General

Birthday function rooms Melbourne have party venues for small, medium and large parties so no matter what the occasion or size, we have the party venues to match your party details!

1. Location, Location, Location: The most important thing to note here is that no matter how memorable your party is it will inevitably be a waste of your time and money if no one can find the venue, or worse, they couldn’t find parking.

Question to Ask: Does your venue have ample amount of parking for my guests?

Tip: Choose a venue that is easily accessible to your guests.

2. Does size really matter? It sure does when you are choosing a venue! Before you select a venue be sure you have completed your invitee list. Consider the possibility that some will be unable to attend your event. Factors to consider for those unable to attend would be: length of travel to your location, health conditions of your guests, age of guests, school or work commitments, financial strains, and children. To avoid any future overcrowding of your venue, you should select a venue that can accommodate 90% to 100% of your guest list.

Question to Ask: What is your venue’s max capacity and average party size?

Tip: Ask for floor plans and/or schematics from previous events.

3. Inventory: Be sure to ask for a list of inventory that is on site. Consider the following scenario: What if you decide to have a formal sit down dinner instead of a buffet? A standard 60″ round dinner table can seat up to 10 people (if you are serving a buffet style dinner). The same 60″ round dinner table seats only 8 for a formal sit down dinner. You may also want to feature a slide show of photos or play a video of some kind. Some venues offer Audio and Visual Equipment as well as microphones.

Question to Ask: Do you have a list of inventory on site?

Tip: Try to find a venue that includes tables and chairs in the rental agreement.

4. Hidden Fees? Yikes! One thing you can count on is additional fees when booking a facility. There are fees for all kinds of things ranging from cleaning fees to security guard fees. There are even cake cutting fees and corking fees! At this point you are probably wondering why it can’t be simpler renting a facility. Me too! But not to worry there are many facilities to choose from and not all of them have a stack of extra fees.

Question to Ask: Are there any additional fees I should know about?

Tip: Get all additional fees in writing to help you stay organized with your budgeting.

5. Decorating Rules and Restrictions: You may think that decorating rules and restrictions can be figured out by using common sense and I am sure that most decorating rules can be. However, all venues have different rules and restrictions and some of them may seem bazaar. For example, there are venues that do not allow confetti. Confetti is super cute and fun, so why wouldn’t a venue allow confetti? The answer is simple, it gets everywhere! Once confetti gets into carpet and furniture pieces, it is very hard to clean up. There are other various rules that are similar and it’s always best to get a list of the venue’s rules and restrictions before you sign a contract.

Question to Ask: What are your decorating rules and restrictions?

Tip: Share your decorating ideas with the facility manager before purchasing any décor. If you are unsure of the kind of décor you will be using, get a list of the decorating rules and restrictions to take with you.

6. Food For Thought: Arguably, the most talked about detail of an event is the food. You may have a centerpiece that is a little off and only you will notice, but if your food is a little off, your guests are sure to take notice. Most importantly, if the food is not prepared properly; one or more guests could contract a food born illness. That is why facilities have rules in place with regard to catering. The most common food restrictions you can expect are:

1) All food must be served and prepared by a licensed caterer. (No food can be brought into the facility from your home.)

2) No “outside caterers” allowed. “Outside caterers” meaning all other caterer other than the “in-house caterer.”

3) Must select a caterer from preferred catering list.

Really, the best you can hope for is “in-house catering” offered with an option to hire “outside catering” if necessary. There are many reasons one might wish to hire an outside caterer. For example, Kosher foods can only be prepared in a Kosher approved kitchen. Therefore, any client needing kosher food served during the event will want to select a facility that allows outside catering.

Question to Ask: What are your catering options?

Tip: Select a facility that allows the most flexibility with catering. If there is a preferred catering list, call all of the catering companies on the list and get bids BEFORE booking the facility. Don’t make the mistake of booking the facility only to find out later that the catering options do not work with your budget.

7. Frequently Asked Questions. Finally, it’s best to check each venue’s “frequently asked questions” section of their website or brochure. Sometimes when planning it is easy to forget minor details, so check out what others are asking.

Question to Ask: Can you provide me with a list of “frequently asked questions?”

Tip: If a venue does not provide a list of frequently asked questions, ask the facility manager to go over any details that you didn’t ask about.

Bobbie J. Brown is the marketing director for the San Diego Woman’s Club, which as a historic clubhouse located in Banker’s Hill that is a wedding reception venue, corporate meeting space, seminar facility, and dance recital hall.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bobbie_J_Brown/1203366

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Start from your budget and the number of guests these two factors are crucial for organising all other aspects of any corporate functions Melbourne.

1. Find the Right Venue

-The first step in deciding on a venue for your event is to clearly define your needs. Make a comprehensive list of every must have. Check for things like seating capacity, parking, stage, and catering capabilities.

-Of course, the most important question is availability. Is the venue available on the date you have selected? Will there be any other groups sharing the venue on that day?

-If there is a service that the venue cannot provide, be prepared to bring in outside help. Factor this into your budget.

-Reserve the venue BEFORE announcing the date.

-Many venues that host events regularly will be able to recommend other service providers to you. They will undoubtedly know of a trusted party rental company, audio visual people, caterers, etc. Since these companies are already familiar your venue, there will be no confusion on event day. They wont get lost on the drive, they know where to set up, and they wont need to ask you as many questions.

2. Hire Professional Entertainment

This is the part of your event that everyone will remember. If the entertainment is amateurish, rude, or boring, no one will have a good time. The nights entertainment will in many cases make or break your event. This is not the time to be a bargain shopper. The cheapest act will almost never be the best one. If everyone is guaranteed to have a great time, YOU get all the credit. In the magic business, anyone who buys a few tricks at the local magic shop can call themselves a magician. Here are a few of the ways that you can sort out the amateurs.

-First impression. When you visit a performers or bands website, or when you look at their brochure, does it look professional? They say not to judge a book by its cover, but this does not hold true for entertainment. An entertainer that takes their business seriously and is providing a quality product will not send you to a tacky free web page, and will not give you a home made business card.

-Get video! This is one of the best ways to see what an entertainer has to offer. Most professionals will have a video on their website or they can send you a DVD. If you are hiring a band, get an audio sample.

-Testimonials. Dont be afraid to ask for some testimonials. Letters of recommendation, video or audio. I could tell you how great I am all day long, but it only really counts when it comes from another customer like you.

-Technical Requirements. Every artist should be able to provide you with a technical rider. So called because this document rides as an addition to the contract. Basically this is a set of instructions for the talent buyer. It describes the technical and staging needs of the artist, as well as dressing room requirements, load in and set up times etc. This document could be 30 pages or 1 page depending on the complexity of the show. If you mention technical rider to an entertainment provider and they dont know what you are talking about, find someone else.

3. Build a Reverse Time Line.

Starting with the day of the event and working backwards, create a list of every task that needs to be completed. Give each task a deadline and stick to it. Consider invitations, advertising, themes, decorations, permits, etc. Book entertainment and caterers as early as possible! The deadlines may change, but this chart will serve as a guide when things get overwhelming.

4. Delegate

If you are lucky enough to have a few volunteers at your disposal, employ them wisely. Divide the work and keep everyone involved. Hold regular meetings at set intervals as your event date approaches so you can set goals and check on progress. Once you have delegated a certain task, say invitation design to one of your volunteers, oversee their progress, but try not to step in to often. Micromanagement can really slow progress. Start with a team that you trust and let personal responsibility drive them.

5. The Big Black Book

Full time event planners will often carry what is sometimes called the Event Bible. It is a simple 3 ring binder, with copies of EVERYTHING relevant to the event: contracts, floor plans, vendor price lists, guest lists, important contacts, checks, and permits. No matter how much pre-planning you do, the day of the event will be hectic. The last thing you want to worry about is looking for some missing piece of paper.

6. Social Media

The internet is by far the greatest resource for promoting your event. Using popular social networking sites is a great way to let everyone know about your event for free. With Facebook, you can give your event its own profile page and send out event announcements and invitations. You can also post recap pictures to show everyone how well your event went. MySpace and YouTube are also great sites and shouldn’t be forgotten. If anyone was unable to attend, they can easily log on to see what they missed.

7. Document the Event

Once the event is over, the only visible record of its success will be in pictures and video. Get as much footage as possible. If your budget allows, hire professional photographers and videographers. If not, task the job to a volunteer and provide them with a high quality camera. Give them a list of shots that you would like included. Full room shots, including logos or brands, and of course shots of people having a good time. These records come in real handy later on when you throw your hat in the ring to organize another event. If you are organizing the event for a client, send them a recap with all of this media ASAP after the event. If you are organizing the event for your own organization, post the pictures on social networking sites and send everyone a link. After all, you did the work, you should get the credit!

To see how Michael Barron can personally transform your event, visit our links below now.

Michael Barron is one of the nation’s leading professional illusionists. With more than 3,000 performances and 50 television appearances in 19 countries. Michael Barron’s production company is highly sought after by fortune 500 companies, universities, and theaters world wide.

Official Website: [http://www.BarronMagic.com]

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/barronmagic

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael_Barron/831086

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It is never a wise idea to dive into the complex world of automobile repairs. You may be surprised by how much you find out. Bare in mind that our new car paint protection process offer a significant advantage over a conventional car wax or paint sealant in the way that they keep your paint noticeably cleaner.

Get a reliable battery charger to keep in your vehicle. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger connects.

Make sure that you often check the radiator. Run your car, and then turn it off and pop your hood. Don’t open your radiator if your car is on. Check the radiator fluids using a dipstick and remember to dilute coolant with water prior to adding it.

Make sure to have car records on file. You want to store them in the glove compartment. The people repairing your car might need to look over these records. This will help them assess the process go more precisely.

Keep a record when your car repair. If you have problems later, the mechanic may want to see the historical documentation of what has already been done.

Make sure that you replace old parts with OEM parts.These are original parts are original and from the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but they may not be good enough quality. What is a cheap option now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Although most auto shops are reliable, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don’t need. Look around for reputable shops that know the ins and outs of your car’s make. These shops are more likely to understand the needed repairs your car needs.

Do not forget about your wiper blades. You may need new blades if the ones you have are making noises.

Try finding a reliable mechanic who fixes cars on their own property. If they are experienced and skilled, they can typically do jobs for far less cost. You may save tons of money by providing them with business.

You do not necessarily have to visit your dealership if repairs are needed. There are a variety of mechanics and auto shops on offer for you decide to go to the dealer further away. Find someone who you are comfortable with and reliable.

Take pictures of your entire vehicle before taking it to a new shop. Some unethical shops may strip parts off your car to justify billing you for more repairs. You should document the vehicle looks like in case your mechanic fails to fix them or makes things worse.

Don’t allow people to sell auto parts to you that say they’re going to last a lifetime. This is total spin – just a way to grab more money out of your cash. One example of this is transmission fluid will last a lifetime. While you don’t have to change this a lot, you will still have to change the fluid every 80,000 miles or so.

It is not uncommon to find out about other problems when they pick up their vehicle from a repairer.They often try to make it look like you think you’re getting a great deal.Tell them that you’re going to have to talk to them later so that you have to think about it before accepting the deal.

Consistency is important when it comes to auto repair. Stick with a trusted mechanic whom you have used before instead of going around to various ones for work. Different shops could end up telling you something else is wrong with your problem is wrong. They could charge you to pay more for repairs.

Don’t fix your car right away.Contact other shops or dealerships and ask them for repairs suggested by the repair needed. If the price quoted is excessive, pay the first mechanic for the diagnosis only and have your car repaired elsewhere.

Once you have paid a mechanic for replacing a part of your vehicle, ask to have the old ones back.If the mechanic does not give you your old part, he probably never replaced the parts he said he did. This is a red flag and you should be raised.

Keep your mechanic receipts in a file with all your important repair receipts in your vehicle. You can sort them however you like as long as you know what is where.This is important to have when it is time to sell your auto repair done to save money.

Having written documentation is useful should you decide to file a complaint against the mechanic.

When you are quoted by a mechanic, you should have him or her write down the costs of each component. This will assist you in comparing quotes is the best one. The cost of parts should be similar, so you should pay more attention to the labor.

This will help keep your carpet staining from mud and slush. These are necessary during winter seasons or difficult weather patterns.

This is a popular old rule of thumb that varies depending on the vehicle you drive. Modern vehicles need oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Go with whatever is recommended by the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Once you figure out what you can do to fix your automobile, research the Internet for parts. There are many websites that will give you a good estimate as to how much your repairs should cost. Compare these estimates with quotes you receive from auto repair quote.

Rotating your tires on a regular intervals will help prevent wear. Your tires should be rotated every 6000 miles, this varies based on your specific vehicle. Get high-quality tires of high quality to avoid them getting worn very quickly.

You might not notice any problems with the car, but only a professional will be able to tell you for sure. If the mechanic does not find any problems, you may need to have a look at your cars dashboard computer.

Be sure to use the above tips the next time you find yourself facing automobile repair. Don’t stress out about the situation. Simply use what you have learned. Take control and learn what alternatives you have in fixing your car, and decide on the best course of action for your situation.

As a car owner, fixing a broken car is never a fun thing to handle. If you learn a little about repairs and the inner workings of your car, you can save quite a bit of money and reduce your stress. Make sure you put the valuable vehicle repair advice from this article. You will find it useful when your car breakdowns. Professionally within my own car detailing supplies business, my goal is to always over-deliver to my customers.

Get a reliable battery charger and be sure it is always in your vehicle. Learn how to connect your car to the points where the battery charger connects.

If you don’t understand something, clarification is needed before repairs are started. You do not want to avoid being surprised with added charges when you are handed the final bill.

You need your car’s records available at all times. You want these with you when you go to get repairs done; a great place to store them in the glove compartment. The mechanics who work on your car will definitely want to see any records. This will help them assess the process go more smoothly.

Make sure that you replace old parts with OEM parts.These means they are parts direct from the manufacturer. While generic could be a cheaper option, they are not held to the same quality standards. It may cost you more in the amount later as OEM components to begin with.

Always think of how to fix your car before trying to get it repaired. You probably know that some mechanics will come with lies to charge more money.

Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight is much cheaper when you both time and money. While it’s easier in some vehicles than others, it is much cheaper to do it yourself. Ask someone you trust if he can help with this small repair.

Look at all lights on your dashboard and learn what they mean. These lights can let you to potential problems. If you keep ignoring them for a long time then you’ll just have an even worse problem later on.

Be sure to change your oil needs changing.You have to change it regularly get the oil changed to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly. If you don’t change it, your car may not last as long as it could.

You do not necessarily have to visit your dealership if repairs are needed. There are several reputable technicians that may be closer in proximity to your house. Find someone who you are comfortable with and reliable.

There are a few different kinds of the part.New means that the parts are newly created to the ones that you want to have installed on your vehicles. Refurbished or reconditioned parts means that these parts have been restored to working condition. “Salvage” parts are used without being improved or repaired.

Warranties really come in handy when it comes to fixing expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they’re ordering for you.

Check that the technician is certified. You want to see if they have received approval from the NIAE. This means that the technician has been properly trained and reliable.

Don’t let anyone sell auto parts to you claiming that they’ll last forever. This is usually a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from vulnerable consumers. One example of this is transmission fluid will last a lifetime. While this does not need to be changed as often as typical fluid, you need to be sure it’s changed about every 80,000 miles or so.

Don’t fix your car right away.Call other places to get quotes on the type of repair the original mechanic is recommending. If another place can fix it cheaper, pay the shop for the labor and get your car fixed elsewhere.

If you hired a mechanic to change some parts on your vehicle, ask the mechanic if you can have the old one. If he won’t, then they may not have replaced anything. This is not a good sign and you should be seen as a red flag and the person needs to be called out about it.

Set cash limits on what car work can be done without your authorization.Don’t simply allow the shop to make any repairs they want after your drop off your car. Set a dollar amount that they can’t go over without contacting you by phone first.

Choose between having your car fixed by a dealership or an independent garage.Garages will cost a little bit less, but you may find that you get hired by someone who is dishonest.

Keep track of all the repairs you have done on your car. Keep these records inside your car. This will be of great help as your mechanic identify potential problems. This can make diagnosing a lot of unnecessary time trying to locate the problems.

You might not notice any problems with the car, but only a professional will be able to tell you for sure. If nothing is wrong with your car, the car’s computer may need to be calibrated.

Take your mechanic for a drive to show him work on your car. This way they can see exactly the problem that you face. This can be a clearer way to illustrate the problem.

Check your drive axle boots on a while. They are needed to protect your drive axle joint positioned in back of the tires. You can check this easily by turning your car’s wheels and look behind them.

Bring the car to an auto shop and get it fully serviced for possible overheating problems. Ask the technician to look for leaks and check hoses.

Familiarize yourself with the different types of certifications that mechanics can possess. If you can find a mechanic that is licensed both in your state and by the A.S.E., try to locate an auto technician that is certified by your state and the A.S.E.

Car problems can be a hassle to deal with. They may also cost an arm and a leg. Using the tips here will better equip you to do deal with mechanical issues in the future. You should be better prepared when finding a mechanic and more competent to fix minor problems yourself when possible.

The sun is out and the birds are in the sky feasting on the swarms of bugs and insects that the warm weather also brings out. Unfortunately along with this feasting comes the inevitable fallout – the downpour of bird muck, droppings, lime, mess, poop or whatever you want to call it. Straight onto to our car’s newly polished shiny paintwork. In this article I aim to guide your through the process of how to remove bird muck etching, stains and marks from your cars paintwork by using our advance paint protection.

Firstly we will look at the fresh stuff and how to clean bird poop off car paintwork. Then I will also guide you through the steps to remove dried bird poop on car paint in a way that best prevents scratching from pips, seeds and other hard bits within it.

First – How To Clean Fresh Bird Poo Off Your Car

As you will know it is vital that as soon as you spot any bird mess on your paintwork you must remove it as quickly as possible.

As depending on what the particular bird has had for its lunch the chemicals in the resultant muck can very quickly etch into and mark your cars’ paintwork.

Bird Dropping Wipes

To remove the bird muck we would recommend you always carry either some bird muck wipes with you in your car.

Two popular and effective bird poop wipes are Autoglym Bird Dropping Wipes and Poop-off Anywhere Wipes.

Unlike general purpose wipes these specialist products contain the right blend of chemicals within them to immediately start to neutralise the bird poop.

If the bird droppings appear when you are closer to home you can also use milk to immediately pour onto the mess to help neutralise some of the acids which the bird muck can contain and which do the majority of the damage.

A couple of other effective products designed to act fast in neutralising the harmful chemicals in the bird poop and removing the fresh muck from your paintwork include Poorboys Bird Sh#t Remover and Supagard Professional Bird Lime Neutralizer.

If you have access to any of these then the next best thing is to carry a bottle of detailing spray and microfibre cloths in your trunk.

Removing Dried On Bird Poop

If the bird muck has already dried onto you paintwork as it can contain pips, seeds and other harder materials you do not want to be trying to wipe it off without first ensuring it is full softened.

To to this you can simply spray a good amount of your bird muck remover, detailing spray or quick wax onto a folded soft microfibre cloth, the plusher the fibres, the better.

Next place the wetted side of the cloth onto the dried bird muck and gently pour some water onto the cloth, just enough thoroughly soak into the cloth but not so much that it streams down your paintwork.

Leave this on the dired bird muck for 10-15 minutes so that it soaks deep into the mess. After this time pinch the cloth around the droppings with your fingers and pull up and away from your paintwork to lift the muck away from your car, rather than wiping the muck across the paint.

For really dried on muck you may have to leave longer and for seriously hardened bird poop it may be even worth leaving it to soak through overnight.

Finally spray the area where the bird muck had been, with your detailing spray and using a clean microfibre gently wipe the affected area until thoroughly clean.

Hopefully you will have caught the mess in time to avoid any serious damage or etching.

The Secret To Removing Bird Dropping Stains & Etching

In the unfortunate situation that you do see some resultant birds much stains and etching then fortunately there are products available that can help reduce and remove the marks in your cars paint.

Firstly you need to understand a little of what has happened to your paintwork and what action these products will make to correct the unsightly marks.

The etching process from bird muck is essentially the chemicals from the birds digestive system and those from whatever it has eaten combining to form some very fast acting and corrosive acids.

When these land on your car they immediately begin to “eat” into the paint making the surface uneven and causing the marks you can see and associate the bird much etching.

To “remove” the etch marks you essentially need to bring down the level of the paint immediately around the etching to the same level and the newly etched paint. Now in most cases we are only talking in microns or thousandths of millimeters and not enough to eat or abrade all the way through the clear coat.

What Products To Use To Remove Bird Muck Marks

Two of the products we have used most to help remove or reduce bird muck marks is either Meguiars Ultimate Compound or Meguiars ScratchX.

The secret is to use a product that is known as a diminishing abrasive – that is the more your work it in, the finer its abrasiveness becomes, so it does not marr or leave behind scratch marks which you would then have to try and remove separately.

We tend to use the Ultimate Compound on light etch marks and the ScratchX on the heavier marks.

Other very effective products include Farecla G3 Paint Renovator and G3 Scratch Remover paste. Again both of these being diminishing abrasives.

Using a foam or microfibre applicator pad work small amounts of these products in and around the etched area and then when the product has disappeared apply another small amount and work that through.

I tend to prefer working in small back and forth motions but you can also work in a circular motion if preferred. Repeat until the etching has either disappeared or is vastly reduced.

In some extreme cases you may need to either call on a professional detailer or use a machine polisher to remove the etching completely, but in 95% of cases the above method should help resolve the issue.

Don’t forget to always finish off the area that has been worked on with a new coat of your favourite wax or sealant to re-protect your paintwork from the elements.

And finally when dealing with bird muck wherever possible remember to use a pair of latex or nitrile gloves or immediately wash your hands in warm water or use a germ killing wipe or hand wash.

Bird muck can actually contain some very nasty diseases an needs to be treated with caution, avoiding contact with skin and eyes etc whenever possible.

South Padre Island Texas gets more and better waves than anywhere on the East Coast of North America and in the Gulf of Mexico. Here a few good places and ways to enjoy the surf on South Padre Island. Finally surf contest will reach the entire Mexico, I know there will be a lot of fun during the event.

Popular Spots to hit the waves around South Padre Island

Ocean Beaches
The entire coastline of South Padre Island is open for surfing of all kinds, without restriction. To avoid crowds just pick an empty spot that looks good and go.

Isla Blanca Park and Gettys
The most popular spot for surfers to gather on South Padre Island is at the getty in Isla Blanca Park, at the Southern tip of South Padre Island. The getty helps to clean up and regulate the swell, and even on big wave days there can be a whole range of wave sizes from small to large depending on how close to the getty you are.

Boca Chica
Boca Chica Beach is not actually located on South Padre Island, but is the beach across the boat channel from the Isla Blanca Park and South Padre Getty. Boca Chica is a great place to surf when the swell is coming from the North. To get to Boca Chica beach drive to Boca Chica BLVD in Brownsville and following it to the ocean. From there drive onto the beach and head North to the getty.

Wanna Wanna
The Wanna Wanna is a beachside bar and grill located on South Padre Island, and is another popular spot to head into the surf.

Tiki
Just a mile north of the Wanna Wanna is the Tiki Resort, a collection of ocean side condos and apartments. Take Padre BLVD North to White Sands St. There is a small parking lot at the beach.

Mansfield
Mansfield is located 20 miles north of the Town of South Padre Island, and is accessible only by driving along the beach from South Padre. At Mansfield is another getty that creates nice waves in any North swell. Be prepared with 4 wheel drive and tow straps, its a long ride on the beach.

There are also many styles of surfboards and surfing that work well on South Padre Island. Here are a few good ways to play when you come to our beach.

Longboard
Longboard riders utilize large surfboards, generally between 9 and 11 feet in length, which catch and ride waves easily. Although longboards are easier to stand on and ride for beginners, there is incredible skill involved in performance longboarding. South Padre Island offers large slopey swell that break relatively slowly on the outside sandbars, which are great for longboard surfing.

Shortboard
Shortboard surfers are fast and skilled at catching and riding waves. Although more difficult to surf in many ways than longboards, shortboards are fast and maneuverable. Shortboard riders enjoy the fast breaking, steep waves of the inside sandbars of South Padre Island, as well as the bigger, but more mellow outside breaks.

BodyBoard
BodyBoards or Boogy Boards are fun for everyone, and are fun to use everywhere from the very first wave break closest to shore, all the way out the farthest break of the day. For performance bodyboarders heading out into the farther waves, fins and leashes are used to help catch waves and prevent board loss.

Skim Boarding
Skim Boarders start with a sprint along the beach, throwing their boards down and jumping on them in shallow water. Skimmers can have a great time all around South Padre Island, riding the ocean shoreline, or flat pools and canals left by the retreating tides, or even in the perfectly flat waters of the Laguna Madre Bay.

Stand Up Paddlesurfing
Stand Up Paddlesurf boards, or SUP’s, are a really fun way to get out on the water for all ability levels. SUPs are large surfboards, generally 9 to 13 ft long, and wider than traditional surf boards as well. SUPs are large enough to be stood on at all times, and are proppelled by a paddle, similar to paddling a canoe or kayak. SUP boards are very fun to surf in small waves and for skilled riders in large waves as well, but are also very fun to paddle in flat water.

In addition to good waves and locations, there are a lot of resources on the Island for folks interested in learning to surf or renting boards.

Lessons
Taking a lesson is a great idea for those that have never surfed before, as well as for surfers that want to improve their skills and knowledge, or try new equipment. AirPadre Kiteboarding is a great place to meet up with pro surf instructors for a session. Surfing lessons are billed hourly, and are generally between 1 and 2 hours long.

Rentals
For those that just want to get on the water, Air Padre Kiteboarding has a full stock of surfboards for rent, ranging from soft top beginner boards to easy riding fun shapes to performance long and shortboards. AirPadre Kiteboarding also has a fleet of Stand Up Paddle surfboards of various designs for both wave riding and flatwater cruising.

There is great surfing on South Padre Island Texas, and Air Padre Kiteboarding and Watersports is the best hook up for lessons and board rentals on the Island.

For additional info, check out this website about surfing [http://surfsouthpadreisland.com/] on South Padre Island.

AirPadre Kiteboarding is a great resource for kiteboarders around the world, with tons of great equipment, a knowledgeable staff, and one of the best kiteboarding and kitesurfing locations in the world on South Padre Island, Texas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Brett_Newcomb/755052

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Are you in possession of a vehicle? If you own a car, your car will need to be fixed sooner or later. You can feel like you’re going insane when trying to find a great vehicle repair company. The tips below can help you find the right mechanic. Correct car products help you car clean, shiny, and fresh as a hot brand new.

If something is not clear, don’t hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. You don’t want unpleasant surprises when you go to get the car.

You must wash your car often to avoid rust.All cars will rust up eventually, however you can delay this process by washing all salt and chemicals from your car immediately. Use a good wax to protect your paint jobs as much as you can.

Make sure all your car records are kept close. You may want to store them in the glove compartment.The mechanics who work on your car might need to refer to these records. This will help them assess the problem quicker diagnostic processes.

Look for warning signs that your mechanic isn’t very good. If they do not answer you directly, you may not be dealing with the best person. You should feel like you can trust them, so don’t be afraid to choose another one.

Most shops are honest, but some will charge you for things that aren’t necessary. Look around for mechanics that specialize in your car. These shops are more likely to understand how to perform the needed repairs your car needs.

Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or headlights yourself can save you do it by yourself. It’s simpler in some vehicles than others, but it’s more cost effective than hiring a mechanic.Ask someone you know can teach you how to fix these problems.

Look at flashing lights that flash on your dashboard and learn what they mean. These lights can let you know when your vehicle needs some maintenance. Ignoring these warning lights will only make the problem much worse than it already is.

Take pictures of your entire vehicle before taking it to a new shop. Some unethical shops may strip parts off your car in order to up their bottom line. You need to be able to document what the vehicle in case you experience this terrible thing.

Don’t try to diagnose and figure out what is wrong with your car by yourself. What you may think is an easy fix may be a hard one, especially if the vehicle is newer. Let the auto repair shop diagnose your vehicle. Tell them what you’ve observed, but allow them to determine the cause.

Warranties really come in handy when it comes to fixing expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about the warranties on parts they ordered for you.

Don’t let a mechanic tell you into getting your engine flushed when it doesn’t need it. This service is expensive and it isn’t necessary unless you have neglected engine care for some time.

Don’t let anyone sell auto parts to you claiming that they’ll last forever. This is usually a scheme for the business to take as much money as possible from you. One example of this is transmission fluid will last a lifetime. While this won’t have to be changed often, it must be changed around every 80,000 miles or so.

Bleed your brakes before you take your car on a test drive after servicing has been done. Test for any leaks to ensure you don’t have fluid won’t run out. You are then ready to test drive your car safely on low-traffic roads. Start slowly so you can make sure your repairs were successful.

Consistency is very important when it comes to auto repair. Stick with a trusted mechanic whom you have used before instead of going around to various ones for work. Different shops won’t have records of the previous work done on issues. They might also charge different amounts that cause you to pay more for repairs.

You can easily do some preventative maintenance such as adding more oil or top up your windshield fluid on your own. It is not true that these items for you. You should not hesitate to do some repairs yourself, and then you can grease up those hands.

Don’t hire the mechanic who diagnosed your car as soon as you receive a quote for service. Contact other shops or dealerships and compare what they would charge for an estimate on the first mechanic. If there is someone else who is cheaper, pay the first mechanic for their time and take your vehicle to the cheaper shop.

Having written proof can help you decide to file a complaint against the mechanic.

Ask for your old parts to be returned to you when they’re replaced. This will ensure that the repairs were actually done. This isn’t particularly necessary for exhaust system changed.You should be able to verify by sight that the new exhaust system has been installed as promised.

The first obstacle you face with when it comes to auto repair is the mechanic. You do not want to work with a shady mechanic. Watch out for mechanics that fail to make eye contact, not answering your questions, and ignore your questions.

This can prevent your car safe from things like slush and slush. These are a big help during winter and rainy seasons.

You can often put off minor car repairs, but major issues, such as brakes and tires, tires or brakes give you trouble. You may get into a dangerous situation if one of these parts ends up breaking down.

Once you get a diagnosis of what needs to be fixed on your vehicle, research the Internet for parts. There are several websites you can use to get a detailed estimate of different repairs for your vehicle. Compare these estimates with the quotes you receive from auto repair shops.

Do not assume that every auto repair service you find is a reliable option. Be certain to apply these tips when you next need auto repairs. A little legwork on your end can save you a lot of money.

A primer on basic auto repair services is really a must if you are going to drive a car. This article contains several great tips for you when your car is need of repair. Breakthrough paint protection offers a unique and versatile technology that provides excellent adhesion, hardness and block resistance.

Wash your car often so you can prevent rust from becoming a problem. All cars will rust up eventually, however you can delay this process by washing all salt and chemicals from your car immediately. Use a decent wax for protecting paint job as much as you can.

Test drive your car before paying for its repairs.

Never forget about your windshield wiper blades.You may need new windshield wipers if they are streaking or making noises.

Speak with friends and family about auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. Your family and friends may have some good recommendations for you to check out. You should still do your research on the person they tell you about. Check online reviews about the shop in question.

Just because it’s winter does not mean you should quit washing your vehicle. Winter is when your car’s exterior gets the most damaged. Sand and salt on the roads can cause rust and abrasions.

Avoid diagnosing car problems. What may seem to be a simple task can be very complex, especially if the vehicle is newer. Let an auto repair shop diagnose the mechanic diagnose the problem. Tell them what you’ve observed, but allow them to determine the cause.

If you’re short on funds, see if you can get in contact with someone at a vocational school. You will be giving students are still learning experience as their teacher looks on to be sure the job is right.

Don’t allow auto mechanics to persuade you that getting an engine flushed is normal maintenance visit. This service and not something that is typically done during the course of normal maintenance.

Not many people read their car’s owner’s manual. You should read your manual and learn how to use it so you can locate useful information quickly. Your manual contains everything you need to know when it comes to maintaining your vehicle and performing small repairs yourself.

It is not uncommon to find out about additional issues when collecting a car from an auto shop. They do this to make you are getting a deal. Tell them that you’re going to have to talk to them later so that you have to think about it before accepting the deal.

Bleed your brakes after your car on them. Look for any leaks and make sure the fluid will not run out. You can test drive your car safely on roads that don’t have a lot of traffic. Start slowly to be certain you’ve made a good repair is done well before risking higher speeds.

You can easily do some preventative maintenance such as adding more oil or refilling the windishield wiper fluid on your own. It is not true that only professional auto mechanics can do routine maintenance jobs. You must know how to do certain things, then roll up your sleeves and get dirty.

After paying a mechanic to replace an old part on your vehicle with a new one, have them return the older parts to you. If he won’t do it, this could mean that they didn’t replace anything. This should be seen as a warning sign and you need to make sure he shows you.

Set an expense limit that you are willing to let the mechanic reach without specific authorization. Don’t let the mechanic make any repairs as they see fit. Set a specific amount that cannot be surpassed without an authorization from you.

Always ask plenty of questions when dealing with your mechanic. How much time will he need to repair take? What kind of work is being attended to? How much are the auto parts cost? Ask them anything else that you can think of.

When you’re getting a car washed, be sure to hose down the floor mats as well. Dirt particles can easily get inside their rubber and cause holes to appear. Holes aren’t good and these can make contaminants get onto your vehicle’s carpet.

Choose between getting your car fixed by a dealership or an independent repair shop. Garages that are independent are going to cost you a little less, but they may not be as trustworthy and credible.

Seek second opinion prior to committing to major repairs done on your car. The mechanic may be offended or offer a special price to do repairs right away, but be suspicious of this.

Do not try to repair your car unless you know what you’re doing. You may end up voiding your warranty by tampering with the wrong thing. This makes you totally responsible for many repairs later on.

This rule of thumb has been passed down for many years. Modern cars are good for at least 5,000 miles, with some going as long as 10,000 miles. Go with the manufacturer.

Take your mechanic out for a short drive to show him the exact nature of your car. This will allow your mechanic to see exactly the problems that you do. This is a better way for them to determine the root of the problem.

Check amperage on burned out fuses before changing it. You must have a replacement fuse that has the same amperage for replacement. If your fuses need to be replaced regularly, then you should have your car checked by a mechanic whose specialty is in electric systems.

If your mechanic says that you need some more work than is recommended via the owner’s manual, politely let them know that you would rather follow the guide. This could help you avoid costly repairs that are unnecessary.

Driving any kind of vehicle means that you’re going to need to know a few things about keeping it in great condition. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to repair cars themselves, or even find a good mechanic. Now you know what is necessary to keep a car running properly at all times.

While there are many training components to consider for improving surfing workouts and athletic performance, flexibility is often the one variable that is over looked and undervalued as a key component to include into surfing training programs. This surfing app will allow you to watch the contest on your phone.

We all know that strength, power, and endurance are vital performance elements for surfers to train for. Surfers often neglect however, the fact that flexibility and specific stretching for surfing is also a vital surfing training component that must be included into surfing workouts. Having the ability to rotate, balance and create torque within your body while surfing on a wave is highly attributed to overall physical flexibility and good ranges of motion across the joints of the entire body.

A lack of flexibility leads to poor fluidity of movements and a lack of rotational balance and power. Combine this with increased chances of injuries and more physical aches and pains and it is easy to understand the importance of including flexibility training and stretches for surfers into your surfing workouts.

Most professional athletes whether they are a surfing athletes or not, focus on the importance of good posture. This means stretching and strengthening the body to allow good physical alignment so that the body is both strong and flexible across the joints of the body. This allows movement to be performed with more speed, power and efficiency. When surfing this equates to more waves, less falls and more points on the board.

It is important to note that every time a surfer paddles out and performs dynamic maneuvers with poor posture they are placing abnormal weight on their joints while stressing connective tissue, muscles and tendons. Over time this leads to chronic injuries and poor surfing performance. Surfers are notorious for having poor flexibility combined with poor head and shoulder positioning. As the head leads the way into every turn and maneuver while surfing, it is important to address head position if one wishes to surf better. If your head is off kilter then it is likely as a surfer you will sooner or later suffer from neck, shoulder, back, hip or knee problems. These problems can be avoided or eliminated with a good surfing stretching and a flexibility-training program that restores musculoskeletal balance.

To begin with focus on stretching tight muscles regularly. Surfers in particular will often improve their performance by stretching the large muscles of the back, chest and shoulder girdle along with the muscles that cross over the hip, knee and ankle joints. It is also recommend to work alongside a qualified trainer who can implement static and dynamic stretches into your surfing workouts so over time both your flexibility and posture will improve. Professional coaches will often recommend prioritizing stretching for surfing as the number one activity to include into you surfing training program. They will also instruct you to stretch upon waking for at least five to ten minutes, perform dynamic movements prior to getting in the water and do static holds after surfing or competing. By practicing these simple movements you can quickly improve your personal flexibility, your surfing training and your surfing performance.

You see good flexibility helps your surfing become smoother, more powerful and is also linked with your personal long-term health and well-being. In other words flexibility affects not only your surfing but also the quality of your life and your surfing lifestyle. This is especially true as we age and if we want to restore energy and surf proficiently and pain free into the future.

Hayden Rhodes has coached professional and amateur athletes improve their performance through scientific personal training, hormonal testing, nutritional coaching and performance conditioning principles.

If your a professional surfer or just getting started and want to improve as a surfing athlete then please visit http://SurfTrainingSecrets.com.

Do you want a better body or improve as a surfer? For a free 5 day coaching guide on boosting your surfing performance please visit http://SurfTrainingSecrets.com

If you have any questions or comments I look forward to helping you with your health and performance.

Hayden Rhodes
Powering Surfing Athletes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hayden_Rhodes/1006429

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7229136

Most of us use a lot of electricity and, nationally, the usage increases a few percent each year in spite of energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances. Americans just keep getting more gadgets and appliances. Much has been written about ways to cut back on the number of kilowatt-hours you consume each month, and we won’t go into that subject here. But what about when your bill spikes up abruptly in a single month? Electrician Brisbane Southside also do store lighting solutions to your floor plan.

Extremely hot or cold weather that makes a heat pump air conditioner work longer hours will raise your bill, and so will a swarm of houseguests that use plenty of hot water. But if there is no event you can think of that would have caused the bill to shoot up, then you need to consider other possibilities:

1) Hot water leakage – The first way that you could have leaking hot water is at the TPR (Temperature and Pressure Release) valve at your electric water heater. It is a safety valve that is on the top, or on the side near the top, of the water heater and designed to open if the thermostat fails to shut off the heating element and the tank overheats. If left unchecked, the tank will eventually explode violently, so the valve opens when the temperature of approaches 200º F to release the pressure and avoid a disaster.

Unfortunately, some TPR valves begin leaking as they get older. The piping from the valve may extend to near the floor next to the water heater, where it is very easy to observe any leakage as soon as it starts. But, in many homes, the pipe terminates just above the ground at an outside wall, pointing downward, and it is often obscured by landscaping growing in front of it. The photo below shows an example of a typical TPR valve pipe termination.

Since TPR leakage is equivalent to leaving a hot water faucet running 24-hours a day, it will definitely run up your electric bill. So check the termination of the TPR piping for leakage. Although, the termination is required to be visible, in some older houses and mobile homes that have elevated floors it is hidden in the crawl space under the home. In that case, you can wrap your hand around the TPR pipe about 6-inches away from the valve and, if you feel heat, you need to investigate further under the house. The fix is simple: replace the TPR valve.

Another way that hot water can leak is from a pipe failure under the floor slab. Locating it can be difficult because the soil absorbs the moisture until the leakage becomes heavy enough to saturate the area and come up through the slab. We use an infrared camera during our home inspections to check for pipe leakage and the infrared image below shows the white-hot line of a hot water pipe at the floor slab next to a wall, and the hot water spreading outward around it.

Finding this kind of leak without fancy technology means you need to shut off all the water fixtures in your home—including the icemaker—and see if the spinner at the center of the meter dial is still moving slowly. This would indicate a leak, but not necessarily a hot water one. After that, you can search for moist areas in the floor and walls with hot water running in the area, and a $30 infrared gun thermometer may help find a warm spot. A cool moist spot may indicate cold water pipe or drain pipe leakage. Fixing a pipe leak under the slab is messy and expensive, but it will only get messier if left unrepaired.

2) Pool pump running continuously – Pool pumps use a lot of electricity and are meant to run for only for part of the day. If the pump timer fails or has been reset to “ON,” you will definitely see a jump in your electric bill.

3) Heat pump performing poorly – Heat pumps use a circulating refrigerant gas to collect heat from inside a home and move it outside during the summer, then they reverse the flow to move outside heat inside during the winter. One measure of the performance of a heat pump is the “temperature split,” which is the difference between the temperature of the air coming into the unit and the temperature of the air going out. A healthy system has a temperature split of between 16º and 24º F warmer in the winter and colder in the summer. If the system is malfunctioning or the there is a refrigerant leak, the temperature split will shrink. Until the system stops heating or cooling altogether, you may not notice that the the temperature split is half or less of what it should be; but the system will have to work twice as hard, using twice as much electricity, to produce the same comfort level as when it was operating efficiently. This means a doubling of the heating/cooling part of your electric bill.

What can you do? If you notice that the system is running longer than normally, or that it is having a hard time adequately maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, get it serviced. A service contract that gets the vital stats of your HVAC system checked every six months is one way to avoid this problem.

4) Incorrect meter reading – Many electric meters still have analog dials that a utility company meter-reader walks around the neighborhood and checks visually each month. Each of the tiny dials alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, and sometimes they are read incorrectly. The meter reading number will be shown on your bill. If you get an astronomical bill, check your meter to see how the current kilowatt-hours reading compares the one on the most recent bill. If the current number is lower, then you’ve found the problem.

Reading an electric meter takes a little practice, and the one shown above is at 93084. Most meters have five dials but, if yours is a four-dial type, then it is necessary to multiply the number by ten, or just add a zero at the end, to get a correct reading.

5) Someone is stealing your electricity – If you live in a duplex or multi-family building, turn off the main breaker. Make sure that won’t cause any mayhem inside your home first, of course. If the meter is still spinning, or the digital numbers continue to change, then it is likely that one of your neighbors has tapped into your electric service. Hire an electrician to figure out where and fix it.

6) Electricity leakage – This is the most elusive and time-consuming defect to find. Take note when a small amount of electricity, smaller than the amperage rating of the circuit breaker in the panel that it is connected to, leaks from the circuit, the breaker will not trip to indicate a problem. We are essentially talking about a short circuit with a low current flow. To find leakage, it is necessary to turn off all the circuit breakers in the panel, unplug all appliances on one circuit, then turn that breaker back on to see if there is any current flow at the meter—which would indicate current leakage. Because many appliances use electronics that continue to operate even when the unit is switched off, it is necessary to unplug everything that can be unplugged. Illuminated light switches and GFCI-receptacles with indicator lights make this test problematic. It’s likely that a current flow will only indicate that you missed something. So we suggest that, if you think current leakage is the problem, hire an electrician to evaluate your electrical system.