Thứ Sáu, 29 tháng 11, 2019

How to Push Through Waves: The Right Way To Do It


The push through technique, also often referred to as the punch through technique, allows you to get past a broken wave and at the same time, reaching the lineup without needing to turtle roll or duck dive. It is an optimal method that will allow you to get past a small wave, especially when riding a bigger surfboard. The way it works is that it uses the flotation and the speed provided by the surfboard to be able to drive yourself through the wave, rather than under it.
In this post, we will be discussing everything that you need to know to perform this very useful maneuver in surfing. With the added challenge of getting out the back using a bigger surfboard, this technique eliminates the need to get into the water for you to survive an upcoming wave. If you’re curious about what to do, then let’s get on with the discussions.

How to Push Through Waves

When practicing the push through or the punch through technique, all that you need to do is to paddle harder towards the whitewater. Then, utilizing your subtle yet technical push-up maneuver, you’ll be able to quickly and effortlessly ‘push through’ the wave. Keep in mind that this technique is best done in flat water areas, which is also perpendicular to the approaching wave. While this would require you a lot of practice, here’s what you can do to practice as you approach a rolling wave:
  • When there’s a broken wave in sight, try paddling towards it.
  • As you paddle, remember to keep your legs together.
  • While keeping your legs together, place both of your toes on the surfboard’s tail.
  • Then, try grabbing the rails using both your hands, just near the pectorals.
  • This is the part where you need to apply your push-up skill. Do a slight push-up then arch your back.
  • Then, go with the flow and allow the wave to roll on the top portion of your surfboard.
  • To maintain the momentum, continue your out-the-back paddling.
Keep in mind that everything will be a lot easier when you’re carrying enough speed. With this, we don’t advise that you stop and just wait for the whitewater wave to reach you. Doing so would only make you lose your balance and eventually fall off the surfboard’s side. If you find that the wave may be too strong or too big, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to push through it. However, it may still depend on the surfboard you’re using, whether you’re going to need to perform the classic duck dive or the turtle roll.

What Are the Different Push Through Techniques?

Once you’re paddling out, the most important that thing that you need to deal with is the breaking surf. With this, you might want to avoid the wave’s initial impact, as it’s the most powerful part of the whitewater wave. Even when you’re confident, there still might be a chance that you’ll be fighting against broken waves. After all, it can be such a frustration, especially if you don’t have a push through technique in place. You might also end up spending more time making up for the lost ground instead of riding the waves. Here are some of the techniques you might want to incorporate in your training:

1. Push-up

The push-up method would be best, especially when approaching smaller waves. However, you must gather a lot of paddling momentum. Then, as you approach the broken wave, push up so that the wave rolls on top of your surfboard and just beneath your chest. Remember to head directly into the wave. On the other hand, when you’re sideways or angled, the wave would only knock you off the surfboard.

2. Duck Dive

When you see that the surf is a little too powerful, the best thing for you to do is to go under the broken wave. The duck dive is considered a very common technique and can be beneficial for you if you surf from two to 10 feet. To be able to perform this maneuver properly, you need to paddle toward the broken wave using maximum speed.
Before you encounter the impact, try grabbing the board’s rails using your hands and then push the nose of the surfboard underwater. Then, press the tail of the board using your dominant foot, which would effectively guide your board against the turbulence. This motion, when paired with the tail’s weight, allows you to pop back up after the broken wave gets past you. However, keep in mind that a beginner board might be too buoyant to be able to perform a proper duck dive. Besides, using a lightweight and small board wouldn’t guarantee that you’ll the trick a lot faster.

3. Turtle Roll

In case you have a board that’s too big and buoyant to press underwater, then you might want to consider doing the turtle roll technique instead. As you approach the wave, you only need to grab the rails well ahead of the shoulders. Before the impact, you must be able to turn your board over so that it sits on the wave’s surface, with the fins on the upward position.
While you’re beneath the surfboard, a frog kick is likely to propel you against the broken wave. Once the wave gets past you, try rolling right side up. Doing so allows you to defend yourself against an upcoming loose board or a delinquent surfer. When you so one coming your way, do the turtle position and roll yourself away from the hazard.
Whatever method you end up doing, keep in mind that it’s bad surfing etiquette to just leave your surfboard unattended, especially when other surfers are around you. To add, the surfer who’s up and riding always has the way. Once the surfer has established a direction, everyone is obliged to move in the opposite direction, even when it would require you to paddle against the breaking wave and getting impacted with whitewater. To be able to avoid these violations, you might want to master the push through technique before you begin surfing in crowds.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reached the end of the discussions, it’s not time to put this learning to the test. We admit that it won’t be an easy skill to perfect but with constant practice, we trust that you will be able to do it no time. If in doubt, you just need to refer to this guide to determine which technique works best for you and your surfboard

Thứ Ba, 26 tháng 11, 2019

How to Tow a Kayak: Learn the Right Way To Do It

Kayaking with a buddy has always been a great thing to do on a weekend. But what happens in case you or your partner gets into trouble? Do you know what to do in case you need to tow your friend’s kayak? This is where the importance of knowing how to tow a kayak comes into play. In case you don’t know, there are several types of towing setups that you can make use of and we will be discussing some of them in this post.
In this article, we will be focusing on the tow belt, as its ease of use and access is exceptional in these scenarios. Also, it has the capability to position the line optimally, as well as anchor low and staying centered on the torso, allowing a more stable tow. We will also be discussing when a tow is vital, what exactly the tow belt does, and how to properly use in a typical situation. Keep in mind that using a tow belt or any other type of towing setup entails the knowledge of towing and rescue lessons from an experienced instructor and to practice the skill until you become used to it. Now, let’s proceed with the discussions.

Thứ Bảy, 23 tháng 11, 2019

Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips: Here’s What You Should Do


Whitewater rafting is thrilling! It is one of the best water activities for those who would like to put their adrenaline into the test. However, it can also be unsafe. Injuries and deaths are possible, especially if you go unprepared.
If you are planning a trip to brave the rapids, keep on reading and learn from the whitewater safety tips we’ll be talking about. You can be confident that you will have a seamless experience and that there is a minimal chance of ending up with a serious injury.

Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 11, 2019

How to Warm Up Prior to Swimming: The Best Ways to Prepare


Warming up is important before you start swimming. This prepares your body for an intense physical activity. It helps in the delivery of oxygen to the muscle groups and regulates breathing. It also increases your body temperature, minimizing the likelihood of an injury. It makes the muscles supple and improves efficiency. Warming up also increases your energy, and hence, you won’t easily feel tired.
If you want to learn how to warm up prior to swimming, keep on reading and learn from the tips we’ll share. The proper warming up techniques is important to fuel your movement once you are in the water.

Chủ Nhật, 17 tháng 11, 2019

Surfing Tips and Tricks: How to Improve Your Take-Off at an Angle

One of the most important surfing techniques that you need to learn is the take-off at an angle. This is crucial because it sets the tone of the entire ride. The failure to do it properly will affect your momentum. You might end up immediately falling off the board and unable to chase the wave.
As many experts would say, the take-off is the bread and butter of surfing. However, it can be more difficult than what you have initially thought. Standing on the board is already a challenge, which becomes more difficult when doing it at an angle and when confronted with overwhelming waves.

Thứ Năm, 14 tháng 11, 2019

How to Get in Shape By Swimming: Best Things You Can Do

Swimming is known as one of the best cardio exercises. More than just being good for the heart and the lungs, this physical activity has also made a reputation for being effective in having a better physique. If you want to get in better shape, swimming is the solution. Whether you would like to tone your arms, strengthen your legs, or sculpt your abs, among other things, swimming is promising in more ways than one.
In this short article, we’ll talk about how to get in shape by swimming. This may not be easy as it will require hard work, dedication, time, and effort. This is not something that you can do overnight. If you take it seriously, however, you might find it impossible to believe how astonishing the outcomes can be.

Things to Do on How to Get In Shape by Swimming

Here are some of the things that will help you to get a toned body from regular swimming exercises.

1. Master Breathing Techniques

Swimming is all about proper techniques. You need to master these to do things right and build your body. That said, one of the most important is that you learn how to breathe properly when you are in the water. Start by getting comfortable with your head or face in the water, which will allow you to breathe properly.
Practice the fundamentals of rhythmic breathing. As soon as you finish breathing in, you should exhale through the nose or mouth. Exhaling should be done when your face is in the water. You should learn how to find your rhythm so that you won’t end up being short of breath.
Without proper breathing techniques, buoyancy, balance, comfort, and propulsion will all be negatively affected.

2. Work On Your Strokes

If you are going to resort to swimming as your main exercise to get in shape, it is crucial that you also learn how to do the right strokes. This is important not only to propel yourself efficiently in the water but also to avoid injuries and body pain. If you are unaware of how to carry out the strokes properly, you will be prone to body aches. Whether it is backstroke, breaststroke, or freestyle, you need to master the techniques to do it like a pro and build your arm muscles.

3. Learn How to Relax

Especially if you are new to swimming, one of the first things that you need to learn is how to relax. Earlier, we talked about proper breathing techniques. This is one of the first things that you need to do to stay calmed and composed. Otherwise, it will be more difficult to concentrate and you won’t be able to swim right. By learning how to relax in every stroke, you are giving your arm muscles to rest. This avoids exerting too much pressure. Otherwise, you will easily feel tired when you are swimming.

4. Build a Lap Swimming Routine

Intensity, resistance, and design are three of the most important things that are crucial in lap swimming to get in shape. The key is to add more resistance to your routine. This forces your body to exert more force and make bigger movements, which increases the intensity of the exercise. One of the best ways to do this is to use swimming paddles. This gives more resistance to every stroke that you generate in the water.

5. Try Aquarobics

If you are looking for low-impact exercises that will help to build your body or your muscles, aquatic aerobics or aquarobics can be a big help. It is easy on the joints, so even for people with mobility issues, this is a good water exercise. Often, it is done as a group exercise, which makes it fun. This is unlike swimming on your own that can often end up being boring. However, take note that it is not as intense as other exercises, so doing this alone may end up being insufficient if you want to build muscles.

6. Try Water Polo

Aside from water aerobics, water polo is another great way to improve muscular strength and build your body. This is also done in groups. More than being fun, it is an excellent way to develop your competitive spirit. Power, speed, and strength are some of the main factors that are improved in water polo training, which are also all crucial in improving your physical shape.

7. Include Kickboard Exercises in Your Routine

By adding a kickboard in your swimming routine, you are more inventive in your workout, which is a great way to take your workout to the next level. This is one of the best exercises in the water, making it a great way to improve your core. It works your core muscles, which will be more effective if you combine it with land-based exercises that will give you well-toned abs.

8. Practice Swimming Intervals

Interval training is used even by endurance athletes to quickly get in shape. Consider your skills to decide what is the best interval to incorporate in your workout. One thing that you can do is to swim fast at intervals of at least 50 meters. When you get to the edge of the pool, rest for at least 30 seconds. Through having intervals, you are giving your body the chance to rest and your breath to catch up, which allows you to work out more.

Pro Tips

Before we conclude this short post, allow us to leave you with some tips on how to make the most out of swimming to build your body.
  • Swimming alone is not enough. You should complement it with land-based exercises that will allow you to target the different parts of the body you would like to get in shape.
  • Maintain a regular schedule. Discipline and consistency are important in having a swimming exercise routine that will get your body in shape.
  • When you are training, make sure to equip yourself with the right gear. From your swimming cap to your goggles, dress for the water. This is crucial for your comfort and safety. Otherwise, you might hate training and you won’t look forward to the next time you are doing it again.
  • Find yourself a trainer or a coach, especially if you are a novice. It is nice to have someone provide the motivation that you need. This will also help to instill self-discipline.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, swimming is one of the best exercises. It strengthens your heart and lungs. More importantly, it makes you physically fit. So, pay attention to the things that have been discussed above about how to get in shape by swimming. Things won’t be easy, but if you keep in mind those tips, it won’t take long before you can reap the fruits of your hard work

Thứ Hai, 11 tháng 11, 2019

What is Wing Surfing: Everything You Need to Know

Surfing is one of the best watersports. If you have not tried it yet, you are missing a lot of fun. The thrill of riding big waves is incomparable. It can be an intimidating experience at first, but with enough practice, it won’t take long before you can do it like a pro.
If you have been surfing for quite a while now and you are looking for a way to make it more exciting, why not try wing surfing? It looks like a variety of windsurfing and kitesurfing. It uses a foil board or a stand-up paddleboard. In some cases, people also use surfboards and snowboards. It uses the wind elements to take the sport into a new level, making it more fun.

The History of Wing Surfing

Robby Naish can be credited as the genius behind wing surfing. However, hand-held wings that are believed to have been first used in the 1980s. It was first developed by Tom Magruder drawing his inspiration from seagulls. He invented the Wind Weapon, which is a rigid sail with free rotation on a windsurfing board. It features an aerodynamic control that allows it to fly like an airplane or cruise like a bird.
In the late 2000s, meanwhile, a new design of an inflatable wing was introduced. Unfortunately, given its flaws, it did not make it to the market.
The windsurfing equipment that we know today is popularly called The Wing-Surfer. It is a combination of the design of the kites used for kiteboarding and windsurfing. It has a handheld inflatable wing that the user will hold while riding a board. There are wings from other brands and it is expected that more companies will follow suit. However, the Wing Surfer claims to be the pioneer.
There is another popular wing that is used by those who are interested in trying wing surfing. It is called the Sling Wing. It is also a simple wing that you have to hold on your hand while you ride your board. It also comes with a leash, making sure that the wing stays close to you no matter what.

What Makes Wing Surfing Different?

Compared to windsurfing or kitesurfing, the biggest difference is that with wing surfing, there is no rigging. There is no hardware or strings that will connect the board to the wing. Because there is no rigging or assembly that is required, this is also simpler. Meanwhile, compared to surfing, the main difference is obvious – there is a wing that will propel the movement of the board depending on the direction of the wind.

Is It Easy?

If you want to give it a shot, you are probably wondering if it is easy or not. The good news is that it is easy! Even if you are a novice, this will be effortless to learn. As long as you already know how to surf, you can balance on the board. There is no need to learn the fundamentals of kiteboarding or windsurfing.

What Board Should You Use?

One of the best boards that you can use in wing surfing is a foil board. Also called a hydrofoil board, this is a special kind of a surfboard with a hydrofoil below. It is a popular kind of board that is used in windsurfing. In most cases, these boards can deliver speeds of more than 6 knots. Stand-up paddleboards are also used. You can also use surfboards and snowboards. At the end of the day, it all boils down into personal preferences. More than what is available, you should choose a board that you find to be most comfortable.

Work on Your Upper and Lower Body Strength

Just like when you are surfing, wing surfing requires proper coordination of both the upper and lower bodies. So, you need to exercise to have the strength that you need to stand up on the board and support yourself.
Among others, one of the most important is leg strength. Squats are among the best exercises to build stronger leg muscles, which will allow you to stand on the board properly despite the force from the wave or the wind. In the same way, you have to work on the strength of your arms and shoulders. This way, you will be able to hold the wing properly. If you have weak arms and shoulders, the wing can easily disengage from your hand, especially when it is windy. However, you don’t have to worry that you will lose it since it comes with a leash.

Tips and Tricks

Before we end this short article, allow us to leave you with some tips on how you can do wing surfing successfully:
  • Use the right equipment. There are two important things that you will need – the board and the wing. From its weight and its size, make sure that it suits your needs. Most wings are lightweight, and hence, they will be easy for you to control.
  • Put your head and your eyes into good use. Similar to surfing, you need to look at the direction where you wish to go. This will have a chain reaction and will allow the rest of the body to follow. Keep your chin up and your eyes open, looking at where you wish to bring the board.
  • It is also advisable that you try foil boarding first. This is a lot easier and will prepare you with the fundamental techniques that you need to learn. To make the experience less frustrating, start with foiling.
  • Master the proper position. Do not exert too much pressure on the board. Mind the space in between your foot. The width and opening of the shoulder will also be important. Otherwise, you will easily lose your balance.

Conclusion

If you want the thrill of a new experience, why not try wing surfing? It has more adrenaline rush compared to traditional surfing. It is also different from kiteboarding and windsurfing in the sense that the wing is not attached to the board. There is no string or hardware. You will just hold it firmly with your hands and let the wind take over your board and your body