7
Apr

Where Have All The Boarder Gone?

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The 70’s and 80’s American phenomenon of skateboarding subsequently became the fashion all over the world in the 90’s, yet it seems boarding may no longer be the ‘in-thing’ for over eighteens.

Out of the reported 18.5 million skateboarders in the world, 85% of these are under the age of eighteen. The question is; why are so many people giving up boarding? This may be explained by the fact most boarders at eighteen reach the age where they qualify to drive and no longer need their board as a method of transport, or because when adulthood rolls closer, the new alternatives to the traditional skateboard become more appealing.

Streetboard

The Streetboard having evolved from the snakeboard is the alternative most similar to the traditional skateboard, but the streetboard differs in some fundamental respects.

Namely, the streetboard has two points of flex at the nose and the tail of the board where it can pivot. The board also has the opportunity to take advantage of the ‘binding’ it offers. For the more confident boarder, the streetboard comes equipped with straps to fasten around your feet, which allow for the potential of a greater array of tricks and skills to be possible.

While this may sound like snowboarding on roads, yet streetboarder’s when asked say that “it is not skateboarding, not snowboarding, not surfing, not snakeboarding, not anything. Streetboarding is Streetboarding, plain and simple.”

If this attitude is simple enough to take your fancy then streetboards are available from around £60.

Flowboard

The Flowboarder motto is, “surf without waves, ride without snow”. The flowboard is the first board made which truly transcends surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. This board is ideal for both surfers and snowboarders during the off-season, whilst also being suitable for the skateboarder looking for a new riding experience.

The flowboard is made with two groups of seven wheels at the toe and heel of the board which are formed in an arch to allow for deeper carves than anything else on the market. The seven wheel arch allows for a smoother riding experience which enables the boarder to roll from heal edge to toe edge and from left to right.

The board undoubtedly provides a distinguishable alternative to the skateboard, but may not be to the liking of all loyal skateboarders. Then again, loyal skateboarders will probably never pick up a flowboard in the first place.

Freeline Skates

Freeline Skates offer a new way of riding for lovers of board-sports. The skates are dual independent skates that combine elements of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.

Freeline Skates offer a new experience for people from different disciplines and provide the perfect opportunity for skateboarders to transfer their skills. The skates require riders to utilise their existing abilities and transfer them to a new manner of riding. These provide an innovative way to carve big turns and invent new tricks, with the added challenge of getting used to your feet being on different skates.

Freeline Skates are ridden in a similar manner to that of a skateboard, with riders shifting their weight from heel to toe to change direction allowing them to carve smooth ‘s’ turns while riding downhill.

The skates are independent, but unlike skates and blades they are not strapped to the rider’s feet, this offers an added bonus to riders by allowing them to achieve high levels of traction on the flats and uphill providing a wide range of locations that are suitable for skates.

Freeline Skates cost £85 a pair and spare wheels are priced at £25.

The Wave

The Wave provides a fascinating two wheel alternative to the skateboard. Whilst being similar, the Wave board rides on two independently pivoting platforms, each with a one wheel caster.

Thus each wheel has the potential to rotate 360 degrees. The two platforms above the wheel are connected by a torsion bar which allows them to pivot around the axis.

As a result of the dynamics of the Wave board wheels, the rider is able to consistently aim to improve their technique and create new tricks which it would be impossible to perform using the traditional skateboard. Riders can perform 360’s, ‘Ollies’, carve downhill and even ride uphill.

The Wave board requires intense physical effort to keep the two wheel system moving, so is excellent for cardio vascular exercise, in addition to core stability and muscle conditioning training. However, the constant moving required to ride the Wave board whilst fun and unique, can often be quite tiring.

So, if you have the energy and the enthusiasm the Wave board is ideal, but is only available on order from the U.S. However, if you’d prefer to relax and enjoy the ride, maybe the skateboard shouldn’t be abandoned just yet.

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4
Apr

Skydiving Incidents & Safety Low Pull

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This incident took place a few years ago, I am unable to name names, the location and country where this incident took place, however I can explain what happened on this day and the lucky escape a close friend of mine had. The reporting of these incidents is sometimes frowned upon, however I believe that good reporting of such incidents and accidents can help us all to become more aware and safer.

We had gone to max around 12k and the weather had suddenly closed in, the aircraft began descending and we were looking for a clear spot, we broke cloud cover at about 1,700 ft and the pilot gave the call do you want to take it, some of us said yes. On the run in we were now down to 1,500ft as the cloud was now closing in further. I called to the pilot and said no its too low, he said I will pull it up into the cloud just as we get over the spot we said OK that’s fine. We hit just over 1,700ft and the first guy a friend of mine exited with a bunny hop out of the door deploying almost instantly whilst still in the sitting position nice clean and stable. My other friend left the aircraft in an attempt at the same type of exit; however he later admitted that he had never done one before. He left the aircraft without keeping his body symmetrical and not on aircraft heading; this caused him to immediately go unstable spinning and tumbling as he disappeared into the cloud.

I left the aircraft and deployed straight away, as soon as I cleared the cloud I looked for my friend, he was almost on the ground and under a main canopy with twists; he hit the ground a few seconds later just as the last twist was kicked out. Before he hit the ground I could see something trailing behind him and realised that his cypres had fired and the reserve bridle and pilot chute had luckily wrapped itself around his spinning body locking the reserve in the container. He was alright apart from a few bruises and rather shaken. Luck was on his side it could have been much more serious, he could have ended up with the main and reserve entangled, also by luck he landed on a part of the dropzone which was about 150ft lower than the main landing area. He was so low that several of the jumpers on the DZ had looked away feeling sure that he would not survive.

OK perhaps we should not have taken it, but we each have to take responsibility
for our own ability and actions. My friend should not have attempted an untried and unfamiliar exit and he was lucky to not get hurt or killed. He should have pulled earlier even though he was unstable, however he should not have been unstable in the first place.
I think it’s a good idea to keep yourself refreshed with a hop n pop now and again just encase you have to do one in a real emergency.

Blue skies and safe landings.

Robert Waugh.

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      24
      Mar

      Sports Uniforms Available Easily Now

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      Sports form a very important part of our lives in the modern times. The way we admire our sports persons and to a large extent worship them goes on to emphasize how important they are to us. Their achievements in the playing arena and their attitudes on and off the playing areas inspire us and motivate us to strive for achieving our best. They are the modern day deities and there is no denial to the fact that they rule our hearts and minds like nothing else in this world. Every nation on this planet has a sport that it is passionate about. All over the world various tournaments of different sports are organized that require a lot of efforts and inputs. In order to help the teams and their managements in procuring uniforms and other accessories different companies have started supplying these products.

      These companies cater to the needs of various sports like lacrosse and hockey which are big sports in countries like America and Canada. Lacrosse uniform, Lacrosse jerseys, and other Lacrosse equipment like Lacrosse helmets are easily available on the websites of these companies. These companies not only provide the Lacrosse equipment but also have experts in their ranks who can advice these teams and their management about the look and image that they can adopt. These experts derive their knowledge from their experience as players as well as from the managerial positions that they have held in the various echelons of the respective organizations. They can help the team management in deciding the right image that they can project by helping them in deciding upon the Lacrosse uniforms and Lacrosse equipments.
      Just log on to any of these sites on the net and order your desired lacrosse uniforms, Lacrosse jerseys and other Lacrosse equipments.

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          A lot of people are passionate about alternative sports like snowboarding and skateboarding and look for equipment specially designed for such practices, including skateboards clothes or accessories like snowboards goggles. There are numerous producers of equipment for such sports, and if the board is the first requirement for anyone passionate about either of these sports, other pieces of snowboard equipment are also important. Those interested in buying skateboards clothes or snowboard gear and accessories such as snowboards goggles can do their shopping online, where they will come across a variety of products and models to choose from. Finding the right equipment for you is extremely important, if you want to be comfortable when practicing your favorite sport.

          For those who enjoy snowboarding, there is a wide range of manufacturers of snowboard equipment and accessories, including snowboards goggles, helmets, backpacks or gloves. Snowboard goggles are an important piece of the snowboard gear, because they protect the snowboarder’s eyes from the bright light reflected by the snow. When choosing your eyewear, take good care that it fits with the helmet you’re wearing, so that the goggles don’t slip from underneath. At the same time, the snowboards goggles shouldn’t fit too tightly with the helmet, because then you could become uncomfortable. Wearing the right protection will keep you from getting injured.

          Apart from protecting your eyes against the bright sunlight reflected by the snow, snowboards goggles are also helpful against strong wind. While snowboarding, your eyes can become sore on account of the cold wind, which can also blow snow into your eyes, thus impeding your vision. Snowboards goggles are an important piece of your snowboard equipment, because they can effectively protect you against any possible injuries. You will enjoy your practice better once you know you are perfectly safe wearing adequate snowboard gear. It will help you stay away from all sorts of injuries that can occur when you snowboard, and which could keep you from practicing for a while.

          An online shop that offers snowboard equipment and accessories, including snowboards goggles and helmets, also provides special equipment for people keen on skateboarding, including skateboards clothes. If snowboards goggles are essential when it comes to protecting your eyes from possible injuries, skateboards clothes are equally important. Most designers think up such clothes with comfort in mind. When you skateboard, you need to have freedom of motion, and this is why the skateboards clothes you wear must be comfortable. They should be neither too tight nor too loose to impede your movements.

          All specially designed equipment, be it for snowboarding or for skateboarding, is not only a matter of comfort and protection, but also one of style. This goes both for snowboard gear like snowboards goggles, but particularly for skateboards clothes. For some people, this sport is more than a hobby, and this is why the clothes they wear while practicing it are extremely important. If skateboarding is a way by which they make their personalities manifest, everything related to it is a matter of attitude, including their skateboards clothes. Those passionate about the sport can look for the right outfit for them by shopping online. They will find a wide range of products available, from which they will be able to choose the skateboards clothes that best suit their taste.

          Choosing the most suitable skateboards clothes can be fairly difficult. Most skateboarders choose an outfit that really defines their style and personality. You can find your preferred colors and designs for shirts and shorts and other types of skateboards clothes if you shop online. Most manufacturers of both skateboard and snowboard gear, including accessories like helmets and snowboards goggles, make their products available online, so you have a wide range of items to choose from. New models and designs are constantly released on the market, and if you are certain about what you’re looking for you will definitely find the perfect equipment.

          When choosing your outfit for either snowboarding or skateboarding, there are several tips you should bear in mind. Safety should definitely come first, so make sure you choose the equipment that fits you best as far as comfort is concerned, and also products that give you the most protection. This goes for every item of your outfit, including accessories such as snowboards goggles and helmets or skateboards clothes. Apart from safety, it’s important that your whole outfit matches your style. Once you’ve defined your requirements, you can start shopping around online, and you are sure to find the outfit you are looking for.

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            For those who like the adrenalin pumping as they push their bodies to the limit many people take up some form of extreme sport. We know most of them from television and video games, the main ones being skateboarding, skydiving and the nauseating bungee jump!

            The fun doesn’t stop there, people can do most extreme sports anywhere but like most sports they have their true home, places which are perfect for that sport. Like Wembley is to Football and Wimbledon is to Tennis there are places all over the world that are considered the Mecca of extreme sports.

            Skateboarding is a common extreme sport you will likely see people in town centres performing tricks and doing jumps but the modern skateboarding scene has descended from the skate parks of California. The home of world class skaters like Tony Hawk, California has many dedicated skate parks with both street setups as well as vertical sets like half-pipes.

            If California is too warm for your sport of choice then there are always the mountain ranges of Europe of which there are plenty. Ski slopes are dotted all over Europe with the Alps as well as other European countries in the north like Norway. Norway is a popular ski and snowboarding area with thousands of people learning the sports as well as seasoned pros cutting their way down the slopes.

            For the more death-defying extreme sports nut New Zealand can help out with skydiving and white water rafting available in a picturesque country last seen in the Lord of The Rings films. For those who are extra daring there is a bungee jump location in Taupo, New Zealand which hangs over a giant gorge to a river below. It’s this river that you end up dunked in at the bottom of your fall, but don’t worry, you’re flung out of it and will surely dry out with all the bouncing around you’ll be doing!

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            15
            Mar

            Ice Climbing – Preserve Your Experiences

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            Ice climbing is a great way to escape the rat race and live on the edge. Alas, your ice climbing experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a ice climbing journal for your adventures.

            Ice Climbing Journals

            Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent ice climbing experience. What sticks out in your mind besides the fact it was cold? Did you climb a waterfall? Now think about the first time you ever went ice climbing. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular ice climbing routes and spectacular views. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep an ice climbing journal, this won’t be the case.

            There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your ice climbing experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

            A good ice climbing journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don’t have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from the elements and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

            1. Who you went ice climbing with,

            2. The nature and quality of the ice,

            3. Who you met and contact information for them,

            4. The geographic and weather conditions, and

            5. Any unique things that occurred while ice climbing.

            6. The routes you took up the ice and alternatives.

            7. Any inside information provided by experienced locals.

            At the end of the ice climbing trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

            1. Contact information for other climbers you met,

            2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you climb the location a second time.

            3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

            4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

            To get the most out of your ice climbing journal, you should write in it just before you climb, as you summit and when you return. Doing so will give you an accurate picture of your thoughts throughout the climb.

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              14
              Mar

              How Altimeters Can Affect Your Jumping

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              The altitude of skydiving does matter if you want to set a record. However the record has remained for 40 years and it is going to be extremely hard to beat!

              If you are thinking of trying to beat the current highest parachute jump record then you may be wondering what that record actually is. Well it belongs to Joseph Kittinger and he is currently the highest parachute jumped as well as holding the record for the fastest speed too. He is a man whom many skydivers look up to and beating his record will be incredibly difficult to do.

              The Highest Jumping Record and how it was achieved

              The record for the highest parachute jump was actually set back in 1960 by Joseph Kittinger. He did it as part of a test for the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories of the Unites States Air Force and he was basically looking at high altitude escape. He undertook the jump at 102,800 feet in the air and it is the highest parachute jump ever to be attempted. Most skydivers today jump at heights of between 10,000 feet and 30,000 feet so the thought of jumping at 100,000 feet is quite spectacular!

              Joseph Kittinger jumped in absolutely freezing temperatures and he fell at a speed of roughly 714 miles per hour. It is estimated that he free fell for around 4 ½ minutes and he got three separate world records; one for the highest parachute jump, one for the longest free fall and one for the fastest speed ever to be reached by man. Whilst he set off at 102,800 feet, he only opened his parachute once he got to 18,000.

              The reason why Joseph did the never attempted highest parachute jump was to allow parachuting to advance. Tactical training, escape techniques and deployment were all researched and the USAF also conducted various investigations regarding the high altitude escapes. This was so that the pilots as well as other people would be better able to escape at high altitudes. These days however when skydivers jump from heights, they are not concerned with discovering anything new; they are more interested in the thrill of it.

              Although it is mainly a military type jump, there are skydivers who like to jump from such heights. They are adventure seekers and they love the feeling of their heart racing for long periods of time. They want to free fall for minutes rather than seconds and that is where they differ to ordinary skydivers just looking for an amazing experience. Most skydivers are quite content simply free falling for a few seconds as that is enough to increase the heart rate and get the adrenaline pumping around your body.

              Overall Halo jumping is becoming more and more common. Otherwise known as high altitude, low opening jumping, many ordinary skydivers love to use them as an adventure skydiving activity. It has been 40 years since the record was set by Joseph Kittinger and though many have tried to beat him, they have always failed. So if you are looking to beat the record then it may take some practicing!

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                  13
                  Mar

                  Sports Poker Superstars Invitational

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                  Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament: saison 1Ma derniere acquisition, Poker Superstars Invitational Saison 1, c’est le show de poker présent sur FOX Sports .J’ai pour le moment visionné les 2premiers épisodes et c’est jouissif, un plateau de reve (Lederer, Ivey, Chan, Brunson, Greenstein,… Read more…

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                  Are you interested in taking up the exhilarating and exciting sport of mountain climbing? Some avid climbers liken it to a religious experience. There are dangers you need to be aware of so you can enjoy this sport safely.

                  Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS is a common ailment for climbers. AMS occurs when you breathe in air at high altitudes with decreased oxygen levels. The mildest symptoms of AMS are headaches and fatigue but more serious cases can result in fluid in the lungs and brain.

                  High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE is much more serious than AMS and breathing will become very difficult which can be fatal.

                  High Altitude Cerebral Edema or HACE is similar to HAPE. Fluid builds up in the brain and as it swells from the fluid and pressure builds your judgement is impaired. This can also be fatal.

                  All of these altitude related ailments have similar symptoms and signs but with varying degrees depending on the altitude. Dizziness can be dangerous especially in steep and uneven terrain. Insomnia is another dangerous result and slows your reflexes and thinking. Nausea and fever is not as serious but it can lead to dehydration which has other dangers associated with it.

                  The severity of these altitude related risks can be lessened by climbing slower and keeping hydrated. If you’re climbing above 8,000 feet or your rate of ascent is more than 1,000 feet per day then you should bring an oxygen bottle to supplement the lack of oxygen. Also avoid drinking alcohol since this will cause dehydration.

                  To relieve mild headaches you can take a pain reliever but for insomnia do not take a sleep aid. It will cause more harm and won’t help you sleep. If your body doesn’t adjust to the altitude and symptoms subside then error on the side of caution and descend.

                  Frostbite is another common danger when climbing at high altitudes. It occurs when skin tissue is damaged by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. An early sign of frostbite is a needle pricking sensation and the pain gets worse as the exposure increases. Severe cases can lead to amputation to it’s important to keep warm. Wear insulated gloves and refrain from taking them off even if it makes climbing difficult. Insulate your feet and waterproof them to keep out moisture. Since a great amount of heat can be lost through your scalp make sure you wear a hat that fully covers your head and ears.

                  Climbing is an enjoyable and rewarding sport but precautions must be taken to lessen your chances of injury.

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                  12
                  Mar

                  Buying A Skateboard

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                  If you are interested in skateboarding, you are eventually going to have to buy a skateboard. It is usually a good idea to talk to people you know who already skateboard to see what they like and do not like about certain brands. Chances are you will be given the opportunity to try out your friends’ skateboards if you ask them. This will give you a good idea as to what your own personal preferences are for skateboards.

                  The board part of the skateboard is called the deck and it is usually made of plywood. You can also find cheaper skateboards that are made of plastic. Plastic skateboards are all right to start out with, but if you really love skateboarding you will want to buy a wooden, fiberglass or carbon board as these will last longer, however they will cost you more too. The average skateboard is eight inches wide, but you can get wider boards that make it easier to learn how to skateboard. The wider the board, the more stable it becomes. However wider boards make skateboard tricks more difficult. If you want to be able to rotate a board, you will want one that is 8 inches wide or less.

                  Your skateboard should come with a sandpaper-like material glued to the surface of the board. This is called griptape, and its entire purpose is to help your shoes grip onto the board as you skate. You will be able to buy the griptape from the skateboard shop that you buy your skateboard from. It comes in various sizes and can be cut down to the correct size for your board. Your griptape needs to be replaced periodically as it wears off the more that you use the skateboard.

                  Most skateboards have raised nose tail and sides, which is called the concave. The deeper the concave is, the more dramatic tricks can be achieved by the skater. If you are an aggressive skater, you will want a deeper concave. Beginning skaters will need a shallow concave until they really learn how to skate and then can move on to a board with a deeper concave.

                  The wheels on your skateboard are made of hard plastic, though you can still find old models that have metal wheels, however the metal is not recommended. The plastic wheels are made in different sizes and hardness. The most common level of hardness is one that is 90a. The harder the wheel is, the more pop you can get out of them. Pro skateboarders use wheels with 100a hardness. 97a hardness is good for ramp riding and skateboard parks. The smaller the wheels are in diameter the easier it is for you to perform some skateboard tricks. Smaller wheels will put your skateboard lower to the ground, but when you are starting out you want to have the larger wheels.

                  Do not get stuck on name brands! You can buy blank boards that have no brand names on them at all. It does not mean that they are bad boards, in fact, many skaters prefer the blank boards to the name brands. You can then customize the skateboard anyway that you would like to and the price is much less than you would pay for a brand name board.

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