Basic Kayaking Skills For The Beginner

Basic Kayaking Skills For The Beginner by Chris Kennelly

Kayaking skills are primarily based upon the technique and how you approach the specific task within the activity. Some of these include the flip or roll over once you have capsized, and even holding the paddle in the correct fashion.

Starting off with the paddle holding technique, one will realize that this is one of the most vital skills, as the paddle is essentially your propelling and guiding tool once out there in the water. The kayak paddle differs from a canoe paddle, as it has 2 blades attached compared to the canoe paddle only having one. In developing the necessary kayaking skills, the paddle must be held correctly so that the most power can be generated from utilizing the paddle correctly in the water. The face of the paddle is the part that you will use to pull yourself through the water, and this part is the concave part of the blade. A simple trick in this area, is if the paddle has writing on the blade, one should keep this the right way up and not upside down to assist in holding it correctly.

Another one of the vital and necessary skills is the rolling over once you have been capsized, which involves tucking the body in toward the kayak to avoid any potential head injuries. One should then reach out with the paddle in hand, to one side of the kayak and whilst turning the paddle from a horizontal position to a perpendicular position back into the water, one should arch the neck outward, towards the surface of the water, against the shoulder. In other words, if one is trying to tip the vessel to the right then the paddle should be out of the right hand side of the kayak and the head and right shoulder tilted towards the right. As one pulls the paddle into the perpendicular position continue roll through towards the right and pushing into the water with the paddle to the left. One should use the face of the paddle as a lever to push oneself out of the water. You should then follow through with the momentum, in a rolling fashion to correct your kayak and your position in the water, this will include a hip snap which is that gaining momentum you will use to right yourself.

The above mentioned are only two of many kayaking skills that would have to be studied, learned and further developed, as one gets more into the kayaking experience. However, these two basic skills are very valuable in terms of this type of activity, as no matter how an advanced you become, in a certain situations you will be capsized, especially in an ocean or white water setting, and the quicker you master this skill, the quicker you will be able to right yourself and possibly prevent any potential injury.



For additional resources and all aspects pertaining to kayaks, learning to kayak and all things related, paddle through to Learn Kayaking or even Ocean Kayaking to get you started.

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Surfing - Wetsuits and Drysuits for Surfers

Surfing - Wetsuits and Drysuits for Surfers by J Edmond Souaid

Being exposed to the water is continual in surfing. Even riding a wave the spray is constantly on your body. Sometimes, it feels colder than the water itself. Air carries away body warmth more easily when your skin is wet.

Wetsuits and drysuits to the rescue.

Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a special synthetic rubber that contains thousands of air pockets. That makes them lightweight, highly elastic and well insulating. They hug the body and fit reasonably well around the neck, wrists and ankles - everywhere the water might gain entrance to the inside of the wetsuit.

But wetsuits are designed to have some breathability. They work by trapping a thin layer of moisture between the skin and the wetsuit. The body easily heats that thin layer and the body and suit work together to keep it heated.

Wetsuits come in a variety of designs. Some of that variation is just for the sake of fashion. But other aspects are functional. Those encompass zippers, seams and sealing material around the openings.

The number and location of zippers is a compromise between the need to keep the wetsuit flexible and easy to enter versus keeping it well sealed from cold water entering.

Because the line along a zipper is always less flexible than the surrounding material, zippers are often not placed directly down the front midsection of the body. That would make them easier to get in and out of, but it leads to more discomfort for a surfer who is constantly leaning over or lying down to paddle, popping up and crouching.

Similar comments apply to any kind of seam. Though more flexible than a metal or even a plastic zipper, a joint where two layers of neoprene meet is always going to be less flexible than a large swatch of material. The glue is less flexible, if that's how the seam is sealed. But even a seam created by heat sealing will have some thickening, which is less flexible. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a seam.

As a result of these issues, designers try to maximize the comfort and stretch of a suit where it is most needed. Since wetsuit design is as much art as science, and everyone has a different viewpoint on the best design. So, there are hundreds of different choices.

Drysuits are a special category, needed only by those surfers who are braving the coldest waters. Whether in the UK, Alaska, or other areas, there are waters that are consistently below 60F/15C. It's possible to lose body heat to a dangerous extent. In most cases, that calls for a drysuit if the wearer is going to be exposed for more than a few minutes.

Drysuits, unlike wetsuits, are designed to allow no entry of water at all. They're made from a dozen different materials, but are often a form of neoprene as well. They tend to be more flexible, but are also often used with an undersuit as well, along with booties, gloves and a hood.

Let your personal comfort and the conditions you surf in be your guide. Always wear uv protective clothing and sun protection swimwear with UPF50+ maximum cover.



J Edmond have been working in the sun protection clothing industry for several years. The main aim is to raise awareness of the sun' UV radiation and it's effect on human skin. Click here for more info about sun protection swimwear and UV protective clothing.

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Going On Ski Holidays To Get Rid Of The Winter Blues

Going On Ski Holidays To Get Rid Of The Winter Blues by Anna Stenning

Going for a short trip abroad to a warm climate during the winter months is just one way of getting away from the winter blues, however, then you have to face the fact of coming back to the cold climates of the UK, on top of which you will be feeling the holiday blues. Many would wonder why they had even bothered to come back, pining for that warm sandy beach and blaring sunshine. The worst bit is when your tan begins to fade!

There is another way round this dilemma, as many people would be mad not to take up the opportunity of going on a holiday to a warm destination. Any opportunity to look like you have caught a good tan and walking into work with a healthy glow, is never to be missed especially if you are a woman. However, not everybody can afford a holiday like this, therefore the other option is to go on an activity holiday - namely ski holidays.

Ski holidays are something which everybody can enjoy, especially if they are intended for large groups and families. Not only that you would not have to worry about piling on the pounds from a massive amount of alcohol consumption and eating ice-creams. Instead you would be rest-assured with the prospect of keeping your body physically fit, challenged and active. Going skiing is not just about sliding down a few hills and mountains. First-time skiers would need to learn how to keep their balance, using their leg muscles to control which way they travel and to control how fast they go.

Some ski holidays are designed especially for people who have never been skiing, therefore extra tuition and private lessons are given to those with minimal experience. This is a more expensive venture; however, it is ideal for those keen on learning. Skiing is an experience that many people, who have the opportunity, should experience at least once in their life. Skiing is something that one would experience as a safe and fun way of being daring.

The best places of accommodation when going skiing is in a cosy ski chalet, as opposed to a hotel. Chalets are offered for private hire, shared with friends or shared with other people outside of your own groups. Some can come tailor-made with en-suite shower and bathroom facilities, or again shared with others. Kitchen facilities however, are more often shared, therefore one would need to have their supply of essentials.

Some chalets can come fully equipped with cleaners, inclusive of meals and a porter. But these are much higher in the price bracket, which means if one is feeling the need to splurge or spoil themselves on a skiing trip, then this is the way forward. However no chalet is complete without the panoramic mountainous views that surround the area, making the stay evermore luxurious. The chalets are usually situated within easy reach of the ski slopes and lifts, making it easier for you to travel around on the resort.

When going skiing you forget the fact the resort is blanketed with thick snow and is often chilly. You feel more motivated to stay active, hone your skiing skills and give your entire a good workout. When you return to the rainy UK, the only thing that will make you feel down is the thought of not seeing the beautiful mountain surroundings and missing out on the skiing.



Anna Stenning loves her ski holidays, especially during the winter as this helps her to stay fit and active.

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Oscar Robertson: The Milwaukee Bucks' First Star

Oscar Robertson: The Milwaukee Bucks' First Star by Attila Jancsina

Oscar Robertson is the Milwaukee Bucks' first star player. Known as "The Big O", Robertson is a recipient of the MVP award in 14 professional seasons. Robertson is an inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame and also one of the 50 greatest NBA players in history.

The Milwaukee Bucks is the NBA team representing the city of Milwaukee in Winconsin.

Robertson's Early Years

The NBA star was born to a poor family on November 24, 1983 in a segregated housing project in Indianapolis. Boys his age were into baseball but Robertson was not interested in the sport. Instead, he preferred to learn basketball. Because of their poverty, Robertson resorted to using tennis balls and rags which he tied together using a rubber band instead of a proper basketball. In place of a hoop, he shot these makeshift basketballs into a peach basket. With these improvised equipment, Robertson honed the skills that would later on propel him to stardom in the NBA.

School

In 1954, Robertson entered a segregated school that is exclusive for African-Americans, called the Crispus Attucks High School. Because of his love for basketball, he joined the high school basketball team in the state competition. The team had previously lost during the state quarterfinals to Milan, who would later on become state champions. However, with Robertson around, the team bounced back getting an excellent record of 31 wins and 1 loss in 1955 and won the state championship. This was the first time an all-black school ever won a state championship in Indianapolis.

The following season, Robertson and the Attucks won their second state championship. The team this time impressed the crowd with 31 wins with no losses at all. The team was also on the way to securing a state record of 45 straight victories. Because of his efforts -- he scored 24 points for every game during his senior year -- Robertson was awarded the title Indiana "Mr. Basketball" in 1955.

In 1956, Robertson graduated and entered the University of Cincinnati, eventually joining the university's basketball team. His skills had improved to the point that he scored 33.8 points per game on the average. Robertson's record was the third highest scoring in the history of college basketball.

For three years, Robertson won the national scoring title. In every year, he was named an All-American player and College Player of the Year. Robertson also set 14 NCAA and 19 school records during his stay in the University of Cincinnati. With him on board, the Cincinnati Bearcats had an overall record of 79 wins and 9 losses, as well as two appearances in the Final Four. However, he failed to lead the team into a championship despite his excellent record in high school. By the time he left college, Robertson was a leading NCAA scorer.

After college, Robertson joined the U.S. basketball team during the 1960 Summer Olympics. His team captain was Jerry West. Robertson and West, along with a few others, were regarded as the greatest collection of amateur basketball players. They were undefeated, and got the gold medal. Robertson and few others then made it to the NBA, where three of them became Hall-of-Famers.

NBA Years

Robertson's first professional team was the Cincinnati Royals (which would later on become the Sacramento Kings). While he was with the team, Robertson made a mark as a rookie by scoring 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists during his first year with the Royals. His performance led to an NBA rookie of the year award in the 1960-1961 season, and an election into the All-NBA First Team. He also appeared in an All-Star game, during which the West scored victory and Robertson made a record of 23 points, 14 assists and 9 rebounds. However, the Royals during the season never made it past the Western Division with a record of 33 wins and 46 losses.

During the next season (1961-1962), Robertson averaged 30.8 points, 11.4 assists and 12.5 rebounds for every game. He was the only player to do so. He also broke Bob Cousy's 715-assist record with his 899 assists.

Similar to his stay in the University of Cincinnati, Robertson failed to see a championship with the Royals until he left the team during a trade off in the 1970-1971 season draft. Traded for the Milwaukee Bucks' Flynn Robinson and Charlie Paulk, it was with the Bucks that Robertson saw his first championship in 1971. He also helped the Bucks get two division titles during the 1971-1972 and 1972-1973 seasons, and also assisted the team to reach the finals during the 1974 season. However, the team lost to the Bolton Celtics during the season.

The Oscar Robertson Suit

The Oscar Robertson suit is a suit filed by the NBA Player Association -- of which Robertson was president -- against the league in 1974. The suit basically was settled after six years, which resulted to a merger of the NBA and the ABA, and introduced the free agency status of players after their contracts expired.



Attila Z Jancsina is a freelance copy writer. He occasionally writes for Wisconsin Real Estate FSBO. Website offers Free FSBO advertisement.

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Power Tennis Movement

Power Tennis Movement by Paul Gold

If you want to emulate the powerfully impressive style of play by world No.2 Rafael Nadal, try training on one leg.

Top tennis trainer Paul Gold explains

Who wouldn't want to be like Rafael Nadal? His muscle-bound physique and awesome talent with a tennis racket means he looks the part and plays the part of a player ranked No.2 in the world.

It's hardly surprising therefore that many players are hitting the gym in a quest to emulate their Spanish hero.

Modern tennis is, after all, all about power ' power of movement, power of shot and power of thought ' and Nadal is an undisputed world-class powerhouse in all of these departments.

It's clear that the stronger you are the greater the intensity at which you can perform and the less risk you face of injury. But can you be too strong?

Could the new gym rats who want to look like and play like Nadal be doing themselves more harm than good?

There is no question that strength without skill or even good skill levels with low strength will produce less than optimum results. But is it really that important for a tennis player to be able to perform a traditional gym exercise like a squat using a 200+kg bar?

It could be argued that a squat of 100kg along with great stability, power, body control and skill is a far better combination.

This begs the question, "Why not have all these and a 200+kg squat?" Although this sounds like the ideal solution, discussion of this nature is totally misguided.

The main problem is that when it comes to weight training, players (and their coaches and fitness trainers) are often guilty of using old, non-sports-specific bodybuilding principles that focus on building size in isolated muscles through use of exercises that operate in only one plane of motion.

In tennis you need to be able to convert muscle strength into explosive power very quickly. Although traditional weight training will make you stronger, it won't necessarily enable you to convert that strength into power quick enough for maximum tennis performance.

Let's face it, in a multi-skilled sport like tennis, the objective is to improve sport performance and reduce injury potential, not build entrants for bodybuilding competitions!

You may possibly start to look a bit like the heavily muscled Nadal, but you still won't be much nearer to producing his level of power ' that's assuming you haven't injured your back in along the way!

Let's examine the example of the 200+ kg squat.

To work on the squat in the traditional way means at best the player loads up the bar to the point where they need a 'spotter' (someone who provides support) for safety reasons. Alternatively, they use a cage that is safer but because the bar is fixed it does not allow them to work in a multi-plane environment ' which after all is how the game of tennis is played.

One of the biggest problems with both of these scenarios is that the excessive loading that occurs to the spine and joints on an ongoing basis impacts on the risk/safety ratio over time. The greater the loads, the greater are the chances of injury. Often players get to the point of 'failure' because of the physical and mental pressure of the bar on their backs rather than because of fatigue in the legs.

There is no doubt that for a player to improve strength they must train at intensities high enough to elicit a strength response (the principle of overload), but there is a better way to increase muscular loading AND nervous system loading ' thus improving core stability and balance in the process and lessening the strain on the spine and joints.

This can be achieved using single-leg exercises ' replicating the game of tennis that's played predominantly on a single-leg basis anyway.

You can still do maximal lifts just as you would with traditional double-leg squatting, but without the excessive loads on the spine and joints.

Note - You can also use this type of training on the upper body with the use of dumbbells.

This kind of training means that unlike traditional weight training you are working more muscles ' the primary muscles (big muscle groups) as well as the smaller stabilisers.

Furthermore, this kind of strength training also provides an added skill component to your physical training that will reap rewards when transferred to the court.

As far as Nadal is concerned, he is clearly a very talented player who was born with great tennis skills, which he has honed over the years.

His physique and the physicality of his style of play only go to enhance his considerable racket skills, without which he would not be the same player.

Try incorporating some single-leg and single-arm exercises to help maximise your tennis performance while staying injury-free.



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Technology Creates Athletes That Are Citius, Altius, Fortius

Technology Creates Athletes That Are Citius, Altius, Fortius by Catherine Harvey

Citius, Altius, Fortius is the motto of the modern day Olympics and means Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

With London being the hosts for the 2012 Olympics, all eyes will be on how well our athletes perform and the pressure is being felt to excel. For this reason, scientists are increasingly discovering new technologies to add to sports equipment and so aid our sportsmen and women to become the very best in their field.

But can there be a link between technology and sportsmanship? Does this not constitute cheating? Will the Olympics become a test of each nations technological expertise and not about the athletes abilities?

This is precisely why the Olympics has a governing body to lay down rules about just how much technology can be installed in sports equipment and how much should be left to the individuals abilities.

It has to be said that much has changed in the 2500 years since the Olympics origins. Take running for instance. Runners in the early Olympics would have started from an upright position, tucking their toes into a starting line - hence the expression 'toeing the line'. If a false start ensued, participants would be punished by flogging.

Thankfully, this no longer occurs and in the case of running, not many applications of technology are possible on the useable sports equipment. In this area, it has mainly been the improvement of running shoes that are made lighter and better fitting and of the changes in track surfaces. However, running speeds are ever increasing and this is possibly due, at least in part, to our advanced understanding of the human body and the effect our diet plays on its performance.

The sports equipment used in events such as the javelin has been changed over the years following ever more distances clocked up by athletes. It became apparent that distances were being achieved that made throwing a spike through the air dangerous. I could have told them that - could have someone's eye out with that!

Throwing a pointed spear within the confines of a crowd caused concern when athletes were able to throw the javelin the complete length of the stadium. This brought about a change in their sports equipment where the centre of mass was moved 4cm forward thus limiting the distance it could be thrown and ensuring it landed pointy end down - always a bonus unless you're hunting for dinner.

The poles used in pole vaulting events have gone through various changes over the years. One of the most surprising being the use of bamboo. Being a hollow pole, it was thought that this would be less flexible when, in fact, it was even more so than some woods that were being used. It's something to do with the neutral axis thingy running down the centre of the beam where stresses are minimal if they exist at all.

Bamboo was replaced by fibre glass as the sports equipment of choice for pole vaulters, making it lighter and more flexible, thus giving them a distinct advantage. However, personal skill is very apparent in this area despite the technological help that continues with the introduction of carbon fibres to the poles to make them lighter still.

Pole vaulting is one area that has changed drastically since the Olympics started to the point where vaulters now approach the beam with a different part of their anatomy. From going over with feet pointing downwards they not take the vault after performing a complex gymnastic move that sees them throwing themselves upside down. The pole can be of any length and strength with little or no restrictions.

With all Olympic sports in their sights, Loughborough University recently saw the unveiling or their new Sports Technology Institute, dedicated to the furthering of technology in sports equipment. The 15 pounds million centre works with all the top sports equipment suppliers and promotes the issue of sports and healthy lifestyles amongst the youth of today. A very fitting construction given that it is our turn for Olympic hosting.



Sports expert Catherine Harvey looks at the technology behind sports equipment and how it can help the modern day athlete.

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