Nomad Cabin Fever

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A sky diver, hiker, adventure
rider and a scuba diver share
what draws them to the
outdoors.
TALISA LANOE
THE SKYDIVER
@talisalanoe
You are an Olympian, what does that entail?
As an Olympian, swimming becomes more
of a lifestyle than a sport. I moved away
from home at a young age to attend a sports
boarding school. This was characterised by
long training hours, numerous competitions
around the world and many sacrifices.
However, looking back, I wouldn’t change
a thing. The journey to the Olympics taught
me so many lessons and helped shape the
person I am today.
How did you get into skydiving?
I believe in living life to the fullest and as
such, skydiving was on my bucket list. After
my first (and only) tandem skydive, I didn’t
get much fulfilment. I therefore decided to
take the AFF course and get my license. I
wanted to see the world from a different
perspective and have the freedom to fly.
Since then, I have completely fallen in love
with this sport, and it reminds me that you
are capable of doing anything you set your
mind to. Getting my license was one of the
best decisions I’ve ever made.
ROOP SINGH KHALSA
THE ADVENTURE RIDER
@adventureriders254
What’s been your most memorable ride thus
far?
I went to Addis Ababa with friends, and
it took us three days. From searching for
fuel in unexpected places to celebrating
the Ethiopian New Year upon arrival, this
is one of my favourite adventures to date.
Immersing myself in the country’s rich culture
was one of my highlights. The traditional
food, coffee and hospitality will have me
returning. Another memorable ride was
to Garissa, Lamu and thereafter Malindi.
We however had to park the bikes at a
local’s home for two days then take a
boat to Manda Island and Shela. Feeling
the breeze came as a relief after a long,
adventurous ride.
What satisfaction do you get in being
outdoors, especially with your bike?
The experience is priceless. There is so
much satisfaction when the sun hits your
face in the morning, when relaxing to a
magical sunset or being soothed by the
sound of a river and chirping birds. Getting
around by bike will definitely take you
farther and deeper within a short time while
being in contact with all the elements of
nature. The sense of self-sufficiency and
independence is unmatched. All you need
is a great playlist to listen to inside your
helmet and you’re set.
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY
Aside from Skydiving, what other adrenaline
driven activities have you immersed yourself
in?
I love anything that makes me feel alive.
I free dive and rock climb. I also love to
wakeboard, kite surf and scuba dive.
Sometimes I fear I will give my mother a
heart attack because I am always either
jumping out of planes or high edges, or
swimming with big fish!
What do you love about the outdoors?
The fresh air, and the feeling of being such
a small thing amidst this vast and incredible
world. I don’t like being confined within four
walls. When I immerse myself in nature, the
sky or even under water, I feel grounded,
humbled and so inspired.
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