as well as in a classroom. Everyone is required to take the course, regardless of prior experience. I still feel like I learned a lot even though I already knew how to ride a motorcycle. The program provides students with many great safety tips and techniques. Anyone who is interested in taking the Basic Rider Course can learn more about it here: https://www.msf-usa.org/brc.aspx

One of my favorite things ever has always been surfing. Before I got the chance to try it myself I was always captivated by videos and pictures of professional surfers riding insanely huge waves. Unfortunately, Texas is one of the worst places for surfing. (Even though we have a coast.) So I think growing up in this state fueled my curiosity and desire to one day be able to participate in the sport.

One summer I got the chance to go visit my uncle down in Panamá. While I was there, I stumbled across the amazing town of Santa Catalina. Santa Catalina can best be described as a sleepy little surfing and fishing village. With a population of literally about 300, you totally feel like you’re in a tropical paradise. Everyone is super friendly and laid-back. Santa Catalina is where I fell in love with surfing. That trip ended up turning into a yearly tradition for my dad and I. In total I have been to the country of Panamá eight times now.

If you live in a place that is not good for surfing, please don’t let it discourage you from trying the sport! Even though Texas provides very limited surfing opportunities, I still make it happen whenever I can. If you have kept up with the rest of my blog, you probably know that I love to travel as well. This makes surfing even more perfect for me because some of the best places in the world to surf also happen to be some of the most beautiful. I still have so many places on my list that I would love to see and explore one day. Next on my list to see is Colombia. I was supposed to be headed down there this summer, but unfortunately my trip had to be canceled due to COVID… I discussed this in my YouTube video, which you can check out here: https://youtu.be/yKuUWI8F-Ec

Surfing is an amazing sport that everyone should try at least once! There is nothing that feels more incredible than racing down the face of a huge wave with the wind in your face. If you are interested in learning more about the amazing town of Santa Catalina, check out this link: https://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/country-hub/panama/santa-catalina/

After doing a google search I came across a blog that really caught my attention. “Extreme Nomads” is an adventure travel blog for extreme sports and adrenaline junkies. It is a place that is perfect for outdoor adventurers and travel lovers who all share a passion for extreme sports. The blog covers all things extreme sports and travel; as well as more traditional activities like hiking, diving or cycling. They specialize in destination guides covering specific activities in interesting areas. Another feature of the site involves reviewing and testing products / services in both sports and tech that they think their viewers will enjoy.

As soon as I saw the front page of the blog, I immediately knew that it was a perfect fit for me. Part of the front page says: “Adventure Travel Blog for Extreme Sports & Adrenaline Junkies” That right there pretty much describes me exactly! My favorite thing to do in life is to be adventurous and live life to the fullest. The picture on the front page is of someone paddle boarding around a beautiful island. It reminds me of a place I once went scuba diving. I like how they were able to connect with me like this on just the first page. It is really amazing to know that there are other people out there who are just as passionate about the same stuff that I am passionate about.

One of the things I like the most about their coverage is how they incorporate extreme sports and adventure / travel together. I think this is something unique. Being able to incorporate my love for travel with my passion for extreme sports is one of the reasons why I love scuba diving so much. It is almost like killing two birds with one stone! One of the most amazing things about scuba diving is that it will inevitably take you to some incredible parts of the world. This website would be fantastic for someone planning a trip abroad. Most sites on the internet seem to just be about either one or the other: Travel and adventure OR extreme sports. With this website you get the best of both worlds, which is great for people like me. You can visit the Extreme Nomads’ Adventure Blog here: https://extremenomads.life/

Extreme Nomads is the perfect place for anyone looking to plan a trip centered around adventure.

Aside from travel, there are plenty of other things that are sure to catch the interest of an adventurer.

If you are interested in another similar blog, you should check this one out: http://ilivextreme.com/

In this post I’d like to inform you about the incredible sport of BASE jumping. BASE is an acronym that stands for Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth. In BASE jumping, participants jump from a fixed object and use a parachute to safely descend to the ground. Jumping from a fixed object is the main difference between skydiving and BASE jumping. Another big difference is that BASE jumping can be done and is usually done at much lower altitudes.

Statistically, BASE jumping is one of the most dangerous recreational sports that has ever existed. Along with having much less room for error, one of the main things that makes BASE jumping significantly more dangerous than skydiving is the fact that BASE jumpers only have a single parachute. (Skydivers jump with 2; One main and one reserve) Although jumping with no backup chute is certainly more dangerous, BASE jumpers use a special canopy that is specifically designed for the sport. They are designed to open much more quickly and efficiently than a traditional skydiving canopy. BASE jumping has exponentially grown in popularity over the past couple of decades or so. Every year newer, better and safer equipment is constantly being created. It is a sport that takes a lot of dedication, but it is very rewarding in the end. Many participants end up traveling the world in pursuit of it. A lot of the places it can take you are beautiful, particularly the mountains. One interesting aspect to me is that it incorporates the activity of mountain climbing in with it. The idea of climbing to the top of a mountain to jump off with a parachute sounds pretty exhilarating, doesn’t it? Check out this video taken in Norway, it is so crazy that it almost doesn’t even look real! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbq4llUqFVM

The most amazing area of the sport is something called wingsuit proximity flying. Wingsuit “pilots” jump wearing full-body aerodynamic suits designed with chambers that fill with air and create lift. (Picture a flying squirrel, the suit looks similar to one.) “Proximity flying” is the practice of flying the wingsuit close to the faces and ridges of the mountain. By flying near terrain, wingsuit pilots feel a greater sense of speed due to having a close visual reference. At full speed, a wingsuit pilot is traveling about 60 mph vertically and 120 mph horizontally. One of the most amazing things about a wingsuit is that it allows humans to do something that we have been dreaming of for thousands of years, flying. It may not be flying in the traditional sense, (like a bird) but it sure is close! It definitely looks like these guys are flying. Check out this incredible video of some professional wingsuit pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GASFa7rkLtM I personally think it would be amazing to experience this one day. It may look a little crazy, and it definitely is, but I’m at least open to the idea. I’m not sure if I’ll ever actually participate in the sport, but I have had a fascination with these videos for many years.

In this post I would like paint a picture of what it feels like to jump out of an airplane for your first time. (Particularly for anyone who is interested in skydiving.) Skydiving is by far the coolest thing I have ever done. I have actually done it three separate times, and to this day I still have dreams about it at night! Statistically speaking, skydiving is actually a pretty safe sport. As frightening as it may be, jumping out of an airplane is the experience of a lifetime. I really think everyone should try it at least once.

One of the best aspects of the sport is the atmosphere and community of people around it. Everyone is super friendly with each other. I love how everyone shares the same passion for life and the intensity of the sport. Everyone has a lot of fun but is also very serious when they need to be. On my first jump my instructor was very assuring. As we got to know each other a little bit he told me he had done over 10,000 skydives. He had also just returned from Europe where he was BASE jumping off of mountains with a wingsuit. (Another incredible sport that will be explored later on this blog… Stay tuned!) After hearing about all of his experience, I was definitely feeling very safe for my first time.

As soon as you finish putting on your jumpsuit and harness, the adrenaline really starts pumping. You can hear the roar of the propellers as the plane pulls up to the hangar. Everyone then crams into the plane like a can of sardines. (If you’re claustrophobic, that is definitely something to be considered) As the plane lifts off the runway, your mind starts racing. I remember looking at the altimeter on my wrist and seeing that we were at 7,000 feet. We were already so high up, but knowing that we were only half way definitely made me a little anxious. Finally, the plane levels off at almost 15,000 feet. As soon as the jump door opens, cold air immediately rushes throughout the whole cabin. (Another reminder of just how high up you are, considering it was 100 degrees outside on this day) All of the students go last. So you’re watching all of these crazy people do back flips and what not out of the plane, slowly waiting for your turn as you approach the door. At this point you are so high up that you can just barely see the tops of the clouds thousands of feet below. “Ready…Set…Go!” As you leave the plane door you’re hit with a 100+ mph gust of wind. For a few seconds, I would say the feeling is similar to dropping on a rollercoaster. However, once you hit top speed in free-fall (120mph) you can’t even notice that you’re falling! I would say it almost feels like you are flying. It is truly a one of a kind experience. Taking in the view as the clouds begin to rush up below you is something I’ll never forget. As you pull the ripcord at 6,000 feet the parachute deploys and begins to inflate with air. I would say the feeling is similar to slamming on the brakes in a car. It isn’t a super abrupt stop. Transitioning from the deafening sound of the wind to the quietness of being high in the sky is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I hope to be able to experience it more in the future.

If anyone is interested in going skydiving, (Hopefully I’ve convinced you!) I highly recommend Skydiving Spaceland. They have locations outside of Houston, Dallas and San Marcos. All of their tandem instructors have thousands of jumps under their belts. Everyone is very friendly. I have never had a bad experience there. You can visit their website at https://www.skydivespaceland.com/.

Here I am (below) at Skydive Spaceland with my amazing instructor, Jeremy! The first time I went, it was so much fun that as soon as I was done taking this photo I immediately got back in the plane and jumped a second time!

The amazing thing about scuba diving is that it allows us to do something that humans have been dreaming of for thousands of years. (Breathing underwater) As I mentioned in my first post, I have had the privilege of scuba diving all over the world since the age of 10. One thing that a lot of people may not know about the sport is that you only have to be 10 to receive a certification. Scuba diving is actually a pretty safe activity if you exercise caution and have the proper knowledge. One of my favorite places to go diving is the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary, located in the Gulf of Mexico. It is actually considered one of the healthiest reefs systems in the whole world. The entire sanctuary consists of hundreds of acres of coral reef that are teeming with life. Sometimes it is referred to as the “Texas Caribbean”. I really consider it a hidden treasure that is right in our backyard.

When most people think of the Gulf of Mexico, I feel like they picture the ugly water of Galveston. However, the Flower Gardens is located over 100 miles offshore. The water out there is a beautiful blue. On a day with good conditions, I can be 100 feet deep and easily be able to see the boat on the surface above me. To me, there is something so peaceful about being underwater. It is a whole different world down there on the reef. I would consider it one of the most free feelings in the world. From sharks to sea turtles, you can expect to see just about anything. One of my favorite parts about going to the Flower Gardens is that you basically have to be at sea for a few days in order to make a trip out there. I have been lucky enough to work as a crew member on the only boat that currently charters scuba diving trips out to the sanctuary.

Diving is definitely an expensive sport, and working out there on the boat has actually been an amazing way to get paid while doing what I love. I think anyone who has an interest in scuba diving should certainly give it a try. The diving community is full of amazing and interesting people. We all share a love for travel and adventure. Even though it may be an expensive hobby to get into at first, I personally believe in buying experiences instead of just buying ‘stuff’. Diving is a great way to combine a passion for travel and adventure at the same time.

For more information on the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary, visit https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/

Here is a photo of me with a Manta Ray in the Flower Gardens!

My name is John Patterson. I am 23 years old, and I have a huge passion for extreme sports. My love for traveling and adventure has fueled my desire to participate in just about any exciting activity that you can think of. I have been scuba diving all over the world since the age of 10. When I was growing up, my father was always an avid scuba diver. Something about his stories and trips always fascinated me. When I finally started to scuba dive myself, my curiosity only grew more. There is something that is just incredibly amazing about being able to breathe underwater. Humans have dreamed about it since the beginning of time. To me, there is something so peaceful about being underwater.

Skateboarding and surfing have always been huge favorites of mine as well. I love riding motorcycles and driving fast cars. I have an obsession with skydiving, which I have done 3 separate times. I also have a fascination with BASE jumping (Building, Antennae, Span, Earth) and wingsuit-proximity flying. These are some of the sports that I hope to explore in this blog. I would consider my target audience to be anyone who has a love for extreme sports like I do. However, this blog is not just for people who are willing to participate in these activities; I also hope to appeal to anyone who is just curious or interested in learning more about extreme sports. I would like to provide people with a better understanding on the world of extreme sports and the community that surrounds it.

The skydiving/BASE jumping community in particular has a lot of really interesting material to share. Wingsuit-proximity flying is BASE jumping while wearing a wingsuit. I encourage anyone who is interested in getting a better understanding to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWfph3iNC-k Credit goes to Jeb Corliss. (Very famous wingsuit pilot)

One of my favorite parts about participating in extreme sports is being able to capture the moment through photos and videos. Below is a silly photo of me taken during my first time ever skydiving!