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Learn to Surf Southern California’s Waves With Style

Do you live in California and want to surf? Or maybe you are just visiting the golden state’s coast and want to give those renowned waves a ride. It always looks so exciting when you watch surfers on the shore or on TV. You always hear them say things like “that wave was amazing” or “WOW, that was incredible.” Southern California offers some of the best surfing in the U.S. and trying it out at least once is a must. It’s as simple as finding someone who is willing to teach you some preliminary techniques and show you the tips and tricks of surfing app.

What exactly is there to learn? Safety, surf etiquette, positioning yourself for the perfect ride, and getting acquainted with your surfboard. Then the techniques: how to paddle, getting into the lineup, how to get up on your board, how to ride a wave, duck-diving, plus so much more. It takes time to master the sport of surfing, but with the right instruction it can be easier than you think.

The Internet is also a great place to find tips and tricks no matter if you are a beginner or expert. Try searching for “How to Paddle Your Surfboard” or “How to Duck Dive.” You will be amazed at how much instruction, with text, images, and video, you can find online. Same goes for finding your gear; the Internet can save you money and also let you compare the different available equipment.

What do I need to have? Do I need to buy a surfboard?

Most surfing lessons and surfing instructors can provide you with training surfboards, but when you decide to get serious, definitely buy yourself a nice one. Also, wetsuits are often provided with your sessions, but you can always have your own. Things you will definitely need to bring are a bathing suit, sun block, a towel, and water (it is easy to get dehydrated in the sun).

Where Should I Go?

There are so many great places to surf in southern California. Laguna Beach Surfing has been known to have some of the most consistent waves in Orange County. San Diego surfing, around Encinitas and La Jolla is also incredible. Best of all, there are definitely places to find instructors and lessons at a great price.

What are the common terms used in Surfing?

One of the aspects of getting involved in a new sport or hobby is learning the lingo.

Take a look at some of the common terms used in surfing as found directly on the Wikipedia.org (Surfing) website:

* Regular/Natural foot – Right foot on back of board

* Goofy foot – Left foot on back of board

* Take off – the start of a ride

* Drop in – dropping into (engaging) the wave, most often as part of standing up

* Drop in on, cut off, or “burn” – taking off on a wave in front of someone closer to the peak (considered inappropriate)

* Duck dive – pushing the board underwater, nose first, and diving through an oncoming wave instead of riding it

* Snaking/Back-Paddling – paddling around someone to get into the best position for a wave (in essence, stealing it)

* Bottom turn – the first turn at the bottom of the wave

* Shoulder – the unbroken part of the wave

* Cutback – a turn cutting back toward the breaking part of the wave

* Fade – on take off, aiming toward the breaking part of the wave, before turning sharply and surfing in the direction the wave is breaking towards

* Over the falls – When a surfer falls and the wave carries him in a circular motion with the lip of the wave, also referred to as the “wash cycle”, being “pitched over” and being “sucked over” because the wave sucks you off of the bottom of the reef and sucks you “over the falls.”

* Pump – an up/down carving movement that generates speed along a wave

* Stall – slowing down from weight on the tail of the board or a hand in the water

* Floater – riding up on the top of the breaking part of the wave

* Hang-five/hang-ten – putting five or ten toes respectively over the nose of a longboard

* Hang Heels – Facing backwards and putting the surfers’ heels over the edge of a longboard.

* Re-entry – hitting the lip vertically and re-entering the wave in quick succession.

* Switch-foot – having equal ability to surf regular foot or goofy foot — like being ambidextrous

* Tube riding/Getting barreled – riding inside the curl of a wave

* Carve – turns (often accentuated)

* Pearl- A nose-dive.

* Off the Top – a turn on the top of a wave, either sharp or carving

* Snap – a quick, sharp turn off the top of a wave

* Fins-free snap (or “fins out”) – a sharp turn where the fins slide off the top of the wave

* Air/Aerial – riding the board briefly into the air above the wave, landing back upon the wave, and continuing to ride.

* Grom/Grommet-kid boarder (usually under 15)

For more information on Surfing in Southern California, please visit the Kijubi website at http://www.Kijubi.com. You can also check out the Kijubi.com Activities Blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kilay_Reinfeld/167080

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Activities and Adventures on South Padre Island, Texas: Surfing

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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10 Beginner Skiing Tips First Timers Need Before Hitting the Slopes

Ask any skier what their favourite annual holiday is and they’ll probably tell you it’s the one they spend skiing. It’s such a fun, exciting sport that has the added bonus of taking place in a beautiful mountain environment, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit British Columbia, Canada. You can easily fall in love with Silver Star’s fairytale village because of their reasonable Canada ski packages.

However, without a little preparation you can easily spend more time on your backside than whizzing down the mountain. If you’re thinking of skiing for the first time, take these ten tips for skiing for beginners into consideration.

1. Do Some Research Before You Depart

If you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right track. Like most sports, there are a few safety rules and points of etiquette to bear in mind, but these largely include common sense and good manners. It’s also important to have suitable clothing and equipment.

For beginners, this does not need to be top of the range, but it should be functional. This article should provide a few ideas to get you off on the right foot and some basic, helpful knowledge to make your first experience an enjoyable one. If you’re already an advanced skier, we have plenty of other resources aimed at more experienced skiers and snowboarders.

2. Don’t Overextend Yourself

On the above note, many new skiers have a tendency to push themselves too hard, too fast. While there is no need to be overly cautious, you don’t want to overextend yourself. At best, this could lower your confidence and slow your overall progress, but it could also result in serious injury.

Going too quickly also prevents you from concentrating on proper technique, which is worth learning if you do want to go on and learn how to do things properly. It is wise to take it slow and easy the first few days, which will allow you to get a feel for your skills and how to operate in the mountain environment.

3. Ski Clothing Works Best When You Dress in Layers

As people frequently say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” While this may not be entirely true, the logic behind it is. If you wear the right clothing, you’ll be able to stay safe and comfortable in almost any weather. As you plan for your first ski experience, make sure you pack the right clothing.

The three-layer strategy is typically the best. You start with a base layer that’s designed to keep you dry by wicking sweat away from your body. The mid layer is designed to keep you warm by regulating your body temperature (typically a fleece or wool jumper).

The outer layer should be a waterproof amd windproof jacket to break the wind and keep moisture off your second layer. This outer layer should also be breathable in order to allow moisture out. Gore-Tex is the best known waterproof and breathable clothing technology and performs well. However, it is often the most expensive and there are alternative options that perform well enough at a cheaper price.

4. Rent Your Equipment

If you’re excited to start a new sport, it can be tempting to buy the latest shiny equipment. Please resist this. No matter what anyone tells you, you should always rent equipment for your first ski holiday. It is very possible that you could end up buying inappropriate or poorly sized equipment.

The benefit of renting equipment is three-fold. First off, it gives you a chance to try skiing before committing to spending a lot of additional money. Second, you can gain a feel for what you do and don’t like about certain equipment – though that can take time.

Third, most rental shops have new equipment each season. This means that you won’t get stuck with outdated, obsolete skis. Also, as you improve, you can rent higher performance skis and boots. You don’t learn to drive in a Ferrari. Likewise, you shouldn’t learn to ski on super stiff, high performance skis.

5. Pack Fluids and Snacks

As I’ve previously mentioned, proper nutrition is key for all sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Choosing the right food and drink will help you recover faster, stay hydrated, and make sure you have plenty of energy throughout the day.

Your best option is to pack a few snacks such as fruit, nuts and chocolate so you can pull them out when you need them and remember to stop for a drink from time to time. Alcohol is best left alone while you are on the slopes, especially when you’re learning.

6. Get in Shape Before the Ski Season

While people at most levels of fitness can enjoy skiing at some level, the fitter you are, the faster you will learn and the more you can get out of it. If you arrive to the mountains in good shape, you give yourself the best possible chance.

Doing cardiovascular exercise regularly in the build up to your trip will benefit you tremendously. It’s also important to remember to stretch, and incorporating yoga into your exercise regime could be especially helpful. For comprehensive introduction to getting fit for your next trip, check out It’s More Fun When You’re Fit: How to Physically Prepare for Skiing and Snowboarding.

7. Protect Yourself from the Sun

It may seem counterintuitive, but you can actually get sunburned very quickly up in the mountains. As the amusing Canadian public service announcement says in the video above:

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you and your family don’t need sun protection.

You should wear plenty of sunscreen and will also need polarized goggles or sunglasses. Most people prefer goggles, apart from when it’s particularly warm and sunny. Some people’s skin and lips are susceptible to chapping and a chapstick or lip salve is worth bringing along.

8. Don’t Ski Alone

If you’re not with an instructor, make sure you are skiing with at least one other person. Even if you’re both skiing beginners, it helps to have someone else with you in case you fall, get hurt, or lose your way.

If you have a friend with a little more experience, then this is an obvious advantage.

9. Take Professional Lessons

At ALLTRACKS we’re big supporters of having proper ski training. We believe it’s the only way to reach your potential and really enjoy the best the mountains have to offer. Give yourself the chance possible by starting with a proper foundation and learning the correct techniques.

Ski instructors will not only teach you how to ski better, but also take you to the most appropriate slopes and ensure you have a really fun experience. The best ski and snowboard coaches enjoy teaching others as much as the sport itself, and we have found this to be especially true in Whistler.

10. Don’t Give Up

Whatever you do, don’t give up on skiing until you’ve given it a fair shot. Everyone falls while they are learning and there may well be times that you question whether all the effort is worth it.

Indeed, having to deal with everything can sometimes make seasoned skiers wish they were on a beach lying in the sun. Once you get through the learning curve though, you’ll be rewarded with exhilarating experiences for the rest of your life and will enjoy the best sport on earth.

Know What To Do When Your Car Breaks

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 Very Insightful Article About Auto Repair!

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.

Stretch Your Surfing Workouts to Power Up Your Surfing

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

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What could cause an extremely high electric bill?

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.

5 Things to Know Before You Take Pilates Classes

The first time you take any new fitness class can be a little intimidating. But for some reason, Pilates classes have an extra air of “avoid this if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Maybe it’s the reformer, with its straps and springs. Maybe it’s the exercise names that you’ve never heard before. (What’s this “Pilates Hundred” thing?). Pilates teacher training Sydney is focused on developing creative and problem solving teachers, who have a strong base in functional anatomy, physiology, and innovative teaching skills.

If you’ve wanted to try Pilates classes but something has been holding you back, now’s your time to sign up for your first one. Pilates offers plenty of benefits to your body, no matter your fitness background. You’ll improve your posture, focus on bodily alignment, and get one heck of a core workout.

Whether you’re on the mat or machine, you can snag the same benefits. A 2016 study found that eight weeks of Pilates classes improved abdominal endurance, flexibility, and balance. Plus, Pilates has seen a resurgence in popularity, with franchises such as Club Pilates popping up around the country.

Want to know what the hype is all about? Here’s everything a Pilates newbie needs to know to enjoy her first class.

1. There are two different kinds of Pilates classes: mat classes and reformer classes.

You’ll be tackling a class that’s based on either a mat, which is a tad thicker than your standard yoga mat, to cushion pressure points, or a machine called a reformer, which is a sliding platform complete with stationary foot bar, springs, and pulleys that provide resistance to help tone the body. Know which one you’re getting into before you commit to your workout, which is typically 45 minutes to an hour long.

Both options focus on the concept of control rather than cranking out endless reps or muscle exhaustion. In Pilates, your muscles are working to lift against gravity and (in the case of the reformer) the resistance of the springs or bands, with the ultimate goal of strengthening and isolating the right muscles. Your goal should be to take your time with the exercises, focus on the task at hand, and connect to your breath.

“The reformer experience is maybe the most fun you’ll have in a Pilates class,” says Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates. “The machine gives you added resistance and a sliding surface that challenges your workout. It often feels like you’re flying or gliding.”

There are also many Pilates-inspired workouts, like SLT, Brooklyn Bodyburn, and Studio MDR, that aren’t considered “classic” Pilates but offer many of the same benefits. These studios use a next-level reformer called a Megaformer, which is larger than a traditional reformer.

Regardless of what class you choose, make sure to let your instructor know you’re a beginner. This way, she’ll be able to keep an eye on you throughout the class and offer modifications or form adjustments.

2. You’ll feel your muscles burn during class, and you’ll probably be sore the next day.

While you may not be crushing high-intensity exercises like squat jumps or lifting heavy dumbbells, the mostly bodyweight routines that Pilates classes offer can be pretty intense. Take the signature Pilates Hundred, for example. A core-focused move that involves less than two inches of constant movement, it will make your abs burn. A good instructor should give you modifications so that you can perform each movement with good form (another reason to introduce yourself as a beginner before class starts).

Dedicating your entire focus to even the smallest movements means that you’ll work the muscles that each exercise intends. And that means you can be dealing with muscle soreness after your workout. Don’t fret: While next-day soreness may be at a whole new level after your first week, your body will get more used to the movements with time. Being sore the next day doesn’t mean you’re out of shape; it just means you’re challenging your muscles in new ways or working muscle groups that don’t usually get much attention.

3. Wear formfitting clothes—and don’t forget your socks!

Even if you typically prefer loose-fitting workout wear, you’re going to want to wear body-hugging options for Pilates classes. “This way, the instructor can see your movements better and your clothes don’t get caught in springs or other equipment,” says Carrie Samper, national Pilates training manager at Equinox.

“And leave the shorts at home too,” Samper adds. “There are many exercises in Pilates where you are lying down and your legs are moving above you…so you don’t want the shorts to ride up.” Instead, wear capris or leggings with a tank top or fitted long-sleeved shirt.

As for footwear, you can either be barefoot or wear socks for your session. Most studios have their own suggested protocol. Find it on the studio’s website, or ask the front desk when you check in for your class.

If you’re going to go for socks, find yourself a pair with rubber detailing on the soles so you don’t slip on the mat or machine. A barefoot or socks-only approach will also help you navigate in and out of the straps on a standard reformer with ease.

4. Every studio has different lingo they use in class. Look to regulars for form help when you’re not up with the terms.

Every workout from barre to CrossFit has its own set of terminology, Pilates included. For Pilates, know that your “powerhouse” refers to the the center of your body, where all of your power comes from to execute movement. “Peel through your spine” means slow movement from vertebra to vertebra. Don’t fret: You’ll get used to it with time.

In the meantime, look to regulars who catch on to the instructions quickly. The best way to do this? Put yourself in the middle of the room. Whether it’s on a reformer or a mat, planting yourself in the center allows you an optimal view of all of the action. “In the middle, the instructor is easily visible,” says Samper. “The other participants can help visually guide you through transitions while the instructor migrates to offer adjustments.”

5. Pilates should be a part of a well-rounded fitness plan.

Even if a studio offers unlimited classes for the first week, don’t plan on hopping into a class every day. Take note your body needs a day or two to recover from fatiguing resistance exercise such as Pilates.

Pilates stretches, strengthens, and aligns your body all at the same time,” says Samper. “With that said, it also complements every other fitness endeavor because it prepares your body to move better in every way. Adding it into your routine will help you lift heavier weights, run faster, swim with better form, or even achieve that elusive arm balance in yoga.”

How to fix that high electric bill

If you bother to look at your phone bill at the end of the month, you’ll see exactly what costs what. You see all the charges, even the calls and texts if you feel like actually breaking it all down. But your power bill is a huge mystery. It’s just a number — a measure of the power you used and a price — and that’s it. So just why is it so darn high, and what on earth can you do about it? It’s true that energy prices are up 3% from last year and rising, but that’s not even the half of it. Here’s everything you need to know to curb your power bills right now. When you smell burning appliances immediately call an Emergency electrician Brisbane.

Take stock, seriously!

I’m going to assume you know that leaving gadgets on over long periods of time draws more power, but you might not realize just how many things in your home are actually plugged in. It’s easy to lose track of the big picture when you’re just sitting in your living room, but I challenge you to actually tally up the number of gadgets you have plugged in on a daily basis.

Three in the kitchen, a half dozen on the entertainment center, several more in the bedroom, and who knows what else — if it’s plugged in, it’s almost certainly drawing some amount of power whether you’re using it or not. You’re probably going to be shocked when you realize that you’re powering two dozen or more energy-sucking electronics when you’re not even home, and all of it is going to waste.

Standby sucks, really!

A few decades ago you had an on/off button on virtually everything that used electricity. Back then, “off” meant off, but it’s a lot more complicated these days. In order to keep your devices in a constantly ready-to-use state we have “standby” modes. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, up to 10% of your home’s power use comes from devices in standby mode, and it’s draining your hard earned cash.

These power vampires might be making some of your daily tasks a few seconds faster, but it’s costing you major cash along the way. How much? You can find that out yourself with a handy little gadget called the Kill A Watt ($19). All you do is plug it into your wall socket, then plug one of your many electronic devices into it. It measures exactly how much power your device is draining — even in standby mode — and displays the results as the dollar amount that it would cost to pay for it over a day, week, month, or year.

Identify things you don’t use

How often do you use your inkjet printer? Once a week? Once a month? Virtually never? And yet you keep it plugged in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and that little light on its top lets you know it’s sipping your pricey power every second of the day. Remember, if it’s plugged in, it’s using at least a small amount of electricity, and it’s costing you.

Things to unplug:

Kitchen appliances – That coffee grinder you leave on for the 23 hours of the day you’re not using it needs to be yanked.

Computer accessories – Printers that are rarely used, scanners, and especially speaker systems (even worse if they have powered subwoofers) are adding $$ to your bill.

Entertainment systems – There’s virtually no reason to keep a game console or Blu-ray player plugged in all the time unless you really can’t spare a few moments whenever it needs a software update. Axe these and count the savings.

Phone chargers – Can I blow your mind? Your phone charger is sucking power every second of the day, whether you have something plugged into it or not

Anything in the guest room – If you’re never in the room, why is there a clock radio, TV, cable box, and fan plugged in? Unplug, unplug, and unplug!

Your computer is the worst

Aside from the rarely-used PC accessories that are boosting your power consumption, your computer itself can be the biggest power vampire in your entire home. According to the International Energy Agency, as much as $80 billion in electricity is being wasted by your internet-connected devices.

The funny thing is, it’s not just the power to keep your gadgets up and running that is the problem — it’s the power to keep them connected to the internet that really kills you in the end. Up to 80% of the power being used goes directly to maintaining your connection to the internet.

If you absolutely refuse to shut your computer down when you’re not using it, the least you can do is to disable your internet connection while you’re away. Simply tapping on your network icon on your desktop menu bar (located at the top of your screen for Macs and the bottom for Windows PCs) and click your Wi-Fi connection off. Take note it’s a few clicks that could save you some serious cash for the course of the year, so why not give it a try?

Take it down a notch

My husband loves to keep the heat turned down to around 60-degrees in the winter. It’s evil really, and I regularly let him know how unhappy I am wearing mittens and wool socks to bed. But to his credit (don’t tell him I admitted it…) barely using any heat has saved us around $700 a year. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, for every one degree you lower the thermostat, you save about three percent on heating costs. Programmable thermostats are awesome for this, turning the heat down at night, while you’re at work, and even off when you’re away (if the pipes won’t freeze and plants won’t die).

Your water heater can be another big energy hog. By EnergyStar estimates, just dropping the temperature setting from 140 degrees to a still-steamy 120 degrees could save you more than $100 a year.

So . . . Is Pilates Worth All That Extra Money?

A Pilates class has a powerful ability to transform the body, lean out muscles, and amass a totally-devoted following of die-hard studio addicts. It’s Kate Hudson’s favorite workout and beloved by fitness enthusiasts the world over. And why? Because it works! Understand how to use the pilates reformer Northern Beaches to develop core stability, peripheral strength and neuromuscular control.

But here’s the thing: Pilates is not cheap. With group classes ranging from $30 to over $50 and private lessons in the hundreds, it doesn’t always feel like the most financially practical move. However, there’s totally a reason for the extra cost — for one, those machines! We wanted to take a look at the specific benefits of using a Reformer versus doing at-home and general group fitness classes.

  • It’s multiple gym machines in one. Confused at the gym? Don’t know which machine to use? Want to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously? The do-it-all-for-you Reformer is the machine you’ve been waiting for — you can work core, leg, booty, arm, and back muscles with this wondrous device.
  • Your form is in check. Katie Warmuth, instructor at Pilates ProWorks in San Francisco told us that the Reformer “provides the added benefit of lengthening and toning the muscles safely, while improving your flexibility and posture [since] your muscles work against the resistance of the springs — causing an eccentric muscle contraction — to lengthen as they contract.”
  • We also chatted with Jenn Seracuse, director of FlexPilates, who said, “You can’t cheat” on the machines. “If you aren’t engaged, you’ll know right away.” When you’re on the machine, if you’re not in the right position, you’re not going to be able to get into the move, so there’s less room for error when it comes to form — especially because of the more personalized attention in a smaller class (we’ll get to that next). This means you’ll be keeping proper form consistently and preventing injury.
  • More personal instruction. Have you ever been in a class jam-packed with 60 people, wondering if the instructor even knows you’re there? I can tell you — I definitely have, and it can be frustrating, especially when you show up hoping for some adjustments and more personal guidance. The benefit of Pilates classes is that there are a limited amount of machines in the room — meaning a limited amount of students and more personalized attention and instruction.
  • “Having someone there who can watch you and hands-on correct your form is invaluable,” said Seracuse. “Some other types of group fitness pack people in so there is no way the instructor can get to everyone to correct form.” This also means it’s not the class to come to and hide out in the back, and it can be tough to book if you’re not on top of your schedule. But if you’re looking for something that feels like personal training without the $100+ per hour fees, Pilates is for you.
    Deeper muscle activation. After taking a few of my first Pilates classes, I had moments when I was like, “Ohhhh, there’s a muscle in there!” and felt soreness I wouldn’t have without some kind of machine. Honestly, there are parts of my butt I never knew existed until I started doing leg work on the Reformer. It’s a soreness and workout I don’t get from squats, that’s for sure. “The surfaces are unstable, so you need to be focused through the entire workout and can’t help but turn on the deep stabilizing muscles,” said Seracuse.
  • Extra emphasis on core. While Reformer classes provide a full-body workout, they’re especially focused on improving core strength. “Core strength ultimately helps you to be more balanced in other workouts and everyday life,” said Warmuth. And core doesn’t just mean flat abs! This helps strengthen your back, protecting your spine and posture. Seracuse reinforced this, adding, “There is a lot of balance and stability work that helps build core strength, which you can take with you into your body weight workouts to ensure proper form.”
  • It’s low-impact and great for joints. Dealing with knee injury, joint pain, or building strength during injury recovery? A Reformer class is a great place to start. “Using the Reformer is low-impact on the joints,” said Warmuth. “In fact, it helps improve joint stability, making it a great addition to your workout regimen, especially if you’re a runner or often do intense cardio that may be hard on your joints.”