Slick Surfer

WINNING NOTIFICATION

2011-03-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

(Customer Services)

WINNING NOTIFICATION

We are pleased to inform you today 15th march, 2011 of the result of the
winners of the UK NATIONAL LOTTERY ONLINE PROMO PROGRAM, held on the
5th of march, 2011.
You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 1,000,000.00
(One Million Britain Pounds Sterling) in cash credited to file XYL/26510460037/2011.

To file for your claim,Do contact our claims agent with the
following information:

Agents Name: Dr.Ken Frank.

Email: agentkenfrank@y7mail.com

TEL : +447045768017

REF No: TY894652

BATCH No: 9512EU21

SERIAL No: S/N-00168

LUCKY No: 887-13-865-37-10-8

provide him with the information below:

1.Full Name:

2.Full Address:

3.Marital Status:

4.Occupation:

5.Age:

6.Sex:

7.Nationality:

8.Country Of Residence:

9.Telephone Number:

CONGRATULATIONS ONCE MORE FROM ALL MEMBERS AND STAFFS OF THIS PROGRAM.

Surfing News

2011-03-02T11:58:00.001-08:00

News

8 new results for Surfing

Surfing off again on Gold Coast
Herald Sun
When competition resumes, the first four surfers in the water will all be Australians. Bede Durbidge, 28, is up against wildcard Matt Banting, 16, in the opening men's heat of Round 2, and Rebecca Woods, 26, will be battling Courtney Conlogue, 18, ...
See all stories on this topic »

Mavericks window closes for 2011
San Francisco Chronicle
The group beat out Bead-ling's outfit for the San Mateo County Harbor District permit, allowing them to stage what is often called the Super Bowl of surfing. The closing of the contest window means the two organizations will again be in competition for ...
See all stories on this topic »

Venomous jellyfish stings girl in Broome
Herald Sun
A YOUNG girl surfing off Broome has been stung by a potentially deadly irukandji jellyfish, prompting the shire to shut down the popular Cable Beach. The girl was taken to Broome Hospital in Western Australia after she was stung early this morning. ...
See all stories on this topic »

Website caters for new wave of surfers
Sunday Business Post
The 32-year-old started a career in media advertising over a decade ago, but discovered surfing in Central America during a two-year break. On his return in 2002 he began to explore Irish surfing destinations, such as Strandhill in Sligo and Bundoran ...
See all stories on this topic »

Gisborne Surfers Victorious At Piha
Surf.Co
Gisborne surfers stormed to victory at the final event of the Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge completed at Piha today (Sunday 27th February) taking three of the six divisions contested. Adam Grimson. Image by Col / NZ Surf Mag. ...
See all stories on this topic »

Hawaii 1890: Is this the first ever picture of a surfer about to ride the ...
Daily Mail
By Daily Mail Reporter Long before Kelly Slater was picking up World Champion titles for his surfing prowess, the sport was being followed by Hawaiian natives in the 19th century. And now the first ever picture of a surfer has been found in a photo ...
See all stories on this topic »

Daily Mail

WEB SURFING: Random Access - Google Recipes, Battlestar: Galactica, more
The Birmingham News - al.com (blog)
By Kenneth Carter -- The Birmingham News Ever wonder why a sci-fi show gets canceled even though it's the greatest show ever. And, no, I'm not referring to "The Cape." The article at this site tries to explain why sci-fi fans feel slighted when our ...
See all stories on this topic »

Encinitas Surf Report: Feb. 27
Patch.com
... is finally making wave heights more punchy. Tide drains to a low at around noon (-0.4 ft.). It's still a WNW/SW combo swell so there should be a wave somewhere. Hopefully the threat of getting sick from surfing in the rain will keep the crowds down.
See all stories on this topic »

Blogs

1 new result for Surfing

Chipper Jones' State of the East | New York Daily News
He began his journalism career as an intern here, covering the Mets and most other New York teams. Before that, he spent three years teaching high school English in Brooklyn. Subscribe to the Surfing The Mets's feed. ...
Surfing The Mets - http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets

Web

2 new results for Surfing

Ericeira, Steamer Lane approved as surfing reserves
24 February, 2011 : - - World Surfing Reserves today announced that two nominated surf zones – Santa Cruz in Northern California and Ericeira in Portugal ...
www.surfersvillage.com/surfing/50741/news.htm

ESPN Surfing: Surfing news, event coverage, features, interviews ...
The 2010 Year of Surfing is over. The last year's World Surfing Champions, ... Estimating the amount of time competitive surfing fans are able to observe ...
espn.go.com/action/surfing/?kl

Extreme Sports News

2011-02-26T03:35:00.001-08:00

News

7 new results for Extreme Sports

Nicolas Cage Equates 'Ghost Rider' Sequel To Extreme Sports, Promises ...
MTV.com
It's like extreme sports." "One of the directors, Mark Neveldine, is literally like a stuntman/filmmaker. He's getting shots and he's also a cameraman and director," he continued. "So he's getting shots on roller blades, off of bungee cords. ...
See all stories on this topic »

Jam has spread fast in popularity
The Southland Times
To turn the family's 1300ha sheep and beef farm at Otapiri Gorge into an extreme sports wonderland and bring out the best two-wheeled exponents from New Zealand and overseas for an action-packed day of thrills and spills. Some thought it couldn't be ...
See all stories on this topic »

Nicolas Cage details the extreme filmmaking of 'Ghost Rider'
Examiner.com
Comparing the film to "extreme sports," Cage decribed the filmmaking style of Neveldine, saying, "One of the directors, Mark Neveldine, is literally like a stuntman/filmmaker. He's getting shots and he's also a cameraman and director. ...
See all stories on this topic »

Epic Street Trials in a Scottish Tourism Video
Pinkbike.com
The principle of the video was pretty clear, they wanted to include some great images of the Fort William area (which is known as The Outdoor Capital of the UK) and also include some fantastic images showing the variety of Adventure and Extreme Sports ...
See all stories on this topic »

Travis Pastrana wrecks twice in second NASCAR race
Autoblog (blog)
by Aaron Richardson (RSS feed) on Feb 25th 2011 at 4:31PM Motocross, rally and extreme sports superstar Travis Pastrana recently made his NASCAR debut, taking the wheel in Irwindale, California in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series race. ...
See all stories on this topic »

The French Alps Sans Skis
New York Times
More Photos » This is why I don't ski, I thought to myself as I sipped my mojito and turned away from the extreme-sports videos on the overhead television. The cozy confines of the wood-beamed L'Équipe bar in Courchevel, a ski village high in the ...
See all stories on this topic »

Busch Gardens offers 2-for-1 ticket to state residents
Virginia Gazette
Yo Gabba Gabba!, and the return of Ramp Jam featuring world-class skateboarders and extreme sports athletes. The Bring a Friend for Free offer is valid for Virginia residents and must be used by May 22. Visit www.buschgardens.com/friendforfree to ...
See all stories on this topic »

Surfline Surf Wire News

2011-02-26T03:12:00.001-08:00

Surfline Surf Wire

(02/23) Global Odyssi Debuts Surfers First Aid Kit After Extensive Research

February 24, 2011 at 2:49 AM

(02/23) Results from CSF Freedom Surf Series Stop #2 in Oceanside

February 24, 2011 at 2:33 AM

(02/23) 'Clark Little Gallery Haleiwa' Grand Opening on February 26

February 24, 2011 at 12:39 AM

(02/23) The Barbados Championship Series Adult Event #1: Juniors Dominate the Adult in Large Soup Bowl

February 24, 2011 at 12:39 AM

(02/23) Video: Sitka Surfboards 'Bear With Me' Trailer

February 23, 2011 at 10:44 PM

(02/23) Fantasy Surf Season Starts Friday, February 25 with a Chance to Win $100,000

February 23, 2011 at 10:44 PM

(02/23) Recently Launched Surfers First Aid Kit by Global Odyssi

February 23, 2011 at 10:44 PM

(02/23) Hansen Surfboards Awarded Women's Retailer of The Year by Surf Industry Manufacturer Association

February 23, 2011 at 10:11 PM

(02/23) Dragon Introduces The Shield: Mick Fanning Signature Series Sunglass

February 23, 2011 at 9:06 PM

(02/23) Dakhla Festival 2011: Long Distance in Stand-By, Surf & Bodyboard Action, Clinics and Modern Sailing

February 23, 2011 at 7:29 PM

(02/23) Pukas and Tecnalia Work Together to Develop the World's First Surfboard with Integrated Technology

February 23, 2011 at 7:29 PM

(02/23) WB Surf Camp & Professional Surfer Holly Beck Partner in 2011

February 23, 2011 at 7:12 PM

(02/23) Eric Rebière Inks 3-Year Deal with Billabong - Latest Adventure Division Clip Now Online

February 23, 2011 at 6:08 PM

(02/23) Official Media Launch for the 2011 Quiksilver and Roxy Pro's presented by Land Rover

February 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM

(02/23) 10-Time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater Headlines Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

February 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM

(02/23) Fitzgibbons, Lima and Mulanovich Gear Up for Roxy Pro Gold Coast

February 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM

(02/23) Dakhla Festival 2011: Long Distance Recognition, Wave Action, and Clinics

February 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM

I am back posting surf stories

2011-02-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Just to let you guys know I am posting a new stories starting tomorrow And here is the rest of it.

Well down Owen

2010-02-01T04:03:00.000-08:00

I like to congrats Owen wright for making 2010 ASP world championship And here is the rest of it.

Returned :)

2010-02-01T03:55:00.001-08:00

More stories from famous surfers and me soon! sorry for the delay been busy And here is the rest of it.

Im Back....

2009-12-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

Im back posting surfing stories very soon in the new year,have fun :) any questions add me on mybloglog :) And here is the rest of it.

Surfing With the Billabong Brand

2008-03-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Author: Robert

Billabong set its roots in Queensland. It was founded in 1973, by Rena and Gordon Merchant. The company started out as a manufacturer of board shorts and slowly expanded its operations.
In 1981, the company decided to become an aggressive player in the surf apparel market by branching out to an international crowd. At first, it expanded its business to include New Zealand and the United States, then to South Africa, Japan and finally to Europe. Once the ball was set in motion it was only a matter of time before it became a global effort.
As the brand gained exposure and popularity the company decided to branch into other sports related apparel markets. They started experimenting with different lines of sports packages such as snowboarding and skateboarding.

In 1991, once they were satisfied with the quality of their new products, the company began to manufacture and distribute to the snowboarding and skateboarding crowd on a much larger scale. As they expanded into these other areas, they were able to discover much success.

In 2000, Billabong international...was listed as a publicly traded company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Once enough capital was generated, the company quickly decided to bolster its position in other key sports related industries by purchasing such name brands as Von Zipper, Kustom Palmers Surf, Element and Nixon. Each of these brands helped them gain position in other related sporting good categories.

In 2005, the company decided to give itself a bigger retail foothold by opening a number of Beachworks locations around the globe. These effective retail locations began successfully selling a number of the company’s top products.
In 2007, Billabong in a long overdue move, decided to acquire Xcel, a premium wet-suit brand based in the United States. With this acquisition, it positioned the company to be one of the strongest surf related brands in the world,

Popular Culture

Many of today’s top surfing stars endorse the Billabong brand name. These endorsements have led to an increase of brand awareness and popularity of their popular surf related apparel line. Many teenage skaters, snowboarders and surfers today sport the billabong brand apparel because of this. It has become a mainstay in teenage popular culture.

Ranges

http://www.kjbeckett.com/acatalog/billabong.html\">Billabong has had a successful expansion into many of the sporting goods extreme categories. They can now boast apparel for skaters, surfers and snowboarders. Their products range in size and age from t-shirts to surf shorts to sandals, sunglasses to watches and other snowboarding related items.
Company

The company is a publicly traded company, yet its founders still maintain a 20% share in it.With its aggressive marketing style and attractive celebrity endorsements Billabong has placed itself in a solid position to hold the market share for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/surfing-with-the-billabong-brand-335476.html

Surfers Paradise - The Heart of Tourism in Southeast

2008-03-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

Surfers Paradise is a fantastic beach town as well as an expansive commercial center, situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, on the eastern coast of Queensland, in Australia. Located about 80 kilometers south of Brisbane, Surfers Paradise is more popularly known as Surfers.

The destination provides superb options to cater to all types of visitors touring the place, with its picturesque beach, fabulous shopping as well as dining options, exuberant nightlife, a range of fun attractions, and high rise apartment towers. Hence, it is not a wonder why Surfers Paradise has been acknowledged as 'the playground of the Golf Coast.'

Surfers Paradise boasts of an excellent beachfront, packed with an array of restaurants, cafes, and upscale accommodations. Stretching along the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is well patrolled by the Gold Coast City Council lifeguards, and is one of the safest as well as cleanest beaches in the Gold Coast area.

You can indulge in a spectrum of activities here, from surfing, parasailing and jet skiing to fishing and whale watching cruises. A number of flags of different colors can be found in certain areas of the beach, which in turn allows you for an enjoyable as well as safe swimming and surfing.

For instance, flag with a combination of red and yellow colors indicates the safest swimming area. But, yellow flag cautions dangerous conditions. If you see red flag, don't ever take an attempt for swimming or fishing in this area. In the case of red and white chequered flag, it denotes that there is shark in this area. In addition, if you see a blue flag, it denotes board riding area perfect for surfers.

Other than water sport activities, there are also superb options available for playing beach volleyball, bungee jumping, and golf, with a variety...of professional as well as stylish golf courses. If you do not want to indulge in any of these activities, then just take a stroll along the beach and experience the incredibility of the area.

Likewise, if you are here for a fun-filled vacation, then you can head to any of a variety of theme parks found in and around Surfers Paradise, such as, Warner Bros Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, and Wet N Wild Waterpark. When comes to sightseeing, Surfers Paradise features a plethora of attractions in the form of museums, art galleries, and fun and amusement centers.

A trip to Surfers Paradise would not be complete without taking a tour to Cavill Mall. Situated at the heart of the bustling area of Surfers, Cavill Mall is a pedestrained area that runs between the Gold Coast Highway and the Esplanade on the beachfront. This area is packed with a range of outdoor cafes, fast food centers, and restaurants and bars. Additionally, Cavill Mall is much famed for its themed museums, street entertainers, amusement arcades, shopping malls, and surf clothing outlets.

Equally fabulous is dining options available in Surfers Paradise, with a plethora of street side eateries, open air cafes, fast food establishments, and superb restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe. From Australian, French, and Italian to Indian, Thai, and Japanese, a sumptuous variety of cuisines can be savored here. Above all, Surfers Paradise is much famed for its exciting nightlife, boasting of a myriad of adult bars, themed venues, and adult bars, of which many of them are concentrated around such hot spots of the city as Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue.

With these scores of attractions and superb options to enjoy a plethora of activities, it is not a wonder why a large number of tourists from every nook and corner of the world visit here. Hence, it has a continuum of accommodations options for every type of travelers. One of the most popular choices among tourists is upscale hotels with rooms replete with most sophisticated facilities and amenities such as air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, and superb bath areas.

There are also some high end hotels that provide accommodation in the form of apartment style. This choice usually contains one or two bedrooms, apart from fully equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, beautiful dining areas, and balconies offering panoramic views of beach and the Gold Coast. Further, these choices, in most cases, would be complete with facilities such as outdoor heated pools, gymnasium, spa, poolside BBQ, sauna and steam room, and entertainment areas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/surfers-paradise-the-heart-of-tourism-in-southeast-queensland-347746.html

Best Surf Spots in Santa Cruz County

2008-03-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Author: Seb Frey |

There are eleven break points along the best surf spots in Santa Cruz County and is known as "Surf City." Steamer Lane is host to the O'Neill Cold Water Classic on annual basis during the fall months. In May the Longboard Invitational takes place adjacent to Lighthouse Point. The Capitola Women's Longboard Surf Fest in held in October. Women of all ages participate and surfing skill participate.

Waddell Beach is very popular with boogie board, kiteboarding, and kayaking enthusiasts. Kiteboarding is a hybrid of wakeboarding and windsurfing. People are able to get forty feet of air from the waves.

Cowell's Beach positioned along Westcliff Drive, is said to have calmer waves. This is a popular surf spot for people...just learning the sport. There are stairs from Westcliff Drive that lead out to the surf area. Capitola Beach is another popular surf area for beginners. Many people use longboards with the waves when conditions are permissible. Parking is ample and readily available. When parking in metered parking areas always have ample amounts of change and keep the meter updated. It is not uncommon to get ticketed right away when the meter expires since it is monitored closely.

The Hook is located along what is known locally as Pleasure Point. It is positioned at the end of the stairway located at 41st Avenue. Longboards are most popular for this surf area. Shortboards are only able to be used on days when the waves are higher. This surf is said to be best for skilled surfers. 30th and East Cliff is popular with Pleasure Point surfers. However, due to the degree of difficulty very few people are permitted to surf in the area.

Manresa State Beach is positioned along Highway 1. It is less crowded than some of the other beaches. The waves can become very high and rips are very common in the surf area. 30th. This surf area is said to be best for experienced surfers.

Steamer Lane is said to be the most popular surf area in the region. The waves get extremely high at times said to reach triple overhead in height. Much caution needs to be exercised when surfing in this area. Deaths do occur on annual basis at this surf point. Surfing goes on year round at Steamer Lane.

Moss Landing is positioned twenty miles south of the city. It is rarely crowded and has its beach break near the harbor entrance. Waves can get very high here, so it is recommended for advanced surfers only. Rips are common along this area.

Natural Bridges surfing is located south of the rock arches. Conditions fluctuate in the area so surfing isn't always possible. There is a lot of kelp and sealife in the area.

There are many places to surf along Highway 1 in the middle of Half Moon Bay and the city. North of the city is where some of the more advanced surfers like to go. It is advised that you avoid surfing in this area alone do to its secluded nature.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/best-surf-spots-in-santa-cruz-county-356958.html

The Thrill Of Surfing

2008-02-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

Author: Jim Brown

Most surfers feel the thrill of surfing long before they buy their first surfboard. Some aspiring surfers might have innocently dabbled with surfing on the shoreline using boogie boards or spare pieces of plastic. An aspiring surfer is one that has spent many vacations at the beach and in the surf and at some point, they might have developed a yearning to learn how to ride a board on top of a wave.

After they have committed their heart to surfing, by buying a surfboard that will meet their needs, they find that they have many things to learn along the way to ride the board the way they envision it is possible in their head. All of the things that they learn along the way are certain to be thrilling, but what they learn about themselves will stay with them for the rest of... their lives. To perfect their surfing style, they might have performed tricks that they were not aware of and the surfer probably never knew that they were actually surfing if someone had not told them.

The inspiration to learn how to surf might have come from surfers who were on the beach and in the water during those vacations. Some vacationers are positively thrilled to learn that there are surfers on the beach who are under the age of seven. Many eyes might be focused on a surfer in the distance that has an uncanny ability to ride the waves with what seems to be a short surfboard underneath them.

Many people will be thrilled when they get to see the surfer paddling out toward the waves with a surfboard and many will wonder if the surfer is aware of the number of people who are in the water with them. Some people might mistake the thrilling feeling that they have because fear and thrill sensations run so close together. Every trick that a spectator views is likely to make them sit up and take notice, and more for worry than the thrill of watching them attempt daring feats on a board that is not as tall as the surfer is.

Some people will enjoy the thrills of surfing without ever trying to surf. These people are content to spend the day with family and friends at the beach and find true enjoyment out of watching surfers perform various tricks. Some of those tricks will seem quite daring and make that person glad that they have their feet firmly planted on the shore. Some friends in the group might want to give surfing a try but will wait until they have a better day to do it.

Other people find surfing thrills between the covers of sports magazines. Some will sit poolside at home and dream of the day that they take their turn on a surfboard. That day might not ever come, but at least the person is enjoying a day in the sun, just like the surfers are on a beach far away. The person that is sitting in the middle of suburbia can at least pursue some surfing dreams by latching onto the imagination of a surfer who stopped surfing long enough to put the action in writing.

Article Tags: Football Fanatics Coupon Codes, Footlocker On-line Coupons, NBAStore Coupons

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-thrill-of-surfing-329014.html

Surfing With the Billabong Brand

2008-02-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

Author: Robert |

Billabong set its roots in Queensland. It was founded in 1973, by Rena and Gordon Merchant. The company started out as a manufacturer of board shorts and slowly expanded its operations.
In 1981, the company decided to become an aggressive player in the surf apparel market by branching out to an international crowd. At first, it expanded its business to include New Zealand and the United States, then to South Africa, Japan and finally to Europe. Once the ball was set in motion it was only a matter of time before it became a global effort.
As the brand gained exposure and popularity the company decided to branch into other sports related apparel markets. They started experimenting with different lines of sports packages such as snowboarding and skateboarding.

In 1991, once they were satisfied with the quality of their new products, the...company began to manufacture and distribute to the snowboarding and skateboarding crowd on a much larger scale. As they expanded into these other areas, they were able to discover much success.

In 2000, Billabong international was listed as a publicly traded company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Once enough capital was generated, the company quickly decided to bolster its position in other key sports related industries by purchasing such name brands as Von Zipper, Kustom Palmers Surf, Element and Nixon. Each of these brands helped them gain position in other related sporting good categories.

In 2005, the company decided to give itself a bigger retail foothold by opening a number of Beachworks locations around the globe. These effective retail locations began successfully selling a number of the company’s top products.
In 2007, Billabong in a long overdue move, decided to acquire Xcel, a premium wet-suit brand based in the United States. With this acquisition, it positioned the company to be one of the strongest surf related brands in the world,

Popular Culture

Many of today’s top surfing stars endorse the Billabong brand name. These endorsements have led to an increase of brand awareness and popularity of their popular surf related apparel line. Many teenage skaters, snowboarders and surfers today sport the billabong brand apparel because of this. It has become a mainstay in teenage popular culture.

Ranges

http://www.kjbeckett.com/acatalog/billabong.html\">Billabong has had a successful expansion into many of the sporting goods extreme categories. They can now boast apparel for skaters, surfers and snowboarders. Their products range in size and age from t-shirts to surf shorts to sandals, sunglasses to watches and other snowboarding related items.
Company

The company is a publicly traded company, yet its founders still maintain a 20% share in it.With its aggressive marketing style and attractive celebrity endorsements Billabong has placed itself in a solid position to hold the market share for years to come.

Article Tags: Business, Accessories, Wallets

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/surfing-with-the-billabong-brand-335476.html

Water Sports and Surfing in California

2008-02-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

With its fabulous, year-round warm climate, California has been synonymous with surfing and the sporty, tanned, blonde-haired types who have participated in the sport since the 1960s. As such, you'd be hard pressed to find somewhere better to go if you want to ride the best waves! The undisputed hotbed of surfing in California is San Diego - the state’s second largest city. Here, you’ll find fantastic Pacific beaches with facilities specifically designed for surfers and other water sports users, as well as some of the biggest waves that the Pacific has to offer.

Home to several of the surfing industry’s biggest manufacturers and famous..pro surfer Rob Machado, the city’s hottest surfing beaches can be found at Black’s Beach, Swamis, Windansea and, of course, at San Diego’s biggest beach: Mission Bay. Attracting millions of visitors each year, San Diego’s beaches are packed with surfers eager to ride the waves; and on the days when the surf isn’t up to par, you'll be able to participate in other exciting water sports - such as water-skiing, jet skiing and paragliding.

Instruction in all water sports disciplines is available at Mission Bay Beach, with some of the biggest and best water sports schools to be found there. Just beyond the beach there is a massive park that offers other recreational activities, such as volleyball and basketball; but with plenty of picnic areas and outdoor barbeques, this park quickly fills up during the summer months, so sun-lovers must get there early to secure their spot!

Many of the best hotels in San Diego are also found in the Mission Bay Beach area, which - at only six miles from the international airport - is convenient to reach and also serves as a great base from which to explore the city and its surroundings.

As California’s second largest city you’ll find there is much to do in San Diego when you’re not surfing, swimming or generally splashing around in the sea; you'll be able to visit everything from some of California's best art museums to local zoos! The San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man and the Natural History Museum are all popular attractions and are all found in the picturesque Balboa Park, along with the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Other cultural highlights include local theatres, opera and the San Diego Symphony. The city is also home to two major US sporting franchises: the NFL's Chargers and the Padres, a popular Major League Baseball team. If none of those alternative attractions or activities tickle your fancy, how about trying the impressive San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, the Wild Animal Park, or even the theme park at Legoland?

Whatever attracts you to San Diego, whether it's sun, sand, surf or the sights, you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly locals, who will do all they can to help you enjoy your holiday.

Surfing Costa Rica's Pacific coast

2008-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the hippest spots on the backpack merry-go-round. It's a surfer's paradise in Central America's most laid-back holiday spot. Areas such as the Nicoya peninsula and Dominical further to the south are the real hotspots where the beaches are sublime and trees and rocks tumble down to meet the fine, white sand - Costa Rica has a reputation for its magnificent flora and fauna and there's nothing to be disappointed about on that score here. Pelicans and frigate birds wheel overhead as the booming calls of howler monkeys resound from the nearby rainforests. For those...not satisfied by the ocean alone there are also numerous hikes in the region and due to Costa Rica's relatively small size you are never far away from the eco-tourism centres further inland.

Sticking out like a spare limb into the temperate waters of the Pacific, Nicoya has a myriad of unspoiled beaches where the breakers roll in consistently offering great surfing for all levels of ability whether you're a pale rookie paddling out for the first time or a sun-gnarled veteran. It is this variety that makes the area perfect for one of the world's fastest growing sports and the region has had a fantastic reputation in the worldwide surfing community. A few years ago villages such as Santa Teresa were no more than a few fishing huts clustered together but with the boom of tourism in the area numerous services are now provided by locals offering the dusty streets a ramshackle charm - a perfect setting for the laid-back surfers and the ever-growing community of young visitors. For those just wishing to hang out then there a numerous beach restaurants and beer shacks where laid back tunes and chilled cerveza set the tone for the after hours entertainment.

Further to the South lies Dominical, probably Costa Rica's most famous surfing grounds. It's slightly less isolated than the Nicoya region offering easy access to the surrounding national parks and also the nation's capital, San José. The area is famed for its "surf camps" where surfing, accommodation food and activities are all included in the package and is a great way for beginners to get into the sport and even for experienced surfers who get the chance for tips from local instructors. The region has begun to develop but by no means to the extent that we are used to in big European resorts, eco-lodges are the typical accommodation here and the focus is on preserving an area of immense natural beauty. Whether surfing Dominical's famous breaks or just chilling on the beach you'll find the area is as close to paradise as you're likely to get in Costa Rica. It's also worth noting that it's not just surfing that's on the activities list on Costa Rica's pacific coast, the whole area is a huge aquatic playground; waters teeming with fish and other life mean great scuba diving and yes, you guessed it, great fishing with many local boats taking tourists out on the hunt for tuna, wahoo, marlin and other big game.

There are even language schools opening to cater for the influx of young travellers (an excellent example of this is http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/ with a great presence in mainland Spain and Latin America) - no longer solely the domain of evening classes in your home country, learning a second language these days is all about cultural immersion. The message is "why not learn Spanish whilst you're learning to surf or dive?" and with much of Central and South America now more open to tourism there's no better time to learn the skills to make yourself understood whilst enjoying the more obvious pursuits open to travellers.

Hawaii Beach Activities Enjoyed By Many

2008-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is a popular vacation destination. Perhaps, the greatest allure of Hawaii is its beautiful beaches and the many activities that they hold. In fact, each Hawaiian Island has an unlimited number of beaches for vacationers to choose from! If you are in the process of planning a trip to Hawaii, there are a number of benefits to examining popular beach activities before you leave for your trip.

Before focusing on a few of the many Hawaii beach activities that you can enjoy on your next trip, it is first important to focus... on travel arrangements. The greatest component of having the "perfect," Hawaii vacation, is ensuring that all travel arrangements are made and well in advance. Of course, airline reservations and car rental reservations are important, but a good percentage of your focus should be placed on booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental. Overnight accommodations have the ability to make or break a vacation.

The reason why your Hawaii vacation rental should be important is because of the options that you have. Hawaii vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including Hawaii vacation condos, cottages, villas, apartment rentals, and homes. You will also find a number of features, price ranges, as well as locations. The first step is deciding which Hawaiian Island you would like to visit, like Maui. Next, affordability should examined; create a budget for yourself. Finally, quickly examine your intended vacation activities. If you would like to spend your time enjoying many of the fun and popular Hawaii beach activities, a few of which are highlighted below, a beachfront Hawaii vacation rental may be in your best interest.

In terms of Hawaii beach activities that many tourists enjoy, it is important to start with the basics. Two popular Hawaii activities that are enjoyed by individuals of all ages, including those both old and young, are swimming and boating. Many Hawaii beaches have clear, calm waters, which are ideal for young children and inexperienced swimmers. In terms of boating, many are pleased with the options they are presented with. Hawaii boat rentals are available for experienced boaters, private and group charter boats are available for inexperienced boaters, as well as dinner and one day Hawaii cruises.

If adventure is more your style, there are still a number of Hawaii beach activities that may be perfect for you. These activities include surfing, wind surfing, and body boarding. Surfing and windsurfing are Hawaii beach activities mostly reserved for those who have some surfing experience. With that being said, there is never a better time to learn to surf than on a Hawaii vacation. To find affordable surfing lessons, perform a search online. If Hawaii vacation rental reservations, such as those for a Hawaii condo, have already been made, keep location in mind. Doing so can significantly reduce your travel time, giving you more time to learn how to surf!

Snorkeling and scuba diving are two more popular Hawaii beach activities that come highly rated and recommend. These activities are not only adventurous, but educational as well. Many are amazed at all of the sea life they are able to see and learn about while scuba diving or snorkeling. As with surfing and windsurfing, lessons are available for those who are inexperienced divers. For experienced divers, beach rental stations are conveniently located all across Hawaii and near popular Hawaii beach destinations.

As a recap, proper planning and preparation is the key to having a memorable trip to Hawaii. Once the proper travel arrangements have been made, in terms of Hawaii vacation rental reservations, airline reservations, and car rental reservations, Hawaii activities should be examined. With an unlimited number of beach rental companies throughout Hawaii, rental equipment may not require special arrangements; however, lessons may. For that reason, if learning how to surf, windsurf, scuba dive, or snorkel is a must do for you, be sure to do the proper research before you leave for your Hawaii vacation.

A Cornish Surfer’s Perspective

2008-02-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

by Mike Hayes

Surfing to me is about a number of things - most importantly the enjoyment I get from it.
It is the pure love for surfing that drives me to get up on a cold and wet winter’s day at the crack of dawn & has made me the person I am. Surfing gives me the freedom from everyday life. It clears my mind of all worries, fears and problems, a place where I feel close to my childhood - remember having no worries, no issues?
I love the power of the ocean and the rush of pushing my boundaries, taking the largest wave, taking off little bit deeper, and the feeling of complete and utter helplessness as the waves roll and wash me along. It reminds...me of my Dad throwing me in the air, completely weightless and helpless, going back to my childhood.
Nowadays it’s the buzz from making turns which I’ve always wanted to do and becoming as good as the people I’ve looked up to for years. I enjoy the pleasure others get from watching me and I love encouraging others to share my passion. I love surfing as much today as I did 10 years ago. Yes things have changed; nothing will ever stay the same. Like the way others perceive me, I am still the same surfer, I’ll always surf for fun, and it clears my mind, washes the world away and reminds me of my youth.
For me, it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment. The person that’s had the best surf is not necessarily the one who’s had the largest waves, done the best turns. Rather, it’s the surfer with the largest smile on his / her face; it’s the one that’s reliving their childhood, carefree in the moment.
People forget the reasons why they surf, forget what it means.
Surfing is relaxing, challenging spiritual and fun. Many of us are not fortunate to surf for a living and often I see people get frustrated with themselves and with others.
Getting to the standard I have reached is simply from surfing daily, it’s come from surfing and having fun. Catching the wave, waking up at godforsaken hours, surfing when its rubbish, waiting for the all-important wave.
All I have to say is “ Ask yourself why do you surf”, “why did you start”, Are you surfing for those reasons, for the right reasons or have you got lost in trying to be the next world champ.
Have fun, that’s what I say!

Surfing As A Sport Of Kings

2008-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Author: Catherine Harvey | Posted: 29-01-2008

Surf boards and surfing have come a long way since they first gained popularity in the mid 1800's.

Originally the sport of royalty, surfing has actually been around since the 6th Century but in its modern day form it gained status as a lifestyle symbol around the 1860's. It is thought to have originally made its way to Hawaii from the Polynesian Islands around the middle of the 18th Century.

Two Hawaiian princes studying in the US showed their surfing skills to the locals in North America and the sport took off from there. Their surf boards would...have been primitively moulded from solid wood, sanded with granulated coral and stained with bark or charcoal before being finished with glossy nut oil. Problems with original surf boards like this were that they weighed close to 150lbs and acted like sponges once in the water.

Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer from Hawaii, demonstrated his skills on a surf board while on a visit to Australia in 1865. This went down a storm with Australian's who have always been famed for their love of the outdoor life, and the style of surf boarding now known to the Western world was born.

The surf board has evolved over the years from the original solid redwood plank, through composite wood, lightweight balsa wood and fibreglass to today's virtually perfect design constructed from polyurethane foam and fibreglass.

Very few changes have been made to the make-up of the board since mass production began in the late 1950's. In the beginning, long boards of up to 16' were popular but not so manoeuvrable. Shorter boards enjoyed a surge, being built around 6' and 8lbs lighter. These were much faster and easier to navigate than the more cumbersome 16 footer.

Minor changes have been made to surf boards over the years but mostly ones that are optional. Some lift has been added to the nose and fins were also added for stability. Although you can now buy surf boards with fixed fins, it is more common place to buy attachable fins. This gives the surfer the option to experiment with where fins are placed depending on the type of wave they are riding.

Surfing has now advanced to a point where different waves and different riding styles call for a different type of board to gain the maximum speed and agility, thus the maximum adrenaline rush. Choices consist of double concave bottom, vee bottom, rounded square tail and swallow tail as well as different lengths.

One of the best inventions that all surfers rave about is the surf board leash. A simple device where the board can be strapped to the surfers ankle but it is one that makes the life of a surfer so much simpler. Before this, he/she would have had to wade into shore to retrieve the board after every wave.

Custom paint jobs on surf boards are big business with some very extreme designs that you can either pay a surf shop to apply for you or, if you are feeling artistic, purchase some spray paints or water based paint pens and get creative yourself. Covered with a protective clear top coat these designs will last a long time but can always be sanded back and re-done if you get bored.

Sex wax is a surfers product, not anything like it sounds! It is a wax that can be applied to the board where you would normally put your feet and hands to prevent slipping. However, some surfers prefer to use deck grip as an alternative. This is a stick on pad that removes the need for constant waxing.

Initially a sport for men, surfing has taken off worldwide and has a large female following. Not just as groupies for the surfer dude's but now as serious competitors themselves. It has also spawned a whole fashion scene for men and women, from wetsuits and beachwear to hats, hoodies and shoes. It has also brought about a sound financial business in hair care, particularly for the women who don't like to constantly have surfers hair.

Spiritual Tube Riding

2008-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

A few years ago on the day we buried my Grandmother; I had an experience that at the time seemed mystical. Losing her was difficult for me. I adored her. She was wonderfully stereotypical. She had been raised on a farm in rural Oklahoma and tempered by the depression. She was strong, capable and full of love. I remember her in faded cotton dresses – always clean and well pressed. And her aprons. She had one long one for around the house and a couple of “nice” ones to wear in town when she went shopping or ran errands. About the only time she didn’t wear an apron was went she went to church. If you have ever seen the movie, “Grapes of Wrath” and you remember the grandmother then you have an idea of what my Grandmother was like.

On summer afternoons she used to set a long table outside under the trees. It would be piled high with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and homemade apple pie sitting on a red and...

white checked tablecloth, and flanked by big pitchers of ice cold Lipton tea. She could sew anything, she could grow anything and she could heal any wound. She was perfect and we all loved her.

After the funeral I headed to the beach. It had been a rough day. All I wanted to do was paddle out and forget for awhile. Surfing helps me do that sometimes. That day the surf was big – well overhead all up and down the coast. When it’s big you have to focus on what you are doing. Because it demands total concentration to avoid wiping out at any moment, other less immediate problems tend to fade away temporarily. It is sort of like leaving your troubles on the sand for a little while. They don’t go away. They are still there when you paddle in, but for a short time a brief respite can be found out in the water.

On this particular day the conditions were more than a little unusual. Visibility was poor. It was late afternoon and the light was otherworldly. The sun was low in a very overcast sky blanketing everything in a dense, warm fog. There was no wind. It was hot and the water was like glass. The moisture in the atmosphere cast everything in a hazy yellow light. I couldn’t even see the waves from the shore, but I could hear them crashing and I knew it was big.

When I paddled out into the lineup I found myself in a strange ethereal world. I couldn’t see the shore through the fog nor could I see very far out to sea. The waves would emerge suddenly out of the mist - huge, silent, amber walls rushing towards the shore and crashing out of sight.

There were only a handful of surfers out and we all clustered together straining to peer out to sea to catch the first glimpse of the next set. Because you couldn’t see them until they were already upon you - you had to be ready to instantly spin your board around, paddle hard and take a late drop into the wave. And the waves were awesome – set after set of perfect tubes. They were hard to see coming and hard to catch, but a last second takeoff, a very scary drop and a bottom turn would project you right up into a glassy cylinder big enough to stand up in. There was no almost - you either made the drop and the first turn - or you didn’t. If you made it and were a little lucky you could speed down the tunnel created by the collapsing wave and get spit out and over at the other end. If you didn’t make it you would get a good pounding followed by a long swim, but making it was well worth the risk. Getting tubed is the ultimate rush for surfers and these tubes were unreal.

There wasn’t much talk in the water. Maybe it was the strange conditions, but conversation was limited and conducted in hushed, almost reverent tones. We were paddling around on a sheet of warm glass, enveloped in a hazy yellow fog that damped down sound and limited visibility to thirty or forty feet in either direction. We couldn’t see the shore and we couldn’t see waves coming in. Even after pulling out of a wave we couldn’t see the beach through the fog. For a couple of hours our world consisted exclusively in the wave riding zone and everything else ceased to exist. There was no shore and no far horizon - only the corridor of perfect waves.

While in this weird world between worlds, I dropped in on one, hit the bottom hard and pulled up under the lip. As it threw out over me and came crashing down something strange happened. I was in the tube, hurtling across the wave just trying to stay on and come out and suddenly everything slowed down until it was if I were in a slow motion film. The wave overhead, the spray, me – everything slowed - I could actually see the spray separating into droplets. Weirder still, it was quiet. Almost totally silent. The only sound I was aware of was the sound of my board slicing the face of the wave. Even though I was deep inside the barrel I could not hear the sound of the wave breaking all around me. I felt calm and serene, or even a little detached for however many moments or fractions of a second it lasted, then suddenly I was blasted back into realtime as I came careening out of the tube.

It didn’t really hit me until I had paddled back out past the impact zone. Oddly, I wasn’t surprised; I was still in kind of a tranquil state. I am normally pretty loud and enthusiastic when surfing, but not this day. I was uncharacteristically subdued. I rode with a peaceful intensity. I surfed better than I know how. I caught wave after wave - including a second silent-slow-motion tube ride. It was almost as if I were in tune with the Ocean. At least on that day, in that misty space between fog banks, I experienced some kind of altered consciousness that put me in sync with those waves. After nearly four decades of surfing, I have never had a stranger, or a more rewarding session.

When I finally paddled in my day was where I had left it a few hours earlier, but I was different. Maybe the break had just charged my emotional batteries, or the physical exertion displaced stress. Perhaps the thrill of riding great waves simply lifted my spirits.

All I know is, I came out of the water stronger than when I went in. I felt better and I felt grateful – to God or Mother Ocean, or whatever it was that touched me that day. I would have to call it an almost spiritual experience. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t come out of the water quoting scripture or pledging my life to Mother Theresa, but for a little while, the ocean took me to a place where the was no death, no war, no famine, no anger – no anything - just surf - and it let me stay until I felt better.

I have heard of other people experiencing the silent-slow-motion phenomenon. Professional football players, race car drivers and even a jazz pianist. So, I don't think that was what was responsible for the sense of well-being I felt walking up the beach.

You want to know what I really think? There is magic in the water!

The Many Style of the Wave Board

2008-01-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

The wave board was designed to give you the ability to change the look of your board any day of the week. Do you want a new deck? Then switch them. Do you want different colored wheels? Change them, it only takes a minute. Do you want to swap deck designs with your buddy? With the wave board you have the ability to do all these things. The wave board has interchangeable wheel colors and interchangeable deck designs. The wheel colors I have seen most are black, green, red, and occasionally pink. I have seen kids riding with one black wheel and one red wheel, one green wheel with one red wheel, and swapping deck designs to mix and match with the wheels. Deck designs include the standard silver deck, a red deck, the ever popular checkered design with a skull integrated in, the flashy green deck, a pink flowery deck for the ladies called the Hibiscus Wave Board, and an orange...and green deck called the California Wave Board. The great thing is that all these decks come with front and back plates so you can mix and match the decks just like the wheels.

My brother likes to ride with one silver deck, one red deck, one black wheel and one red wheel. His board looks pretty sweet, and if he ever feels like switching over to an all red board it will only take him a few minutes to switch the wheels and decks, and he is only ten years old. After he learned how to change wheels and decks, he can change them whenever he wants in minutes. To change either the wheels or the decks you simply need a screwdriver or alan wrench. Undo the screws then replace and put the screws back in. There is not too much else to the process. It is so easy kids do not need their parents to help them change wheels or decks. You can never get bored with your wave board design. If you do not like your board designs, just change it. You can get really creative and take your replacement deck off of the wave board and paint your own design on the deck. You can personalize it and put your name on it. You could paint on your deck a cool symbol, or you can use a template to make it look cleaner and better. Let the deck dry and put them back on the wave board. One of the coolest decks I have seen was a completely black board. The rider had painted his decks totally black. I have to say it looked sweet. Do not paint the deck on the board because the paint could affect the wave boards smooth ride and do not paint the wheels for the same reason. This creative design from the wave board is just another feature that makes it so popular. Mix, match, wheels, decks, and be creative with your wave board design. Personalize your wave board and show it off.

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Go To A Co-ed Surf Camp With Your Partner Or Spouse

2008-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Can you picture yourself waking up every morning on a paradise island, doing yoga, surfing throughout the day, and being fed delicious and healthy meals prepared by a chef? Sounds terrible doesn't it? How could this get any worse? How about if the women's surf camp was a co-ed surf camp? Why would you want to go on a co-ed surf and yoga retreat with your loved one? Shopping at the local mall with your girlfriends or golfing with the fellas are much better options, aren't they?

If you are not already convinced that you should absolutely not attend a co-ed surf camp with your partner or spouse, here are..some other great reasons why you should stay just home:

Reason #1 You and your partner can get fit together. Going to a co-ed surf camp would mean that you and your partner could increase your fitness together. Participating in a surf camp together would give you an opportunity to maximize your well-being as a couple. Wouldn't it be preferable to stay at home and work on increasing your love handles?

Reason #2 You may end up fighting over the surfing magazines. You don't want to end up bickering over who is going to read the latest surfing magazine first, do you? What a horrible thought, you both wanting to read the same material. Girls should stick to the vapid celebrity scandals and the newest fashion trends while the guys can read about cars and guns.

Reason #3 You and your partner can enjoy an interest together. Going to a co-ed surf camp as a couple could give you a combined interest. Isn't it better to have no interests in common? Shouldn't the male be playing golf while the female shops or performs home duties? Continue on at this rate and you might even want to vacation with each other next year! How horrible! Do you really need a topic of conversation at the dinner table that enthralls you both? Do you really need a common passion?

Reason #4 You could experience a family bonding vacation. A co-ed surf camp also means that families can experience all the joys of a surf and yoga retreat together. Would you really want to become closer to your grown children or parents? A surf camp providing meals, yoga, massages and surf lessons could introduce the family to a combined sporting hobby. Shouldn't family vacations involve all members going to different locations? Do you really want your family to be close knit and communicating well?

Reason #5 You might have too much fun with your partner or spouse. You would be in serious danger of enjoying yourself at a co-ed surf camp. Guys, girls, yoga, surf lessons, massages, delicious meals prepared by a chef, all on a paradise island. This sounds like a recipe for far too much pleasure and relaxation. Improving your well-being while learning a new adventurous sport and working on your sun tan could be disastrous for your health and relationship. What kind of couple would want that?

Why risk wanting to return next year to another surf camp? Do you really want all of your future vacations to be in sunny beach side locations chasing waves? Why would you want to go to a yoga and surf retreat that allows for men, women and couples? That means you have the option of taking your loved one or enjoying a healthy vacation with family and friends.

In this day and age of soaring obesity, stress, divorce rates and violence, why would anyone want to take time out from the hustle and bustle with their significant other? Wouldn't you prefer to become a statistic of the 21st Century? Why go to a co-ed surf camp and risk improving your physical and mental well-being? Imagine how much more pleasant the world would be if everyone decided to indulge themselves in a surf and yoga retreat getaway. Statistic or bliss? The choice is yours.

Simple Surfing Tips for Beginners and Proffesionals

2008-01-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

The two main components of surfing are paddling out and dropping in. While there is definitely a lot more to surfing, these are two things to master. The best way to learn how to surf is first hand, so after reading this article, go out there and surf, surf, surf!

When paddling out to surf, you have a few different choices to make. You can ditch your board, paddle over the top, dive early or try to paddle under the lip. Deciding what to do is all just a matter of experience. When paddling out, always charge straight at the wave as hard as you can. Even if you think you're going to get beat by...the wave, just keep paddling straight toward the wave. The wave is moving toward you, so if you keep moving toward it, you will be surprised at how quickly you can get there, and possible even slip right under the lip.

The trick to piercing an already broken wave is depth. You need to get below the broken water of the wave into the calm water below and keep swimming forward. The deeper you can get under the wave, the safer you will be from the force of the breaking wave. Duck dive deep, or ditch your surfboard and dive down. As the wave passes over you, push off with your feet and streamline your body. As soon as you break the surface, get back on your surfboard and paddle like crazy.

When dropping in on a wave while surfing, always remember that where your head goes, your body follows. Lead with your head. If you want to go down the face of the wave, you have to keep your head down. Stretch your neck, put your chin near the deck of your surfboard, and hurl your every thought and inspiration down the face of the wave as you paddle. Only when you are sure you are sliding down the face of the wave should you slide lithely to your feet and start dealing with your bottom turn.

So, if you want to find out more about Young Contemporary Apparel or even about Surf Apparel or Sunglasses, you can click these links.

Top Extreme Sport: Kite Surfing

2008-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Among the sixteen hundred athletes participating in the study, 71% listed kite surfing as the most exciting and dynamic extreme sport. Only a third had actually attempted the sport yet nearly all indicated that intended to "give it a try" before the end the year. Participants were between the ages of 18 - 35 and all were self-identified sports enthusiast. In a national survey commissioned by the American Kite Surfing Association (AKSA), kite surfing, a relatively new sport in North America is ranked as the top Extreme Sport. The margin of error in this research is +/- 2%. Other extreme activities were far distance...in ranking including skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, inline skating, BMX, MotoX.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. Logan Long, co-founder of the association was not surprised by the results; "It's just simply the biggest adrenaline rush available. The combination of air, water, land, wind power, physical strength and balance the force of nature are the qualities that attract Kite Surfers."

American Kite Surfing Association is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this fast-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. A vast array of information, products, and techniques are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing. According to Cathi Long, co-founder of AKSA, "The exhilaration of hang time in kite surfing is unbeatable...kite surfers are simply the sexiest athletes." AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

How to take up surfing?

2008-01-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Every year now surfing is becoming more populuar with more and more people particpating in surfing, More competitions are being held and more sponsors are being put out. I believe that many people that are not to far away from a beach or are interested in surfing should go out and see for themselves what surfing is all about and thier are many ways of doing this by...

1. Tourist information- they can provide locations of where to look for surf lessons or the best beaches to start of with.

2. Internet research- Looking for articles and websites that help you to understand a beginner's guide into surfing.

3. Surf shops- surf shops normally employ people that know a bit about surfing, so if you know a surf shop near by you can go and enquire about surfing and what kind of boards to use.

If you have any queries at all about surfing please feel free to contact me at my email adress that is vaughny_09@hotmail.co.uk

The Beaches of Newquay Cornwall

2008-01-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

You could spend 11 days in Newquay and never be on the same beach twice. Its seven miles of soft, golden sands are a playground for all ages and a base for watersports of all kinds, a safe nursery for apprentice sailors and surfers and a natural stadium for championships.

On some, like Tolcarne, the town is close, and restaurants, bathing huts and equipment shops cater for every need and activity. On others, like Watergate, nothing has been added - or subtracted - to spoil a masterpiece of Nature. There are smugglers ' coves here, rocks with historic names and strange formations, broad and empty spaces and narrow estuaries rich in plant and animal life. They call it the finest coastline and beaches in Europe . They are right.

When all the family is together, Crantock is a favourite. Children love the...peaceful estuary that runs deep inland and exposes pools and sandflats at low tide. Parents know they are safe, and teenagers love the lake that forms at high tide, purpose-made for boating or windsurfing.

For the active, wanting to learn - or hone- surfing skills, Fistral Beach offers the perfect stage. A natural amphitheatre carved from the coast by wind and weather, and overlooked by Newquay's famous golf links, Fistral has hosted numerous world events including the World Lifesaving Championships.

Parents with young families, in search of a milder recipe for fun, are spoiled for choice. The beaches at Towan, Great Western and Tolcarne are safe and sheltered; the sea retreats at low tide to maroon the famous island to create a mile-long sea of sand, backed by low cliffs and punctuated by caves and rock-pools.

Something for everyone is Newquay's promise. There's the whole gamut of entertainment from sequence dancing for Gran to sand-castle competitions for the youngsters - plus the famous, original BBC Radio One Roadshow:

Stay close to town or go further afield, to the beaches of Porth or Mawgan Porth, quaintly-named Whipsiderry or Lusty Glaze. Such is the variety that you can choose your environment to suit your mood.

You can view a stunning journey and guide shots of of Newquay's beaches at:
http://www.newquayguide.co.uk/MovieClips.html

Would The Ancient Hawaiians Even Recognize The Sport Of Surfing Today?

2008-01-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

Surfing is the only type of sport where the person relies on the wave to pick them up and for them to do tricks. Unlike body boarding and kite surfing you have to stand up fast before the wave breaks on you so you can get down the line and do your tricks on the wave.

Surfing first had started way back in Hawaii when Captain James cook was on the island. The boards they used back then were made from heavy thick wood so it...made them hard to even paddle out. They were later made from other materials but not till way later when the modern short board came into play. After the short board came into the picture it changed surfing forever. Surfers could then use smaller boards but they would still float the same way as the others. Except now they could catch waves fast and do tricks that they had never done before. The boards allowed them to get down the line faster then ever so they could do new aerial tricks. The airs first started in California and places like that then other surfers started to do the same tricks so they changed surfing like never before. If you were to look at surf videos today and look at surfing videos from back in the day like the 60s and 70s you will see the difference.

Swells and waves are created from wind blowing over a long distance. That's what makes the swells travel until they hit the beaches in which we surf today. Like when you were to have a hurricane the wind would be blowing hard and fast out at sea but 50 to 100 miles inshore the waves would be pounding the shores. Hurricane surf is good because you are like guaranteed good clean offshore surf sometime or another when the hurricane gets close. Other types of swells are ground swells which just pop up over night from a low pressure or something like that. Other than that waves are made from wind.

You will see the difference between a surfer who can ride the wave and one who just can't catch the wave before it breaks. The one who can catch the wave before it breaks on them and gets in front of the barrel of the wave will be the one to show you how to surf. Like me I would drop into the face at an angle so I would gain better speed so then when I stood up I would already have a good amount of speed then I would do a few little pumps down the line then do a huge lip slide or off the lip. You are not limited to what you can do on a wave when its chest to head high surf and walling up down the beach. All you do is catch it then speed down the line and perform some sick trick that gets everyone hooting and then paddle back out.

Hang High On Surfing

2008-01-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Surfing is a water sport where you attempt to carry yourself while riding a surfboard on a breaking wave. Apart from surfboards, surfers also use other carrying equipment such as kayaks, water skis, long boards and even kneeboards.

Surfing started off as a recreational, fun activity and is now a billion-dollar industry, what with companies getting into...the sponsorship act because they want their sports merchandise to be hyped around and sold.

The Surf Culture

There are three kinds of surfers - those who want to surf because of the money, those who want to surf for the fun and recreation it offers, and those who are professional surfers, but don't want to sell their souls for money - the last category of guys are known as soul surfers.

Common surfing terminology

Regular foot: When you place your right foot on the back of surfboard
Goofy foot: When the left foot is placed on the back of the surfboard
Take off: When you begin the ride
Drop in: Dropping into the wave
Duck dive: Diving underwater along with your board, like a duck, and then emerging as the wave breaks
Snaking: Going around some other surfer
Shoulder: The part of the wave that doesn't break into surf
Over the falls: When you go out of control
Pump: a movement that generates speed
Stall: Slowing down the speed of your board
Floater: Riding on top of the breaking part of the wave
Hang-five/hang-ten: Placing five or ten toes over the nose of a longboard.
Re-entry: Hitting the brim of the wave and re-rentering the wave in quick succession.
Tube riding: Riding inside the curl of a wave
Carve: Turns
Air/Aerial: Riding the board briefly into the air above the wave and then landing back on the wave.

Surfing dangers

Every sport has some danger associated with it and surfing is no exception. The main danger of surfing is of drowning, and if a surfer is not confident of swimming back to the shore in case he loses his board, then he must not venture out alone or in dangerous waters.

Then there is the chance of a surfer colliding with another surfer, or on rocks or reefs, and rendering himself unconciousness in the sea. The precaution to take would be to surf in a group or have someone watch you from the shore.

Then there are sharks too - but that is a negligible danger.

Training to surf

To surf, you need to have solid upper body strength, which can give you the wherewithal to fight for at least 5-10 minutes against a strong wave, after which you need to have the strength to swim back to the shore. So, for the upper body you need medium-intensive weight training. Push ups too are a great exercise to develop upper body strength.

Then you need low-medium weight training for your lower body muscles because while swimming you move your hips and legs quite a bit.

Along with strength you need to build up endurance and stamina too and for these, you can take up jogging, running or any aerobic exercise that will improve your cardiavascular system.You also need to stretch your limbs and get your flexibility going because surfing needs you to be flexible as you navigate around the rough waves.

A good, healthy diet and nutrition will make you feel light and enjoy surfing a lot more than you ever expected.

Go ahead, hang ten and gimme five!

Jeep Presents Surfbout Surfing Event at Low Trestles

2008-01-07T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) four-star surfing event will take place at the famous Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California from April 24 to 28. In addition, now on its 15th year, Lower Trestles will also host the prestigious Jeep-Body Glove Surfbout event, which will be the start of the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series sponsored by Chrysler Group's Jeep brand. Moreover, the ASP Grade-2 Oakley Pro Junior surfing event will also take place at Lower Trestles.

In connection with this, ASP and WQS will be conducting daily beach cleaning...to the event this year. The beach clean ups will be held every day for about 2 hours from 2:00 pm up to 4:00 pm. People can get gloves and trash bags at the Ocean Minded tent. According to Gary Ward, President of Ocean Minded: “Events such as the Jeep Body Glove Surfbout bring out some of the best in surfing. We at Ocean Minded are excited to lead beach clean-up efforts at the event."

About 192 of the world’s best professional surfers and 32 of the world’s best junior surfers are expected to participate at the five-day world-class surfing event in Lower Trestles. Some of the past winners of this prestigious surfing event are confirmed to compete. They include CJ Hobgood ((Melbourne Beach, FL), the 2001 ASP World Champion along with his twin brother Damien Hobgood. Both surfers currently ranked 17th on the Foster’s ASP World Tour. Other famous surfers expected to arrive in Low Trestles include Ryan Helm (Jupiter, FL), Dayyan Neve (Manly Beach, AUS), and Gabe Kling (St. Augustine, FL). Local surfing stars like Chris Ward (San Clemente, CA), Mike Losness (San Clemente, CA), Shaun Ward (Huntington Beach, CA), Austin Ware (Solano Beach, CA), Anthony Petruso (Malibu, CA), and the 2006 Macy’s California Trifecta Series Champion Nathan Yeomans from San Clemente, CA are also expected to join this year's surfing event.

These Competitors will be battling out for the $75,000 cash prize and of course, for the valuable points given by the Association of Surfing Professionals and World Qualifying Series. Moreover, the Macy’s California Trifecta will also award a $33,333 bonus prize to the surfer who takes first-place in all three events. The surfer will also bring an all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot equipped with quality Jeep shock on his garage, courtesy of Macy’s California Trifecta. Junior surfers will compete for the additional $5,000 bonus prize.

“Body Glove International is proud to bring the Jeep-Body Glove Surfbout back to Lower Trestles,” said Scott Daley, VP of marketing for Body Glove. “Trestles not only offers some of the best waves in America, but Surfbout gives American surfers an opportunity to earn valuable ASP WQS points. This will be the 15th Surfbout, so all of you young American pros, let’s see what you’ve got!” he added.

“We had a great points race going into the Cold Water Classic last year and we are excited to bring this opportunity back to American surfers. It all starts at the Surfbout, and with over $200,000 in cash and prizes on the line this year we’re looking forward to seeing another dramatic finish to the ’07 season,” said Sean Nielsen, Director of Event Operations, Action Sports Group (ASG), publisher of SURFER, SURFING and WaveWatch magazines.

5 Reasons Why Surfing Keeps You Young

2008-01-07T07:27:00.001-08:00

It is a well known fact that staying active helps keep you looking and feeling young. Not many activities come close to the effect surfing has on the mind, body and spirit. According to experienced surfers, the special bond the surfer has with their surf board and the open ocean is almost impossible to explain.

Fresh Air

Fresh air does a body good! Surfers all over the world enjoy lots of cool, refreshing fresh air and sunshine. No matter... if you're surfing a remote location or something closer to the city, the ocean air smells fresh and clean. Out on the surf, there's virtually no smog. When you are on the waves, it's just you, the water and the fresh air.

Stress Free

Out in the swells, you can let your stress and every-day worries float away with the tide. Out there, it's just you, the breeze, your board and the water. No one yelling for help or that report you should have handed in already. When you're out there, you're surrounded by total peace and relaxation. The only sounds are the sounds of the wind lightly kissing your skin and water slapping against your surfboard.

According to the majority of surfers, this type of relaxation is hard to come by anywhere else in the world. Just a few hours of surfing a week can help release the tension that builds up at home or in the workplace.

Muscle Tone

Surfing and swimming go hand in hand and are great exercise. Swimming works muscle groups you don't always think to work at the gym. Sometimes even seasoned athletes will complain of muscle fatigue after swimming simply because of the different muscles being used.

People who surf are generally slender and well muscled toned into their 60's and even 70's. Surfing is a non-impact sport, meaning it's very easy on your knees and other joints. After all, you don't jog or jump on your surf board!

Cardiovascular Health

Surfing provides an amazing aerobic workout that not only helps burn fat but also keeps your heart, lungs and entire cardiovascular system in tip-top shape. A healthy cardiovascular system keeps your immune system healthy as well as maintaining a high level of stamina, to keep you feeling young.

Fun in the Sun

Surfers love the sunshine for a wide variety of reasons. Besides giving surfers great tans to keep that youthful glow, the sun provides vitamins that maintain healthy skin and nails. Healthy bones, skin, hair and nails assist in a more youthful appearance.

Other Advantages

Aside from the previously mentioned advantages of surfing, avid surfers understand they have to eat well and exercise. Many surfers enjoy going to the gym and practicing some type of Yoga. Yoga helps keep the surfer's muscles toned and flexible and their mind alert. Many people who practice yoga taut it as a vehicle to peace and serenity in their mental well being.

If you're looking to stay young and feel young, but don't currently know how to surf and would like to learn, there is a wide variety of surf camps available. Women's surf camps cater to the needs of women. Since they are only available to women, ladies of all shapes, sizes and ages can enjoy being themselves and learning to surf. You will also develop friendships and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people from all over the world.

While some surf camps offer only women's surf camps, there are camps that offer co-ed surf camps as well. They are a great way to learn to surf or learn a new skill or hobby while relaxing in the sun. Imagine returning to normal life, not only totally relaxed with a great tan, but also with pictures of you hanging ten, surfing like a pro and most importantly feeling and looking young.

Some say surfing keeps you young at heart. Seasoned surfers know surfing also helps keep them physically fit, looking and feeling much younger than their birth date declares.

The Lost Art of Levitation

2008-01-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

An old joke goes, “How do angels fly?”
The answer is, “They take themselves lightly.”

One evening I uncovered the core of truth in this joke. Little did I imagine that the joke was being totally literal.

I was attending a lecture of Michio Kushi, one of my spiritual mentors, when he became very frustrated with his Los Angeles audience of several hundred metaphysical seekers. He was attempting to convey to us an understanding of the physics of life, the fundamental mechanism of... creation and transformation in life processes. Sensing he wasn’t getting his message across, Michio decided to get more simple and basic. He emphasized the fact that the core nature of all life is energy, declaring, "The world is all energy. Everything is energy. And if you understand that, you can understand the real dynamics behind how things happen the way they do in the ‘so-called’ physical universe."

The audience was comprised of bright, curious people of all ages and backgrounds. However, few of us were understanding Michio on the fundamental level he was trying to communicate. Exasperated, he switched to an experiential tack, announcing abruptly and emphatically, "All right. I'll demonstrate what I’m talking about."

Michio knelt down in the traditional Japanese manner on his knees, put his hands together in a prayer-like position, closed his eyes and sat very still. After several minutes, his body began to slowly lift off the ground to a height of about three feet. There he remained for ten minutes, suspended in the air several feet above the floor. Now he had my attention!

I was astonished, of course. Then I impulsively did something that, in retrospect, seems very irrational and even humorous. But at the time, the maneuver made sense to me.

My mind’s orderly framework of reality was being severely challenged by Michio’s airborne body. I needed to do something to psychologically feel more in control. If I was being forced to expand my belief in what is humanly possible on this earth, I was going to make sure the phenomenon was authentic. I had to do something that would give the apparent impossibility I was witnessing some sense of validity.

In a childlike way, I felt the levitation would be more real for me if I knew firsthand that nothing was underneath his body. I was sitting in the front row of the audience. I reached underneath Michio’s hovering body, pretending my only intention was to grab a notebook behind him. I discovered Michio was, indeed, floating in midair! There was only empty space underneath him. Inserting myself physically into the incomprehensible picture before me made the whole scene more authentic for me.
After about ten minutes, Michio’s body gently descended to the floor. He opened his eyes and shared offhandedly, “Levitation is very easy. It is a natural, simple process. You all can do it.”

Then he proceeded to tell us how to levitate. He spoke casually, as if he were describing how to ride a bicycle, “You simply empty your mind and clear your consciousness. Eliminate yourself of ego and self-absorption. When you are completely purged of awareness of the small self, of identifying with the personality, you are free to move with the natural rhythm of the universe. You are no longer weighted down with self-concern and limiting beliefs. You are then able to utilize the electro-magnetic wave energy that moves between the earth and the sun, moon, planets and all the heavenly bodies in the universe.”

Sensing that he was losing his audience again, he paused and then elaborated, “On a hot day, you can actually see the wave motion of this universal energy as it undulates the air over hot pavement. You can measure the powerful effect of this energy on the ocean: this invisible force causes the sea to rise and fall, creating the ocean tides. You can see this pattern of universal pulsation in the rolling of the ocean waves, the rhythm of rock strata in canyons and the formation of sand dunes in the desert. This universal, undulating motion creates all the spiral patterns you find in nature—from whirls in sea shells, twirling plant growth, twisted tree trunks and swirling ocean currents to water funnels going down the drain. The natural flow of life is an energy wave motion, up and down, in and out. All the wavelike patterns and spiral formations you find in nature exist because natural elements are fluid and flexible enough to flow with the natural wave energy current of life. When you become light enough, clear enough of ego-concern, you can let this wave energy move you as well. That's all levitation is.”

Sensing his audience was close to grasping his meaning, Michio tossed out examples for them to identify with. “Observe children, dogs and wild animals tap into this universally available energy source. To them, it’s natural. Haven’t you seen children and dogs in a park or on a beach as they run and jump all day without getting tired? If a child or dog feels especially happy and carefree, you’ll see them jumping two or three times higher than they normally can. We all know wild animals have extraordinary abilities to jump and leap, as well as run long distances very fast and long. Indigenous, tribal natives who retain their childlike innocence and openness in adulthood can run 100 miles in a single day without being tired. This is because they are light and empty enough to flow with universal energy. They allow the natural energy pulsation between the earth and other bodies to propel them. That is what the Star Wars screenwriter meant when he said, “May the Force be with you.” His characters had learned how to surf the Force. When you become fluid and malleable, you also can ride this energy and float."

Immediately after the lecture, I ran up to Michio, voicing my excitement over what I witnessed. He turned to me and smiled one of those accepting smiles I came to love.

“Most will not remember the levitation, Keith.”

I protested, exclaiming that, of course, they’d remember such a fantastic display of levitation, not to mention actual instructions on how anyone could do it. He simply shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe some. But very few.”

Determined to prove him wrong, I joined the attendees milling about the lecture hall and questioned small pockets of people about what they witnessed. To my astonishment, the majority of the audience didn’t see Michio levitate; they perceived him simply kneeling in meditation!

A minority of the audience did witness the levitation. Yet, of the people who stated that evening that they saw his body float, only a handful stuck by their statement the following day. The rest of the witnesses could no longer remember having seen the body levitate!

I reminded these witnesses that they had admitted seeing the feat just the evening before. But they took back their words—and their experience. As one observer replied incredulously, "Oh, no. I never said that. I never saw that. All I saw was Michio kneeling on the floor." They changed their story and their memory by the next morning!

What an awakening for me! I was forced to recognize how strenuously we humans hold onto our current, familiar, thus comfortable, views of reality.

On three other occasions, I observed Michio suspend his body in midair for ten minutes in front of several hundred people. After each demonstration, I questioned people in the same way I did after the first levitation. The same pattern played out: admission on the day of the event followed by a retraction the next day! Seeing, then denying. When I followed up the next day with professed witnesses of the event, most of them changed their story. Overnight, the fact of a fascinating levitation was demoted to a memory of mere grounded meditation. Only a few of the witnesses retained the experience of the levitation from the evening it happened until the next morning!

Furthermore, with the passage of time, even the few people who remembered the levitation the morning after, began to reinterpret, invalidate or completely forget they ever witnessed Michio float in the air. In other words, the further in time we got from the actual miracle, the fewer people remembered seeing it.

The only witnesses who remembered over time that they witnessed Michio levitate were people who saw him—or another gifted being—levitate on more than one occasion.

What’s going on here? I asked myself. What a lesson in the filtering power of our programmed preconceptions. We only see what we’re conditioned to see. We only perceive what we expect to perceive!

Over the years, I’ve found this perceptual filtering often goes along with the witnessing of supernormal abilities. I call it “spiritual amnesia.” The mind works fast to cover up any evidence that contradicts its own rigid perimeters regarding what is possible in its world. This malady is like a 24-hour flu virus. It’s easy to catch in our culture. The effects of the syndrome last just long enough to wipe out any memory of an unusual event that doesn’t fit into our expected range of possibilities! By the next day, the extraordinary event is either made ordinary by the mind and memory, or forgotten altogether.

In my career as a journalist covering natural disasters and crisis situations, I’ve encountered the invalidating effect of spiritual amnesia after every major superhuman feat that was out of the box—beyond the envelop or scope of what most people believe is possible. A prime example is the seemingly extraordinary ability of people to lift and keep aloft heavy vehicles until a loved one or stranger is rescued from danger. In the making of a documentary on the subject, I found out this act of extra-normal strength has occurred at least once in practically every community in the country! And, as with levitation, it’s usually only those people who have witnessed this extraordinary human ability more than once who are able and willing to remember that it occurred at all.

Later that same year, I fell victim to the insidious power of spiritual amnesia in my own psyche. Until a friend at work mentioned levitation one day, I never considered attempting this skill myself. Recounting Michio’s floating feat to my co-worker, I got so re-invigorated about the subject that I decided to try to levitate when I got home from work that very evening. I planned to use Michio’s technique of tapping into universal wave energy. Yet, by the time I got home that evening, I totally forgot about my intentions to levitate!

It was months later that some reference in my environment again triggered my memory of wanting to levitate. Again, I forgot my plans by the time I was in a suitable situation to act on them. The same lapse of memory and carry-through concerning my notions to levitate occurred many times over the following years. I usually remembered my objective to levitate when I was at work during the day, only to forget again by the time I got home in the evening. It ultimately took writing down the levitation plans on paper during the day for me to remember it in the evening!
When the auspicious event finally occurred, it took me several hours to empty myself of self-absorption and quiet my mind enough to successfully tap into the electro-magnetic energy force field Michio mentioned in his lectures. Finally, I felt very clear and calm. My kneeling body started to lift off the floor! I felt my body rising. I opened my eyes, looked down and saw I was about a foot off the ground. As soon as I saw that startling reality, my whole body was immediately filled with the thunderous sound of "NNNOOOOO!!!!” This heavy, loud “NO!” filled every cell of my body, and I came crashing to the floor.

It took me years to recover psychologically from that “NO!” I felt very guilty, as if I had done something wrong and prohibited—like I’d committed some crime against nature. Several years passed before I tried levitation again. The same thing happened. I started lifting off the floor. I noticed that I had the thought, I'm levitating. I'm rising. And as soon as the reality of the floating hit my awareness, again, immediately, this loud, forceful, heavy “NO!” pervaded my body. It came from every cell in my body, and from deep within myself. I crashed to the floor.

Not one to give up on something I really want, I tried levitation again years later. This time I attempted my experiment with two friends, Giana and Steve. During an evening of intimate, honest conversation, I told them the story of Michio’s levitation. "Let's try it," they exclaimed in unison. Giana and Steve were the first people with whom I shared his story who were motivated to try to levitate themselves.

With all our excitement and expectation, it took hours of meditation for us to get quiet and clear our minds. When we finally did empty our minds, we all began to rise at the same time. I saw their bodies lifting off the floor. However, as soon as Giana and Steve noticed they were a foot above the floor, they came crashing down together. Watching their descent triggered me into “thinking.” I came right down after them.

Like me, Giana and Steve felt a strong sensation of shame and guilt—like they had done something wrong or prohibited. That night, we talked about our levitation experiment at length. But the next morning the “spiritual amnesia” had already set in and we all went off to work without mentioning the miraculous occurrence of the previous evening. And none of the three of us ever referred to that evening’s adventure again in the following years of acquaintance. I have since lost touch with both friends.

I often wonder if I could entice Giana and Steve to remember the evening we explored the wonder of surfing the waves of the universe. I often wonder if I could entice myself to fly again. With considerable embarrassment, I must admit I haven’t made another attempt to levitate since my exploits with Giana and Steve. I’m waiting for the right moment and situation. It hasn’t felt intuitively right for me to re-attempt flight. I haven’t gotten the impetus or clearance from my inner coach to undertake another experiment in expanding my known universe in this way.

My reluctance can be further explained through the inherent meaning of the word experiment. When we take a look at the Latin components, we discover the source of the word’s meaning: Ex-to go out of, beyond. Periment-perimeter, boundary, border, periphery. Experiment-to go beyond the boundary. According to Webster’s, another Latin root of the word contributes to a deeper understanding: pericul-danger, trial, test. Thus, experiment-danger in going beyond the boundaries—which is what a lot of us feel when we test the borders of our known world.

Through much exploration, I’ve learned the wisdom of waiting for intuitive guidance as to when, how far and under what circumstances I venture into new, uncharted territory. The perils are considerable in barging ahead heedless of one’s inner compass. Someday soon, I hope to get the go-ahead again from my inner coach that I am strong and clear enough to go beyond my old, known borders to enjoy “the incredible lightness of being.”

Body Glove Watches: Water Sports and Elagance

2008-01-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

Body Glove, a company from in Redondo Beach, Clifornia, founded in 1953 and specialized in wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, footwear, accessories, and technology accessories, continues to expand its product lines with an exciting new range of wristwatches, a line of functional and performance inspired watches for men and women. Body Glove has joined forces with Time Concepts, LLC, a new company established by the founder and CEO of Luminox watches.

Time Concepts was established as a "watch platform" onto which new...watch brands will be placed, the first among them being the new Body Glove watch collection. With more than 25 years in the chronometric products business, Barry Cohen, founder of Luminox watches, established Time Concepts in 2006 to serve as a separate entity from Luminox for the development of branded watch programs and private label opportunities within the world of timepieces. Design development is under way on 24 more styles within the Body Glove brand, to be released later in 2007, as well as two other brands of watches to be released in the future, in addition to ongoing work on private label OEM watch programs for other companies.

The Body Glove watches are very popular among the aquatic sports fans. They are not only very appealing, but they are also a perfect choice for the active lifestyle of the Body Glove customers. They have all the functions of a regular dive watch and yet they are far more elegant. As a throw back to the era when the company was founded, the watch line includes a heritage retro collection with chronographs that have oversized crowns and pushers, braided leather straps and antique dials.

All of these timepieces possess the singular Body Glove fashion, while maintaining the brand's unmistakable pursuit for performance. In keeping with Body Glove's root product�- the wetsuit, all watches were made for humid environments, and just as functions for wetsuits are various, so too is the watch line. These beautiful watches come in a variety of colors and with an assortment of different materials including waterproof leather, nylon, polyurethane and stainless steel. The new Body Glove watches are a great choice whether you are on land or in the water, whether you are on a surfboard or in a luxury car.

Surfing History

2008-01-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

In the early 1900's the Hawaiians organized the Hui Nalu (surf club) and competed in neighborly surf competitions with the Outrigger Canoe Club. This drew a great deal of attention to the Waikiki surf shore, bringing a revitalized interest in the sport, which had fallen out of favor in the late 1800s. Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic star in swimming, popularized the sport further by traveling internationally and showing off his surfing style to thrilled audiences around the world. He was favored by...Hollywood elite; having acted in bit parts in films and was always recruiting new surfers wherever he went. He is credited with surfing the longest wave of all time in 1917, in the popular surfing area now called Outside Castles in Waikiki. His 1000 meters plus wave record has yet to be overtaken.

In the 1930s, the sport of surfing was experiencing a Renaissance. Tom Blake, founder of the Pacific Coast Surf Championships that ended with the onset of war in 1941, was the first man to photograph surfing from the water. Another photographer and surfer named Doc Ball published California Surfriders 1946, which depicts the pristine coastal beaches and good-time, relaxed atmosphere of surf living. Surfing, although curtailed in the aftermath of WWII, revived as always by the 1950s. Bud Browne, an accomplished surfer and waterman, created the first 'surf movie' with his 1953 "Hawaiian Surfing Movie". This inspired many photographers, filmmakers and surfers to continue documenting the sport, culminating with is arguably the best surf movie of all time, 1963's "Endless Summer" by Bruce Brown. The film opened up the genre of the surf movie and the art of surfing to non-surfing people, accumulating fans and inspiring neophytes.

Although surfing was a male-dominated sport, adventurous women surfers can be seen all the way back to the times of the Polynesian Queens. Two notable 'surfer girls' were Eve Fletcher and Anona Napolean. Eve Fletcher was a California-born animator for Walt Disney and Anona Napolean was the daughter of a respected Hawaiian surfing family. The two pioneered the sport for modern women, winning surfing competitions up and down the California coast at the end of the 50s and into the 60s. Hollywood was quick to be on the scene and with the 1959 film "Gidget", surfing was flung far out into the mainstream, never to return to its humble, ritualistic beginnings. "Gidget" inspired a slew of "Beach Blanket Bingo" movies that brought surfing to a new generation of teens and inspiring a new genre of 'surf music' that accompanied films and made The Beach Boys more famous than Elvis in the 60s.

Surfing spread throughout all media and Surfing Magazine was born in the early 1960s by famous surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis. After that, other publications cropped up bringing more information on the sport, equipment and stars of the surfing scene. John Severson, an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, created Surfer Magazine, originally called "The Surfer". These publications brought advertising, professional surfing, surf culture and publicity to the now very popularized sport.

Lords of Dogtown: the Real Story of the Z-boys

2008-01-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

The site of the former Pacific Ocean Park in the beach district on the Venice and Santa Monica border is something of a sacred legend within the skateboarding and surfing community. The area, which is nicknamed Dogtown, was immortalised in the 2001 skateboarding documentary, Dogtown and Z-Boys, and later in the 2005 feature film, Lords of Dogtown, which was based on the...the characters and events introduced in Dogtown and Z-Boys.

Dogtown and Z-Boys, directed by Stacy Peralta (himself a member of the original Z-Boys) and narrated by Hollywood star Sean Penn, tells the history of skateboarding. The documentary charts the story of a group of teenage surfer/skateboarders in Santa Monica, known as the Z-Boys, and their influence on the history of skateboarding (and to a lesser extent surfing) culture, using a mix of film of the Z-Boys shot in the 1970s and more recently conducted interviews.

The aerial and sliding skate moves that the Z-Boys invented were the basis for the aerial skateboarding and surfing still popular today. These were just twelve ordinary teenagers who hung out in the Santa Monica neighbourhood of Dogtown who just wanted to surf and skate. They could never have known that they would start a revolution by turning what was a recreational past-time into an extreme sport.

Considered the most influential skateboard team in history, the Z-Boy movement continues to this day as an expression of performance, innovation and style.

Known officially as the Zephyr Skateboard Team, the Z-Boys began when they transferred their surf skills to drain pipes and empty swimming pools with stunning results. Their acrobatic maneuvers inspired generations of teens to join the skateboarding frenzy and catapulted them to fame and fortune; the majority of the original Z-Boys went on to compete professionally. Bob “Bullet” Biniak retired from skating in 1980, but went on to play golf professionally, while the only female member of the Z-Boys, Peggy Oki, rejected skating in favour of surfing, and has competed in surf contests all over the world. Jim Muir and Tony Alva both rejected deals from major skate companies to set up on their own, and were the first skateboarders to ever do so.

In 2005, Stacy Peralta wrote the screenplay for Lords of Dogtown, which dramatically retold the Dogtown days. Starring Heath Ledger and Rebecca De Mornay, and featuring a cameo from perhaps the world’s most famous modern day skateboarder Tony Hawk, Lords of Dogtown focused more on the relationships between the Z-Boys, looking at their friendships, how they coped with fame, and how they grew more and more competitive towards one another. It also focused heavily on the tragic loss of Z-Boy associate Sid, who lost a battle against brain cancer.

Skateboarders or surfers keen to make a pilgrimage to the legendary and iconic Dogtown for themsleves can find a hotel in Santa Monica for their accomodation needs, and thankfully, the area has improved a lot since the Dogtown days.

The story of the Dogtown and Z-Boys is an inspiring tale of determination, rebellion, and friendship, and even those who have no interest in skateboarding or surfing, and been won over by this fascinating little piece of American sub-culture.

Water Sports and Surfing in California

2008-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

With its fabulous, year-round warm climate, California has been synonymous with surfing and the sporty, tanned, blonde-haired types who have participated in the sport since the 1960s. As such, you'd be hard pressed to find somewhere better to go if you want to ride the best waves! The undisputed hotbed of surfing in California is San Diego - the state’s second largest city. Here, you’ll find fantastic Pacific beaches with facilities specifically designed for surfers and...other water sports users, as well as some of the biggest waves that the Pacific has to offer.

Home to several of the surfing industry’s biggest manufacturers and famous pro surfer Rob Machado, the city’s hottest surfing beaches can be found at Black’s Beach, Swamis, Windansea and, of course, at San Diego’s biggest beach: Mission Bay. Attracting millions of visitors each year, San Diego’s beaches are packed with surfers eager to ride the waves; and on the days when the surf isn’t up to par, you'll be able to participate in other exciting water sports - such as water-skiing, jet skiing and paragliding.

Instruction in all water sports disciplines is available at Mission Bay Beach, with some of the biggest and best water sports schools to be found there. Just beyond the beach there is a massive park that offers other recreational activities, such as volleyball and basketball; but with plenty of picnic areas and outdoor barbeques, this park quickly fills up during the summer months, so sun-lovers must get there early to secure their spot!

Many of the best hotels in San Diego are also found in the Mission Bay Beach area, which - at only six miles from the international airport - is convenient to reach and also serves as a great base from which to explore the city and its surroundings.

As California’s second largest city you’ll find there is much to do in San Diego when you’re not surfing, swimming or generally splashing around in the sea; you'll be able to visit everything from some of California's best art museums to local zoos! The San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man and the Natural History Museum are all popular attractions and are all found in the picturesque Balboa Park, along with the Museum of Photographic Arts.

Other cultural highlights include local theatres, opera and the San Diego Symphony. The city is also home to two major US sporting franchises: the NFL's Chargers and the Padres, a popular Major League Baseball team. If none of those alternative attractions or activities tickle your fancy, how about trying the impressive San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, the Wild Animal Park, or even the theme park at Legoland?

Whatever attracts you to San Diego, whether it's sun, sand, surf or the sights, you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly locals, who will do all they can to help you enjoy your holiday.

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational: Can you Ride Ten Meter Waves?

2007-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

In November each year, the North Shore of Oahu – Hawaii’s big island – proves a magnet for the world’s most hardened surfers. It is here that waves, having travelled 1,000 miles across the Pacific crash onto the shore as enormous rollers. Many surf competitions are held on the North Shore in winter, but the biggest is undoubtedly the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. This competition has no set dates but is called when the waves at Waimea Bay reach heights in excess of ten metres.

The competition is named after an unassuming surf champion who passed away...in 1978 in tragic circumstances at the age of 32. Answering the call for volunteers from the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Eddie Aikau agreed to be part of the crew seeking to recreate an ancient Polynesian migration between Hawaii and the Tahitian chain, some 2,400 miles south of Honolulu. Travelling in a replica double-hulled canoe, Aikau and his fellow crew members left Hawaii on March 16th but soon ran into difficulties.

After developing a leak in one of the hulls, the canoe eventually capsized, dumping everyone into the Pacific. Clinging onto the stricken vessel, Aikau and the hapless crew became caught up in a strong southerly current which took them 12 miles to the West of the island of Lanai. As their situation became increasingly desperate and with no rescue forthcoming, Aikau insisted on attempting to swim to Lanai to raise help. Eventually his captain reluctantly agreed and he swam off into the distance at 10.30 that morning, never to be seen again. The rest of his crew remained with the capsized canoe and were rescued by midnight.

Prior to his tragic demise, Eddie was a champion surfer, an extremely well-respected member of the Hawaiian surfing community and the first lifeguard at the Waimea Bay Beach Park, North Shore, where his memorial statue now stands. During his role as a lifeguard on the North Shore Eddie saved the lives of many swimmers and surfers and not a single person was lost on his watch.

If you wish to witness the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational it is worth considering that, although the North Shore of Oahu is undeniably beautiful, it offers limited accommodation options. It would be better to stay at one of the many hotels in Waikiki, Honolulu, on the south of the island and drive up to the North Shore when the invitational is announced. As it only happens when the waves exceed ten metres you might want to while away your time in lively Honolulu and practice your surfing skills on Waikiki Beach rather than kick your heels at the North Beach.

Sydneys World Famous Beach

2007-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Bondi Beach is one of Australias most famous beaches and among the worlds most well known beaches. The beach is roughly a kilometre long and is patrolled by lifesavers who make swimmers stay between the yellow and red flags.

Bondi Beach is located on the east coast of Australia and is a suburb of the city of Sydney.

Bondi has become synonymous with Sydneys beach lifestyle, busloads of Japanese tourists, for example, frequently travel...to Bondi direct from the airport, just so they can feel the warm yellow sand between their toes.

It has become a favourite of the so called barmy army or better known as the British tourists, who annually gather on its sands for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas in the sun.

Due to the worldwide popularity, Bondi is now home to numerous youth hostels with backpackers who congregate mainly in the summer months so it is not uncommon to hear Norwegian, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish or Spanish while walking across the beach or through the cafes.

Bondi Beach has a vaguely alternative feel, despite the obvious commercialism present, and attracts a large number of individualist, for example, for the guy who will strip off near the shops, to walk stark naked through the traffic on Campbell Parade, before going down to the beach.

It is very tolerant as topless sunbathing is common and gay and lesbian couples displaying affection is common.

The two biggest bars in Bondi are the Beach Road Hotel and Bondi Hotel. Both are excellent places to catch the finals in a cricket match or have a few drinks with your mates. Another great bar is at the previously mentioned Bondi Icebergs, it has a great view of the beach and relatively cheap drinks.

Make sure to take some form of ID that proves you live outside a 5km radius as this is a club and the rule require that you be a member if you are inside 5km. Of course, if you want to be seen then go for Ravesis on the corner of Hall St and Campbell parade.

It attracts the so called beautiful people, or at least those who think they are beautiful. The locals will tend to go for BBs. Relocated from its cramped spot on Curlewis St, BBs is hidden down an alley next to the Mambo surf shop on Campbell Parade. Live music, surf videos and a more relaxed vibe than the goldfish bowl up the road.

How to Paint a Surfboard

2007-12-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Let’s pimp your ride.

First you’ll need to decide whether you want to paint the whole board, or just do a groovy design. I’ll walk you through both processes.

Step 1: Stuff You'll Need.

Acrylic auto spray-paint:

- Undercoat (1 x 150ml can).

- Main colour (I used 3 x 150ml cans of Holts, colour: Aurora).

- Clear top coat (about 300ml).

If you want to do funky designs you’ll need water-based paint pens. Legendary...board artist Drew Brophy sells Sharpie pens.

One roll low-tack masking tape.

One sheet 600-grit sandpaper.

A newspaper.

Step 2: Cleaning.

Set yourself up in a well ventilated area, out of the wind or you’ll get bugs stuck everywhere.

Pull the stomp pad off carefully (gently pry it with a scraper as you pull). Or you can leave it on and tape over it with newspaper later if you want to do a quick job and paint around it.

Now clean that board. I mean really clean it. Scrape the wax off then scrub the board thoroughly to remove all traces of wax, salt and grime (you can use a Wax Pickle for this). Don’t use any harsh solvents or your stick may melt into a bubbling mess. Repair dings.

Step 3: Sanding.

Give it a light but thorough sand all over. Don’t be lazy when it comes to sanding. I skimped out on this step and the paint's chipping off in places.

This is particularly important on high wearing areas like the nose, rails and tail.

Step 4: Spray Painting.

Set the board up so you can hold the cans vertically when spraying. Use long, smooth horizontal strokes that overlap a little.

It's preferable to do a couple of nice even thin coats as the paint will drip and look crap if you spray it on too thick.

If you suck at spray painting practice on newspaper first. Paint the less visible areas to begin with (like around your fins or on top of your deck where your wax goes).

Read paint instructions for drying time.

One layer of undercoat, then two coats of your primary colour. Give a light sand between coats.

If you want to have multiple colours tape off other areas with newspaper to protect them.

Step 5: Funky Designs.

If you want to get crazy use water-based paint marker pens to do designs. They allow a lot of colour and detail.

You can also tape off stencils any spray ‘em.

Sketch a draft first. Brave Surf recommend you THINK BIG for your design, since small stuff wont show up.

Don't worry if you mess up. Just tape over the rest of the design, re-spray where you stuffed up, then start again.

Step 6: Topcoat.

Finish off with two or three layers of clear topcoat.

Now you can say it’s a Tuflite and flick it to a punter on eBay.

You’ll make millions.

Visit learninghowtosurf.com for more surfing tips.

The Best Beaches in California

2007-12-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

Visitusa.com humbly presents its list for what we believe are the best beaches in California. Of all the beaches California has to offer, we think these are tops! If you can find better beaches in California, then we'll eat out hat (metaphorically speaking)!

Malibu Lagoon Beach:
A beautiful lagoon beach with 22 acres of wetlands, gardens and sandy beach. It's considered one of the worlds premiere surfing beaches. On the...east side of the Malibu Creek Bridge is the Malibu Pier, which is excellent for saltwater fishing. On the west side is a nature area.

Venice Beach:
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a trip to this iconic beach. Street performers, artists and "the beautiful people" mingle and stroll all the way to Santa Monica along the famous boardwalk that runs through this inimitable California beach town.

El Capitan Beach:
This shady, sandy, Santa Barbara beach features rocky tide pools along El Capitan Creek. It's perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A long stairway gives access from the bluffs to beach and a bike trail connects the park with Refugio State Beach.

Ocean Beach:
O.B. as the locals call it is a laid-back beach-community know for its surfers and liberal politics. It is an eclectic beach community with a leash free "dog beach", a fishing pier, swimming, surfing and volleyball. It has separate swimming and surfing zones, which is definitely a good idea.

Rio Del Mar Beach:
This long, sandy beach is found in the town of Aptos, California, in Santa Cruz County. It features fire rings and a barbecue and picnic area and is a popular summer beach. It is also the home to the "cement boat" a long stranded freighter ship.

Muir Beach:
This beach is less than a half hour drive from San Francisco down scenic Hwy I. It's one of the most glorious regions of Northern California in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fishing, surfing and campfires are allowed, and there are many coastal trails above the beach for hikers to explore.

Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove:
This splendid black sand beach is a great place for Whale watching. Located north of the small hamlet of Shelter Cove in a remote region of the "Lost Coast", it's the trailhead for the famous King Range hike. This is a day only beach, so campers will have to head for the mountains.

La Jolla's Beaches:
La Jolla means "the jewel," a fitting name for the precious beaches of La Jolla's coast. Surfers prefer Windansea beach, harbor seals love the Children's Pool, La Jolla Shores is popular for swimming and sunbathing, while the Cove is a favorite snorkeling spot.

Drake's Beach:
This vast stretch of white sand can be found at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The areas strong winds and choppy seas make it at little too violent for most swimmers, but sun worshippers will be delighted by the opportunity to work on their tans in a beautiful California outdoor hotspot.

Skiing Clothing Basics for the Beginner

2007-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Downhill skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the country. Every year, almost seven million Americans hit the ski slopes. This dwarfs by a factor of three other winter sports such as cross country skiing and ice hockey. Only the ever increasing in popularity sport of snowboarding comes close with a little over six million snowboarders in the country.

Skiing is a great all around...exercise. It's excellent for strengthening the upper leg muscles such as the thigh as well as the lower calf. A season of skiing will strengthen the shoulders and back and will help to trim your stomach. Skiing is also excellent aerobically. Experts estimate that an adult skiing with moderate effort, will burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories an hour.

But in addition to its exercise benefits, Alpine skiing is also an exhilarating sport. Nothing quite compares to it. Olympic caliber skiers can top 80 miles per hour. But for a novice, even skiing at 5 miles per hours is a thrill.

So what are the dressing basics for alpine skiing? There are six essentials that every beginner should start with:

UV Rated Goggles or sunglasses - No, these are not just for style, although stylish sunglasses are always cool. You need sunglasses or goggles with a good UV protection rating. UV light can do real damage to the eyes ranging from simple sunblindness to major cataract problems. The best UV rated sunglasses are 100% UV protective and most are relatively inexpensive.

Hat - You can lose up to 80% of your body heat through your head. Most heat, as we know by now, escapes through the head. A good ski hat will keep you warm, even in the coldest of temperatures. Some of the nicer hats will even have ear protection.

Sunscreen - Skiing is a fun sport and you can easily spend an entire day on the slopes and in the sun without realizing it. Sunscreen serves the same purpose on a ski slope as it does on a beach. On an especially bright and sunny day, you can get a sunburn in as little as 20 minutes. A good sunscreen will protect you from the sun's UV radiation and from sunburn.

Gloves or mittens - to keep hands warm. If you want the best, you can pay well over $100 for a good pair of ski gloves. You'll want gloves that breathe well, are flexible, with some water proofing, and that are warm. Mittens are generally warmer than gloves, but gloves are more stylish and will do fine in most cases. Pick whichever you are more comfortable with.

Jacket and pants - to keep warm and protect you from hypothermia. The main feature you want in a ski jacket and pants is that they are water proof. This usually means that you want ones with a good polytetrafluoro-ethylene or PTFE membrane. PTFE is often laminated to nylon and polyester materials giving them excellent water protection but still allowing them to breathe. Of course, you will want jackets and pants that are warm and stylish also.

These are the minimalist clothing basics that every skier should have in order to have the best experience possible on the mountains.

Latest Adventure - Try Mudslide Surfing!

2007-12-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Are you tried of the same old vacation activity?

The young family members will love you for some of these helpful resources for travel and adventure. Put excitement back into your life.

There is something for everyone.

Mark Miller reports from Malibu, Calif., that mudslide surfing is the latest adventure craze sport. Miller is a writer...for the Weekly World News known for weird sports and travel hot spots.

These mudsliding enthusiasts network to find fast-moving landslides that generally occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt.

"They usually start on steep hillsides as shallow landslides that liquefy and accelerate to speeds that are typically about 10 miles per hour, but can exceed 35 miles per hour. The consistency of mudslides ranges from watery mud to thick, rocky mud that can carry large items such as boulders, trees and cars. Lately, however, they've been carrying something new -- surfers!" reports Miller

"Mudslide surfing is the greatest sport ever!" gushed mudslide surfing enthusiast Matthew 'Wild Dog' Davar, who lives on a hill above Malibu. "On rainy days I used to have to stay inside. Not anymore. Now, I can't wait till it rains. I just set foot out my front door and I'm good to go!"

They have specially laminated fiberglass boards reinforced with hardened steel sheets built to stand up to the mudslides. These boards must travel over dangerous debris, such as, snapped trees, downed power lines and destroyed homes.

Other obstacles they have to avoid are fire crews and volunteers searching for people buried under huge avalanches of rubble and sun-baked mud.

"But what sport doesn't have its downside?" asked Davar. "When I'm riding that mudflow, in complete control of my board, whipping past emergency vehicles and panicked people screaming and crying that they've lost everything -- well, that kind of adventure is worth the little inconveniences."

When I was a kid we played on the newly constructed freeway bridges before the road were completed. There were four of us who would jump off a twelve foot tall bridge and bury up to the waste in mud. Mother never did find our how we got so muddy.

How do you find your next adventure?

Plan something very unusual and give your family a treat. How about a South Pacific vacation for family fun and a great way to enjoy a tropical holiday?

If all else fails to intrigue the young family members try mudslide surfing like Davar does in Malibu.

Are you interested in a family adventure, outdoor retreats, unique vacations, surfing, mountain climbing, river rafting, or a boating adventure? I found hundreds of choices at both these two sites: and http://www.aboating.com and http://www.dixieretreat.com

Do you want a family or a solo adventure. The ultimate site to find details and suggestions for your next trip is: http://www.aadventuresz.com. And for TV reality survival reality adventures I like this one: http://www.panamala.com

Relax! Get Away With A Vacation Cruise

I've found two interesting websites dedicated to adventure travel and cruises with great linking resources to hundreds of small private getaways. Check out these wonderful sites: http://www.travelxy.com and http://www.ahcruise.com. You can cruise the Nile, Bahamas or Panama. I found cheap tickets, links, articles and a new forum to share your good or not-so-good travel experiences.

Some offer free advice and travel coupons. There are many priceless adventures and too many to name here. Just check out some of the resources. Remember to bookmark the ones you want to find again.

Looking for the best unique private adventure for the man in the family. Try this resource: http://www.ulovehunting.com and http://www.afishingpage.com/ .

I'm heading to Panama for a two week vacation where I will visit Panama City with friends and family since I used to live there. I have a weekend flight to Bocas del Torro and reservations at a B&B that is completely built over the water. It is a little wooden two story house with four rooms for rent. The dining room is open air. Your have to go by boat taxi to get there. The taxi costs $2.00. It is so quiet at night that you can hear the water slapping the wood posts and you can almost hear the cangrejos (crabs) fighting over their food on the beach nearby.

Happy adventures!

Sailing, Surfing and Skiing: The Best Vacations for Water Sports Lovers!

2007-12-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

How do you define a perfect vacation? For many it just means great climate, a nearby ocean shore and sandy beaches. We all need vacations so that our life does not become monotonous. There are a number of hot spots for those who love water sports like sailing, surfing and skiing. Some of them are listed below:

St. Lucia is a tropical island paradise. It is 27 miles....in length and 14 miles in width. It is actually a great place for sailors. It is just like a sailors paradise. There are so many exciting adventures and anchorages along the western coastline. The explorers can indulge in various activities. You can sail till Rodney Bay (along the west coast) and have fun on the beach in Pigeon Island National park. Here, you can enjoy great dinner and cocktail as there are excellent restaurants at night to dine in.

You can next visit the Volcano by sailing to Soufriere. You can also visit the Botanical Gardens, the Mineral Baths and Diamond Falls. You can then visit Ansa Cochon which is a perfect beach for snorkeling. You can also visit the romantic and famous Pitons. Enjoy the natural beauty of St. Lucia. You can visit the Jalousie Plantation Resorts beach in the afternoon or keep on snorkeling.

You must get back to Marigot before it turns dark. You can have an excellent Caribbean view. There are some great restaurants and you can dine as per your choice.

You can find surfers at some reachable shore in the Caribbean. Water sports freaks around the world rush to Barbados because of the Soup Bowl which is at Bathsheba. Even the champions/winners of water sports have been here and loved the friendly atmosphere, warm water and the uncrowded waves. Bathsheba is known for big thundering barrels and fast walls.

Surfers from round the world have loved to surf at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. This place is full with tourists in the month of November. The waves are perfect during this time of the year and the International Surfing Championship also takes place in November. Surfers just love the friendly atmosphere here and they rent bay houses and enjoy their stay.

St. Vincent has Shipping Bay and Lagoon Bay where there are good waves towards the windward side. A good surfing place can also be found at Trinidad on the east coast. The surfers enjoy surfing through out the day in the Caribbean.

If you wish to go skiing, visit the Water skiing at Ski Paradise. It is situated in Acapulco in Mexico. It has been actually rated by the Water Ski Magazine as the best ski site in the world. You can have a fabulous time here. It is good for everyone whether you are a beginner or a pro. It is the best place for water ski and other sport activities. You can find comfortable and nice accommodations here. What more, you may actually get instructions from some well know celebrities. Other than skiing, you can also enjoy sport fishing, tennis and golf here.

Acapulco has a great climate and an amazing night life. This city of a million people has some awesome beaches too. You will have the time of your life here with great skiing, amazing climate, food and people. You can also visit the Fuerte de San Diego which was built in 1616. It is a Spanish fort. In case you love adventure, hire a taxi and drive through the zigzag streets of the old town. You will see the ancient sites here.

Other than these top spots for surfing and skiing there are several other places too for water sports enthusiasts. Such vacations can be found anywhere on the West or the East coast. Such vacations are affordable and very enjoyable!

Taking Sport to its Limits.

2007-12-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

Around the nineteen eighties a new term, extreme sports, evolved to embrace the growing development of sporting activities that involved an increased element of individualism coupled with an element of danger not associated with traditional sports.

Eagerly taken up by the youth of the day as well as adults, activities such as bungee jumping, hang gliding, sky diving, rock climbing, mountaineering and scuba diving grew in popularity aided by the growth in...disposable incomes enjoyed by teenagers and the twenty pluses.

During the last twenty-five years, largely due to the recognition by the marketing industry of the potential for profit, extreme sports have undergone a significant demographic change.

Adults still involve themselves in the more established extreme sports but the emphasis has changed to involving youth and promoting activities that, while still needing high levels of skills and dicing with danger, also require specialized gear and clothing.

If you are a parent you will know the importance of brand names to the young and the marketing boys were quick to exploit this new market.

Nowadays the term extreme sports has become associated with youth culture and the popularity of the specialized sporting activities that the younger generation have become involved in.

From the beginning most extreme sports have differed from conventional sports in two major areas, they are not a team effort and neither is competition against another a required element.

It is the rush of adrenalin associated with facing and overcoming a potentially dangerous, or even life threatening, obstacle that provides the buzz that modern over protected youth craves for.

As an example take a look at skate boarding, is there any adult out there that has not been amazed by the dangerous stunts that these kids seem able to perform so nonchalantly.

However they have to wear what looks like a quite a large amount of specialized gear to perform in.

Apart from the skateboard there are elbow and knee protectors, safety helmet and don't forget the trendy designer label clothing and footwear.

BMX racing, snowboarding, wind surfing, paragliding and all the other youth orientated extreme sports have one thing in common and that is expensive gear.

So parents be warned, encourage your children to take up a traditional sport, tennis football, baseball, cricket, hockey, athletics or swimming.

Oops, sorry, made a mistake as they all need expensive gear and most are just as dangerous as many so called extreme sports. I suppose all we can do is grin and bear it, pay the bills and pray they stay safe.

Thinking of Surfing? Know the Right Equipment You Will Need Beforehand

2007-12-23T04:07:00.000-08:00

If you have recently been thinking of taking up surfing, you are going to need to know exactly what equipment you will need before you start. You may or may not have thought about it, but there are various pieces of equipment which are absolutely essential in surfing.

The Equipment You Will Need

When thinking of which equipment you will need, you need to first know what type of surfing you are going to be partaking in. Most people do start off...with original stand-up surfing and for that you will need a surfboard.

Surfboards have been around for years, though the ones around today are a little different to the ones which were around years ago. They used to be made completely out of solid wood which meant that they were often really heavy to carry. Not really ideal when you have to run with them into the water! It wasn't until the 1940's that surfboards started to be made lighter and the material which was used to do that was 'balsa wood'. So, they were still made out of wood, only a different kind.

These days' surfboards are a lot more portable and light. They are created using polyurethane foam which has usually one or more wooden strips, polyester resin and fiberglass cloth. There are people constantly updating and improving the surfboard and at the moment they are researching a new type of board which is going to be even stronger and lighter than the fiberglass one.

Apart from a surfboard there are other types of equipment which you will need. These include a leash, surf wax, appropriate clothing, and fins. All of the mentioned are important and the leash is used to keep the surfboard close to the surfer. This helps to stop any other surfers from becoming injured if the surfer falls off the board. As it is tied on a leash, the board will not go floating away. This also helps the surfer to keep hold of the board so that they do not lose it or become stranded.

Surf Wax helps to keep the surfers feet on the board and stops the board from becoming slippery. Appropriate clothing generally depends entirely on the weather and in summer shorts are usually worn or a swimsuit for women. In winter when the weather is a lot harsher, wet suits are worn.

So, that is the equipment which you will need. If you are unsure of anything you should ask an assistant in your nearest surfing equipment store. You can also find out any questions you may have on the Internet on surfer's forums for example. Overall surfing can be fun but only if you do purchase the right equipment for the sport.

Less Extreme Adventures

2007-12-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

Extreme adventures and travel adventures are becoming more popular all the time. Some of us, however, want to have the excitement, without so much risk of injury, without getting shot at or kidnapped like Robert Pelton, and without spending a fortune. With that in mind, here are some ideas for less extreme adventure travel.

- Summit the highest peak in your state. It might be less-than-adventurous in some states, but it will at least be an excuse to get outside and get some exercise.

- Canoe down a river you've never been on. There could be an interesting one an hour away from you. If you don't have one, you can...rent the canoe, and bring a picnic.

- Treasure hunting at the beach. You can rent or buy a metal detector and spend a relaxing but interesting weekend finding coins, jewelry and who-knows-what in the sand.

- Vagabonding. Just pack for several days and start driving, with no destination in mind. See where you end up, and discover what you can.

- Surfing lessons in Montanita, Ecuador. You might want to bring your Bob Marley CD to this hippy/reggae/tourist area. The beaches are beautiful and the lessons are cheap.

- Make a raft. Find the nearest river that is large enough and has some public forest, then build a raft from dead trees and float downstream for a day.

- Cliff-diving. Try the small ones, like those on Lake Superior, near Marquette, Michigan. You'll jump fifteen feet into crystal-clear water.

- Climbing lessons on Mount Ranier in Washington. It's sure to be more exciting than my trip up a local sledding hill with my ice-axe and crampons.

- Travel monastery to monastery. You can make it a spiritual adventure or just relax. They usually have reasonably priced accommodations, and they are in beautiful places.

- Take a hot springs tour. Drive around for a few days with a guide to hot springs or directions copied off the internet. Bring suits, towels and a cooler full of refreshments. For added adventure, seek out the ones that you have to hike into the wilderness to find.

- Take a waterfall tour. If you live near an area of waterfalls, drive around for a few days to find all the ones you haven't seen. try to find ones that you can go swimming in.

What is adventure? Any activity you engage in that is somewhat new to you and doesn't have a predictable outcome. It doesn't have to be too dangerous to be interesting and fun. It could even include a trip to the nearest large city for a weekend tour of the bars. Of course, depending on the bars you choose, this could be one of the more extreme adventures.

Bali Island - a Tropical Paradise

2007-12-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

The island of Bali is located in the tropics, just about 6º South of the equator. Blessed with warm temperatures, where the variation is very small throughout the year, with sunrises at 6 am in the morning and sunsets at 6 pm. Gentle climate, friendly people and modern Villas in Bali, make this place a paradise on earth.

When planning your next vacation consider the Saner beach, situated in the southeastern side of Bali, and...just a 10-minute drive from Denpasar. Bali Villas located in this area are excellent to jog on the sandy beach and watch the sunrises. Many of those villas near the ancient temple were constructed as the first resort centers developed on the island.

If you want to rent a Villa in Bali located on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Legian and Kuta are situated in the southwest part of the island, offering surfing and other activities that watersports enthusiasts will enjoy. With many shops scattered all over the seashore, pubs and other facilities, Kuta has become the Indonesian tourist Mecca.

Traveling to any of these destinations brings you not only to Bali Villas, but also to memorable experiences enjoying the local culture, public dance performers and the pleasant and varied environment surrounding each setting, ranging from natural wilderness to romantic gateways and spiritual landmarks.

Nusa Dua is the newest luxurious resort area on the island, where you are more likely to find the most sumptuous Villas in Bali, including hotels, condos and other world-class facilities. The crystal clear water of this beach provides excellent diving and snorkeling, featuring also waves on the northern and southern area of the beach for surfing.

People wanting to rent a Villa in Bali closer to a romantic setting, the Soka Beach in the northwest of Denpasar, offers a small quiet beach, located on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town connecting Bali and Java. Nearby, and along the path towards Gilimanuk, the Medewi Beach in the village of Pulukan enriches the spirit and soul of locals and visitors.

Lovina Beach is near the northern tip of the island that lays a stretch of Bali Villas by the Bali Sea, with excellent snorkeling and diving, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. Sunset watching approaches paradise from here, a beach not as crowded as the Kuta Beach.

Last but not least on your list of Villas in Bali, are those located in Jimbaran, which offer the convenience of being located south of the airport. Jimbaran is considered as the narrow neck of the island, providing the village with the benefit of two different beaches: on the east facing the Benoa Harbor, on the west, facing the Jimbaran Bay and its luxurious resorts and Bali Villas.

The Best Wave Of My Life And The Lesson I Learned

2007-12-22T06:01:00.000-08:00

It was an average day with plenty of sunshine and we had been out for an hour or so. There were about twenty of us competing for waves and we had a right hand break that if you went through a re-form of the wave the length of you wave could be about 50 to 80 meters.

I caught a wave and right...away dropped a steep face into a tube that had me placed about six to eight feet inside of the break. I traveled in there for about thirty to forty feet and then I came out of the tube, took my board to the lip and did a re- entry and re positioned and went into another tube that went a further twenty feet or so. I came out of that tube and quickly entered another before moving onto the reform and I rode the wave all the way to the shallow water where I stepped off into shallow water.

I quickly went out and shared my wave with my elder brother and it was dismissed as he shared three or so waves he had ridden and so I thought that all I had to show for myself was a fond memory. Getting three tubes in one wave is pretty rare and getting out of them all is even rarer.

Years later I was walking down to the same beach with my elder brother and one of the towns best surfers. My brother was having a go at me and this guy spoke up. He told my brother in all his time on the beach he had not often seen a better wave ridden then the wave he saw me ride one day. I asked him if it was the one with three tubes and he shook his head and agreed that it was.

The lesson I learned that day was no matter what you do in life there is always a witness. God is always our witness. I have also learned to have fond memories of events I have had in my life. I will always remember that wave, I was never a great surfer but I did enjoy myself and at one time I was quite slim.

Just remember guys. Someone is always watching you even when you’re alone.

The Rising Popularity of Windsurfing

2007-12-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

As with any extreme sport or sport in general, there is only so much one can do on a surfboard. Enter windsurfing, a popular way to gain speed and air by using a sail attached to the surfboard itself. A windsurf setup consists of a bi-directional surfboard with a sail attached in the middle. Windsurfing is not for just the ocean, this sport can be done on a lake should their...be a proper wind to propel the surfer.

As with any sport there has to be two factors present when learning how to windsurf. Wind is the key ingredient to take flight. In order to power up your sail you need to know what the wind conditions are going to be. On an optimal day, depending on the wind conditions the wind can be gusting from 3N to 6N. The wind speed greatly enhances the experience.

There are conditions above 15N when windsurfing can be considered dangerous to the surfer. Should these conditions be too violent for the surfer, they should wait until they can properly handle the board. With the right amount of wind and waves, windsurfers can take flight over waves at a high rate of speed. Depending on your experience level, you may crave to hit the waves at higher conditions to maximize speed and adrenaline.

Often a windsurfer will attack a wave head on depending on the conditions and propel themselves 15 feet or more straight in the air. If you enjoy the thrill of hang-time and flight this sport is for you! Windsurfing ranks high in the world of extreme sports because of its high flying action.

There are professional competitions that rank the windsurfer by style and being able to handle monster waves with ease and grace. These competitions take surfers around the world to tame the toughest waters with only a board and sail to display their style.

A windsurfing setup can cost from $ 500 - $ 2000 depending on what you are looking to purchase. The quality of the sail as well as the fabric used to create it will definitely change the price quickly.

The Art of Surfing

2007-12-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

Since its hey day in the 1960’s, surfing through the ocean has become a popular past time. Riders love to pound the surf with their waxed boards and ride large waves into the shore. As like any sport, there is risk associated with surfing. Surfing implies that a rider can successfully use their arms and legs to maintain balance upon a surfboard as the wave begins to swell and crest.

Most beginners will enjoy this...sport because the cost of getting into surfing is relatively low. A good board can cost $200 - $ 1,000 depending on the material it’s made from. Many beginners can buy a good board used and can take up the sport at a nearby beach. Before you begin, there are several things you should learn.

How to keep your board nearby should you wipe out

How to swim out towards an incoming wave

What to do should you collide with another surfer

What conditions are right for surfing and which ones are dangerous

Surfers should know how to swim. It’s the basic necessity to keep you afloat should you go out too far or if you lose your board on a wipe out. Most surfers start out on their boards flat on their stomach and begin to kneel into a crouching position as they approach a wave. Upon reaching the swell of the wave, they should be in a upright position heading into the ebb or top of the wave. As soon as the reach the top they begin to navigate through the remainder of the wave using their feet to steer into the cresting tide. Usually most surfers ride a wave from right to left.

There are times when a surfer can get closer to another surfer and collide. Try to remain as far away from swimmers as possible and keep a clear 180-degree view as much as possible to avoid dangerous situations. Know exactly how far you are from the beach at all times. There are times when surfing is at its premium right before a storm or when currents are at their strongest. During this peak time, it is good to exercise caution for your own personal safety. Depending on how warm the water may be you may have to be concerned with sharks. Although a shark attack is considered rare, there is always a possibility in some regions.

Surfing has become so popular that there are various spin-offs of this sport including windsurfing and kitesurfing, which allows the user to reach heights of 20’ above the ocean. Depending on the location wave swells can grow upwards of 15-20’ high; so the more experience you amass the more challenges you will seek. All beginning surfers should take at least one or two lessons to get the basics down. In no time at all you will be hunting the monster waves and hanging ten with the best of them.

Surfs up!

Surfing Water Sports - Five Muscle Groups Used In Bodyboarding

2007-12-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

Bodyboarding is a “complete” surfing water sport. It requires the use of your whole body, though depending on your level of riding you may need to be more aware of and condition different muscle groups.

The leg muscles are the first group you will want to condition. Used for swimming from shore out to where the waves break, paddling into waves, and also as leverage
for turning while riding the waves. Leg positioning and movement during high performance bodyboarding tricks is also used to control your momentum. No leg strength or stamina makes for a very short surf session.

I am including the feet here because sometimes you may get foot cramps when swimming. In my experience this is usually an effect of either your bodyboarding fins not fitting properly or leg muscles tightening up from overuse /exhaustion which in turn pulls on the muscles in your feet.

The arms are typically used for paddling, though not as exclusively as with traditional surfing. Personally, I use arm paddling primarily to give the legs a rest from kicking during extended "paddle outs" or for extra boosts of speed when paddling for a wave. Arm strength will also be needed for performing advanced bodyboarding maneuvers that are exclusive to this water sport since you must hold on to your board as you flip, twist, spin—sometimes all at the same time--and fall out of the sky when doing aerial moves.

Since for most riders the majority of the time will be spent lying with the stomach on the bodyboard, the "ab" muscles must be able to support and direct the weight of your body. Also, when doing advanced maneuvers like airs, rolls, ARS's, and flips you will be freefalling onto your stomach. Strong abdominal muscles will help keep the wind from getting knocked out of you and the quick recovery you will make insures that you will not lose speed upon impact.

Weak stomach muscles will also put extra responsibility on the back muscles to absorb the impact of hard landings. If you find you have recurring back pain after doing advanced bodyboarding moves, I can tell you first hand that improving your ab strength may likely reduce or eliminate your back problems.

This brings us to the last group of muscles I will talk about...the back muscles. You should have a strong back regardless of your skill level, but advanced moves require a lot of twisting, arcing, and body english that can only be accomplished with a strong, flexible back.

So now that know what muscles to condition for this water sport, it’s time to start enjoying the wide world of surfing. Grab a board and fins, and go out and have a great bodyboarding session. Enjoy!

Del Mar Surfing is Best when the "Santa Ana" Winds Blow

2007-12-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Even before I wake, I can tell something’s changed. First thing I notice before I even open my eyes is the sound of the surf. It’s loud, with some of the waves cracking like rifle shots. I can feel the air is much drier, the normal coastal humidity is gone (which is why the sound of the waves breaking is so loud and clear.) Without looking, I know the wind is blowing offshore, whipping through the San Dieguito River coastal canyon from the desert out to sea. The Santa Ana winds are here! While most of the state fears these ‘devil winds’ because of...the real danger of the wildfires they fan, surfers rejoice because the offshore winds make the waves near perfect.

As I trot over to the beach at 25th St. to see how big the waves are, I first notice the corduroy lines out to sea. A South swell! As I get closer, I see the rainbows formed from the tops of the breaking waves being blown off from the strong offshore wind. Unlike most of the year, as the waves form, they usually have the prevailing Northwesterly winds pushing them from behind towards shore, and helping them crumble over as they break. However when the Santa Ana winds come, they hit the breaking waves head-on, pushing them straight up.

The effect is a near perfect wave, which holds up clean and cylindrical before it breaks, the collapsing cylinder, or tube, making the loud ‘rifle shot’ sound as it closes on itself. For a surfer, it means the chance to ride the wave longer, on a clean face, and the possibility of getting ‘tubed’ or tucking inside the face of the wave as it throws over and covers up the surfer as she streaks along the wave face.

South swells create the “lefts” (as you face the beach, you take off going to your left) and for me, a ‘regular foot’, that means going ‘backside’, or my back is to the breaking wave and I face the shore as I ride. I love the Santa Ana lefts, and the bigger, the better. The larger waves have more of a face to work and are usually faster.

I run back to the house, get into my wetsuit, grab my 9’4” Walden longboard and trot back to the beach, race into the surf, hop onto the board prone, and paddle hard to get out to the lineup. I feel the wind pushing me out, and pushing the water with me as well. I get through the impact zone, and as I climb over a 6 foot breaking wave, the wind helps me over as it blows the top off the wave into a rainbow of spray droplets around me. I scan the horizon for the next wave and see a set starting south at 20th street.

As it approaches me, I paddle to where I think the peak will be, wait, and just as it comes, I spin the board around and paddle hard to catch it. The strong wind is now my enemy as it is blowing in my face, slowing down my efforts to catch this big one. One extra burst of paddling, and I feel the board now moving on its own. I jump to a squat and turn the board into the rising face. Just as it is about to break, the wind, now my friend again, holds up the wave into a perfect barrel, and as I scream along the wave face for about 50 yards, it covers me for about 5 seconds before it catches me and throws me ‘over the falls’. Yes!!!

Awoooh!!! I’m hooting with joy as I come up for air, slide back on my board and go out again for more. It doesn’t get any better than this! For the next two hours, this is the bliss of surfing Del Mar beach breaks on a South swell with the Santa Ana winds!

Can You Really Surf in Indiana?

2007-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

you tend to miss out a bit on some of the exciting things that happen in other parts of the country. We sit at home in the winter watching the surfing contests in California and Hawaii and wonder if we'll ever even step onto a surf board.

Well, due to some new entertainment items available you now have the chance. A mechanical surfboard simulates the feeling of surfing the...waves, BUT you don't have to worry about drowning if you fall off. Ok...it's a bit more tame than the real thing but it's still fun. And since the odds are that we'll never have any big waves coming our way, it's the best some of us are every going to get.

Surf Simulators are actually fun for all ages. The operator can rotate the board in a gentle way so even a 4 year old can give it a shot. Or, they can really simulate higher waves for those brave participants who want a lot of excitement.

And speaking of 4 year olds, if you take a picture of your younger child riding a surfboard, it'll bring a smile to your face forever.

Mechanical Bulls have always been extremely popular but in many areas they are prohibited due to insurance and liability issues. The liability/insurance issue does not apply to the surf machine, making it great for use at virtually any type of function.

So, if you're wanting to try something different, pick a balmy day, put on Surfin' Safari and get the simulator started.

"Let's go surfin' now, Everybody's learning how....Come on and Safari with me!"

How to Choose a Good Wetsuit for Surfing or Wake

2007-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Wetsuit Fit When choosing a wetsuit its fit and tailoring for your body shape is critical. A poor wetsuit that fits your body shape is always going to perform better than a bad fitting high quality wetsuit. So fit is very important. Look for a snugg fit all over your body especially your torso, good length on your arms and legs.

When you try a wetsuit on do a few...stretches and squats to see how it follows the contour of your body. If you notice significant room especially on your lower back, in that arch between the top of your bum and your shoulder, then you do not have a good fit. Simply, if your wetsuit doesn't cling closely to your body shape then water will flush in and you will not stay warm.

Another important area to look for good fit is around the neck, where you enter the wetsuit. Obviously you won't want it to choke you but you do need it to be secure as can be to prevent water flushing into your wetsuit when duck diving. There are a variety of neck entry systems that different wetsuit brands will offer, the regular back zip and velcro close over or the front zip offered by Xcel or C-Skins. Most people do need to try on a few wetsuits to get one that fits them perfectly.

Tailoring There are many different tailoring options on wetsuits. A return to a basic wetsuit design would be the Quiksilver Cell which has loads fewer panels and less seams than a lot of other wetsuits to reduce water intake through the seams. It has also a high level of tailoring with not stitch out of place in the whole wetsuit. Worthy of note, another wetsuit which is also very highly finished is the O'Neill Psycho 2.

Individual wetsuit features Wetsuit manufacturers try to enhance the experience of surfers by introducing special wetsuit features such as glide-skin material around the neck of the wetsuit to prevent wetsuit rash or chaff without requiring the surfer to put on a rash vest underneath.

Rip Curl introduced the Batwing system a few years back in their wetsuit to keep the surfer extra warm on their most critical part of the body, the torso. This is where the heat is generated and water leakage through the back zip threatens this warmth. So this batwing is an extra layer of thin neoprene that gives extra protection.

Wetsuit Price How much do you much do you want to spend? There are steamers (also known as fullsuits) on the market to fit all pockets. The brand and thickness of the wetsuit will determine how much it will cost.

Brand loyalty Who a brand sponsors will influence your buying decision. Quiksilver for example have sponsored Kelly Slater for the majority of his surfing career and it has been a good relationship for both parties. Quiksilver's dominance in the surf market is largely down to one man, Kelly Slater, who's successful surf career and personal image is so highly marketable to their brand. Australian Brand Billabong has also done extremely well due to the success of home grown talent such as Joel Parkinson. So what surf brand do you want to associate with,we let you decide that.

How Will Ocean Level Rises Affect Surfing; Global Warming Rocks!

2007-12-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

It should be noted that about the best thing to ever come along for the sport of surfing is Global Warming. Ocean levels will rise and you will have bigger waves and more abundant surf. Plus most of the homes along the water will be washed away giving surfers more places to surf and therefore less crowding or worry of someone stealing Your wave!

Also the water will be warmer and you...will not need to wear a wet suit in the early mornings, in fact the water will be a great temperature to surf in and the Sun will always be shining and it will be fantastic. Global Warming is the greatest thing to come along for surfers since the jet power surf board, short board or Internet WiFi surf boards.

So, How will Global Warming and the impending Ocean Level Rises affect Surfing you ask? It will be great and smart surfers can hardly wait. Some climatologists and long-term weather forecasters are predicting an El Nino season every year and you know what that means for California Surfing, only it will be even better because it will be much warmer too.

Life is good and so is Global Warming for the serious surfer. I will ask you take a good hard look in your mirror and your academic displacement. I am helping you, I hope you can see it is out of kindness that I point this out, I hope you are man enough, and I mean that in a sincere way, to comprehend what I am trying to explain for your benefit.

Follow Your Path to Extreme Sports

2007-12-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

If you enjoy taking risks and having a good time appreciating the thrills of nature’s beauty, you probably like to Surf. If this is the case, there are some great surf videos that have awesome waves and surf tricks, displaying the killer California surf, man. You might also be interested in Surf Wear like Sunglasses and Surf Truncks that will make your ride perfect. If you are a regular surf champ, there are some awesome surf facts that you should know. Back on the early days...of California surf, a group of friends would pile into a car and head off to search for waves together.

As airplane travel became affordable in the sixties, surfers would toss their long boards on a flight to Hawaii and share a beater and flophouse North Shore housing for their first taste of a 'surf safari.'

Then, in the seventies, groups of traveling surfers used freighters, sailboats and exotic Third World modes of transportation to locate and surf new spots. During the 1980's and 1990's surf camps appeared in remote locations where surfers could take their friends and wives and enjoy a feeling of genteel exploration while surfing un crowded waves.

Additionally, as technology and the internet have opened the world to easier access of information, surfers have used more and more high-tech methods to achieve essentially the same thing as the early travelers, to surf with your buddies in an uncrowded environment.

You probably are aware that surfing spots are crowded and will get worse and worse in the future. To find previously waves that have not been ridden waves in California today, you need a good boat, and we've found one. The " Condor Express” is a 75' aluminum jet-drive rocket ship that will easily do thirty five knots.

Even if we are using a high-tech catamaran and PWCs to access these remote waves, it's essentially all about the adventure-the 'aloha spirit' of our film crew and tow-surfers getting together, sharing the whole experience with anyone interested.

When big swells hit California, we'll be on the Condor with some tow-surfing teams and a film crew. When we return we'll post our images, videoclips and stories on this site so you can share the adventure. Anything that pushes you to the beach is just fine.

It doesn't matter if you're bodysurfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, foilboarding, surfing or towsurfing, it's all the same thing.

It pushes you to the beach, and that's what it's all about. Now we have satellite based surfing forecasts, live surf cams and guys flying personal helicopters to inaccessible spots in order to achieve the same objective. Surfers now scour the world looking for not only the perfect wave but the biggest wave.

Surfing - Unaffordable Sport?

2007-12-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Fortunately both the surfboard and the wetsuit are long-lasting equipment. Thus, though with some effort, you can save to purchase the equipment or use some kind of financial product and pay for everything in small installments. Here are some tips that can help you get what you need to start practicing surfing without...too many hassles or sacrifices.

Price Range And Savings

The price range of surfboards goes from a couple of hundreds and up to a few thousands of dollars while a surf wetsuit can cost a couple of hundreds generally with some higher price rare exceptions that can be as high as one or two thousands dollars. All in all, the whole kit can demand an average price of a thousands dollars sometimes reaching higher amounts depending on the quality of the equipment.

Saving that kind of money is not such a difficult task. Yet, all depends on your income and spending. Modifying your budget to include a small amount every month towards a savings account for the purchase of the equipment shouldn’t be such a sacrifice. Yet, if you don’t have that kind of control over your finances, you may want to resort to other means.

Financing The Purchase Of Equipment

Most of the stores selling this kind of equipment will accept credit cards without ado. They may even have some promotions specially tailored for credit card purchases. Bear in mind though, that financing with credit cards is rather expensive compared to most of the other financial products. Though using a credit card may be the most comfortable and quick financial option, chances are that it won’t be the cheapest one.

Most banks and financial institutions are offering unsecured personal loans for their customers every day. It may be time to take advantage of these offers. Make sure to compare interest rates first (look especially to the APR which combines all costs in one so you can easily compare). Then analyze what kind of repayment program you would benefit more of. A longer repayment program implies lower monthly payments but higher amounts spent on interests while shorter repayment programs may entail higher monthly payments but the costs of financing will be lower.

If you decide to go for an unsecured personal loan, consider including the amount necessary for taking some lessons, if you are just starting to practice this sport. It isn’t that costly and it can save you a lot of time and hassles.

The requirements for getting approved for an unsecured loan are not that harsh. If you are already a client of the bank or financial institution, chances are that you may have a pre-approved loan available. Otherwise you may have to show proof of employment or income and provide authorization for a short credit verification.

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Jessica Peterson writes finance articles for Yourloanservices.com where she shares her knowledge about how to get money for a starting-up business, consolidating any kind of debt, repairing a home even with a bad credit history and more.

Dune Surfing in Dubai is a Thrill of a Ride

2007-12-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Dune surfing in Dubai is a unique experience. The big sand dunes are to be found in the southern area of Dubai, near Hatta, and you need wide skis or big snowboards.

Snowboards are best, especially if the base is really hard to give a lot of slip. The problem with sand is that it is not as slippery as snow, and you can tend to sink into it if it is...too soft, but if you find the right sand and a nice big dune, you can get up quite a bit of speed. It’s usually the front of the boards that dip into the sand, and the secret is to lean back so as do dig the heel into the sand.

The sand dunes round Dubai can be from 100 to 300 ft high, and you might think it would be pretty tame compared to snowboarding down big mountains, but nothing is further from the truth. These dunes are really massive and you get a fabulous adrenaline rush just getting to the top in a dune buggy – and that’s before you even strap on the boards! When you look down some of these big dunes its like standing at the top of a massive yellow mountain without a single rock or a single blade of grass – no vegetation whatsoever. Then you set off.

Wow! Who said dune surfing was tame? There’s not a breath of wind, yet if feels like you are in a gale, shooting down an almost vertical slope and it is so surreal. You expect it be snow white rather than sandy yellow, and if you close your eyes it is just like snowboarding only it is so hot! The only problem is getting back to the top again. You really need someone with a dune buggy because it is quite a trek and your feet tend to sink into the sand. Two steps forward and one back sort of thing!

I have no idea how these guys you read about trekking across the desert ever managed it. It is very tiring walking in sand. It’s nothing like a beach, where the sand is wet and compacted. More like walking on a bed of soft dry sponge, if there is such a thing. The dune buggies are fantastic. They shoot up the dunes in no time and are themselves a bit of a thrill. You get a really good view of Dubai and the surrounding area from top of some of the really big guys.

Dune bashing is great fun. That is where you use buggies to shoot up and down the dunes and it can really be stomach-churning when you hit the top and shoot off down the other side. It’s not being able see what’s over the top that gets you. For all you know it could be a massive 1000 foot drop, but these drivers know their stuff and they are obviously well acquainted with the terrain.

Your boards should be wide, to avoid them sinking in the sand, and with a hard base. Formica is a good surface and you should wax them really well for maximum slip since you don’t get as much from sand as you do with snow. It’s still a good surface though, since the sand grains tend roll over each other as though you were surfing on millions of tiny glass balls.

The dunes round Dubai can be at a 45 degree angle or even steeper, but it really is quite an experience. If you fall, the sand is a bit more pleasant to fall into than snow. It’s warmer for a start, and that is something you will have to be careful about. If you are not used to the sun, the temperature can be 40 degrees or more, so make sure you are well protected with sun-blocker.

You are also advised to wear a Bedouin-style scarf round your mouth, nose and ears. The sand can get everywhere and these guys don’t dress as they do for no reason. When in Rome do as the Romans do, and this applies equally in Dubai.

Dune surfing in Dubai provides you with an experience that you will always remember, and if you really want some roller-coaster thrills try a spot of dune bashing with it. It’s a hair-raising thrill of a ride and you must give it a go!

The Popularity of Surfing

2007-12-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

Surfs Up

The popularity of surfing starting growing in the1960's when movies like “Gidget” and “Beach Blanket Bingo” exposed the rest of the world to a sport only known to ‘locals’ who were lucky enough to live near the beach.

Surfing is popular largely because it requires no formal training, a minimum of equipment and can be enjoyed by almost anyone at any age. All you...need is a surfboard, some swimming ability and a nearby beach.

What started out as ‘The Sport of Kings” and was practiced mostly by men has exploded to include women and young girls in increasing numbers. While in the 1960’s through the 1980’s it was unusual to see women in the water you can go to the beach now and see sometimes up to half of the people in the water are female.

While many men enjoy seeing women out in the lineup there are still some who refuse to share the waves with their female counterparts.

There are even surf clothing and surfboard manufacturers who cater specifically to women. Just look at Roxy Clothing and Trixie Surfboards.

Today there are many surfing accessories in use that were not available to surfers of the 1960's such as wetsuits, leashes and rash guards.

Before the advent of wetsuits to keep them warm, many a surfer braved the frigid ocean water, especially in winter, in his bare skin. Now surfers can surf year-round, as well as in places with freezing cold water, and keep warm.

Made of neoprene rubber, a wetsuit fits tightly against the surfer’s skin. It traps a layer of water, which the body warms, then holds it against the skin, keeping the warm water inside of the suit.

More recently neoprene hoods, gloves and booties are used to cover and warm all the extremities as well.

The leash was another welcome addition to the surfing world. Basically a rubber cord that attaches from the fin area of the surfboard to the ankle, a leash keeps a surfer’s board in arm’s reach even after a wipeout so he can quickly retrieve his board without a long swim to shore.

Rash guard shirts were yet another great addition to a surfer’s arsenal. Made from a special lycra material, rash guards are made to be worn in the water and dry very quick. They are light and form fitting for comfort so they don’t get in the way of a surfer’s performance.

Rash guards protect the surfer's body against irritating skin rashes they can get from laying on their surfboard as they paddle or rashes that can occur under their armpits when they wear a wetsuit.

Not only do they protect from skin rashes but they also offer the best UV protection you can get in the water with many providing SPF 150 protection. With the advent of rash guard shirts, surfers could say goodbye to slippery sunscreens that wash off in the water.

These few accessories have made a world of difference to surfers everywhere and made the sport of surfing more accessible and popular to the masses.

You can learn more about rash guards and see them in different styles and colors for men, women and kids at http://www.Buy-Rash-Guards.com

Japan Goes Off

2007-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

When Hurricane Loke crossed the International Date Line, it got everyone on the eastern shore of Japan buzzing: Typhoon 12 was on its way and man she was a big one.

The news programs seemed obsessed with her, giving off their warnings in their usual foreboding way, the elderly people with whom I talked...with, talked of the wind and the rain, many of whom knew I was a surfer and gave me the standard "Kiosukete ne" (be careful). My wife stared at me after the six o'clock evening news and gave me her best, 'do you really have to go surfing' look, and I was straight on the phone with all my surfing buddies, my voice strangely several octaves high with excitement, planning, anticipating and dreaming of the waves to come. The typhoon was big; way off shore and all we could think of was those epic clean lines that would soon be marching towards us from the horizon.

On the morning of September 3rd 2006, I paddled into the line up of my local beach break, Sendai Shinko, along with two of my friends James a fellow Aussie, and Alexei a Russian surfer, the day was a clean if not slightly full 3-4ft we paddled down the beach several hundred meters to the third peak along to avoid the epic crowds that had formed on the "Main peak", all of us agreeing that it was a bit bigger and far better down the line. Japanese surfers in general are very loyal to the "main peak" often surfing it when it's not working rather than driving an extra 20mins to find a clean ride.

The three of us traded off waves getting a few nice ones, the lip crumbling with the high tide, but providing a fair bit of wall to play with. During the lulls we sat together and talked of the swell to come, the general feeling was that Shinko gets big hollow and perfect, but it's a straight beach break, without a boat or ski it's a very daunting place to surf over 8ft, the water rushing out off the beach creates a vortex in the impact zone that neither wants to let you out or in, but being a port break it has great potential as a tow-in spot. A boating lane less than 600meters to the left of the break, which is sizable enough to give way to ocean going ferries, gives easy and direct access to the outer banks which can easily hold epic surf. Unfortunately none of us had the equipment or experience to attempt this. We surfed our peak for three hours or so with around five other surfers tripping out on the mayhem of the main peak, which by 8am was swamped with close to sixty surfers dropping in on each other in packs of five or six per wave. While chilling in the car park after a great session, we decided to head up the coast a few hours The next morning to surf a remote cobble stone reef break known as Gakemiaya.

That night I couldn't sleep, my mind was full of images of the 4-5ft empty right hand reef break that I had only surfed once prior.

The trip north was made by myself, James(Aust.), Danny(Aust), Omar(USA) and Jason (CAN), what a motley crew we make, three Aussies, and American and a Canadian who calls the icy breaks of Nova Scotia home. We all piled into Danny's 8 seater van at 3:30am and made the two hour trek north along tiny back streets of sleepy towns. Reading old surf mags, talking of barrels, the excitement level was maxing. I remember as we pulled up to the rocky car park and got a half a second peak of the waves, Danny turning around, smile ear to ear and saying "Mate, she's cranking". We all dove out of the car like it was on fire, scrambled up the hill to the viewing area, smiling like kids in a candy store, fingers already pointing out to sea in anticipation, the feeling only a surfer knows, but it was short lived.

It was cranking, but it was way out of control, our anticipated hollow right barrel was there but it was made of thick white foam, the place was exploding. The outer reef about one kilometer off shore was epic sending huge walls of white water towards shore with so much force it was reforming onto the inside reef. I stood there thinking those most dreaded of words, "should have been here yesterday". We spent the next twenty minutes pointing and shouting as huge sets closed out on the outer reef, sending spray so high it looked like depth charges going off. Our eyes collectively scouring the length of the bay searching for some little pocket that might be ride able, but we all felt it, we had been skunked! I looked over at Jason and saw a look in his eyes that I was sure I had in mine, pure awe, the force of nature that exploded before us was truly amazing. Now I'm no expert on big waves but if I had to guess I would say the outer reef was some where in the 20ft range, I'm not Hawaiian so probably only 10ft to you guys. (The buoy just off the coast was registering 29ft). After we had all come down from the stoke high the call was made to try a few of the smaller more sheltered bays up and down the coast. We piled back into the car and began the search, but found nothing overly ride able, wrong swell directions etc. It was now about 8am and we headed back to the reef for another look. The tide had come up a ways and we found a wave that looked pretty wild, but ride able, off to the left of the reef, and decided to give it a go, I hit the water first with Jason right behind me and we tried to make it through the closing inside section to little avail, meanwhile Danny, the most experienced of our crew found a nice rip and made his way out, he spent about an hour or so surfing the wild swell solo, with us boys just standing on the shore hooting and hollering for him on every wave; Danny got a few good ones and we called it a day.

That same day, Back at Sendai shinko it was huge, double over and a bit and triple on the sets. Alexei(RUSS), Jerry(NZ) and Dylan(USA) paddled out and joined the few older locals who were game to test themselves against the full fury of typhoon 12 as it was by this time sitting directly off the coast. Also out was ex- WCT pro surfer Danny Melhado. Alexei took a heavy one and snapped his leg rope on the wipeout, calling it a day after a crazy swim to the beach to find his new shape 6"6' fish. Jerry also made the drop on only one wave before deciding he was outmatched, having recently recovered from a slipped disk from an epic session in Typhoon surf a couple of years earlier which kept him out of the water for many months. Dylan took a couple of waves charging hard before joining his buddies on the beach.

While waiting for Jerry and Dylan to come in Alexei saw Danny Melhado ride one mammoth set all the way to the inside closeout, as Danny walked up the beach Alexei asked him if he was going back out, eager to see a pro tear the arse out of another one, to which Danny replied, "Nah, it's pure survival out there" That's how heavy this place can get. If you've seen Taylor Steele's "Drive thru Japan" then you may remember a big hollow beach break that swallowed Machado and co. up, well that was shinko at two thirds of the size we had it during this swell. My hat goes off to my boys for making it out that day.

The next day I couldn't think of anything but waves, I tried to work but I just couldn't, so I blew it off and headed down the beach, one of the few perks of working for your self.

When I got to the beach my first thought was that it was dropping, I saw a perfectly groomed face about 6-8ft where the main peak normally broke, and I started to think about waxing up my board, when the sets came through, I have never seen a wave break that far out at shinko, it stopped my heart. The wave looked so perfect breaking left and right so symmetrically that it seemed to shrink, but it was huge. I watched this perfect wave complete with offshore blow off through the viewfinder of my camera, so entranced by it that the camera seemed to disappear in my hands, Huey the god of swell as we Aussies call him had sent me soaring with stoke, I quickly burnt up two rolls of film then decided that was enough, it was time to just sit and watch this force of nature erupt before me. I sat on the tail gate of my Toyota 4runner for two or three hours with the biggest smile I've had in years, god it's good to be a surfer.

Typhoon 12 blessed us with a few days of clean, off shore 3-4ft waves as it moved northward past us, some of the best surfs I've had. I don't know if I'll ever ride 20ft waves, head to double seems pretty much perfect to me at this point, but before this swell I had no desire to try it. After seeing those waves break over and over in my mind I feel like something has changed, it may take a few years before I attempt big surf, but the seed of temptation is now planted firmly in my mind, who knows huh.

Who knows what it is about surfing that draws us so intensely to it, but it has a hold over me so powerful that I can't function without it. As I sat there and watched those perfect empty waves break around me, I spent some serious time reflecting on my life. I'm not sure what it is about watching empty waves roll through, that makes me so reflective, having never been a religious man I wonder if it's akin to a religious experience. I thought about so many things great and terrible that I have seen and experienced since my first wave 4 years ago. The garbage that litters the coasts of Japan wrecking havoc on it's marine life, the great sea turtle's I've seen in the tens washed up dead on the shores of Sendai, probably dying from mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, the crowds, the constant drop-ins, a negative man could go on and on, but out of all the things that coursed through my mind that afternoon the one thing that stood out was, how surfing, a mere sport to many people could bring so many people together in friendship, the group of guys I surf with have little in common, but our bond, generated by a mutual love of riding waves is truly a blessing.

Surfing Wetsuits 101 - How To Pick The Best Wetsuits For Surfing

2007-12-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Winter is a fact of life for many people who enjoy the sport of surfing. However, cold air and water temperatures don't have to stop your sessions! Enter the wetsuit, probably the single biggest invention in surfing since the surfboard itself.

Wetsuits are tight fitting bodysuits made of flexible neoprene rubber. They work by
...trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and the skin. The body heats up this water, thus keeping the surfer warm.

When picking out a suit, you're going to want to get one that is specifically designed for surfing. That means seeking out your local surf shop. Don't go to a dive shop or swimming store. Surfing wetsuits are specially made to endure the specific repetitive motions that surfers make when they're out in the ocean. For example, non-surfing suits can have seams in bad places that will cause major rashes when you've been paddling for a few hours.

Wetsuits come in different cuts, from short-sleeve spring suits (or shorties) to fullsuits with hoods. When it gets very cold, booties and gloves are also available. Caps and hoods are also available for suits that don't have them already attached.

Surfers often have a quiver of wetsuits to accompany their quiver of different boards, especially in areas where the seasons change dramatically.

There are a variety of thicknesses from which to choose. From thin 2 mm spring suits, to 2/3 mm fullsuits, 4/3's, 5/4/3's, and 6/5/4's. These numbers reference how thick the neoprene is in millimeters for different areas of the suit. Often the thickest neoprene will be in the torso and thighs, while the thinner areas will be on the arms and calves.

When getting a wetsuit, it's important to set aside a block of time in order to try them on. Each company uses different models and they all have a slightly different fit.

The fit should be snug. Don't buy them too loose or water will be able to freely enter the suit and the insulating effect will be lost. This means you shouldn't buy a kid's suit a few sizes too big so they can grow into it. They might as well not wear a suit at all. The neck is an important area to pay attention to. The collar should be snug so that water doesn't freely enter and exit.

When looking at the pricetag, you do tend to get what you pay for. There are several different makes and models from each company, from budget to luxury. Often the higher priced wetsuits will have all sorts of cool things like sealed seams and improved zippers and entry/exit schemes.

How To Buy A Surf Rack - The Best Surfboard Racks On The Market

2007-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Unless you live right next to the beach, getting your surfboard to the shore can be a bit difficult. If you've got an SUV or a pickup truck then life is easy, but if you have a smaller car you'll probably want to invest in some quality surf racks. There are actually a number of different options available for the safe transport of your board.

If you have a small compact car with...no factory racks, you can buy aftermarket hard racks from companies such as Yakima and Thule. They offer racks to fit just about every car. Although they can be a little pricey, if you are an avid surfer then the investment will be worth it.

Another option for those without hard racks-factory or aftermarket-are soft racks. Soft racks are a temporary rack solution made of soft foam that attach to the roof of your car with straps. The boards are then secured to the foam rolls. Soft surf racks are an excellent option if you're traveling and using rental cars. They're also great for when you don't have the money for a more permanent rack solution. Soft racks aren't the most secure rack system out there, so if you're driving around with boards a lot you might want to think about getting a more permanent solution.

If you have a car or SUV with factory racks, then you might want to invest in some rack pads. These are soft foam rolls that attach to the rack crossbars and protect your surfboard from dings and contact with the bars. These are fairly inexpensive, but you will also need to get some straps or cords to tie down the board. Some rack pads come with straps already attached, which can make your life a lot easier.

Another option for those with hard racks is to buy a special surf rack attachment. There are a couple different models to choose from.

In my experience, the Inno Boardlocker rack system is the best option for hard rack attachments. The Boardlocker has an easy to use floating strap system, which ratchets down and then locks to keep your surfboards secure from thieves. No more worrying about someone running off with your boards while you're not by your car. The Boardlocker has plenty of room for several boards stacked on top of each other. It is also compatible with just about every factory and aftermarket rack system out there.

Another hard rack system is the Thule Hang Two. This is a popular rack system that is easy to use and fairly cheap, and is also compatible with factory racks. It is designed for up to two boards, however it doesn't have a locking mechanism like the Boardlocker.

The Gatekeeper is another locking rack that also has a version for pickup trucks. The Gatekeeper has gotten good reviews, however it can only store one board, so it's a bit limited.

If you're in the market to buy a surf rack, think about how many boards you like to take around with you, what your budget is, and what features you'd like. Also consider versatility if you're into other sports like kayaking and fishing.

How To Build A Wakeboard Pylon

2007-12-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

My family had always loved wakeboarding, and after finding out how to make a wakeboard pylon for our wakeboards, it turned into our favorite weekend activity. Using it made it much more fun by allowing easier starts, and better jumps.

Initially, when I had just heard of a "wakeboard pylon", I got the impression that this was just another sales hype. However, after a wakeboarding trip with a friend, who had a pylon attached to the board, I realized that I would do any thing to know how to make a wakeboard pylon myself.

Among the various kinds of wakeboard pylons, you may use the stiff and smart looking, two-piece, stainless steel units. They are easy to discard when not in use.

Before you start, you must first get your design goals straight. You must aim to make one that can be quickly installed, and removed, taking care that when you do now use it no hardware is visible.

While making a wakeboard pylon, retain space to mount the pylon in front of the engine, above the fins.

For air, place the pull point 7 feet above, mounting it rigidly for the large wake-boarders.

Before you start learning how to make a it, you must also make up your mind to place it between the middle seat and the engine hatch. Ensure that it has a rigid bottom mounting point.

To make a it, you build your deck frame including in it a big box beam. On the right hand side, the deck frame should be the lowest piece. As you look down the opening, you should be able to understand how to make a wakeboard pylon by checking out the thickness of your reinforced deck.

Next, you coat the box with epoxy, or seal it off. The pylon fits into 80 PVC pipes. You can make the tube from old cloth, two layers thick. Plant it at right, wrapping it in wax and ordinary paper. Attach it at the deck opening, so that it acts as a watertight seal for the inner part of the 5x6 inches long box beam.

Now cut the opening for the pylon with the hole saw while looking through the opening with the beam bottom.

You should build the pylon bracket in three sections. Mount the left and right portions onto the stringers carefully bolting the stringers using the same bolts, which join the stringer and the frame.

Next add a block to the uprights supporting the crosspiece.

The bracket should be 6" wide, made from 4/4 ash stock. Then you stick them together, making two holes on the top for mounting crosspiece bolts.

You can make the crosspiece from more ash and drill it.

Finish it with a stainless steel plate, and you know now how to make a wakeboard pylon, which is ready for you to use!

2008 Surfboard Models

2007-12-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

More and more models have surfaced since the first wooden surf board made of koa wood by the Hawaiians. They have diverse shapes, colors, made of a mixture of materials with additional pieces like fins or leashes attached, depending on the situations.

There is one thing that hasn't changed since the beginning or surfing andthat is the shaping of the board. Even the modern board is hand shaped by professionals after they have been molded into a rough shape. They basically make them out of polyurethane foam and cover it with fiberglass and resin. Recently, boards made of balsa and polystyrene cores have increasingly become more popular. The majority of them have between 2 and 5 kg in weight. In recent years one or more fins have been added to enhance directionality and stability.

Generally, modern surfboard can be either longboards - of eight or more feet - or shortboards - of 5 to 7 feet. Longboard are thicker and wider, with a more rounded nose while short board are shorter, thinner with a more pointed nose, usually easier to maneuver. Shortboard are also known as "Thrusters" and tend to have 3 fins - although a surfer can choose to attach as many fin as he wants to his board. Other types of surfboard are Gun, Fish, Egg, hydrofoils or fun-boards.

The Gun surfboard is especially designed for paddling easier in the big waves and has from 7 to 12 feet in length. It is thin with a single fin, making it look like a shortboard in shape but with a longboard's size. The Fish surfboard is very short and has less than 6 feet in length, with twin fin set up. It has developed in other models like Skip Frye, Steve Brom and Rich Pavel, which are best used for small waves. The Egg surfboard is a hybrid of 6 to 8 feet in length has tail shape and a rounded nose for smaller waves, as well. This isn't the best choices for doing tricks or displaying major performance but it surely is a lot of fun. That is why it's highly recommended to beginners.

Longboard are single finned and can reach 12 feet. Some of them are called noseriders because they allow the surfer to walk to the tip and do what is called "nose ride". The most popular longboard is called Malibu (or Mal) and there are also Mini Mals. The most impressive longboard are the Olos, which can reach 14 feet and are made of wood, weighing 32 kg.

Funboards are very flexible to stabilize and have more floatation than a shortboard. They are midsized, suitable for beginner or amateurs. For beginners a Malibu board is the best option - if you choose to go to a surfing school you will most likely star with this one, also called a Foamie surfboard. A Pop-out board is a good alternative to a cheaper surfboard that floats very well.

Find your favourite info here:
Learn How to Surf
Trout Fishing
2008 Classic Car Insurance

The Rules Of Surfing

2007-12-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

These are the guidelines you should always follow while surfing. I have written them with the intention of keeping you all safe. They are all relevant, and will not only keep you safe but may stop you from injuring others or damaging your own equipment. Always follow these rules...no exceptions!

Rules of Surfing:

Don't Drink and Surf. Surfing while drunk is not a good idea. Or drugs for that matter. Save the drinking for after your surf. It's much safer and much more rewarding. It gives you something to look forward to after your surf and keeps you steady on your feet. Not only that but you can always talk it up with your mates over a few cold ones after.

Be Aware. You must always be aware of other surfers and water users, the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing. Surfing in familiar territory always helps.

Comfort Zone. Always stay within your comfort zone. Don't push yourself too far, especially when starting out and learning to surf. This is one of the most important rules! Always stay in waves you are comfortable in and if in doubt, stay out.

Strength and Fitness. Make sure you are a strong enough paddler and are physically fit enough to surf. Get fit and spend time in the pool if you need to. You may need all the strength you have at some stage.

Don't Eat and Surf. You don't want to sink. Don't make the mistake of eating and surfing. Allow at least 45 minutes from the time you last ate before going out.

Know When to Bail. Know when to hold onto your surfboard and when to bail out. If you are paddling out then keep hold of your board, you'll get out back to the line up more quickly and you will not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe-out then get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.

Patrolled Beaches. If you are surfing on a patrolled beach make sure that you keep within the designated surfing area. Take note of where you should be surfing before you go out, and make sure you stick to it when you are out. You don't want to endanger others.

Don't Drop In. Never take someone else's wave. This is basic surfing etiquette and will save you a lot of trouble. Especially if you are surfing someone else's beach. The general rule is, the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave has control of the wave. Hence the term "dropping in". In surfing contests, dropping in is heavily penalized. People often react very badly to being dropped in on. It is dangerous.

Practice makes Perfect. If you want to improve then you need to be in the water surfing as much as you can. No-one got any better at anything by staying home and watching TV. Non-surfing activities are also great for fitness which will always help your surfing.

Respect. Respect the locals if you are visiting a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared. Also, always respect visitors to your beach. Sharing waves keeps everyone happy.

Rips. Hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (generally) goes straight out to sea. If caught in one, DO NOT panic. Paddle across the rip untill you have escaped. You must know how to spot a rip before ever attempting to surf.

Sun. The sun is much stronger when out surfing as it not only hits you from above, but also reflects off the water. The sun will tire you out and dehydrate you. The sun will burn you. Always wear sun-block.

Never Surf Alone. Always surf with someone else. Especially when learning. The ocean can be very dangerous and unpredictable. You have more fun surfing with someone else, always have someone to talk to and most importantly "proof" that you scored the waves you tell everyone about!

Surf Conditions. Make sure that the surf is safe before you go in. If you are going surfing at a spot you are unfamiliar with it is a good idea to get some advice from a local. Check out the surf spot while warming up.

Warm-up. Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp whilst you are surfing. It also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.

These rules of surfing should be followed by all surfers at all times. More surfing information including How To Surf can be found at http://howtosurf.blogspot.com - a must visit for all surfers and beginner surfers alike.

Surfing - Learn to Long Board in Six Easy Steps

2007-12-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

So, you've sat on the beach watching all those cool surf dudes dancing around on the waves and you really want to get out there and join them. A good place to start is on a long board, you can hop up on greater variety of waves and you'll feel a whole lot more stable than on a short board. Get to grips with surfing the long board and you'll soon be gagging for more. Read on for a guide on how to get started...Step one

You can hire a long board form a local surf shop, they should be able to help you match the board to your body size. Rent for half a day or a day, or longer if you have time. Practice makes perfect after all. Depending on where you are surfing and the time of year you might just want to hire a wet suit too, we don't want you getting to cold now do we, you are going to be in the water a lot after all....

Step two

When you get to the waters edge strap you board to your back ankle. Hopefully you know which your back foot is going to be. Left foot forward is a regular stance; right foot forward is a goofy stance. A good way to find out if you are regular or goofy foot is to put on some socks and run then slide along on a hard shiny floor, whichever foot you naturally put forward will be your front foot on a surf board...

Step three

To start with you need to get used to the board, find some calm water near the shore, lie down on the board and paddle around. Get used to the balance and weight distribution necessary to get the board gliding around with the least amount of effort.

Step four

OK you ready to hit the waves, but only the little foamy breakers. Paddle further out to where the small waves are breaking and you're in the rolling foam. Point your board back towards the shore. When you see the next wave coming, paddle hard, keeping the board pointing forwards. Don't be surprised if to end up in the drink a few times before you get the hang of this, but you should soon get the balance issues sorted and you'll know when you've caught the wave right as you'll be able to ride it all the way to the shore.

Step five

Now you've learned how to catch a wave lying on your stomach its time to start standing up. You should know by now at what point the wave is carrying you without you having to paddle, this is the time to pop up onto your feet as smoothly and quickly as possible. Get up as soon as you can as you'll have better stability the faster you are going.

Step six

Practice as much as you can without drowning, as you progress you will be able to start catching the small waves before they break. You will be able to learn how to make the board go faster and slower by moving your weight around on the board and as you get better you should be able to turn your board 'down the line' in the direction the wave is breaking. When you can do that you are well on the way to becoming a surf dude.

Steve Batchelor is a Extreme Sports enthusiast and the webmaster at www.extremesportguides.com where you can find some great information on many different extreme sports. He also recommends infogoldmine for more info on extreme sports as well as many other subjects.

Surfing Tips For The Holiday Tidal Wave Frenzy

2007-12-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

Its official, the tidal wave is coming, all the media Giants, mega-stores and all the retail in your area are unleashing their Campaigns to help you find Happiness. The ads and images beckon us to Feel enticed - as if you need to have this - indeed you must buy, do, or have this OR your life won't be as bright, successful, or enjoyable without this...We are bombarded with cultural images of family, light, obligation and feeling "happy" to unleash your enjoyment and longing.

Where are you in this frenzy of have-tos, need-tos and want- tos? The season is about light, the diminishing of it as the day light get shorter and shorter, and the celebrations are for the return or keeping of the light.

The Key to surfing those Zenith waves of frenzy and stewarding your own divine light is staying in touch with your own Knowing and listening to deep inner guidance. This process of staying in center will allow you to Know what you really want.

How do you stay in center with all the things that are to be done? Take a few moments each day to check in and consciously connect with yourself. Here are 5 Tips to help you Surf and Savor and steward the bright divine light within while in living daily life.

First, in order to create more of what you want you must be with yourself more. No, I'm not talking about running away into the dessert for time away (though it may be a great fantasy to entertain)(see the next blog for how-tos)

I'm talking about being with yourself all throughout each day. To check in - take a deep breath. Make time for you in-between the doing all the activities. Its really very simple, start by letting the phone ring 3 times before answering. While listening to the rings - take several deep breaths - and smile, before you answer the phone.

Whenever we smile we create joy hormones in our system - we begin to have more happiness hormones available to us. Many of us are out of practice and by practicing over time your body will actually make more receptor sites to allow the happy hormones to dock (so you feel even happier over time). So this is one to practice. practice. practice.

This small step of these- mini-breaks - mini times of centering - gives you time for you while still doing your daily tasks. Next as part of making time for you, take a breath and smile each time you send an email and each time you open an email. And, when you stop at every traffic signal. Really take a cleansing breath and smile. It will help the commute be more relaxing.

Instigating one or more of those three daily time, will give you lots of time each day to be with your true Self and listen to your deep Knowing.

Tip two - plan what you want, NOT what you don't. Actually ask yourself - What 3 things would you really enjoy doing? Write them down - really write them down on your calendar and schedule them. Don't skip them - they are you tethers to hold you in contact with true wonder and joy.

What song or ideas do you need to develop to do your holidays or non-holidays in the best way possible? Put time to do these on your calendar.

This is the time of year to fully charge your batteries - charging your heart with what brings it nourishment. Do as many of the things that you want to do and that feed your spirit as you can truly savor and let go of all the rest.

Third Key tip, ask for help. Where in your life do you need more information or guidance or just plain help with daily tasks? So many people try to get it all done alone and forget to ask for help. Where can you get help in your life?

Get a friend to come and help you hang those pictures on the wall. For errand help, hire a neighborhood stay- at- home Mom to do your grocery shopping. She can do it when she goes to the store and make some extra cash. And you don't have to take the time to go or fight the crowds and traffic, AND you get well picked produce and products delivered to you door.(this adds several hours to your week and doesn't waste you life force).

Work out a Trade of consultation with colleague that has expertise you could use.

Fourth Key Tip, Turn your have-tos and drudgeries into games or add levity in some way. What have you been putting off doing? How could you approach it in a childlike or light manner to help you to just get it done? Set a timer and see how much you can do in only 5 minutes. Doing this a few times will get a whole 15 minutes of work done.

OR set the timer and challenge yourself -see how many items you can de-clutter in less than 5 minutes. Add to it by putting on your favorite get-moving music to keep you flowing.

The Fifth Key Tip to keep you surfing, Take care of the basics. Yes the basics are always in need of care. Get enough sleep. Drink enough water. Eat healthy food. Take 5 minutes to plan how to cover your basics. Do you need a new water bottle or water filtration system? Do you need to set a new bedtime? Can you prepare ahead and freeze meals so you can eat well without preparation hassle OR better yet work out a trade - help a neighbor with a project ( could be you are going to make cookies for holidays so you make double batches) in exchange for 1 cooked meal per week for the month.

There are lots of different ways to set up your life so you can cover the basics. Be creative and be consistent with checking to make sure these get covered.

Here is the 5 Key Re-Cap. 1) Be With Yourself Regular - Quick Mini - Breaks are great! 2) Plan Now What You Want - leave off those things you don't enjoy; 3) Get Help Getting it Done; 4) Add Levity and Fun to Must-Do Tasks; 5) Take Care of the Basics.

Wishing you all the best in savoring and stewarding your light to make this the best holiday ever.

Wishing you all best bright blessings of the season, and great joy in whatever you plan this season,

Katherine Wright Desai

Katherine Wright Desai, Ph.D. is a Energy and Spiritual Psychologist. She teaches lightworkers skills and methods for working with intuition, inner wisdom, and teams of angels and spirit guides to joyfully thrive and Be all you are Capable of Becoming - living the Light of the Truth that you Are - Your Soul Fire. See her free resources and events at http://www.Vitability.com

Learn How to Surf in Just 1 Day

2007-12-20T06:21:00.000-08:00

By Lori Valesko

The first thing you need is the right surfboard. Most people make the mistake of trying to learn how to surf on a board that is too short. They see pros riding short boards and think that's what they need. This is wrong and will only make you frustrated and give up trying to learn.
Make sure you get a surfboard that is a least 9' long. You want it to be thick and wide as this will insure it's buoyant and stable. A good choice for learning are those soft-top boards that are...are like giant Boogie Boards.

Practice these first steps on the sand before you get in the water:

1. Lay the board with it's fin, (or skeg), down in the sand so the top, (or deck), is facing up.

2. Lay on the board on your stomach so your head is about 2/3 of the way towards the front, (or nose), of the board. Since you will spend a lot of time laying on your board you should invest in a rash guard or other UV protective surf shirt such as a StayDry Shirt to protect your stomach from getting a rash and your back from getting sunburned.

3. This next part is done all in one, quick motion: bring your hands up near your chest and grab the sides of the board then jump up and bring your feet up to where your hands are so you are now crouched on your feet and holding the board. Be sure you bring your feet up and under you so you are on your feet near the center of the board and that one foot is ahead of the other, (which foot is up to you).

4. Slowly stand upright as you bring your arms out to the sides for balance. Be sure to keep your knees bent.

Practice this technique,(called a 'pop-up'), until you can quickly and smoothly jump to your feet in one motion.

Now you're ready to hit the water.

Go to a beach that either has small, gentle waves or lots of whitewater you can ride on. Whitewater, (or soup), is the water that rolls towards the shore after a wave has broken. It's the best place for learning as it will be easier to catch when you paddle. You can also have someone stand in the whitewater and push you into the wave while you lay on the board.

Enter the water pointing the nose towards the waves and lay on your board.

IMPORTANT: You want to lay on the board so that the nose of the board doesn't dip into the water OR point up out of the water too high. When you start to paddle you want the nose to be parallel with the water, just skimming the surface.

To paddle keep your head up, your legs together on the board and cup your hands as you reach out into the water and draw them back along the sides of the board. Bring them out of the water down by your hips smoothly and without a lot of splash.

Once you're out and white water is coming towards you turn and point your board towards the shore, lay in the correct spot, (nose skimming the water) and start paddling. When you feel the wave pick you up and start to push you without you having to paddle you're ready to 'pop-up', (see step #3).

It will take some practice but by the end of the day you'll have a lot of fun, get a great workout and be surfing. Just get yourself a rash guard and some board shorts and you'll be a total surfer, dude!

SurfBoards

2007-12-20T06:19:00.000-08:00

Surfboards are long, buoyant decks used in the activity of surfing. They are relatively light, but strong enough to support an individual standing on them while riding a breaking wave. Like the sport itself, they were invented in Hawaii, where they were known as Papa he‘e nalu in the Hawaiian language, and usually made of wood from local trees, such as koa, and were often over 15 feet in length and extremely heavy[1] [2]. The major advances over the years were the addition of one or more fins on the bottom rear of the board to improve directional stability and a change of materials and shapes.

Modern surfboards are made of...polyurethane or polystyrene foam covered with layers of fiberglass cloth and polyester or epoxy resin.The end result is a light and strong surfboard that is buoyant and maneuverable. Since 1995 a new breed of shapers including Paul Jensen, Tom Wegener, Roy Stewart (Power Surfboards), and Peter McMahon (Empress Surfboards) have re-invented hollow wooden surfboards. A few speciality surfboards are made out of hollow carbon fiber or aluminum for added lightness. Most modern surfboards can be divided into two main categories longboards and shortboards. Longboards as the name suggests are longer (often eight or more feet), and are also thicker and wider with a more rounded nose than a shortboard. Shortboards are shorter (5–7ft), thinner, and have a more pointed nose. They are not as wide as longboards and are typically more maneuverable. Other variants include guns, fun-boards, fish, eggs, tow-boards, and hydrofoils. In order to discuss board design, it is helpful to have basic knowledge of the vocabulary used to reference each part of the board.

Surfboards are usually constructed using polyurethane foam. They are made stronger with one or more small pieces of wood going down the middle of the board called a stringer. The foam is molded into the rough shape of a surfboard called a blank. (Note Recently, the largest producer of these blanks, Clark Foam announced its closure [3]. This move drastically affected surfboard production and has become known to surfers as Blank Monday.) Once the blanks have been made they are given to shapers. Shapers then cut, plane, and sand the board to its specifications. Finally, the board is covered in one or more layers of fiberglass cloth and resin. It is during this stage that the fins, or boxes for removable fins are put on and the leash plug is installed. Another method of making boards is using epoxy resin and polystyrene foam, instead of polyester resin and polyurethane foam. In recent years, surfboards made out of balsa and a polystyrene core are becoming more popular. Even solid balsa surfboards are available. Although boards are usually shaped by hand, the use of machines to shape them has become more and more popular over the years. Hollow wooden surfboards are constructed using any type of wood and epoxy resin and are glassed with cloth such as glass, silk, cotton, polyester, dynol or kevlar. Most surfboards weigh between 5–15?lb (2–7?kg).

Extreme Sports: Are They Worth The Risk?

2007-12-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Extreme sports like street luging, skateboarding on rails and ramps, and snow boarding off nearly impossible jumps are hotter today than they have ever been before. The athletes who pursue these challenging activities often become as dedicated as Olympians and spend hours every day practicing and improving their technique in order to be able to enjoy the thrill that only making the perfect ollie or dropping a hill on a buttboard can bring. Extreme athletes often refer to the adrenaline rush of competing as being “amped,” and many say...that there is no other feeling in the world that is as satisfying. For most of these rough and tumble athletes, part of the appeal of extreme sports is the danger.

Unlike sports that are regulated by official certified judges and require the athletes to wear protective gear and perform with ship shape equipment, extreme sports competitions sometimes include relatively unprotected athletes competing on somewhat ramshackle paraphernalia, like luge boards made out of skateboards with plywood additions. These conditions lead to greater thrills for many of the participants, because the more dangerous a situation is the more adrenaline the body produces, leading to the feeling of being “amped.” However, the long term damage that results from the kinds of injuries that many extreme athletes endure often leaves these enthusiastic men and women feeling less than thrilled. Whether or not the excitement of extreme sports is worth the danger is something that nobody can decide but the athlete who is putting his or her body on the line. However, if you or somebody in your life is thinking about joining the hardcore world of extreme sports, it is a good idea to do some research into what common injuries are, and how they can be prevented.

Often, wearing a helmet or certain kinds of padding can make the difference between ending up in the hospital after a wipe-out and walking away with a few pesky bruises. The hazards of every sport are unique, so the kinds of kneepads that a skateboarder favors might not be very much help to a street luger. The only protective gear that will really help an athlete is the gear that is specifically appropriate to his or her sport, so before you put any money into protective gear, read as much as you can about the hazards you are likely to face, and try to get some firsthand advice from experienced athletes in the field you want to be a part of. Many extreme athletes don’t bother with the kind of protective gear that they should be wearing, in part because they worry that kneepads or elbow pads will decrease their cool factor. However, taking care of your body is as important for an extreme athlete as it is for any athlete, if not more so. Even if chucking bales might not seem as exciting with a helmet as it is without one, if you protect yourself you can always be sure that you will have the chance to take another crack at your favorite extreme challenge.

Siargao: The Philippines' Ultimate Surfing Destination

2007-12-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

In Northern Mindanao lies a small island with a big reputation. It has been dubbed as the ultimate surfing destination in the Philippines. Foreigners and out-of-town locals alike have traveled to Siargao to experience for themselves the waves that have lured many surfers to stay in this island for good. For many, what was once a weekend of surfing has become a lifelong pursuit. Many dedicated American and Australian surfers now call this island home. It is not hard to see why. Siargao has a beauty unique from all others. Its land...is unspoiled by commercialism; it has no pollution, and offers a laid-back and relaxed way of life. Many visitors find it very hard to pack up and leave the island.

Surfing

Since the late 1990s, committed local and foreign surfing enthusiasts have sought out Siargao. The Cloud Nine Surf Break has literally placed Siargao on the map as one of the premiere surfing destinations. The much-anticipated event of the year is the Siargao Cup Surfing Competition. It is held in late September or early October.

Siargao does not guarantee surfing waves year-round. However, excellent surfing can be done from April to October. The best time to surf in Siargao is during the northeast monsoon, where spectacular waves appear on the ocean.

For the Non-surfers

Non-surfers can still go to Siargao and have a great time. They can simply enjoy watching surfers take on the waves. They can also learn how to surf. There are many surfing camps to choose from. Majority of these surfing camps are run by Australian surfers, who could not bear to leave Siargao and had made the island their home. Some foreign surfers as well as local ones offer surfing lessons at reasonable rates.

Those who want to enjoy the natural beauty that Siargao has to offer can go on guided day tours to the many beaches and rock pools, as well as the vast mangrove swamps, and waterfalls. Siargao also has lush inland forests where uncommon wildlife such as tarsiers, flying lemurs, and monitor lizards can be found. Trips to the islands surrounding Siargao can also be arranged from most, if not all, of the resorts. The more popular islands are: Guyam, which consists entirely of white sand and palm trees; Dako, which has a stunning beach and is great for snorkeling and diving; Bucas Grande, which has the Sohoton Cave, with an inland lake with unique marine animals such as the non-stinging jellyfish; and Kangbangyo, where you can look for crocodiles in the mangrove swamps of Caob.

The nightlife in Siargao is not as wild as in other popular destinations in the Philippines. The resorts are good enough to enjoy quiet drinks at sunset. There are many good restaurants to choose from. Most offer Filipino cuisine. Most resorts have their own in-house restaurants. These places serve delicious meals and give visitors enough reason to dine in instead of going out to eat. For surfers and non-surfers alike, Siargao is an ideal place to go on vacation.

The Surfing Capital Of Australia

2007-12-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

If surfing is your thing, then you must check out Bryon Bay, the Mecca of surfing in Australia. There you will find a place where surfing is not just a sport or favorite past-time but a lifestyle and local obsession.

Set against a back-drop of warm weather year-round and spectacular beaches, Byron Bay is an inviting venue that promises a laid-back lifestyle. Why, you can even go native and be part of a teeming “alternative” community whose ranks are constantly being bolstered by...an increasing number of writers, artists and filmmakers.

Byron Bay is nestled at the North Coast of New South Wales in Australia. It boasts of four main beaches. Byron Main, the most popular of the four, is perfect for surfing newcomers because of its smaller swell that usually breaks close to the shore. It has non-stop breaks and is great for swimming.

The Pass is the next most popular beach in Byron Bay just south of Byron Main. It is a favorite of long boarders who comb the beach in droves during summer.

Watego Beach is hidden from view and, as such, is ideal for surfers who want to avoid the crowds. The challenges it offers are more difficult for surfers, which is why the most advanced surfers prefer Watego Beach.

Finally, there is also Tallow’s Beach, the most isolated of Byron Bay’s four beaches. Most tourists have not discovered it yet especially since it is only visible from Byron Bay’s headland. It is rare to find outsiders wandering around Tallow’s Beach but the locals just love it.

Aside from surfing, Byron Bay is also a great scuba diving venue and one of these rare places where you can sit back and occasionally catch a whale or two passing by. At night, dolphins come out to play and it is not unusual to see these friendly creatures swimming side by side with people.

There’s also an excellent fine dining restaurant on Byron Bay called Fins which offers succulent seafood and an impressive wine list. Fins is one of Australia’s best restaurants.

Fine Dining

Fins Restaurant
Fins Restaurant offers fresh local seafood spiced with local herbs and supplemented by an attractive wine list. The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide has awarded FINS with two chef’s hats every year since 1998. Fins also received a Restaurant and Catering Award of Excellence as "Best Seafood Restaurant All Regional NSW" in 2005 as well as the award for "Best Seafood Restaurant in Australia" in 2004.

Diving And Surfing In Cornwall - Britain's Surfing Capital Exposed

2007-12-19T05:47:00.000-08:00

Cornwall is fast being recognised as one of the premier diving & surfing locations within the UK. This is due to the multiple of good beach resorts such as Newquay, Bude and Perranporth to name a few. Cornwall also has a huge stretch of coastline, more so than along any other part of England. This means that Cornwall as a diving location has naturally evolved, and now offers excellent prospects for those wanting to surf as well as dive.

Diving facilities within Cornwall are first class. There are several B.S.A.C clubs littered...all around Cornwall. The following locations all have major dive operators present:

· St Ives
· Hayle
· Looe
· Falmouth
· Penzance
· St Keverne

Dive boats are also available, notably in Newquay.

The months of July to October are by far the best months to go diving. It’s possible to see sharks, whales and dolphins during these peak times. Despite this, a lot of surfing still takes place between October to June (low season) where the temperature can vary from 6 to 17 degrees.

Newquay is also highly popular with surfers – in fact Newquay Fistral and Watergate Bay hold surfing championships each year, where surfers from all corners of the globe come to participate.

It’s possible to hire out surfing equipment as required including boards and wetsuits. Novice surfers can head to Towan or Tolcarne as the beaches here are somewhat more sheltered and allow a safer place for amateurs and beginners to practice their surfing. Local surf schools provide tuition and it’s also possible to book surf holidays if you intend to spend a lot of time on the board.

Getting To Cornwall And Devon

Cornwall & Devon both have excellent transport links so getting there from anywhere within the UK is quite easy. You can get there using the following means of transport:

· Hire a car to get to Cornwall or Devon (or drive your own if this is an option). If you hire a car there are popular car hire companies such as Avis or Hertz.

· If you’re heading to Cornwall or Devon from Europe then you can use the Eurostar.

· You can fly to Cornwall (Newquay) – both Ryanair and BA offer flights daily.

· You can also use Coach services such as National Express.

· Cornwall & Devon enjoy good rail links – see http://www.rail.co.uk/ for more information .

Cornwall is Britain's top surfing resort - isn't it about time you enjoyed everything it has to offer?

Women’s Surfing - Gaining Acceptance in a Male Dominated Sport

2007-12-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

Where men used to be the ‘Big Kahunas’ or expert surfers, though, things are adjusting for gender today. At the beginning of 2004, the top 20 male pro surfers averaged about $90,000 each in purse money, with former world champion Kelly Slater breaking the $1 million ceiling. Meanwhile among women pro surfers’ salaries, the top 20 were reported to have averaged roughly $20,000 per year but could and still can...earn much more in endorsements. Noteworthy is that Australia’s Layne Beachley, the only surfer – or either gender — to win six consecutive world titles, has earned more than $440,000 in purses.

Opportunities for Women

Many women are hitting the beaches thanks to pro influences that have helped promote surfing. The introduction of professional surfing equipment for the ladies, too, has helped advance the cause; for example, the twin-fin board was designed to be lightweight, compact and easier to turn than the single fin.

Above all, though, it’s been the professional women surfers themselves who have been mainly responsible for a change in public attitude. Two top examples are Jericho Poppler of Long Beach, California and Rell Sunn, who started surfing at age 4, of Makaha Beach, Hawaii. In the mid 60’s, people both thought these ladies were ‘strange,’ competing in an almost totally male-dominated sport.

Strange or not, Jericho won the 1970 U.S. Women’s Champion and 1976 World Champion. And Rell, "The Queen of Makaha," became Hawaii’s number one woman-amateur surfer for five years, joined first women’s pro tour in 1975. Both these ladies were responsible for getting women’s professional surfing underway.

Growth of professionalism in their surfing industry meant they needed to travel and network, sharing their world views with worldwide audiences, winning public support.

Both dynamic ladies, Jericho and Rell Sunn became known as ‘excellent ambassadors of surfing,’ and also champions for preserving the ocean environment.

Today female surfers, just like their male counterparts, embrace surfing worldwide.

And just like the men, their skills range from amateur to accomplished professional levels, as they compete for cash prizes and corporate sponsorships in the same manner.

There is a large market for women’s clothing and equipment, for instance. With the major companies branching off and creating women’s lines, you have Roxy, Rip Curl Girl and Billabong Girl, as well as many others. The results have meant more opportunities for sponsorships and earning income – and increased amounts - from surfing.

Sailing, Surfing and Skiing: The Best Vacations for Water Sports Lovers!

2007-12-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

How do you define a perfect vacation? For many it just means great climate, a nearby ocean shore and sandy beaches. We all need vacations so that our life does not become monotonous. There are a number of hot spots for those who love water sports like sailing, surfing and skiing. Some of them are listed below:

St. Lucia is a tropical island paradise. It is 27 miles in...length and 14 miles in width. It is actually a great place for sailors. It is just like a sailors paradise. There are so many exciting adventures and anchorages along the western coastline. The explorers can indulge in various activities. You can sail till Rodney Bay (along the west coast) and have fun on the beach in Pigeon Island National park. Here, you can enjoy great dinner and cocktail as there are excellent restaurants at night to dine in.

You can next visit the Volcano by sailing to Soufriere. You can also visit the Botanical Gardens, the Mineral Baths and Diamond Falls. You can then visit Ansa Cochon which is a perfect beach for snorkeling. You can also visit the romantic and famous Pitons. Enjoy the natural beauty of St. Lucia. You can visit the Jalousie Plantation Resorts beach in the afternoon or keep on snorkeling.

You must get back to Marigot before it turns dark. You can have an excellent Caribbean view. There are some great restaurants and you can dine as per your choice.

You can find surfers at some reachable shore in the Caribbean. Water sports freaks around the world rush to Barbados because of the Soup Bowl which is at Bathsheba. Even the champions/winners of water sports have been here and loved the friendly atmosphere, warm water and the uncrowded waves. Bathsheba is known for big thundering barrels and fast walls.

Surfers from round the world have loved to surf at the Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. This place is full with tourists in the month of November. The waves are perfect during this time of the year and the International Surfing Championship also takes place in November. Surfers just love the friendly atmosphere here and they rent bay houses and enjoy their stay.

St. Vincent has Shipping Bay and Lagoon Bay where there are good waves towards the windward side. A good surfing place can also be found at Trinidad on the east coast. The surfers enjoy surfing through out the day in the Caribbean.

If you wish to go skiing, visit the Water skiing at Ski Paradise. It is situated in Acapulco in Mexico. It has been actually rated by the Water Ski Magazine as the best ski site in the world. You can have a fabulous time here. It is good for everyone whether you are a beginner or a pro. It is the best place for water ski and other sport activities. You can find comfortable and nice accommodations here. What more, you may actually get instructions from some well know celebrities. Other than skiing, you can also enjoy sport fishing, tennis and golf here.

Acapulco has a great climate and an amazing night life. This city of a million people has some awesome beaches too. You will have the time of your life here with great skiing, amazing climate, food and people. You can also visit the Fuerte de San Diego which was built in 1616. It is a Spanish fort. In case you love adventure, hire a taxi and drive through the zigzag streets of the old town. You will see the ancient sites here.

Other than these top spots for surfing and skiing there are several other places too for water sports enthusiasts. Such vacations can be found anywhere on the West or the East coast. Such vacations are affordable and very enjoyable!

Wind Surfing?

2007-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Windsurfing is a surface water sport using a windsurf board, also commonly called a sailboard, usually two to five meters long and powered by a single sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating flexible joint called the Universal Joint (U-Joint). Unlike a rudder-steered sailboat, a windsurfer is steered by the tilting and rotating of the mast and sail as well as tilting and carving the board.
The sport combines aspects of both...sailing and surfing, along with certain athletic aspects shared with other board sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Although it might be considered a minimalistic version of a sailboat, a windsurfer offers experiences that are outside the scope of any other sailing craft design. A windsurfer holds the world speed record for sailing craft (see below); and, windsurfers can perform jumps, inverted loops, spinning maneuvers, and other "freestyle" moves that cannot be matched by any sailboat. Windsurfers were the first to ride the world's largest waves, such as Jaws on the island of Maui, and, with very few exceptions, it was not until the advent of tow-in surfing that waves of that size became accessible to surfers.

Windsurfing includes speed sailing, slalom, course racing, wave sailing, superX, and freestyle as distinct disciplines.

A Guide to Surfing Wet Suits

2007-12-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

Surfing wetsuits are a breed unto themselves. To begin with, there are cool, surfer-dude designations used to describe the different styles of surfing wet suits.
The first is the spring suit which has short legs and short arms and is used to keep the upper body warm and has a thickness of materials of about 2mm. Short Johns are like spring suits but without the sleeves and are also usually 2mm thick. Long Johns have full-length legs and are mostly about 2mm thick. Full Suits are self-explanatory, the most commonly used -- especially in colder waters -- whose thickness is determined by... the temperature of the water the surfer usually finds himself in.

Another difference in surfing wet suits is that many have two layers of material and the area under the arms is thinner than the rest allowing for easier arm movements critical to performing well while surfing. Furthermore, it is common for surfers to add an additional spandex suit underneath their wetsuits if they venture into cooler waters.

Surfing wet suits need to be more flexible in the upper torso and shoulder areas than diving wet suits to make the balancing and control contortions of the surfer easier. Especially sensitive are the knee areas as the surfer is constantly shifting his weight to maintain his balance.

Unless the knee areas move easily and don’t stretch during this movement they will inhibit the surfer and cause the suit to crack with wear at the knees over time. Because of the extreme physicality involved with the sport of surfing, the entire suit has to be manufactured with ease of movement and durability at its core.

Unlike other wetsuits, surfing wet suits don’t really care about thermal heat loss as much as diving suits. And because of the movement capability in the suit, gender specific manufacture is mandatory.

Beach Vacations for Winter

2007-12-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

During the winter months, finding a beach vacation spot can be a little difficult. It does not have to be, which is where this article will really come in handy. Below, you will find some resorts that offer a unique twist to your...winter beach vacation.

1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge

On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights, and a private bathroom with hot water showers.

The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offer over 54,000 acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and Hawaiian arts and crafts.

2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii

Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water slides, and even lazy rivers.

The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions, such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool, and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool which is great for families.

3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas

In the amazing water fun department is the unique Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000 sea animals.

4. Club Med Punta Cana

Over the last several years, the Dominion Republic has been working very hard to establish itself as a destination for families, with many all inclusive being built. This location has all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand out features that include kids programs, and other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana one of the most unique beach vacation spots in the entire world.

5. Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and lodging in comfortable tent cottages.

As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built on platforms and designed to be both attractive and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice cooler, and even a private deck.

Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for those who want to cook from the privacy of their own room.

Feelin' the Chill!

2007-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and wet December day, when my feet touched the sand at Sendai Shinko. The sand was blanketed white with fresh snow, the sky grey, the waves perfect, and the line up empty. It should have been a perfect setup, the kind of day a surfer dreams of, but I could barely muster up the enthusiasm to strap on my leash. That December day was last year, it’s fresh in my mind now as the first snows are starting to fall on the mountains around Sendai. Oh well, here we go again.

Being an Australian, growing up in Queensland, I have never had to think...about cold. Cold water surfing prior to Japan was wearing a 3mm full suit in winter for the early session for comfort rather than necessity.To say I loath the cold would be an understatement, but there is something to be said for it, and that’s what this article is about.

Anybody can keep stoked on surfing in the tropics, it’s easy. You wake up in the morning in your boardies, scratch your self grab a drink and head to the beach to check the swell. If it’s good you run in paddle out and surf until you get sick of it. If it’s flat, you feel bummed, but figure a swim will probably help you shake of the sleep and get the day underway, like I said, easy. Surfing in a snow covered winter is a whole other story. Your alarm rings, you wake up, it’s dark, and your face is cold. You pull the blanket over your head and tell yourself it’s just a bad dream, eventually one of your buddies who has just gone through the same nightmare, calls you up and tells you to get you ass out of bed.The nightmare continues, you get your wetty out of the bathtub, which is still wet, but now icy cold and stuff it into a bag, fill up a tank with steaming hot water pull on three to four layers of clothes and head out the door to scrape the ice and snow off of the car; it’s still dark by the way.

Once at the beach, the real challenge begins, standing on either ice or snow, with winds pouring off of the snow capped mountains around 50km away, you have to somehow get off you three to four layers and put on your icy cold wet wetty, boots, gloves and hood. Then walk through ankle to knee deep snow down to the shore, and begin the paddle out.

Unlike paddling in summer paddling in winter is like trying to swim while wrapped in a blanket, with oven mitts on. All this isn’t too bad compared to the joys of taking a duck dive under a 2 degree Celsius wall of water, which brings an instant ice cream headache.

While sitting in the line off shore wind blows against your wet hair, if you are like me and cannot stand the claustrophobic feel of a hood while you wait for waves, I only pull my hood up when it hurts to leave it down.The 5mm wet suit feels like an iron suit, with the boots and gloves on I feel like G.I Surfer, my body locked into a permanent posture rigid all movement forced, but then it happens, then one event which seems to make all the misery disappear in an instant, the peak approaches. As you paddle for the wave, icy water bounces off the nose of your board and stings your face and eyes, almost blind you feel for the moment when you know you've got the wave, be it a head high wave or double over the rush is the same, rather than the fear of a pounding, which is usually measured by the size and force of the wave, in these conditions it's the cold that rattles you, any wipeout is going to suck. One such wipeout held me down deep for two waves, I climbed up to my board trying to keep conscious and proceeded to throw up. Your feet hit the deck and you're off, cold gone, though you feel as weak as a kitten and a turn or two can leave you out of breath, but the stoke is the same. Due to cold and fatigue a winter surf usually is under one hour, that when the joints stop bending and the feet are numb, you stumble out of the water and brave the wind on the walk back to the car, once there you begin to strip off the layers of rubber, daunting task as your extremities are totally numb, one time my hands were so numb that as I pulled off my glove my wedding ring came off and I didn't feel it, winter surfing nearly cost me my marriage. Back in the car the heater blasting, toes completely numb, you begin driving home smiling ear to ear, you've made it, nature at it's worst and you were up to the challenge. You truly are a surf warrior!

Beginning Surfing? Ways to help

2007-12-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Surfing is a fun and popular sport around the world. Unfortunately a lot of folks are too intimidated to even search out a school or instructor to even start this fantastic sport. Hereâ€™s some tips that will help you get over that and get out there on the waves!

Choose a spot appropriate to your skill level. The place where you start surfing will influence your experience and learning curve. When you are first learning to surf...your main goal is to catch a wave and stand up on the board. You don't need a perfect wave to do that. In fact, a beach where the waves just close out (break all at once), when the waves are small, offers a great opportunity to practice catching and standing up. Since the waves are closing out, there won't be any other people surfing (unless there is another beginner, so keep your distance). After catching the wave, ride on your belly until it breaks, then, while you are riding the white water toward the beach, just stand up and try to balance. Once you've got the hang of that, you are reading to ride a wave that has a peeling break. The greater speed associated with a peeling wave will then allow you to learn to turn the board.

1. Avoid crowds. You need some experience before you can successfully catch waves without getting in the way of others.

2. Avoid rocky spots. When you're learning you might not have sufficient control to navigate around them, and getting smashed up against a rock is bad for you and your board.

3. Avoid big waves. Knee- to waist-high surf is right for beginners.

4. Slow, mushy surf at point breaks with sandy bottoms and small crowds are the best places to learn.

Once you get a feel for the basics of catching and riding waves, continue your learning at a "beach break" - a long straight beach with lots of different wave peaks, a sandy bottom and plenty of room.

Ask friends who surf to steer you to the best places in your area to learn.
Understand the surfing right-of-way before you get in the water. Beginners that get in the way of experienced surfers ruin the fun for both.
Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death.

We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Surfboard design innovations

2007-12-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

Surfing has its roots in the Polynesia. When explorers such as Captain Cook first happened on previously undiscovered Polynesian islands in the 18th century, they were often surprised to find the natives seemingly walking on water, riding waves with different crafts raging from huge wooden boards to small planks and nothing at all. In Hawaii, where surfing was common, it was strictly regulated by a...system of governance called Btapu. Some breaks were reserved for the chiefs who generally used huge boards to ride the waves. This system of governance also determined the way each surfboard needs to be made. An each surfboard determined the status of the riderâ€™s board.

When the Hawaiian population was almost killed by disease and foreign influence in the 19th century, the practice of surfing declined, and almost died out entirely. However, as Hawaii came to be seen as an attractive vacation destination in the beginning of the 20th century, surfing experienced a sort of rebirth, lead by the Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys. Surfing broke in as part of Hawaiiâ€™s image as a tropical paradise. Kanahanamoku became a kind of ambassador for surfing, introducing it to both coasts of the US as well as Australia between 1910 and 1920. Surfing did not immediately blossom in these new locations, however, because of their cold weather and the heavy and unhandy nature of the old wooden boards. It would take many years and technical innovations before surfing became popular worldwide.

The first great innovation was the addition of the fin to the underside of the surfboard. The fin increased the surfboardâ€™s stability and made it more maneuverable. In the 1940s, Californian Bob Simmons began to experiment with new shapes and design materials for surfboards, and came up with the modern foam and fiberglass construction that is the basis for surfboard design today. The new materials made surfboards lighter, cheaper, and more accessible. The advent of the wetsuit around this time made temperate coastlines much more attractive for surfing and this greater accessibly helped to facilitate surfingsâ€™ great boom in the 1960â€™s, when different surfing movies and bands like The Beach Boys, Bel-airs, and Surfers, helped surfing, and the accompanying lifestyle present its way into Americaâ€™s culture.

The next great revolution was the short board revolution of the late 1960s, when some surfers started experimenting with surfboards radically shorter and more maneuverable than before. This opened up a whole new world of faster, steeper breaks which the older boards were unable to handle. The 1970s saw the birth of the professional surfing world tour, which helped to further popularize surfing around the world. The final revolution in surfboard design took place in the early 1980s, the three finned surfboard, which further increased board speed and maneuverability.

Today surfing continues to increase in popularity and is spreading to the whole globe.

Learn how waveboard works?

2007-12-05T11:12:00.001-08:00

The waveboard as a very unique a different design then most boards on the market. The board only has two wheels, which are free to rotate an entire 360 degrees, located under two separate decks that are connected by a spring loaded torsion bar. The decks are able to twist opposite of each other. It is this technology that allows the wave board to be propelled without your feet ever needing to touch the ground. The wheels are sized at 77mm and 85A, and the bearings are ABEC5. Waveboard wheels are designed to take the wear and tear of continual use. Your feet never have to touch the ground when riding and because of this any wheels would wear down much faster. The waveboard wheels keep you riding longer... before you need to change them. The 360 degree rotating wheels connect to the decks which are made out of high quality and very strong ABS plastic. ABS plastic was used because of the strength it has. The board can take a lot of wear and tear before it will ever break. The one draw back is that the board is slightly heavier then most boards, although weight is not going to matter when you are cruising down the street with the waveboard under your feet.

On top of the decks are the face plates and grip. Outlining each deck are traction plates. These traction plates give you grip around the entire perimeter of each deck. Therefore if your feet slide for some reason the traction plates will grip your shoe and hold you on the board. In the middle of the top of each deck are the traction pads. These traction pads are little sections of grip to grab onto the middle of your shoe and also help give the board its sleek look. The last things on top of the decks are the interchangeable deck plates. There are silver decks, green, orange, red, pink, and checkered that can all be put on any waveboard. These decks are all about the design and look of the board, and created interchangeable so you can customize your waveboard. On the underside of each deck the plastic is sand blasted for protection. This is also where the screws are located to remove a deck plate and change it. The two decks are connected by a spring load torsion bar. This is the most important technology of the waveboard. This torsion bar is what allows each deck to swivel individually to produce the motion you need to propel yourself without ever pushing off of the ground. The free swiveling 360 degree wheels twist and turn as your feet swivels each deck. The correct motion is an “S” shape with your shoulders and hips and it is this movement coupled with the technology of the waveboard that propels you forward. When you get good at the waveboard you are not going to think of how it works, it just becomes so natural, and you will be able to balance like you are walking. Hopefully understanding the technology and how it works will help get you started and more comfortable on your waveboard quicker.

Beach Life in Bali is Pure Fun in the Sun

2007-11-14T13:28:00.001-08:00

As the temperature gets chillier in many Northern Hemisphere countries, tropical destinations such as Baliseem all the more attractive. With their bona fide friendly nature and ingenious for hospitality, the Balinese make the island an even more popular destination to beachcombers in search of sun, sand and surf.

Bali also has a variety of beach options to suit every kind of traveler. There are the popular surf spots of Kuta and Legian, the luxurious and private shores of Nusa Dua, the chic and romantic Seminyak beach and the beautifully serene locale of Sanur.

Says seasoned traveler Ganesh Manickavasagar, Director of D’Casting Company, “Bali is one of those locations... where you really feel an affinity with the environment. The picturesque beaches, charming people and traditional culture combine together to create a unique experience that really is unmatched by other tropical destinations.”

With its clean break waves and lengthy golden shore, Kuta has been a favourite among surfers since the 1970s. These days, the area is something of a tourist Mecca, offering a prime nightlife and entertainment scene in addition to its vast array of beach activities and hotels. The area is also brimming with shopping options, with everything from branded luxury clothes and accessories to bohemian beach wear.

The Kuta town and surrounding suburbs are suitable for all types of tourists including seasoned solo surfers, young groups of friends, couples and families. It is an epicenter for surf, sun and fun – but not necessarily peace and quiet. For this year’s summer high season, Agoda.com has hot deals around Kuta beach and the suburbs of Legian at Santika Beach Hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa and Legian Beach Hotel.

“Bali is my favorite holiday spot. I’m from Sydney and love surfing back home but Bali has a different, more laid back feel. I love the food, the people and Balinese culture. Also, you cannot get a beach massage Balinese style at such a cheap price back home; they’re sublime!” says frequent Bali traveler and customer service manager, Natalie Brooks.

Not far from Kuta town is the trendy Seminyak beach. Quickly earning a reputation for being a sleek, boutique hotspot, Seminyak has a first-rate swimming beach and a number of designer accommodation and fine dining options. Agoda recommendations include the Resor Seminyak Resort & Spa and the opulent Oberoi Hotel.

The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It is a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life – there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area. Agoda has special discounts at Nikko Resort & Spa, Melia Benoa Hotel and Nusa Dua Resort & Spa, all known for their splendid outdoor landscaping, Balinese architecture and high levels of service.

Closer to Denpasar, the quiet beach of Sanur is a pleasant alternative to the highly developed and more popular beach spots of Bali. Everything at Sanur moves at a leisurely pace, and guests can experience a more traditional Bali, with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and the soothing sounds of the nearby temple, offering a unique atmosphere. Agoda has special hotel rates at Sanur Beach Hotel, Mercure Sanur Hotel and Sri Phala Resort and Villas.

San Sebastian Tours

2007-11-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

San Sebastian also known as Donostia-San Sebastian is the capital province of Gipuzkoa in the basque country, Spain. Surrounded by beaches this place is blessed with pristine beauty located on the Basque coast of northwest Spain 20 km away from the French border. Strolling on the La Concha beach, the most famous and usually packed in July and August with large number of tourists is simply amazing. It is larger on the west side with an island and boats in the bay. Those people who love sports and adventures this place is heaven for them. La Zurriola is on the east of the old town and river is very popular and mostly thronged by the tourists as it is a surf beach were you can simply get in and ride the Atlantic waves and enjoy the beach sports.

Another beach Ondarreta is also famous for surfing and adventure sports. If you want you can go for hiking on the top of the mountain between the beaches. Hire a kayak and try to measure the depth of the water and tryst with the panoramic view. The city of Guipuzcoa is beautifully decorated with the breathtaking green mountain landscapes which attract attention... of one and all. Going to this place and not visiting the museums and knowing its past history would be something like things done half heartedly. The Dominican monastery built in 16th century has remarkable collection of Basque artifacts from prehistoric times. The museum of San Sebastian is worth seeing.
Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz is an Oceanographic museum takes you to the underwater walkways and allows you to take glimpse of sharks, rays and other marine creatures. It also boasts of huge collection of numerous marine creatures kept in large tanks. The maritime museum shows the fascination of mankind towards the sea since ages with historical displays of naval artifacts, fishing gear and marine fossils.

San Sebastian has long known for its style and very conscious of the image formed since past gives way to the high-end shops with trendy boutiques filled with something which is off-beat or way-out designer gear. The Basque Cuisine is famous within Spain and San Sebastian is famous for its bar and restaurants. Every bar in San Sebastian burst with delicate looking Tapas which is usually enjoyed with a glass of wine or a small beer. The kalimotxo is a local drink made of 50% wine and 50% coca cola is very famous among the youngsters. The food available here is varied, one can go for Basque cuisine if not Chinese, German, Galician and Italian are also available. Some people enjoy the freshest seafood served in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian International Film Festival and International Jazz Festival are some of the biggest event which attracts not only the tourists but also the celebrities. There are some fine hotels here but not sufficient to accommodate the influx of tourists especially in the months of July and august to witness the unique candlelit ceremony, takes place to venerate San Sebastian's devastating 1813 fire. So reservation in advance is essential.

Wakeboarding

2007-10-01T05:00:00.001-07:00

What is wakeboarding? It was created by combining water skiing, snow snowboarding, and surfing. Before it was called wakeboarding people called it surfing. Wakeboarding is when you have person being towed behind a boat, looking much like water skiing but they just a board that looks much like a snowboard. The board itself looks like a cross of a snowboard and a skateboard.

The board can float and is typically around 130-147 cm long and about 45 cm wide. They are wider and shorter than your typical snowboard.

In addition, unlike snowboards that are concave, wakeboards are bowed. When it comes to the boat, they are like some to water skiing boats, but the rope is normally mounted on a tower about two meters about the water line and the boat is usually weighted to give a larger wake.

A wake is used as ramps are used in many other board sports. To steer the board you must use a combo of direction and cutting edges into the water. A rider can move outside of the wake and then cut rabidly in towards the wake, which will allow it to launch the rider into the air. They are many techniques and cuts that are used in the sport. Over the years, people have come up with various tricks like the elephant or tantrum that has made the sport a very interesting one.

This is much like a freestyle sport and has become very popular on the shores. It has even been recently added to the X games. Both woman and men are allowed to compete in the X games. When it comes to the X games, it's much like the competition of all competitions.

It's a championship and allows the riders to get creative and they are pressured to show the judged something more spectacular than any other rider. When it comes to the X games, each person must show some kind of trick that they have mastered and feel comfortable with.

They must make their act stand out above the rest and they must take in consideration many factors when it comes to planning their show. The sport itself offers an opportunity for self-expression or art. Wakeboarding is limited to beginners, but with practice, you can be doing tricks like the pros.

It is important as a beginner to not push yourself too hard. Learning too much at once can cause harm or flaws in your shows. You will need to allow yourself to take the time to learn each trick before going on to another one, because the added pressure will become more stressful when the showdown begins. It can be a fun sport to learn, but it can also be dangerous like any other water sport.

Wakeboarding

2007-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Buetiful Beaches for surfing

2007-10-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Beaches, the meeting between sea and land, they have an unique of mysterious nature. From there you can get your mind opened, that earth is very wide, beautiful, fun and spooky. Many words you can say about beaches. For your realize, many tourist come to countries, just to enjoy the beaches, feeling the sun and sand.

We are very lucky that our land located in tropical zone, great weather almost happened every month. Because of that, it attracting many tourist to come to sunbathing on our beaches. As you know our most famous beach is kuta beach, it has left many memories for tourists who came there. And also other beaches around bali, many international competition and activities have held there, from surfing competition, volleyball competition and international artist concert.

For us (hindus) beach is very sacred place, we believe it guarding us from disaster, so we have many processing or ceremony on beach. A message for beach traveller, please respect and keep your attitude while on the beach.

By it`s sand, beaches in Bali categorized into two beaches, they are white sand and black sand. Then, what are the best beaches in Bali? here are most visited:

- Kuta Beach @ Kuta
- Dreeamland Beach @ Bukit
- Nusa Dua Beach @ Nusa Dua
- Sanur Beach @ Sanur
- Uluwatu Beach @ Uluwatu
- Jimbaran Beach @ Jimbaran
- Medewi Beach @ Negara

I am sure that you know and have been one of them right? if not, prepare yourself to be part of our hospitality, enjoy the beautiful nature attraction here. have a nice travelling!

Just simple visit balitravelandtourism.com to get full information

Fun Holidays In The Sun

2007-10-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a vacation and dreaming of all those fun commercials you have seen with people enjoying the sun and surf, you can now be one of them. There are a lot of locations that are perfect for any water sports enthusiast who is looking to try adventure holidays.

As you begin research to find the perfect location for your watery vacation, here is a list of some of the top spots you may want to consider for your fun holidays:

Acapulco, Mexico - Ski Paradise received the Water Ski Magazine designation of "best ski site in the world". This isn't just for the pros either, all water skiers can have a blast at this locale. Everything you need is in one place, from accommodations, to the water, instructors and all of the extras you can imagine to get wet and have fun. In addition to water skiing they also offer sport fishing trips, and even land sports like golf and tennis. And once you've had enough sport, you are in a fabulous tropical location where you can just relax or do some sight-seeing.

St. Lucia - A wonderful get away for adventure and romance. This island is 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, but you can feel as if you have found a tropical escape from the rest of the world if you visit locations such as Diamond Falls, the Mineral Baths, and the volcano. If you are traveling by boat, you can spot at a number of deserted beaches, such as Ansa Cochon, where you can drop an anchor and jump into the crystal clear waters with snorkel gear to see a vibrant, colorful, underwater world.

St. Vincent - Surfers love to visit St. Vincent. When they want large waves to ride, the island is usually pleased to deliver at locations such as Shipping Bay and Lagoon Bay. For those who are fans of milder or moderate surfing conditions, stick to Lagoon Bay. The Shipping Bay surfing spots on the islands windward side are known to be much rougher rides and are for more experienced and gutsy surfers.

Trinidad - Another location surfers in the know put on their list of places to experience is Trinidad. On the eastern coast of the island, there is great surfing at Minister Bay. Unlike other locations where you wait for the right tidal times to surf, and have to watch for the conditions to be ready for you to take to the water, this area offers great waves all day long.

Barbados - What may be the best location for surfers looking to catch great waves all the time is Bathsheba. It's beach conditions are a surfer's paradise, hour after hour. The wave conditions are so predictable this is the location of the annual International Surfing Championship every November. While the area is exceedingly busy at that time of year, the rest of the year, this is a quaint fishing village, that offers un-crowded beaches where you can ride the waves from sunrise to sunset.

Surfing and the Surfer`s Paradise

2007-09-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

The south of Bali island is faced the hindi ocean, it has sprung up along the spectacular beaches, furthermore, the combination of large offshore reefs and shaped coastline have made this region a genuine surfer`s paradise. You can find perfect wave on these beautiful beaches:

- Medewi Beach @ Negara
- Balian Beach @ Tabanan
- Pererenan Beach @ Tabanan
- Canggu Beach @ Canggu
- Peti Tenget Beach @ Kerobokan
- Legian Beach @ Kuta
- Kuta Beach @ Kuta
- Kuta reef @ Kuta
- Airport Left @ Airport Tuban
- Airport Rights @ Airport Tuban
- Jimbaran Beach @ Jimbaran
- Balangan Beach @ Bukit Balangan
- Dreamland Beach @ Bukit Pecatu
- Bingin Beach @ Bukit
- Padang-padang Beach @ Bukit
- Uluwatu Beach @ Bukit Uluwatu
- Nyang-nyang Beach @ Bukit
- Batu Pageh Beach @ Batu Pageh
- Nusa Dua Beach @ Nusa Dua
- samuh Beach @ Nusa Dua
- Serangan Beach @ Serangan Island
- Semawang Beach @ Sanur
- Tanjung sari Beach @ Sanur
- Sanur Beach @ sanur
- Padang Galak Beach @ Sanur
- Ketewel Beach @ Batubulan
- Keramas Beach @ Gianyar
- Lebih Beach @ Gianyar
- Padang Bai Beach @ Padang Bai
- Lembongan Beach @ Lembongan Island

What are the rules for surfing? here are basic knowledge before you wax your surfing board.

Know your Skill and Ability
This is the first thing you should realize. You have to know how good you are at a wave riding and your physical strength (the power your arm and back muscle to paddle out and the important is your ability to hold breath during the rinse cycle time in a bad wipe out)

Know the Environment
Simple tips for you to know the environment is, better ask the locals about the surf break, where is the paddle out point and paddle in point, bottom contour and natural hazard. Please really concern to the latter, you do not want to end up tangled in bull kelp, skimming along beside a shark or heading out to sea on a rip. Do not panic, anytime when you caught in it.

Throw or Hold?
Know when to hold onto your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are paddling out then keep hold of your board, you will get out back to the line up more quickly and you will not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe out then get ride of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board getting washed together, but if you really need to bail from your board, check your tail and make sure that there is no one behind you before you bail and try to keep your board parallel to the beach, to minimize the risk of snapping it because of the impact from the wave`s lip.

Notice
The most hated thing by surfer, always remember! that you are not taking anyone`s wave. Surfer who is closest the wave has the priority.

So guys, please make sure the rules and the fun, you won`t get trouble while you are surfing, are you?

The history of surfing

2007-09-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

In the early 1900's the Hawaiians organized the Hui Nalu (surf club) and competed in neighborly surf competitions with the Outrigger Canoe Club. This drew a great deal of attention to the Waikiki surf shore, bringing a revitalized interest in the sport, which had fallen out of favor in the late 1800s. Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic star in swimming, popularized the sport further by traveling internationally and showing off his surfing style to thrilled audiences around the world. He was favored by Hollywood elite; having acted in bit parts in films and was always recruiting new surfers wherever he went. He is credited with surfing the longest wave of all time in 1917, in the popular surfing area now called Outside Castles in Waikiki. His 1000 meters plus wave record has yet to be overtaken.

In the 1930s, the sport of surfing was experiencing a Renaissance. Tom Blake, founder of the Pacific Coast Surf Championships that ended with the onset of war in 1941, was the first man to photograph surfing from the water. Another photographer and surfer named Doc Ball published California Surfriders 1946, which depicts the pristine coastal beaches and good-time, relaxed atmosphere of surf living. Surfing, although curtailed in the aftermath of WWII, revived as always by the 1950s. Bud Browne, an accomplished surfer and waterman, created the first 'surf movie' with his 1953 "Hawaiian Surfing Movie". This inspired many photographers, filmmakers and surfers to continue documenting the sport, culminating with is arguably the best surf movie of all time, 1963's "Endless Summer" by Bruce Brown. The film opened up the genre of the surf movie and the art of surfing to non-surfing people, accumulating fans and inspiring neophytes.

Although surfing was a male-dominated sport, adventurous women surfers can be seen all the way back to the times of the Polynesian Queens. Two notable 'surfer girls' were Eve Fletcher and Anona Napolean. Eve Fletcher was a California-born animator for Walt Disney and Anona Napolean was the daughter of a respected Hawaiian surfing family. The two pioneered the sport for modern women, winning surfing competitions up and down the California coast at the end of the 50s and into the 60s. Hollywood was quick to be on the scene and with the 1959 film "Gidget", surfing was flung far out into the mainstream, never to return to its humble, ritualistic beginnings. "Gidget" inspired a slew of "Beach Blanket Bingo" movies that brought surfing to a new generation of teens and inspiring a new genre of 'surf music' that accompanied films and made The Beach Boys more famous than Elvis in the 60s.

Surfing spread throughout all media and Surfing Magazine was born in the early 1960s by famous surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis. After that, other publications cropped up bringing more information on the sport, equipment and stars of the surfing scene. John Severson, an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, created Surfer Magazine, originally called "The Surfer". These publications brought advertising, professional surfing, surf culture and publicity to the now very popularized sport.

The Addiction of Calfornia Surfing

2007-09-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Surfing is a surface water sport in where the individual is carried by a breaking wave while riding on a surfboard. There are various types of surfing, based on the different methods or surf craft used to ride the wave. The more commonly practised types would include regular stand-up surfing, kneeboarding and bodyboarding.

Many people are addicted to surfing in California today. The clean beaches, perfect waves and good weather were always an attraction to anyone who has ever surfed in his life. When you grow near a place like the Pacific Ocean, it becomes a part of you; it is like a religion almost.

Tell me just one person who lives here and never sneak out of classes to go surfing. It is always an adventure for younger: they pack some food and water, the wetsuits and their boards and that would be enough for having a great day on the beach. Sometimes, when the waves are too high and the ocean is agitated, they still have the courage to get on their boards; it fills them with adrenaline.

Choosing the beach is not something that you decide on the spot, it depends on the waves. The places with the best waves are always crowded with surfers, and if you find a secluded place, the waves are not good or sharks might be there. The best places to surf in California are Santa Cruz or the Southern California area. However, if you never surfed before, try other beaches too, you might find one that you like better.

When you will find the right beach for you might find yourself surrounded by strange groups of people, which seem to be tied to California surfing- the surfers. Sometimes they are friendly, sometimes aggressive, it depends on what way do you choose or if you know something about surfing. There are unspoken laws that you would better find about before you try mingle among these ocean creatures. If you will not take ones wave and leave enough space for the others it will be OK. If not, the worst thing it could happen is they surfing over your head and leaves you to sharks.

California surfing is a thing that once gets you; you will never get rid of again. Just check one of California surfing competitions; the true surfers are there, the best in the world. It is a spiritual experience related to the deep ocean and the adrenaline pumping through your veins.