Today’s highlights include 40 minutes of high definition video footage of Ben Stookesberry and Chris Korbulic kayaking in India and an article by Roz Savage highlighting characteristics of successful ocean rowers.

1. James Ketchell makes final preparations for this years Atlantic Rowing Race and thankfully lands a sponsorship deal with Speedo.
2. Mick Dawson and Chris Martin reached San Francisco on 13 November 09 having rowed unsupported from Japan. 189 days of hardship, rowing in 2-3 hour shifts, 24 hours a day they covered a staggering 4,500 miles as the crow flies, but with all the wind and currents they have actually rowed about 6,930 miles in total.
3. Greg Kolodziejzyk has put together an excellent article detailing the reasons that previous ocean rowing expeditions have failed. He goes on to discuss possible strategies for handling each situation as he prepares for his challenge of pedaling 4300km from Canada to Hawaii in a human powered boat.
4. Douglas Wilcox has some beautiful sea kayaking pictures taken exploring the coastline and mountains of Scotland.
5. Global Paddlers Thanks for this great kayaking video.
   
   
6. Sea kayaking at night An excellent article covering all aspects of night kayaking from equipment through to safety precautions.
7. Matthew Grey expedition coordinator for Plastiki an ambitious project to build a boat out of plastic bottles and sail from San Francisco to Sydney gives interview on progress to National Geographic
8. Ben Stookesberry and Chris Korbulic attempt a complete self supported kayaking descent of the Twang Chu River in a remote area of India. This fantastic article includes over 40 minutes of high definition video footage of this extreme kayaking expedition.
9. Roz Savage discusses the 7 habits that bring success for wannabe ocean rowers. If you are training or tempted by ocean rowing this article is a must read.
10. Lewis Pugh Arctic swimming video.
    
    

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1. Daily Bike News Roundup covering ultra, touring and endurance cycling
2. The Lesson from 2 expeditions seeking sponsorship to fund their next adventure
3. The Adventure of a Lifetime – Cycling, Walking and Mountaineering
4. Young British Rower Sarah Outen sets Ocean Rowing Record
5. Ocean kayaking expedition 850 miles on the Sea of Cortez

Sometimes this fear is justified when the position is very exposed whilst in other cases there really is little danger and our fears are more personal.

i’m sure that, like me, you have read many books by experienced climbers and mountaineers who discuss their psychology and strategy for overcoming fear.

One of the problems with this kind of writing is that we can’t see it in practice. Usually we read it. Think “yes thats good” maybe we even get our yellow marker out and highlight the words of wisdom then the next time we find ourselves in a position of fear it all goes out the window.

We grip tighter, we get progressively more pumped, our legs shake and panic consumes us. I’m afraid I’m not going to offer any magic wand. But what I have found on Climbing Tribe is an old rock climbing video, (not sure how old – anyone any ideas ?) which I think gives a very practical, real life demonstration of overcoming fear and anxiety about taking a fall.

Unlike modern films where climbers are shown making sexy moves to a background of strong music this video features a live discussion by the climbers. I found this dialogue fascinating as it reveals the essence of what is going on in the dangerous and exposed position that the climber on lead is facing.

Interesting to note is the vocal support that the belayer provides. This is very important and can make all the difference to a climber suffering a panic attack. The belayers words and particularly his joking banter help take the lead climbers mind of the danger and his fear and allow him to REFOCUS on the problem in hand.

Often this is all that is necessary. Almost a form of distraction which allows us to come back to the present, analyse the problem and action a solution. In a sense the belayer is sharing the problem and helping him to manage his fear.

How do you overcome a fear of falling?

Some other opinions by CrazyJourney community:

Embrace “fear” its not everyday u can climb over 5k meters in snow. Its that or sit & watch a film about it.i know which i prefer www.thelongestwayhome.com

This rock climbing video shows Al Harris and Henry Barber on Dream of White Horses, Wales.

Credits for the images used in this article and video about overcoming a fear of falling in rock climbing belong to www.photo-tropism.com

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