Global Sport Stories

Blog 1, and what a point to start. As a budding journalist/content producer/copywriter etc I’ve decided I need to produce regular pieces of content, even if that is just a personal blog that no one reads.

The aim is to create a positive habit of producing concise content on a regular (weekly) basis. However, I’m not looking to create an online daily journal, no. And I may not know anything about blog writing to be honest, but one thing I can deduce is that all good blogs need a focus. My focus of choice: exercise/sport/anything active at all, specifically what I have done that week to keep myself physically healthy.

Now before we actually get into actual content, and it’s a good week to begin on, my focus is less on quality and more on consistency and conciseness. Of course as someone who believes they can write to a strong level, I always want to produce quality content. However, I have done enough writing at this point to know that if I focus too much on this, I will never, ever produce consistency. Therefore, this may not always read perfect or how I want it too, but that is not my primary aim. I think that’s more just a message as a reminder to my future self to be honest. But anyway, onwards…

I’m actually writing this opening piece from 39,000 feet, en route back to the UK after the best, month-long trip to Peru, Bolivia and the Northern tip of Chile. Now let me tell you that this past week’s activities will struggle to be topped… potentially ever.

Firstly, Monday 20th October. Arequipa, Peru. White water rafting. I had white water rafted previously in Bali, which in all honesty was more like a ride down a lazy river, therefore, I was hoping this experience may provide a bit more adrenaline. And that it did. The ironically named Chili river is nestled in the shadows of Arequipa’s volcano rich skyline. The backdrop, set against the pungent blue sky, partnered with the sheerness of the gorge carved by the cascading, brisk current really makes for one of the most astounding settings.

The scenery is enough to take your breath away, drawing stark similarities to the water and its icy temperature. Positioned at the front of the boat I certainly took the brunt of what the Chili had to offer; the foot holds to keep you secure in the boat also instantly hinted at a wilder ride than that of Bali also!

Now I’m not going to sit and write that I had the workout of my life on this afternoon’s excursions. Of course you have a professional at the back definitely doing more of the work than you’d care to admit, however, what the experience may have lacked in physical exertion was more than made up for in endorphins and mental positivity. Myself and my friend I was traveling with, Pilf, were joined in the boat by Tom from Germany and Art from the Ukraine. A boat of mainly strangers, but who for that 2 hour period became teammates and the best of friends. Hence why even if not getting the physical reward you may desire, exercise provides multiple benefits; like an offer to join Tom out in Germany and try out some canyoning, for example. Go on then!

Tuesday, 21st October. Huacachina, Peru. Skiing. Skiing? Yes, skiing, on sand dunes. A hearty 12 hour overnight bus saw us trade the volcanoes of Arequipa for the astonishing oasis and sand dunes of Huacachina. And what else do you do when faced with a vast expanse of sand dunes? Ski down them obviously.

First of all however, you are treated to a quick tour of the dunes and drop off to the first ‘slope’ via a dune buggy with a vengeance. Now this alone was an experience I had never once felt before. Being surrounded by nothing but towering sand dunes, before hurtling down them at god knows how many miles an hour in practically just a roll cage on wheels is something everyone should try at least once.

Once your heart rate had dropped somewhat it was time to pick it up right back up again by fastening on the skis – at least it was for me anyway who had last skied in 2019, and that was only my second ever time! Now I was definitely more nervous than I’d care to let on to, however, my slightly toxic thoughts that I can do anything slightly active if I put my mind to it took over. Oh and to add to that I was the first of our group of 10 or so to take on the dunes. 

So, with my skis adequately waxed up, off I went down a pretty bloody sheer sand dune into the unknown. But do you know what, it was fine. Not elegant, or graceful or ski Sunday worthy, but fine. That was purely my ski ability though, let nothing take away from the overall experience. That I would have to describe as exhilaratingly mind blowing. 

I found myself in shorts and t shirts, with the sun setting over what greatly resembled tattooine, skiing down mega sand dunes – with some moderate success! I had to keep pinching myself, as Pilf and I discussed how extraordinary this experience really was. Pilf by the way, an avid skier who goes every year, may well have had the best day of his life.

That’s Peru for you though, one day you’re white water rafting, the next you’re quite literally sand skiing. And it just doesn’t stop there, does it?

Friday, 25th October. Lima, Peru. Surf. The personal gem in the crown of our activities. Perhaps not so much in terms of the one off experience, but having surfed frequently when in Indonesia, I am forming a slight addiction. Not great news when hailing from one of the furthest points from the ocean in the UK, by the way.

Nonetheless, Lima offered a great opportunity for another dose of Pacific Ocean action. Previously, on the trip we had surfed in Arica, Chile, and that was tough. Steep, fast breaking waves on a beach break with short foam boards; fun but not fruitful.

Lima was a step up. I got myself an 8 foot hardboard, Pilf a longer foamy, and we paddled out to slightly more mellow but no less forgiving waves. The conditions ironically reminded me of England, messy and chaotic, however, regularly producing both long left and right handers. 

It’s clear my surf ability still has a long way to go to improve (millions of miles), however I caught more waves than Arica and surfing off the capital city of Peru is quite the statement isn’t it really. I must add the experience was complete with a few tumbles and wipe outs for the ages, but that’s all part of it, right?

As I return to England, not knowing when or where the next surf will come from, I am left only with memories and reflections of a superbly diverse and thrilling array of activities to end my trip. I am excited to get the Hoka’s back on, along with my new climbing shoes and get back into some more regular exercise anyhow. England isn’t that bad right?