Buying A Canoe? Consider Its Length And Stability

July 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Whitewater kayaking, Isére, Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Image via Wikipedia

The length and stability are two factors that one must consider when purchasing a canoe. The longer the canoe, easier will be to steer on a particular course. On the other hand, a shorter canoe will be very easy to propel but will not retain its course. Many beginners have become frustrated simply because they could not push their canoe in the straight direction no matter how hard they tried. Going in for too short canoe can leave you facing this problem.

On the other hand, longer canoes are going to be heavier. This means you will have to put in a lot of effort to propel the same. Choose too longer canoe and chances are high that you will become tired after a few strokes of the paddle. This can be a very embarrassing situation. Try to find the right balance after considering the location where intend to use the canoe. A small canoe that can be steered very easily is suitable for whitewater rafting. This is true especially for beginners. On the other hand, bigger canoes will have more stability but will require a lot of strength to handle.

The length is connected with the overall stability of the canoe. A canoe that remains stable when you sit idle will automatically lose balance when you move your body to steer the vessel. On the other hand, a canoe that remains stable when you are steering it will not have high initial stability. As a beginner, you will have to make the choice and choose initial stability or secondary stability that you enjoy when you are steering the canoe. You cannot have both and that is a sad fact of life.

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Understand Value Of Teamwork ? Try Singlehanded Sailing

June 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
First Single-Handed Sail

Image by Steve A via Flickr

Appreciation of teamwork is an unintended consequence of participation in sailing. Unless you intend on single handed sailing, you will always end up working as a team trying to control the boat. The task of maintaining the boat on the right course and making sure that the sails are full of wind requires coordination and teamwork. Of course, the odd accident where a team member falls overboard cannot be discounted either.

In such a scenario, people often realize how scared they are of relying on others. There is very little that can be accomplished alone in the sport of sailing. If you intend to race in competitive events, all the team members must work together as a well coordinated unit. A person who does not trust skills or commitment of his or her team members will obviously not succeed.

Ideally, all the team members must be completely fit when participating in the sport. However, there are many who would opt for sailing to lose their weight. The initial phase will be very tough as the body adjusts to the rigorous exercise. In such a scenario, it is important for other team members to step in and help the beginner.

As time goes by, people realize that they share a special bond with their sailing team members. You will discover that you get along with different individuals without any fuss or difficulty once you become a good sailor. You understand the value of teamwork and are far more adjusting towards individual qualities and characteristics. Of course, you will enjoy a lot of sun, surf and the salt – the three most charming aspects of sailing.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Professionals, Sailing, Water Sports · Tagged With: , ,

Water Sports Betting

June 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
World famous whitewater rafting in the Valley.

Image via Wikipedia

Water sports are popular with with people from all walks of life. The love of water is almost an obsession for some enthusiasts. Some sports are more casual forms of relaxation or exercise, such as canoeing, sailing or kayaking. They can also be competitive and intense.

It can be hard to categorize some water sports because they can be fun or competitive. Whether you are experienced or a novice, there are so many different water sports and activities that one is bound to appeal to almost anyone. Many, like canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, and floating, are family friendly and can accommodate people of all ages and fitness levels. More extreme activities like whitewater rafting and racing require more experience, skill, and a higher fitness level.

Some people combine their love of sports with gambling. The love and understanding of the sport is useful for making successful bets. Knowing the lingo as well as the sport you are betting on is important. Learn the lingo and fundamentals before placing your first bet.

Some people choose to use online sports betting sites instead of going to places like Las Vegas, where gambling is legal. The Internet and online betting sites allow players to bet when and where works with their lifestyle.

Even though online betting can be more convenient for many players, there are certain considerations. The biggest concern with using online betting sites is to make sure you are using a reliable and trusted service. In addition to doing your research before placing your bets, do your homework and make sure you are betting through a reputable website.

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How To Canoe

May 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Upper Klamath Lake Canoe Trail; Populus tremul...

Image via Wikipedia

Some people find canoeing to be a bit difficult. However, there are some things you can try to help you become better. Before you start, don’t forget to wear a life jacket. You should also tie some rope to the ends of the canoe (the rope should be about 15 feet long). You will find the rope useful if the canoe tips over or if you wish to tie it to a dock. When getting in the canoe, you will need to rear person to get in first so you do not tip the canoe. When you get out, do this the opposite way so that the front person exits first.

The front person is called the bow paddler and the rear is called the stern paddler. To steer the canoe, have the front person paddle on the left and the back person paddle on the right. Switch sides about every 10 strokes or so.

To turn to canoe to the stern’s side, have the stern paddler paddle backward and the bow paddler paddle forward. To turn it to the bow’s side, the bow paddle will paddle backward and the stern paddler will paddle forward. A quicker way to turn would be to have one person put their paddle straight down in the water, while the other person paddles.

Practice with your partner and remember to tell each other when you are switching sides so you can keep a smooth flow. You can avoid paddling in circles and tipping over if you keep paddling in unison with each other.

Filed Under: Canoeing, Kayaking · Tagged With: , ,

Sailing in Australia

March 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Who does not want to go sailing on the vast oceans on a holiday? Most of us won’t think twice if we get an opportunity. There are few places in the world where one can have a great experience sailing. These are the places well known for the scenic location as well as the fair winds. Here are some of the most favorable locations to go sailing if one visits Australia on a holiday are; Adelaide, Brisbane, Broome, Canberra, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney.

The St. Vincent Gulf and the River Torrens in Adelaide makes a perfect location to go charter sailing, the waters in these regions are calm and the scenic beauty is mesmerizing. One can choose from a wide range of vessels to go sailing in these regions. Brisbane is known for having a variety of charter options if one plans to go charter sailing. Broome is one place which has a perfect climate for sailing, Broome has a tropical climate and is a sought after destination for ecosailing. One can avail charter packages to sail to the destinations like Cygnet bay, Mitchell Falls etc.

With the sun shining round the year on Gold Coast, the tropical climate along with numerous sailing charters to choose from, this destination won’t disappoint anyone who wants to go sailing.  Gold Coast has a lot of beautiful ports and it is not just sailing, one can try their hand in Snorkeling, swimming and picnicking.

Going sailing in these locations are bound to have an effect on one, it is sure to make one forget oneself and enjoy the smell of the sea and the beauty of nature as well as other places around.

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Bermuda Race

March 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There are many different watersports and among them, the ocean races are also one. The ocean races involves racing of the vessels across the oceans for long distances. The Volvo Ocean Race is well known for that and it is one of the most toughest ocean races which goes on for the duration of 9 months covering a distance of more than 39000 nautical miles.

While discussing about the ocean races there is one more well known ocean race, Newport Bermuda race, which is held once in every 2 years. This is a 635 mile ocean race and the duration of this race ranges from 3 to 6 days. The Newport Bermuda race which is also known as Bermuda race starts from Newport, which is a historical port in the Rhodes Island and finishes at the island of Bermuda. The race is held in the Atlantic Ocean which is well known for its rough weather conditions, especially in the Gulf Stream through which the race passes through. The Gulf Stream is renowned for its strong and dangerous currents.

The Bermuda race was first started in the year 1906 and has become a kind of tradition snce then. Every 2 years more than 150 boats of various classes and types get together for the race. The boats are divided into 5 different divisions. All these boats start from the Newport and finishes at Bermuda, where the trophies for the winners are awarded at the Government House of Bermuda, The Government house id the residence of the governor of Bermuda. The Bermuda race has an international recognition as one of the safest ocean race for its exemplary safety record, surprising considering it is the infamous Bermuda triangle.

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The Royal Yachting Association

March 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Every sport has a governing body in both the national and the international level and when it comes to the water sports in the United Kingdom; the governing body is the Royal Yachting Association. The Royal Yachting Association handles the activities like sailing, windsurfing, motor cruising, powerboat racing, Personal watercraft and other sports boat racing.
The Royal yachting Association takes care of the entire water sports event that happens in the United Kingdom and also is responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the same in compliance with those framed by the International governing body which in this case is ISAF.

The Royal Yachting Association was started in the month of November of the year 1875. It was founded by Frank Willan along with few other people. This association was started with the main purpose of standardizing the rules which are used for measuring the different types of racing yachts in order to create different classes so that there will be a fair competition between the boats of different classes. The rules that were framed for the purpose of measurement of the racing yachts are known as Portsmouth yardstick.

In the beginning the association offered membership to the owners of racing yachts of over 10 tons at a membership fee of 2 guineas and gradually the membership was extended for other small crafts including the dinghies in the year 1888.  The association underwent gradual expansion and included many other committees into it and also started governing the training programs  and gradually it established itself as the governing body for all the watersport and related activities in the United Kingdom. So if you want to take part in this, then head out to UK.

Filed Under: Sailing, Water Sports · Tagged With: , ,

Volvo Ocean Race

March 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Oceans cover more than 71% of the Earth’s surface. Cruising over the open seas is an exhilarating experience. Racing over the surface of the oceans can take the adventure and pleasure to a different level. Volvo ocean race is one such yacht race which tests the Endeavour and the sailing prowess of the humans. Man has braved and tried taming the ocean since ages. They have gone on long voyages in search of the distant land or out for war in the open seas. They have sailed to various ports strewn across the distant lands but during those times it was never a race, for they just used to sail and record the duration. It was done to gain recognition for themselves and for their vessels.

Now the same spirit which drove the sailors of those times has been awaken again and that is what drives the Volvo Ocean Race, a contest where the contestants sail across the vast oceans braving the weather conditions and the capes.
The first ocean race was held in the year 1973 and was known as the Whitbeard round the world race and now it is reamed as Volvo Ocean race. This race is held once in every three years and the duration of the race is 9 months.

This year’s race is going to start in Alicante, Spain in the month of October and the participants will sail over 39000 nautical miles to finish the race at Galway, Ireland in the early July 2012. Each vessel will have 11 professional crew and they are to brave the ocean and the weather to reach the finish .The ultimate test of their endurance and spirit.

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Dinghy Boat Racing

March 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Dinghies are small boats which are usually towed or carried by large vessels. There are different types of dinghies; some are rowboats, few with outboard motors and few with sails. The term dinghy is also used for small yachts used for recreational sailing as well as racing.

Dinghy racing is a sport which involves sailing the dinghies as competitive sport. The dinghies used for racing are far different from the traditional dinghies as they are designed and modified according to the needs for racing. The modern dinghies used for racing have a special hull design and also the sail plans and sail materials are designed and used according to the needs of the racing.

The dinghy racing events come under the governance of International Sailing Federation. Regular dinghy racing events are regularly organized by organizations like Royal Yachting Association of the United Kingdom, Canadian Yachting Association and other national bodies. They are responsible for organizing, governing and regulating the sport in their respective nations. Dinghy racing is held in club, association, state, national as well as international levels making use of the International Racing Rules of Sailing framed by ISAF. These rules undergo revision in the regular interval of 4 years.
The racing dinghies are classified into 2 main classes. They are broadly classified into single handed and double handed where the name itself suggests that the single handed racing dinghy accommodates one person where as the double handed is for two people. There are also heavier class of dinghies which carry more than 2 crew members.

Dinghy racing is also adopted by many universities as well as secondary schools and they compete against other universities. These are governed by Interscholastic Sailing Association and Intercollegiate Sailing Association. Dinghy sailing has also been included in the Olympics and competed by both men and women under different classes, which a lot of countries participate in.

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Kayaking The Best Form of Adventure Sport

March 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Kayaks, which are generally called as canoes are small boats which are powered by humans. The kayaks have a covered deck with place for one or two people. The person rowing the kayak is known as paddler and they make use of double bladed paddles. The cockpit is covered by a waterproof covering which is known as spray deck.  These spray decks prevent the water from entering into the cockpit and filling it thereby preventing the boat from capsizing.  Even though the kayaks are generalized as canoes they differ from the canoes by the seating arrangement of the paddler and also the blades of the paddle. The paddles used in the kayaks are double bladed where as the one used in canoes are single bladed. The paddler stretches his leg in the front and while facing forward where as in the canoe the paddler kneels in the boat.

White water kayaking is one of the most popular adventure sports; Whitewater kayaking is carried out in Whitewater Rivers where the water will be running under different conditions which may range from a gentle carefree moving stream to rough dangerous waters. There rough fast flowing stretches in the rivers are known as river rapids and they are graded depending upon the severity and the danger.

Whitewater kayaking is subdivided into 5 different categories. They are namely: River running, Creeking, Slalom, Playboating and Squirt Boating.

Paddling in the waters with small crafts is not a new thing and it has been practiced by humans ever science stone age and where as the modern day kayaking is said to have originated some 8000 years ago and gradually it has developed into a leisure outdoor adventure sport. Whitewater kayaking is a great adrenaline filled sport and there are many resorts at tourist destinations around the world who offer whitewater kayaking just like skiing.

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