Water Sports - Get Active This Summer

When it comes to summer fun, you want to make sure that you are adding in some much-needed water sports. With the water sports, you will be sure to make sure that you are getting the fun, the exercise and the excitement that you want and need. Of course, there are plenty to pick from so you might find yourself having a little trouble picking the right one for your needs. For some people, there is no choice to make because they do everything they can to experience it all.

You could water ski or ride jet skis. You could go bouncing around in a tube or you could go sailing. There is plenty to do and of course, it is going to take some work on your part. This is where the exercise comes in. Do not make the mistake of assuming that just because you are not going to the gym that there is not a workout involved. You will find that after a long day on the water that you are a little worn out, and it won't be just because of the sun and heat.

Now, if you do not own any fancy equipment for the water, there is no need to panic. There are a lot of places that will rent jet skis and such. If you want to save money, start asking around as one of your friends and member of your family might have exactly what you are looking for.

Maybe you're lucky enough to have a friend that has a boat. If this is the case there are a lot of things you can do like, go fishing, water skiing, water tubing and just hanging out at the lake. If you look at any lake in the summer time you will see a lot of action on the lake. People just love being around the water.

If you ever have a chance to do some white water rafting you should give it a try. Talk about some exciting times and also having to maintain control and coordination while managing the river. This can be exhausting and a lot of fun!

It is important to make sure that you are doing your best to make sure that you are learning about all of the safety rules. Even the best swimmers can end up in terrible life threatening situations if they do not have knowledge of the water sport they are participating in.

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Water Sports - Four Things You Should Know Before You Try Bodyboarding

So you've obtained a bodyboard and are ready to try some ocean sports. What should you think about to insure the safest and most fun surfing experience?

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Because of the easy beginning learning curve you may be tempted to try swimming out in conditions that are beyond your control. Maybe the surf is too powerful or breaking too far from shore for your swimming experience. Maybe that particular beach has rocks or reef that may harm you if you make a mistake while learning. Become familiar with beach postings and talk to lifeguards if the beach or conditions are unfamiliar to you.

USE PROPER SWIM FINS

Fins are used by all but a select few bodyboarders. Relying on arm strength alone is not recommended. Since bodyboards are not as fast as surfboards you will expend much more energy to travel less distance using only your arms. With fins you can switch between arm paddling and leg kicking to avoid exhausting your muscle strength. It is also much easier to catch waves while kicking with fins since you can use your arms to help "push" your board forward and into the wave.

Use only fins designed for water sports like bodyboarding that take place in the surf zone. Diving fins are not designed for surfing activities. There are two problems with fins designed for diving: the length of the blade makes it difficult to generate speed fast enough to catch a moving wave and they may be torn off of your feet by the turbulence of the breaking waves.

UNDERSTAND THE MOTION IN THE OCEAN

Every beach has it's own distinct characteristics, though these may change with the surf conditions. Waves may break in specific locations or in specific directions. There may be currents could help you get out past the breaking waves or if you are not aware (or in conditions that exceed your limitations) sweep you away from the beach. Incorrect responses to ocean conditions may zap your energy or turn a manageable situation into one that requires rescue. Many beaches have piers or rock jetties that can either help shape the waves or present dangerous obstacles.

UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE RULES OF WAVE RIDING

Chances are you won't be alone in the ocean. There are "unwritten" rules of priority shared by both bodyboarding and surfing. Following these rules not only maintain a sense of harmony in these water sports, they also minimize the chance of injuring you and your fellow wave riders.

Now it's time to have some fun, so go catch some waves!

Steve Alexander ([http://www.fullforcebodyboarding.com]) is a seasoned bodyboarder with 20 years experience riding waves in California, Mexico, and Hawaii. Connections with bodyboard manufacturers including Element Bodyboarding and JL Designs have also given him insight into production aspects and he has custom-designed many of his own bodyboards.

Water Sport Holiday in Mauritius

The island of Mauritius, with its white powdery sand and pristine beaches, is just the perfect getaway and engage in various water sport activities. Located in the midst of the Indian Ocean, it is a prime tourist attraction with tourists from all parts of the world converging in this paradise island.

Mainly a destination for beach lovers, a holiday in Mauritius can now be a full-scale water sport event for the more athletic ones. A wide range of water sport activities can keep anyone's itinerary busy, entertaining and even extremely thrilling.

The waters surrounding the island allows for a broad range of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, deep sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, sub-water walk, motorboat journeys, parasailing and much more.

For those who are not comfortable to go to deep waters, snorkeling is ideal. Most of the snorkeling spots are close to the sea and some of the best ones are just within the rocky shorelines. For those who does not want to take a dip in the waters, glass bottomed boats can be hired to provide very clear glimpses of the marine life and corals underneath.

A more adventurous activity during a holiday in Mauritius is windsurfing. It is popular among adventure seekers and the perfect conditions of the Mauritian waters are sure to get their adrenaline's running high.

Moreover, the water conditions are always excellent for sailing. Exploring the island on a sailing cruise aboard a yacht gives a unique charm and enchanting moment.

The sea also provides a rich source of very good catch for anglers. They are sure to have their best time hunting for marlins, barracudas, tunas and sharks.

Finally, the Undersea Stroll is a must for those who seek something out of the ordinary. This allows one to walk on the seabed in weighted boots and dive helmet that is connected to a top-side air supply. This is truly going to be a walk to remember for anyone.

For more information about holiday in Mauritius, log-on to http://www.mauritiusconnection.com.

African Kenya Water Sports - 5 Most Popular Kenya Sports in Shimoni

Shimoni & Wasini Vacation Island

The village of Shimoni sits at the tip of a peninsula about 76km south of Likoni. Dhow trips to Wasini Island and Kisite Marine National Park have become a big industry here, and every morning in high season a convoy of coaches arrives carrying tourists from the resorts at Diani Beach. The trips are well run, but you can easily organise your own trip directly with the boat men.

It's worth waiting until the day trippers have gone home to explore Shimoni, as the dusty streets have their own unique atmosphere outside tourist times. Villagers have opened up the old slave caves as a tourist attraction with a custodian who'll take you around the dark caverns to illustrate this little-discussed part of east African history.

Actual evidence that slaves were kept here is a little thin, but as the pile of empty votive rose water bottles indicates, even today the site definitely has significance for more superstitious locals.

Wasini Island, too, becomes even more appealing in the peace of the evening. There are no roads or running water and the only electricity comes from generators. There are several worthwhile things to see, including some ancient Swahili ruins and the coral gardens, a bizarre landscape of exposed coral reefs with board walk for viewing. Most people come here on organised dhow trips from Diani.

Kisite Marine National Park

Just off the south coast of Wasini Island, this marine park is one of the best in Kenya, also incorporating the Mpunguti Marine national Reserve. The park covers 28 sq km of pristine coral reefs and offers excellent diving and snorkeling. You have a reasonable chance of seeing dolphins in the Shimoni channel, and the humpback whales are sometimes spotted between august and October.

There are various organised trips to the marine park but these tend to be outside ventures and don't always contribute a great deal to the local community. Its easy to organise your own boat trip with a local captain-the going rate is Kshs 1500 per person or 6,000 per boat including lunch and a walk in the coral gardens on Wasini Island.

Masks and snorkels can be hired for Kshs 200 (fins are discouraged as they may damage the coral reef).

A good place to start looking for a boat-man is at the office of KWS which is about 200m south of the main pier, where you'll also have to come to pay the entry fee. The best time to dive and snorkel is between October and March. Avoid diving in July and August because of rough seas and poor visibility.

5 Top Kenya Water Safari Sports and Activities

1. Snorkeling and Diving

Masks and snorkels are available for rent on the beach for Kshs 100. You'll need a boat to get out to the reef. Most trips to the park provide their own snorkeling gear. Certified divers can take dives with local tour companies, or more expensively at the coral reef Lodge or Pemba channel fishing club. Dive courses and longer scuba safaris are also possible in the Pemba channel.

2. Deep sea fishing

The Pemba channel is famous for deep-sea fishing, and Pemba channel fishing club holds over 50% of Kenya's marlin- fishing records. Boats cost from USD 500 for nine hours (valid for up to four fishers). This company promotes tag and release which I strongly encourage as an eco-friendly measure.

3. Diving Tours in Shimoni on Kenya coast

Various companies offer organised dhow tours for snorkeling, all leaving Shimoni by 9am. Transfers from North -and south- coast hotels are available. (US$10 TO 20), and longer trips with overnights stays can also be arranged. Children pay half the adult price. Certified divers can take one/two scuba dives for an extra US$30/50 with any of these companies.

4. Swimming with Dolphins in Kenya Coast

The friends of Kenya Dolphins have set up the Dolphin Dhow, a dolphin -spotting and snorkeling trip around Wasini Island. The dhow leaves from Shimoni jetty at 8.45am daily and costs US$75. The price includes snorkeling equipment, drinks, a Swahili seafood lunch and the marine park fees.

5. Kisite Dhow Tours

The Kisite dhow tours runs a popular eco-tourist snorkeling trips to the marine park, including a nature walk on Wasini and a very good seafood lunch at Charlie's claw's original Wasini Island restaurant. Trips cost US$ 55 from Shimoni jetty, or US$ 75 with breakfast, drinks and visits to the coral gardens and slave caves.

6. Pilli-Pipa

This is another expat-owned company offering full day trips. The price is US$80 from Shimoni, including lunch, park fees, snorkeling and drinks. Diving trips are available at US$ 130/$145 for one/two dives.

7. Paradise Divers

Based in Diani also offers similar trips for US$ 80.

Robert is a travel expert with Landmarksafaris.com Degreed in tourism management, he has authored more than 1000 articles on Kenya East Africa travel. Dig out other bizarre Kenya water sports here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/beach.php

Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show - Top 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions at This Year's Boat Show

The month of January is always the start of the Boat Show season across North America. To start off the boat show season, the 2011 Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show, happening January 27 - 31.

The show is located at the Place Bonaventure 800, De La Gaucheti?re West Metro Station: Bonaventure and Square-Victoria.

I recently caught up with Yves Paquette, General Manager of the Maritime Association of Quebec and I had an opportunity to ask a few questions about this year's show;

1. What would you say is a must "how-to seminar" to take in during this year's boat show?

Everyone can find a conference that meets his needs at the Boat and Water Sports Show. Though Louis Charbonneau's conference on Heavy Weather Sailing, as well as water skiing and wakeboard Canadian champion Guillaume Par?'s one on Boat Driving Tips for Water Sports are definite must-see during this year's event, one must notice the number of great seminars that are not "how-to seminars".

Speakers with various backgrounds will address the visitors on topics enjoyed by crowds sharing different interests. Adventure lovers will enjoy the tale of Justin Bulota and his Kite surfing Expedition Following the St-Lawrence Water Trail or Myl?ne Paquette's account of Rowing across the Atlantic 2, 700 Nautical Miles solo from Quebec to France. Sailing-maniacs will seek to hear more from well known George Leblanc, while fishermen from all arrays will benefits from celebrity fisherman Patrick Campeau's tips on How to Get the Most Out of Fishing Time.

2. What has always been or will be the "most popular exhibit"?

New trends and products is what catch the attention of visitors. This year we expect the Triumph indestructible boat, which can float on as few as 2 foot of water, to raise a lot of interest. The LTS electric motor should also be a big favorite. With its capacity of reaching up to 50 km an hour, it is an important breakthrough in terms of electrical propulsion. Another good example would be the HRV Liberty pontoon from Southland, which literally consists in a 3-seasons Boat House featuring notably solar panels and a wind turbine.

3. In your opinion the "number 1 attraction" of this year's show.

As mentioned, the force of the Boat and Water Sports Show lies in its great amount of new products on display:

From the luxurious Prestige yacht from Jeanneau, to the incredibly all-inclusive HRV Liberty pontoon from Southland, visitors will be thrilled by all the exhibitors.

If there had to be a Top 5 of all the attractions, it would be:

Jeanneau's Prestige yacht
HRV Liberty pontoon
The new LTS electric motor
The wide selection of trawlers, among which Cape Island, Mainship, etc.
All the new pontoons on the market which are getting more comfortable by the years.

4. Answer to your most "frequently asked question" about this year's show.

The question we answer every year is whether we will have big boats on site. Big boat lovers will be happy to know that such brands as Doral, Mainship, Bayliner and Catalina will be part of the show this year again.

5. What is "new" at this year's show?

The indestructible boat by Triumph will draw lots of attention, especially fisherman. The speed of the LTS electric motor will be popular. Boat Show attendees will be blown away when they see the Southland HRV Liberty Pontoon Boat- HRV stands for Hybrid Recreational Vessel. It is one cool looking pontoon boat.

Sounds like another great show this year Yves, thanks for sharing some time with us.

The Montreal Boat and Water Sports Show, happening January 27 - 31. The show is located at the Place Bonaventure 800, De La Gaucheti?re West, Metro Station: Bonaventure and Square-Victoria.

For more information, please check out our boating resource box below....

Richard P. Ostler Professional Entrepreneur, 40 years in the Boating Industry. For more information on this and other upcoming Boat Shows, please visit our website; http://north-american-waterway.com/boating

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Jet Boarding - A Fun New Sport

Jet boarding is not particularly a new sport, but one that is just starting to gain a wider recognition. Power skiing as it is often called, is when you take a jet-enter out into the open water to play. It is a combination of waterskiing, snow boarding, wind surfing and surfing all in one amazingly fun sport. The jet-enter itself is a jet-powered surfboard that you stand on and it will propel you at speeds of up to 70km/h. It is one of those sports that is simple enough that even the novice can figure it out, but is challenging enough to keep a skilled jet-entered er entertained.

Jet boarding is a unique combination of surfing while attempting to steer a board that you stand on. Since it is jet powered, the likeliness of staying on the first few times you try, are unlikely, however, you do get the hang of it once you have given it a few goes. People that have tried it claim that the most fun thing about the sport is that you stand on a board and are jet propelled across the water by your own inertia on the water. Not only is it a lot of fun, but standing up is simple enough that anyone can eventually do it with some practice, and those that are seasoned riders still come back for more because it is so much fun.

Half the fun of jet boarding is falling off. Each time you get up again, you can try using it in a different way since it is comprised of so many different sports. There is no right or wrong way to jet-enter, which makes it half the fun. Because jet boarding is considered to be the water sport of the new millennium, there is not really a gaming sport about it. There are no competitions, it is not known worldwide like waterskiing or surfing, and there is not any way to set rules to playing such a game as jet boarding is so many various water sports combined.

The Jet Board has an easy to use control that is designed to help teach the ride balance and buoyancy so that staying afloat is not a problem. Learning to take turns at high speed and learning to do all sorts of neat tricks while jet boarding is what makes it such a fun challenge for seasoned water sport enthusiasts. Learning to take a turn at 70km/h while using your hand as a hydroplane with your feet firmly in front of you instead of underneath you is a fun challenge that any water sport enthusiast should try at least once. Other tricks that many seasoned jet boarders enjoy include nose riding, tandem riding, wave riding, and even wave sailing, which is the ultimate challenge for any jet boarder.

So far, there is a 100% stand up rate for first time riders. Although. Standing up the first time is the only things that jet boarding can claim 100%. As fun as this new water sport is, it is not as easy as you may think!

For more online information about Jetboards and Powerskis, do visit this website http://www.jetboarderintl.com

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