Thursday, 20 December 2007

SurfBoards

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).

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Extreme Sports: Are They Worth The Risk?

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

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

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

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?

Monday, 17 December 2007

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


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!

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!