Garrett McNamara's new autobiography tackles his reputation, his critics, his records, and his less-than-traditional childhood

What do the world's most rejuvenating island escapes have in common? Empty sand, lonely surf, and new adventures of the strangest kind.

A slew of jaw-dropping stories filled the adventure news cycle in 2010. Some set new lows, like when mountain biker Missy Giove pled guilty in January to smuggling marijuana after being arrested at the end of 2009, completing a tragic fall from grace. Some fulfilled promise, like the cornucopia of…

"He is for sure not one of us," says a teammate of ski racer Hermann Maier. "He is beyond this world," says a former gold medalist. "He is a beast," they say, and finally, "He is the beast."

Five hundred dollars can buy you a lot of things: an iPad, a mediocre bike, a lawn mower—or three days of glorious summertime freedom (transportation excluded). Here are our picks for the best do-it-yourself budget escapes in North America, plus outfitted adventures you can't afford to miss.

The legend says Terje Haakonsen, snowboarding's five-time world champion, can win at will

The company is growing up fast—and it's not all about action sports anymore.

A new generation of runners, skiers, entrepreneurs, activists, surfers, explorers, climbers, and photographers are tackling the biggest challenges on the planet—and they’re succeeding. Introducing 30 individuals—all of them under the age of 30—who are leading the way, starting with alpinist David Lama.

Outside picks the biggest people, places, and events of the last year

ext_script = "//player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=272&deepLinkEmbedCode=5pZTRwMTrido0OhyyzULiqXN9ivratyR&width=448&embedCode=5pZTRwMTrido0OhyyzULiqXN9ivratyR"Surfer Andy Irons took the title at the Billabong Pro Tahiti earlier this weekend, winning his first ASP event in more than three years. Irons defeated CJ Hobgood during a set of 3-4 foot waves in the finals to take the crown.”I did it!” Irons exclaimed. “I dedicate…