As the nation's largest estuary with over 11,500 miles of coastline, the Chesapeake Bay presents endless possibilities for a sailor with innumerable harbors and rivers to explore. In addition, the Chesapeake stirs up a variety of unpredictable and constantly changing winds. Over 50 major rivers feed into the Chesapeake and can channel winds in chaotic ways. Every day is different on the Chesapeake Bay, but the best days for sailors come in the Spring and Fall when winds are at their strongest.

On the north shore of Maui, giant ocean swells slam into a uniquely-shaped reef and create one of the most massive waves on earth known as "Jaws." During the winter months, Pacific storms generate deep water waves called swells that slam into the isolated Hawaiian Islands unimpeded. The world's elite surfers keep a close watch on weather forecasts. When the perfect Pacific storm forms, they flock to "Jaws" to take on 50 to 60 foot monster waves.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a dream come true for skiers and snowboarders. The snowflakes that fall in Steamboat have very little moisture in them after traveling over a thousand miles from the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the average winter temperatures in Steamboat tend to be at the precise temperatures for creating large crystals, which are ideal for champagne powder. Averaging 27 feet of snow each ski season from November to April, Steamboat attracts some of the world's best skiers.

For whitewater thrill seekers, Idaho's Lochsa River offers up one of the most thrilling rafting adventures in the country. With names like Bloody Mary, The Grim Reaper and Log Jam, these Class IV and V rapids are not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. In the spring, snow melt combined with rainstorms turns this natural flow river into a raging whitewater playground. Rafters who enjoy the thrills of the Lochsa must be aware of the inherent risks involved in their sport.