Hot Outdoor Recreation Posts
How To: Measure and cut a rope
Spools of rope are often quite long and you may actually need a rope that isn't that long. If you have a 100m rope but only need 40m, then you're going to need to cut it. This tutorial explains how to measure and cut the rope to the right side without a ruler or tape measure. Measure and cut a rope.
How To: Remove XT or XTR chainring spiders from your crank
Removing the spider from your mountain bike crank is an important part of the cleaning process, allowing you to get at areas on the crank that you never would be able to otherwise. This video features a demonstration of how to do this for XT or XTR chainring spiders. For those who refuse to compromise while cleaning their own bike, this video is a must.
How To: Fall safely on a snowboard
In this tutorial, we learn how to fall safely on a snowboard. You will want to make sure you are in a position that makes it safe for you to fall either backwards or forwards. When falling forward land on knees first then forearms. When falling backwards, flex your knees and fall on your butt. Keep your chin to your knees to avoid injury to your head. Also, make sure you have the correct gear to wear while you are out snowboarding. Another great tip is to not go on courses that are too advanc...
How To: Remove and install the gears on a mountain bike easily
If you need to replace the spokes on your rear wheel, change the gearing, replace certain parts, or just clean it, this video is going to show you how to do just that.
How To: Tie a Blood Knot
Learn how to tie a Blood Knot - Used in sailing as a somewhat decorative stopper knot or on the business end of a Cat 'O Nine Tails (hence the Blood Knot's name). This knot can be used in sailing, boating, general use, camping and bondage.
How To: Tie a Japanese knot or Square knot
Learn how to tie a Japanese Knot or Square Knot - a decorative knot that forms a square shape. This is a fine knot for camping, climbing, sailing or Boy Scout training.
How To: Build a coyote trap
If you're going to build a coyote trap, you want to make absolutely sure you get it right. After all, the last thing you need to deal with is a furious coyote getting loose after you've trapped him! In this video you'll learn how to make a cheap and effective coyote trap.
How To: Deflesh the skull & antlers of a deer to make a mount
Looking to stick your winning game on your wall? In this two part tutorial, learn how to deflesh the skull and antlers of a deer and make it into what is commonly known as a Dry Skull, Desert, European, Texas, or Western Mount. Part one covers starting with the harvested animal, a typical plaque, discussing set-up and basic methods, the bone overview and the processes' start. Part two continues the defleshing of the skull base, tightening of the nasal bones, whitening, detailing, antler base ...
How To: Tie a Constrictor Hitch knot
Learn how to tie a Constrictor Hitch - a great knot for tying a binding or bundle. It holds incredibly tightly and can be slipped for easy untying. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, general outdoors and even bondage.
How To: Tie the slip knot for boating
This version of the slip knot is basically a uni knot tied with rope and with just one or two wraps around the double line. It does the trick and is easy to tie.
How To: Tie a permanent knot
This is not magic but a very useful and very easy way to tie two pieces of rope together without them ever slipping apart. This simple how-to shows how to tie two pieces of rope together without them ever coming apart. This could be very helpful for sailing or anything you need to tie a knot.
How To: Tie a basic lanyard knot
ITS Tactical demonstrates how to tie a Lanyard Knot in this weeks edition of "Knot Of The Week". This knot is most easily made by using your hand, held sideways and flat.
How To: Make your own skateboard deck from scratch
This video, by GC Productions, brings you this segment of "Hammered and Screwed". In this episode, they teach you how to make your own skateboard at home, using materials you may have around the house or may find at your local hardware store. You will need 6 to 9 pieces of wood veneer, cut to 30" by 10", (the amount of pieces you will need depends on the thickness of the veneer, and how much flex you would like in your skateboard), and enough wood glue to coat each piece. Once they have glued...
How To: Tie the handcuff knot easily
This double loop knot can't be cinched too tightly, so the police don't really use it—but firefighters do to pull people out of narrow spaces by their wrists.
How To: Properly buff a snowboard
Buffing a snowboard usually occurs after it's been waxed and scraped properly. This is usually the final step for a snowboard and really helps with the overall cosmetic look of the board. Buffing it from tip to tail will lead to a nice smooth base for a nice looking finish. To do this, check out the tutorial above and enjoy!
How To: Identify types of fly fishing flies
There are two types of fly fishing flies, and they are distinguished as surface and sub-surface flies with the surface ones being called dry flies. This tutorial will teach you how to tell the difference, and what this means. Make sure you know what's what and make sure you catch the biggest fish in the pond.
How To: Tie a man harness knot
How to tie a man harness knot is demonstrated in this video.
How To: Replace and align v-brake and cantilever brakes on your mountain bike
If you own a mountain bike that is equipped with v-brake or cantilever brakes, this tutorial might be useful. Don't pay an arm and a leg to get your biked fix, instead do it yourself.
How To: Dehydrate food for camping
This how-to video explains how to dehydrate food for backpacking or camping. This is very helpful, and could make meat last for up to 6 months. This could save a lot of money in the long run.
How To: Prepare a deer skull for mounting in the European style
You just shot a beautiful buck and you'd like to add his skull to your wall of trophies. If you're looking to mount the deer skull in the European style, take a look at this walkthrough and learn how to prepare the skull through boiling, degreasing, and bleaching.
How To: Bait a Hook with Catfish Punch Bait
There are many different types of prepared catfish baits for catching channel and blue catfish. These baits are often referred to as "stink baits", but while they might smell quite foul to some anglers, the smell really attracts catfish.
How To: Make a braid to fluorocarbon knot connection
There's a popular new trick in the fishing community and that's tying a braided line to a fluorocarbon leader line. To do this, you'll need to know the proper knot, and this video will show you how to do it. With this method you will reduce some of the problems of twisting and tangling with using braid right up to your lure. Check it out. The braid helps absorb some of the pull on the line, so see if you can feel it when you go to land the big one!
How To: Mold and cast a fish mount for taxidermy statues
This video taxidermy tutorial demonstrates the process of molding and casting a fish mount. Any fish can be placed into molding material and covered with plaster to create an exact replica of the fish. When the mold hardens, a duplicate of the fish can be cast. Watch this instructional video and learn how to mold and cast a fish mount for taxidermy statues.
How To: Setup Your Fishfinder for Ice Fishing
Video: . This video shows you how to set up your Lowrance unit to optimize it for ice fishing. This will also apply to Lowrance Elite and Mark series units as well as the X-67c Ice Machine.
How To: Make a canopy for your boat
You can make your own canopy for your boat and save hundreds of dollars from the store bought ones. You’ll need 1 inch pvc pipe, some nuts and bolts and you‘re set. You’ll set you’re canopy off of some swivel brackets that secure on the pvc pipe with 2 inch screws. This video will show you how to rig everything and you’ll be sitting in the shade in no time.
How To: Tie fishing jigs
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie fishing jigs. First, go through the eye of the jig with your thread, then make a fisherman's knot making seven to eight turns. Now, go through the loop with the end of the string and pull it tight. Then, cut the end off and make sure you have four to five feet of lead left. You can put a swivel on the end of it, then tie another fisherman's knot. When finished, this will go to your main line on your other rod and you will be ready to go! This is easy to m...
How To: Make homemade freshwater fish bait
Gone fishin'? If you love to fish, but don't love the high price of bait from your local tackle shop, check out this tutorial.
How To: Secure a Kayak on Car or SUV Using J Bar Roof Rack
Video: . This video will show you how to secure your kayak to a J bar roof rack carrier.
How To: Tie a sliding Snell fisherman's knot
Know your knots! Learn to tie a sliding Snell fisherman's knot with this free video guide. When tying the sliding snell fishing knot, it's like tying the common snell, but you'll be adding an extra line. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful fisherman's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.
How To: TIe a decorative noose
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie a decorative noose. First, form a loop and then and wrap the end around the loop thirteen times. Next, take the loose end and stick it into the coils you just made. Use a pencil and long scissors to help you do this. After you are done with this, tie a knot at the end and pull so the loop is tight. You can also clip off the loose end and pull the loop to make it larger if you prefer. When finished, use this as you wish but do not use it for violent activi...
How To: Link turns on a snowboard
In this video, we learn how to link turns on a snowboard. First, you are going to want to start in a good balance stance. You will need to learn to use your legs to release your edge and lean into the fall line so you're into a comfortable stance. To release the board into a new turn, drive towards the nose of the board while flattening the foot into the snow. Flex your ankle so you are in a better position to steer the board. You can also rotate your hips to help steer the board. Use your le...
How To: Rig a garfish for fishing swimming bait
So, you've mastered the knot tying process for fishing, and you already know how to catch bait, so now what? You need to put that live bait to good use... this animated tutorial from Marinews will show you how to rig a garfish for fishing swimming bait. Catching bait might just be as hard as baiting fish, but it's all in good fun when you kick back with a brewsky in your hands. You can learn by simply watching the bait rigging animation at a moderate speed, or if need be, click on "learn by s...
How To: Bundle up prusik cords
What do you do with your prusik cords so that you can continue to climb or travel? Learn how to bundle up your prusik cords so that they're easier to manage and carry.
How To: Build Your Own Rainbow-Colored Igloo with Milk Carton Ice Blocks and "Snowcrete"
When most of us are snowed in, typical activities include movie marathons, hot chocolate, and complaining about being bored. Maybe, if we're feeling ambitious, we'll build a snowman.
How To: Lash a bamboo tripod
In this tutorial, we learn how to lash a bamboo tripod. First, you will tie a clove hitch by taking one piece of bamboo and wrapping the rope around it, then crossing the two sides of the string together to make a hitch. Next, you will secure the clove hitch around the third piece of bamboo. Now, you will rap all the pieces of bamboo together with the rope. Continue to do this until all the pieces feel secure together. Wrap the rope several times around each of the pieces, then wrap it in the...
How To: Build a ski rack for your back country snowmobile sled
There are a couple of ski racks for snowmobiles out there, but most are too expensive or require the skills and tools of a blacksmith. Seriously, I'm not going to pay $300 for a simple contraption that allows me to strap skis to my sled.
How To: Make the best skateboard wax
In this video, we learn how to make the best skateboard wax. First, take an empty soda bottle and cut it in half. Next, fill the bottom third of the can with vegetable oil. Next, add in some butter in with the vegetable oil, cutting it into small pieces. Now, you can put this on the stove so it heats up and melts the oil with the butter. When this has melted, pour the liquid into an empty Chap Stick container and then let it harden up. After this has hardened up, you will be able to use it as...
How To: Ski powder and master the bumps
Learn how to ski by watching "The way to better skiing." This skiing tutorial sequence consists of 11 professional teaching videos taught by six of the best Danish ski instructors for all levels in all terrain: Lasse Lyck, Klavs Klavsen, Rasmus Lundby, Tue Bak, Martin Hulten and Pernille Hornhaver. In the ninth lesson, learn to ski powder and master the bumps. Mastering bumps or moguls and powder skiing are most skiiers ultimate dream.
How To: Tie a Rolling Hitch knot
Learn how to tie a Rolling Hitch - a useful knot for attaching a rope to a railing, post, or another rope where the pull is along the length of the fixed object. It isn't as good at resisting slipping as an Icicle Hitch, but it is a good deal quicker to tie. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, general outdoors and even bondage.
How To: Turn on roller skates
Once you've learned how to move forward on your roller skates, it's time to turn so you can enjoy rinks and parks. Learn how to turn on roller skate in this video lesson. Take action: maintain correct form, lean towards appropriate direction, and use cross-over technique. Catherine Werst, a.k.a Stray Cat from Central Coast Roller Derby and the instructor in this how-to video from Live Strong, is the coach of Derby 101 and has been skating since she was eleven years old and competitive for man...