The wilderness and the idea of wilderness is one of the permanent homes of the human spirit.
- Joseph Wood Krutch
I believe all sports are great. If they're enjoyable, and keep people fit, active and having fun, then fantastic. There's something special to say though, about a sport which also brings people outside and connects them with nature.
It seems obvious how important the earth is, that we need it for water, food, shelter, everything. Yet, that's rarely on the mind of the average person. Especially when day to day life excludes almost all contact with nature.
Now, more then ever, basic integrities are being threatened. Ecosystems are being destroyed for cities, where more people will grow up not necessarily understanding the importance of respect for the earth, water and air is polluted and the environment is being wasted in the name of big companies *cough cough oil companies cough cough*.
However, there is something to be said for progress; products are feeling the push to become "greener", and we're seeing more hybrid and even electric cars. The only way to be sure this trend continues though, is to get future generations on board as well.
The only way for kids to care for and respect the environment is to spend time in it. To experience and be consciously aware of nature. If kids enjoy spending time outside, see where their produce comes from (though they may know), and find the outdoors as beautiful and inspiring as it is, then they will want to preserve it.
Sports can do just that. Never do I notice the immeasurable glory of nature like when I'm out in the calm woods, ripping through the trails on my bike having a blast! Mountain biking is one of these great sports which introduce people to the many elements of nature, rocks, roots, sand and all kinds of weather, but there are plenty others as well.
Many whitewater kayakers are concerned about preserving rivers, because they're in them all the time. This sport allows people to see first hand how the rivers are effected by dams, weather, etc. I have met many whitewater kayakers who were actively trying to protect the worlds rivers, and more still who simply love and care about nature.
Other sports I'm sure have the same effect. Though I don't fish, likely avid fishermen are acutely aware about preserving the populations of different types of fish so their sport may continue. Just as hikers, canoers, rock climbers, and surfers may have their own unique ways to experience and appreciate nature.
However, there is something to be said for progress; products are feeling the push to become "greener", and we're seeing more hybrid and even electric cars. The only way to be sure this trend continues though, is to get future generations on board as well.The only way for kids to care for and respect the environment is to spend time in it. To experience and be consciously aware of nature. If kids enjoy spending time outside, see where their produce comes from (though they may know), and find the outdoors as beautiful and inspiring as it is, then they will want to preserve it.
Sports can do just that. Never do I notice the immeasurable glory of nature like when I'm out in the calm woods, ripping through the trails on my bike having a blast! Mountain biking is one of these great sports which introduce people to the many elements of nature, rocks, roots, sand and all kinds of weather, but there are plenty others as well.
Many whitewater kayakers are concerned about preserving rivers, because they're in them all the time. This sport allows people to see first hand how the rivers are effected by dams, weather, etc. I have met many whitewater kayakers who were actively trying to protect the worlds rivers, and more still who simply love and care about nature.
Other sports I'm sure have the same effect. Though I don't fish, likely avid fishermen are acutely aware about preserving the populations of different types of fish so their sport may continue. Just as hikers, canoers, rock climbers, and surfers may have their own unique ways to experience and appreciate nature.
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