NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF OUTDOOR RECREATION

Outdoor Recreation

 Is organized activities done during one’s free time for his/her own personal reason, where an
interaction between “man and an element of nature is present”.

 Recreation is from the Latin word recreare which means to be refreshed

 Outdoor in a broad sense is a space outside an enclosed area, but as used it in this discussion it
includes the natural environment and resources that comprises the land, water, wildlife, vegetation,
open space, and scenery

People engage in outdoor recreation activities for varied reason, and some of them are the ff:

 Personal satisfaction

 Enjoyment

 Away from day-to-day routine

 To be in touched in nature

 Photography

 Environmental education

 Collectibles

According to CLAYNE R. JENSEN- a day can be divided into three parts: existence, subsistence and free

 Existence time- spent for biological needs like having a meal, sleeping and other personal care.

 Subsistence time- refers to the hours spent for economic purposes such as going to work, chores, and
for students, hour spent in schools and school works

 Free time- therefore, is all the remaining time after

Outdoor Recreational Activities

Land Water Air

• Mountaineering • Swimming • Parasailing

• Trekking/Hiking • Snorkling • Skydiving

• Camping • Diving • Paragliding

• Backpacking • Surfing

• Picnic • Canoeing

• Bird- watching • Kayaking

• Mountain biking • Whitewater Rafting

• Orienteering • Sailing

• Canyoneering • Fishing

• Rock climbing • Bamboo Rafting

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

 Physical Health Benefits

- prevents a person from having a sedentary life.

 Psycho- Emotional Benefits

- helps people to rest, relax, de-stress or unwind, and feel revitalized.

- being outdoors improves a person self- esteem confidence, and creativity.

- it contributes to one’s personal and spiritual growth.

 Social Benefits

- Family bonding.

- It allows us to meet and interact with others.

- Promotes stewardship

 Economic Benefits

-People who have relaxed body and mind tend to be more productive at work. This translates into
efficiency at the workplace

-It is also rewarding for the local folks as ecotourism in the country created jobs and other economic
activities

 Spiritual Benefits

- positive outdoor experiences can stir up spiritual values.

- being one with nature brings certain calmness within a person

- it strengthens an individual as it heals, rejuvenate, and soothes the body and soul.

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles

 Plan Ahead and Prepare

 Travel and Camp on Durable Places

 Dispose of Waste Properly

 Leave What You Find

 Minimize Campfire Impacts

 Respect Wildlife

 Be considerate of Others Visitors

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

• Water or aqua has a certain unique attraction to people of all ages.

• Children love to engage in water to play, while adults alike would get lured to take a dip at the sight of
a pool and or beach.
 • Water, in its most natural form, can be a great venue to relax, to workout, to have fun, to pump up the
adrenaline, and to challenge one’s limit

• Aquatic activities may be done

- in water such as swimming, and snorkelling

- water surface such as surfing and whitewater rafting
- under water such as scuba diving
• Water has a special characteristics that provide a unique environment for activities and good workout

Water characteristics

 Buoyancy

- Is the upward force of the water on an object

- This is the reason why boats and people float on water
- It also gives a weightlessness feeling , which makes it easier to move, lift knees, or even jog in water (for
some water activities)

 Hydrostatic pressure

- Is the pressure exerted by the water at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.
- In other words, it is the weight of the water pressed down on the object.
- It is exerted on the body from all sides and this pressure, combined with buoyancy, helps keep standing
balance in water.
- Water, therefore, helps people who have problems with balance and coordination

 Enhanced cooling

- Is the characteristics that transfer the heat away from the body much quickly than air given in the same
temperature.
- This is then reason we can stay longer in water and can tolerate longer workouts without feeling over
heated

SNORKELING

- Is one of the one of the best but simple way to see, discover, and appreciate the intriguing under water
life is through snorkeling. It allows one not only to grasp the amazing beauty of marine life, but swim
with them as well.

- Is peeking through life underneath water by swimming with the aid of a snorkel and mask

- It is not only used for recreational purposes

- It helps the overall fitness of a person. Aside from having fun under the water swimming, doing the
flutter kick and diving tons and trims the body.

- It work outs the quadriceps, calves, ankles, hip flexors, core muscle, and shoulder while swimming

- Above all, snorkeling builds greater lung capacity as one is forced to hold breathe underwater for
sustained periods of time
How did snorkeling begin?

Snorkeling equipment

a. Mask
-serves as the viewing device in appreciating the worlds beneath the water

b. Snorkel
- is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to breathe at the surface while the face is submerged in water

CLASSIC SNORKEL

-has the most basic part, the solid tube and the mouthpiece. Sometimes, this can be bent

to a specific shape

SNORKEL WITH A FLEXIBLE TUBE

-below the strap attachment point is more comfortable than the classic snorkel.
 -the flexible tube allows the top and mouthpiece to rotate to different angels to better fit

the face

-it can also drop away from the face when not in use

FEATURE OF SNORKEL

Purge valve

-this is a small valve just lower than the mouth that empties the collected water that comes

down the tube when one blows it out

SPLASH GUARD

-prevents splashed water and spray from easily entering the tube. However, this will not stop

water from entering the tube when a big wave covers the snorkel or when one goes underwater

Dry valve
-is a special valve on top of the tube that completely stops water (and air) from entering the

tube when a wave comes or when diving under water

-this way, one does not need to clear the water out when coming back to the surface.

c. Snorkeling fins

-water resist or “pushes back” anything moving through it

-this is the principle behind what fins do

-speed and efficiency in swimming are what one gains in wearing fins

-they provide the necessary locomotion to propel effortlessly in the water

-fins conserve more energy and, therefore allows the snorkeler to reach further distance

-moreover, fins may also protect the feet from accidental contact with rocks and corals

-treading in water also becomes easy with fins

BASIC KINDS OF FINS

Full foot fins

-cover the heel and are put on like slip-on shoes

-easy to use, more flexible, and more efficient while swimming

 on the surface

-these are more popular among warm water dives

ADJUSTABLE FINS

-are open at the heel and have adjustable straps to secure the feet

-such fins are often used with dive boots

-they are good choices in divining cold water, as the boots will help the feet from getting cold

-it has more rigid blade than the full-foot fin and it can provide a more forward thrust but requires

more effort to use

Sub- classifications of fins

Paddle- bladed fins

-have a single, full blades

-gives a fast accelerating speed from the long, slow, and powerful strokes of the legs

-it give good control and maneuverability especially when carefully moving around corals

-one can also use a variety of kicking strokes with paddle fins

Split fins

-semi- parted in the web, separating the blade into two long, stiff blades

-easier to kick

-the theory behind the splitting the fin is that this design directs the water force

more directly behind the fin than the paddle fin. this makes it easier for the

swimmer to propel forward

-leg stroke with split fins is also different. instead of a long forceful stroke,

smaller and more rapid kicks are made.

-it is said that the split fins are better for moving forward than for back paddling,

frog kicking, turning, and etc.

D. SNORKELING VEST

-snorkel vest are small and inflatable, which provide more buoyancy while floating on water

-help in consuming less energy in moving around

-however, one must take note that snorkel vest is not equivalent and should never be used as substitute
to life vest

e. Skin protection

-biodegradable sunscreen wearing of long sleeve rash guard, this may also provide jellyfish

sting protection

-however, if insulation is needed from the cold waters, then a swimsuit will be a better option
f. Swimming cap

-swimming cap is a big help in keeping hair out of the snorkel and the face as well

-it will also help in preventing the scalp from burning on a sunny day

Mask defogger

-helps prevent the mask from fogging up

-be sure to choose one that is non- toxic, biodegradable, and alcohol free for one’s protection of marine
life

What is fogging?

Is when the lens of the mask become hazy or obscured with tiny droplets of moisture that are formed
on the lens inside the mask. It happens when the warmer humid air inside the masks meets with the cold
lens and the condensation happens. Remember, the glass of the dive mask lens gets cold underwater

CANOEING AND KAYAKING

- A great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canals and other bodies of water is through the use of a boat.
- Canoeing and Kayaking are two floating crafts that may take anyone to places in the water that are
even difficult to access by any other means

What is the difference between kayaks and canoes.

• Canoes and kayaks may be confusing to some but it is really easy to distinguish from one other.

• Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle for propulsion and steering. The most noticeable
difference is the structure of the boats. A kayak has a covered deck, while a canoe is wide open.

• Kayakers extend legs and are seated low or sometimes on the deck. It uses a double- bladed paddle.

• A canoer, on one hand, sits on a raised seat or kneels on the bottom of the boat and uses a single-
bladed paddle

• Historically, there are some similarities and differences in terms of the kayak and canoes‘ function and
in how they are built. In the early days, both boats were constructed and used for the day-to-day
economic needs, the canoe for transporting goods and people and the kayak for hunting marine life.
The materials used in the original boats also had the same source, that is, their most , immediate
environment. ‘

• The word ”canoe” originated from the carib word ”kenu” which meant dugout. Canoes were originally
made from large tree trunks. The trunks were dried for months, and then the middle part was burned.
After which, the burned part was scraped away with shells. The whole process took one moon or 28
days. The more well-known version of the canoe was introduced by the North American lndians where
the frame was built from wooden ribs. The , frame was covered with the lightweight bark of birch tress
and sometimes elm or cedar trees which ever was more available on them.

• The birch tree was the better choice though because it was lightweight and smooth and most
importantly, it was resilient and contained waterproofing qualities.

• The oldest known canoe, Pesse Canoe, believed to be constructed between 8200 and 7600 BL was
found in the Netherlands. ‘

• Kayaks or "qajak”, meaning ”man’s boat” or 'hunter’s boat' originated from the Inuit and Aleut tribes
of Arctic North America. Interestingly, the early kayaks were very individualized as each kayak was
crafted by the user, basing the measurements to the frame of his body and not on any standard.
Building the kayak was also a joint effort of the man and his wife. The man builds the frame from wood
 or from whalebone skeleton and it was the wife's job to stitch the seal skin used to cover the frame.
Whale fats were used to waterproof the boat. To improve buoyancy, the natives placed airfilled
bladders of the seal in the vessels.

• The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in North America Department of the State Museum of
Ethmology in Munich.

What are the important things that we should always remember to be safe in kayaking or canoeing.

K now first your skills in swimming and canoeing or kayaking.

A void paddling alone, paddling far from coastline, or paddling in routes of ships.
Y ield to safety and know where to go in case of emergency.
A lways wear personal floatation device and other safety equipment.
K eep hydrated as you will be under the sun.

C heck weather conditions.

A lways plan ahead. This includes studying the river’maps ahead of time.
N ever forget to put your things in waterproof bags.
0 rientations given by facilitators or leaders are important. They tell you the rules and regulations
and safety procedures. Listen and follow them well.
E quipment should be tried and always checked. Try on new or unfamiliar things and ask questions
on the proper way of using them.

SCUBA DIVING

 When we say underwater world, reactions can be one or the other. What does this mean? One can react
with much excitement or with great hesitation due to fear of the unknown.
 Relics of the famous Titanic ship, species of marine life; and the beauty of corals, caves, and even sunken
cities were and are being discovered underwater.
 Underwater diving is done either through “breath-holding” diving (free diving) or through scuba diving
(with breathing apparatus).
 Scuba diving will require certain certification or c-card for one to be allowed to dive or even to rent the
scuba equipment. In order to do so, one must take a course with a recognized diving organization, after
which the c-card may be issued.

What is Scuba Diving?

 Scuba is an acronym for SeIf-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus or SCUBA.

 Scuba diving is a diving method where a diver uses a regulator as the breathing apparatus and a tank with
compressed air which enables the diver to breathe normally underwater. With these equipment, a diver can
explore the waters for a longer period of time and at greater depths.
 Modem-day divers are fortunate to have better means of going deeper and staying longer underwater.

The beginnings of diving can be traced from using the hollow reeds as a way of staying longer underwater. From
the simple reed, more effective ways of breathing underwater were invented. The following timeline outlines the
evolution of scuba diving (US Navy Diving Manual, 1993)

1300’s - A simple cauldron in the shape of a bell was used where the idea was to trap the air inside the container
where the diver swims out until he or she runs out of breath then returns to the bell to replenish air.

1690- Edmund Halley developed an improved diving bell. The diving bell with trapped air was brought down with
two people inside. The diver/explorer outside the diving bell also use a smaller version of the diving bell on his/her
head where a tube is connected from his/her diving bell to the bigger diving bell to get some air.

1715- Englishman John Lethbridge built the ”diving engine, “which was an underwater oak cylinder supplied with a
compressed air from the surface.

1823- Charles Anthony Deane invented the”smoke helmet” originally for firefightters. The helmet fits over a man’s
head with an attached hose for supply of air which comes from the surface.

1825- William James invented the first workable, full-time SCUBA. It had a cylindrical belt around the diver’s trunk
that served as an air reservoir at 450 psi.

1837- German-born inventor Augustus Siebe innovated a closed diving suit to complete the diving helmet of
Deane. The suit was connected to an air pump on the surface and became the first standard diving dress.

1843- The first diving school was established by the Royal Navy.

1866- Frenchmen Benoit Rouquayrol and Auguste Denayrouze patented the "Aerophore," where the diver carries
a steel tank of compressed air and is connected through a valve which goes to the mouthpiece. The tank also has a
hose where fresh air is pumped from the surface. This became the forerunner of the modern day scuba gadget.

1876- Henry A. Fleuss, an English merchant seaman, developed the first self-contained diving gear that used
compressed oxygen and not compressed air. In his prototype of closed circuit scuba, carbon dioxide was absorbed
by a rope soaked in sodium hydroxide so that the exhaled air can be recycled or re-breathed.

1943- Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan redesigned a car regulator which provided compressed air to divers in
the slightest breath and later on called as the aqualung, This design has changed the landscape of diving and
remains to be what we know as the SCUBA of modern day.

Who can scuba dive?

Almost anyone can scuba dive. However, health and age are among the basic considerations.

Age

A child as young as eight years old can start learning in shallow waters. A ten-year-old child can be qualified to
train and be certified as a Junior Open Water Diver, while a fifteen-year-old or older can apply for an Open Water
Diver’s certificate (About Sports, 2016).

Health
it is important for a diver to be physically f1t to be able to cope with strenuous physical task which may happen at
an unexpected time such as maneuvering through strong current to reach a dive site. They may also need to do a
long surface swim at the end of a dive. All students entering a diving class will be asked to answer a medical
questionnaire which examines their medical history. One does not need to have an examination from the doctor,
however, the instructor might need a doctor's clearance for certain medical conditions found in his/her medical
history, such as heart and
lung diseases, fainting spells, vomiting, asthma, diabetes, etc.

Disabilities
Disabilities do not hinder anyone from scuba diving. Many of the instructors can provide training which is designed
for physically challenged divers. Further, there are diving groups who aim promote diving among physically
challenged individuals.
Swimming Skill

For enrolling in a one-day experience course, the basic requirement is being comfortable in the water even to the
deep end of the swimming pool. However, if one is earning a scuba certification from diving trainers such as PADI,
he/she has to pass the watermanship assessment for scuba diving which will require some basic skills in swimming.
Some may require to tread on water for 10 minutes swim, 200 meters, and snorkel for 300 meters without
stopping. In this case, one does not need to be a competitive level of swimming but at least can manage with the
basic skills in swimming.

What are the basic scuba diving equipment?

1. Dive Mask
2. Snorkel
3. Regulator
4. Bouyancy Control Device
5. Octopus
6. Weight Belt
7. Submersible Pressure Gauge
8. Scuba Tank
9. Fins
10. Scuba or Wet Suit

Other Accessories

1. Dive computer
2. Dive lights
3. Dive knife
4. Dive case

HIKING AND TREKKING

8 Hiking Safety Tips

1. Make a Gear List

Make a gear list before heading out to make sure you have everything you might need. The must-have list includes:
water (requirement for hydrating the body during hiking is 1-2L) extra water, rain gear, compass, pole (maximum
length of a pole is 135 cm) map and extra food.

2. Bring a Map
Of all the hiking safety tips, bringing a map is one of the most important. You should never rely solely on GPS
technology, especially with limited service and unreliable battery power. Always pack a map, and if you're not sure
how to read one, take some time to learn beforehand

3. Hike During the Day

Whenever possible, plan to hike during the day; not only is it easier to get lost in the dark, but the region where
you're hiking may be home to a variety of wild animals that come slinking out at night.
The best way to avoid being stuck out in the dark is to set a turnaround time. Regardless of how far you hike, you
should stick to your predetermined time to ensure you finish hiking before the sun goes dow

4. Know the Area

Exploring new hiking trails is always exciting. Unfortunately, it also means you're unfamiliar with the territory. Before
heading out, check regional hiking information for:
Local wild animals and what to do if you come across one
Local poisonous plants—think poison ivy, sumac, oak
 Local hunting areas/seasons
Any and all hiking alerts

5. Check the Forecast

Check the forecast up until the moment before you leave. This is important in determining what gear you need to
bring, like a rain jacket, sunscreen, extra water or warmer clothing. If the forecast does predict rain, be sure the trail
you're taking is still passable in such conditions.

6. Be Confident Not Cocky

Whether you've hiked 30 times or five, you know what you can and can't handle. When hiking in a group or with a
more advanced friend, you may be inclined to take on something you aren't ready for. Don't risk injury; be honest
with your skill level before hitting the trail.

7. Tell Someone Before You Go

Aron Ralston, who wrote the memoir 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, taught us all the importance of
telling someone where you're going and when you plan to be home. If that person doesn't hear from you by a certain
time, they can take the necessary action.

8. Stay Together
Last but not least, stick together. When hiking with a large group, it's easy to separate into groups of fast and slow
hikers. Often, this happens naturally, but it isn't always safe. Keep someone at the front that hikes at a modest pace,
to ensure everyone stays together.
These hiking safety tips are especially important with children or those new to hiking; don't let a rejuvenating hike
become dangerous. Pack enough sustenance, appropriate clothing, and the right gear for a safe and enjoyable trip
into the wilderness.

What are circadian rhythms?

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle. They respond
primarily to light and darkness in an organism's environment. Sleeping at night and being awake during the day is an
example of a light-related circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are found in most living things, including animals,
plants, and many tiny microbes. The study of circadian rhythms is called chronobiology.

What are biological clocks?

Biological clocks are an organism’s innate timing device. They’re composed of specific molecules (proteins)
that interact in cells throughout the body. Biological clocks are found in nearly every tissue and organ. Researchers
have identified similar genes in people, fruit flies, mice, fungi, and several other organisms that are responsible for
making the clock’s components.

Are biological clocks the same thing as circadian rhythms?

No, but they are related. Biological clocks produce circadian rhythms and regulate their timing.

How to Prepare for a Camping Trip

. According to research, the first thing that might come to the mind of people when they hear the word
camping is sleeping in tents and campfires. Here are the following tips to prepare for a camping trip.
1. Decide with whom you are camping.
2. Make sure you get insurance information and health information before you do anything else.
3. Set up a first aid kit
4. Decide how long you will stay and figure out where you will be sleeping.
5. Pack an appropriate amount of food
6. Gather all of the other things on the "Things You'll Need" list and try to pack them in a small, lightweight
bag.
7. Don't over pack.
8. Load everything into your car and hit the road!
Frontcountry camping
Also known as “car camping”, frontcountry camping is the most popular type of camping. Frontcountry
campgrounds allow you to drive your vehicle right to the site. You then have the luxury of unloading your vehicle at
the exact spot where you are setting up camp.
Such campgrounds are often busier than others as they offer the most facilities and amenities including
showers, flush toilets, theatres, playgrounds, snack bars, interpretive programming and much more.

Rhythmic Hiking

The best way to stay on pace is to develop a hiking rhythm. This is a cadence that you can maintain for a
long time without requiring a break.

Hiking Pace
It is the individual speed for walking or hiking.

Mountaineering
It is is often referred to as alpinism which means climbing with difficulty. The ascent rate of mountaineers
to reach the summit approximately 300 meters per hour

ROMEO ROBERTO “ROMI” GARDUCE was the first Filipino to climb the Seven Summits of the World.