Sports Then and Now

Naturalists and outdoor lovers are continually looking for new ways to explore nature and spend more time outside. If you’ve tried canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing and jet skiing, now’s the time to try kayaking.

This sometimes thrilling but often serene water sport will give you a stellar workout and let you explore places you’ve never been before. Paddle through bayous, down streams and across lakes as you observe nature from a new perspective. You can even hop in your kayak mid-winter to brave the icy waves and appreciate your snowy surroundings.

Does this kind of adventure sound like something you’d enjoy? Get kayaking with a few helpful tips and tricks that will make your time on the water more comfortable and enjoyable.

1. Pick the Right Kayak

Most people know what a kayak it is, but many are unaware there are many different types. From inflatable yaks to whitewater yaks, there’s something for everyone. However, sit-on-top kayaks are probably the most beginner-friendly.This type of kayak is wider, offering more stability to paddlers. It’s also easier to enter and exit since it doesn’t have an enclosed seat.

2. Gather Your Gear

The only things you truly need in your kayak are a life vest — which you’ll be wearing — and a paddle. However, as a beginner, you may want to bring some extra clothing, sunglasses, water, snacks and sunscreen.

Rashguards can also come in handy if your life vest is a little snug. If you want to bring a phone or camera, keep them in an inflatable dry bag just in case you tip over or accidentally splash yourself.

3. Practice Getting In

If you don’t mind getting a little wet, the best place to enter your kayak is in shallow water. Straddle the kayak over the seat and sit down quickly, pulling your feet in last to keep your center of gravity low.

Once you have this method down, you can try entering from a dock feet first. Find one with a kayak launch docking system to make the entire process easier and more efficient.

4. Paddle Properly

Learning how to paddle will be a huge help once you’re out on the water. Study a few techniques and practice paddling forward and backward.

Learning how to stop, turn and move side to side can also come in handy if you run into any obstacles during your adventures. Focus on maintaining good posture to paddle more efficiently and put less strain on your body.

5. Start Small

A mile might not seem very far on land but, once your paddling, a mile can seem endless. Depending on your kayak, your paddling abilities, weather conditions and route, kayaking a mile may take 30 minutes or longer.

Therefore, it’s best to start small and choose a short route for your first few trips. Pick waterways with few obstacles or stay near the shoreline. Fine-tune your enter, exit and paddling techniques in shallow water, too, in case you tip.

6. Take It Easy

From winds and waves to currents and rain, there are many factors to consider before launching your yak. Take it easy the first few times by choosing good kayaking conditions. Study the weather forecast and projected tide, wind speed and wave height before booking your adventure.

Then, plan to head out in the morning when the water is calmer and paddle against the current during the first half of your trip. When you tire, you can simply turn around and ride the waves back if you please. 

7. Ask Lots of Questions

If you’re still unsure about hopping in a yak all by yourself, consider taking a class or going on a tour. There, you’ll build a foundation, learn proper technique and gain confidence on the water.

Ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect — and messing up is simply part of the journey.

Kayak Responsibly

Kayaking offers adventure and new experiences at every turn. During your time on the water, you may get up close and personal with wildlife, enjoy breathtaking views and fall in love with paddling.

Just remember to respect nature during each trip. Yak responsibly by refusing to litter or engage in dangerous activities. As long as you keep yourself and mother nature safe, you’re sure to have a great time.

Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous football clubs boasting more silverware than any other club in the United Kingdom and over history one of Europe’s elite teams, alongside only Barcelona FC, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Whether you love them or hate them, week in week out they capture a large amount of viewers. With their never say die attitude (well, at least over Sir Alex Fergusons’ 25 years in charge) and high tempo football it’s been a very intense and exciting roller coaster ride for us all! 

Why are slots similar to watching Manchester United?

Watching Manchester United gets the heart beating, a buzz that you may find similar to that in playing slots. They are both built on the same fundamentals. A long, sometimes controversial history. Both were created at very similar times. Manchester United were founded in 1878 and were formally known as Newton Heath L&YR Football Club. The original slot machine was made in New York by Sittman and Pitt in 1891, although very different to the slot machines you find nowadays especially to slots available in an online casino but the concept was the same. Manchester United and slots, although both dont always win, at some stage eventually they will. 

Have you always wanted to play online casino games, but you don’t know which one to choose? Maybe you started playing selected games and gave up after finding them challenging and losing a lot of money on bets. 

Whichever the case, there are easy games that you can pick and start playing right away without getting frustrated. 

But which are these games? There are many types, but two of them stand out as the simplest and most exciting for beginners looking for fun and a chance to make money.   

Basketball can be serious business to a lot of people, and NCAAB (National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball) can be an extremely important part of college basketball for many fans. Even before games start, it is easy to focus on future NCAAB picks, and there is sometimes money to be made in making NCAAB basketball predictions of your own. But why do it, and what is it for?

Why should you make NCAA basketball predictions?

Predictions aren’t just a personal preference that you use to focus on a team that you like: they can be an important way of trying to identify possible upsets and underdogs and can really draw you into the experience. For some people, they are also a good way to make money, focusing on personal or ‘professional’ bets before the games have even begun.

Beginners and newcomers to the idea of predictions need to remember that there is no such thing as a “100% chance” of a particular result – there is a reason that upsets have become so popular, with many players actually hoping for them simply because of the drama and excitement that they can cause.

Whether you love to shred on the slopes or you’re simply curious to see how cool things are made, snowboards are pretty fun to watch in their construction. For the most part, they are built fully or partially by hand, which means creating one is a careful and involved process. It may seem like snowboards are simply a slab of wood with a graphic, but there’s actually a lot that goes into the construction of quality boards.

• The Core

The core is the wooden part most people think of when it comes to snowboard construction. It’s usually made of a sturdy strip of wood cut from laminated pieces that have been firmly pressed together. This can result in all kinds of patterns and structures. Once the wood is cut lengthways and sanded down to perfection, it’s prepped for the next few layers.

• Fiberglass

On most snowboards, a layer of fiberglass sits on either side of the wood core. It acts as a protective layer and helps to stiffen the board even further. The fiberglass is pressed onto both sides with a strong epoxy, and any bumps, lumps or bubbles are pressed out so the snowboard is flat and smooth. Afterward, it’s left to dry and harden.

• Topsheets

Topsheets tend to be where people like to have fun. It’s the layer most people think of when considering snowboard aesthetics, as it’s the part with the graphic on it. There’s a wide variety of options here. While some manufacturers choose to stick with wood, others prefer fiberglass. Other materials that often make the rounds are nylon, plastic and other composites. Most companies use screen printing or silk screening to achieve the desired graphic.

• Base

The base is just what it sounds like — it’s the part of the snowboard that glides along the snow and makes for the perfect ride. It often determines the feel of the board, and it’s usually about preference. While some people prioritize long-haul durability, others want to maximize speed. Some manufacturers choose to put on the base first, before the topsheet. That’s also a matter of preference. It often has a graphic printed on it, which is usually added through silk screening or screen printing, like the topsheet.

• Resin and Wax

The snowboard’s major components are held together with resin. This is a very precise and important step in the process, as it holds the product together and keeps it running smoothly. Too much or too little could throw it off. After the resin, the bottom of the board is coated in a thin layer of wax. This helps it glide along the snow with a smooth sense of ease.

Snowboard Construction

A lot goes into the construction of extreme sports equipment, and snowboarding is no exception. Every manufacturer puts their own spin on things, and that helps to make each board unique. From the small details to the ride to the graphics under your feet, snowboard construction is a pretty amazing process.

Most of the punters are migrating to an online casino because of the numerous advantages it has. Online casinos are becoming popular because of the widespread usage of the internet. Besides, you can play online casinos from anywhere at any time as long as you are interested.  Playing online casinos is more beneficial because the amount of winning is high. Remember, the online casinos do not have many expenses such as rent; hence, they can plow back the earnings by increasing the prizes you can win. Below are some tips for succeeding in online casino games:

You Need to Choose a Game and Give it Your Best

If you want to increase your winning chances, it will be best to narrow down on one game and give it your best. When concentrating on a game, you need to conduct your research to understand the game’s rules hence becoming an expert. You can practice a game by playing the free version of the game on different websites. Practice with the free version until you become an expert before playing a real game with money at stake. Playing different versions of the same game also increases your chances of winning hence growing your bankroll.