There are several modern adventurers who have made their mark in several activities such as trekking, cycling, snorkeling and others. Given below are the top 10 modern adventurers.
1. Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Sir Ranulph Fiennes and his 2 friends became well known for their expedition around the world using only surface transport. The expedition called the Transglobe Expedition could be completed in 3 years. Fiennes was named the greatest living adventurer in the year 1984 by the Guinness Records. Fiennes finished 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days in 2003.
2. Mike Horn
Horn, a South African modern adventurer started out on his expedition without the use of motor vehicles in 1999. Horn crossed South America on foot and traversed Africa by bike. He has also climbed 2 peaks of 8000 meters and reached the North Pole on foot. The Pangaea Expedition is a 4 year expedition led by him currently to foster the conservation of natural resources and protection o environment.
3. Bertrand Piccard
Piccard is a great adventurer and a scientist. He and his friend became famous for their balloon ride all over the world in 1999. This ride later came to be known as the “the last great adventure of the 20th century.” He is thinking of going around the world in 2011 in his own solar powered light weight plane whose development is under process.
4. Ed Viesturs
Ed Viesturs is a cautious climber and a high-altitude mountaineer who was almost successful in climbing the climb Mount Everest, falling short just by 300 feet. He was adjudged the first American to have climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8000 meter peaks in 2005.
5. John Goddard
He is a great adventurer who is known for various pursuits such as riding an ostrich, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and starring in a Tarzan film. He also has to his credit many world records as a civilian jet pilot. This modern adventurer has also retraced the steps of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo and has explored the Congo and Nile river beds.
This is a merger of two famous rivers i.e. the Alsek River which originates in Kluane National Park, flowing from the highest mountains in Canada; and the Tatshenshini River which is yet another brilliant river which originates in the British Columbia, near the Haines Highway. This spot is one of the most popular spot for river rafting as the two river merge at Alaska and finally goes on to meet the Pacific. Rafting in the chilly fast flowing water of the rivers is an experience worth experiencing.
The Salmon River is located in Idaho which is towards the north west of United States. Middle fork is a section in the Salmon River which is probably the most challenging spot for rafting. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wild lives. Going to the Middle Fork and rafting in the mid of the Salmon River would be an exciting happening in the lives of the adventure sport lover. But there is a cap enforced if you want to ride on the middle fork during the peak season i.e. June 1 to September 10. There is a lottery system and you have to be really lucky to get a chance to float in there.
The Magpie River originates at Upper Magpie Lake, at an elevation of 1,378 ft and flows into Canada. This is a brilliant spot which will take you through the pine forest and is worth a trip. Rafting in the Magpie River would be nothing short then experiencing nature in its truest form. There are several trip organizers who has trip packages for the Magpie River Rafting. You can choose at your convenience about the package which would generally include a minimum of 8 days among the waters and the forests.
The Futaleufu River is a combination of lakes in the Chubut Province in Argentina which crosses the Andes Mountains and then flows into Chile. It is an excellent place for rafting and is really an immense excitement. The water flows at a tremendous speed and is just the perfect place for you to go on a rafting. There are various package trips on the Futaleufu River which will include kayaking as well. The Futaleufu river rafting offers you a variety of rafting experience. For the beginners in rafting stretches would be most suitable. However, there are also Class V rapids that would challenge even the most expert Rafter.
The Rio Upano is a mesmerising spot in midst of the rain forest of Ecuador. The word Rio Upano means the “River of Sacred Waterfalls” which flows at a great speed and takes the form of an exceptional river for rafting. It is a brilliant spot for enjoying the beauty of nature. Along with the free river rafting you can also enjoy a lot of waterfalls which surrounds the basin.
Topping the list is the Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls with the brute and splashing waves, making your rafting experience wild and aggressive. The long rapid, obstinate gradients and highly build-up pressure is sure to send a chill down your spine. Only an experienced rafter with ability to raft at grade 5 is advised to dare to test the waters.
Rafting in the Colorado River would be an experience hard to forget. And makes it more exclusive is the sight of the natural flora and fauna offered by this river. There are numerous rafting tours offered in Colorado. There are a plethora of options available with rivers like the Arkansas River, the Colorado River and the Dolores River.
The cherished destination of Costa Rica has many whitewater rafting prospects. The excitement which this place has to offer surrounds everything while you raft on the dashing waves of the river; from cool waters to wildlife expedition. Few of these opportune water bodies in this area would be Reventazon, Sarapiqui, Savegre and Pacuare.
Nepal, the country of mountains with the highest mountain peak in the world has a lot more excitement to offer when it comes to white water rafting. With the feral waves of the river Kosi and river Marshyandgdi, the rafting experience offered here is not for the weak hearted. But once you accept the challenge, you can bet upon the fun of adventure.
Here you get a chance to explore the ancient rainforests making your way through the foamy waters. This country has rivers like North Johnstone River and Nymbodia River which provide the ultimate water rafting experiences. For all the whitewater rafting enthusiasts a visit to these places in Australia is a must.
