Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Many sports require good gear as does kayaking, a thrilling and fun water sport with a kayak. There are many different types of kayaks available in the marketplace today so finding the right kind of kayaks can be a bit confusing.

It is important for you to know some basic things about kayaks. So, read on for helpful information to help you choose your perfect kayak.

Kayaks are basically a small boat that has a similar structure as a canoe. The origination of kayaks is also very interesting, as it was originated by Eskimos from Greenland and then it was also used by Eskimos from Alaska.

There is only one main difference in the canoe and kayaks and that is this: in kayaks paddler’s legs are hidden inside the kayaks. Kayaks have pointed bows and sterns and they are fully covered except for the cockpit, where paddler sits and then forwards the kayak using a double-bladed paddle.

The first kayaks were built for only one paddler. However, now many different types of kayaks are available which can accommodate more than one paddler.

Over the years, many different types of kayaks were designed. So now there is wide range of different types of kayaks that are available like whitewater kayaks, flat racing kayaks, recreation kayaks and many more.

Typical kayaks available in markets today can accommodate 1 to 4 users at a time.

Depending upon their structure, kayaks are classified under rigid kayaks, folding kayaks and inflatable kayaks. Rigid kayaks are basically kayaks, made of fiberglass, plastic, wood or Kevlar. Kayaks made up of plastics are very tough and long lasting. If you consider weight then fiberglass kayaks are lighter but they are more expensive; these fiberglass kayaks can be easily damaged but they are very easy to repair.

Wooden kayaks are usually hand made they have their own beauty. These wooden kayaks come in a kit so users first have to assemble all parts together before start kayaking, wooden kayaks require very low maintenance

Folding kayaks are very interesting type of kayaks that easily folded. Their biggest advantage is their portability and storage. These folding kayaks are usually made up of aluminum or wood and these are collapsible. The length of such folding kayaks is more compared to usual kayaks and they are collapsible. These kayaks are much more expensive that normal kayaks but since they have the advantage of small storage area, they are worth it.

Inflatable boats are specially designed kayaks for easy portability and storage. You can carry these kayaks using a carry bag. These kayaks are made up with PVC and they are very cheap. You can easily inflate this boat using electronic pump or with help of pump. Low pressure air is used in inflatable kayaks. These inflatable kayaks are not rigid and have pointed rafts. These types of kayaks are suitable for calm water and rivers.

Paddling kayaks require more effort. Plus these are bit slower than other kinds of boats. But still, kayaks are thrilling.

nebomonte asked:

Montenegro 2004

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Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Asia. Thailand is situated at the geographical heart of South-East Asia, on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Covering an area of about 513,120 square kilometers, Thailand is the third largest country in South-East Asia. Boasting of magnificent islands, stupendous beaches, picturesque hills, mysterious caves, dazzling waterfalls, and lush green forested areas, Thailand abounds in wonderful attractions.

However, these attractions are not just the reason that draws millions of people from across the world per year, but beyond that. The destination is also much favored for its salubrious tropical climate, sumptuous cuisines, heritage palaces, interesting museums, fabulous architecture, ancient shrines interesting activities, and above all, the presence of smiling amicable Thai people.

Additionally, Thailand is also one of the Asia’ preferred destination for medical and wellness tourism, with a number of sophisticate private hospitals and spa establishments offering rejuvenating massages and beauty therapies.

Attractions in Thailand are categorized in terms of regions, such as, the Central Region, the North-East Region, the East Region, and the South region. The Central region is much famed for its sites of historical significance. Bangkok, the capital city of the country, is perhaps the greatest of all attractions in this region.

Just few among many of the highlights in the region are Wat Phra Kaeo and Grand Palace complex, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Saket (Golden Mount), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Benchannabophit (Marble Temple), Vimanmek Palace, and the Pasteur Institute’s Snake Farm. Another much famed tourist attraction in this region is Ayuthaya Historical Park, which is about 75 kilometers north of Bangkok.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya once served as the capital of the Thai kingdom for more than 400 years. A host of historic temples, crumbling palaces and fortresses, and ruins of ancient sculptures and architecture that stand as a symbol of ancient Thai kingdoms can be seen here.

Also, included in the highlights of this region are Kanchanaburi, whose focal point is an allied war cemetery; Lop Buri – an ancient city that dates back to the 9th century; Phetchaburi, which is renowned for its attractions such as Khao Luang Caves filled with statues of Lord Buddha, the hilltop palace of Phra Nakhon Khiri, and Wat Suwanaram noted for its murals; and Hua Hin, which is the country’s oldest beach resort.

With Laos and Burma as its neighbor, the Northern Region of Thailand is bestowed scenic attractions covering forested hills and fertile river valleys. This area also encompasses some parts of the fabled Golden Triangle. Among the attractions in this region are Sukhothai, which is noted for its huge stone images of Lord Buddha.

Phitsanulok, which is famed for Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That, enshrining the much revered Phra Buddha Chinarat; Lampang, with several Burmese style temples; Lamphun, boasting of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which stands as a fine example of northern religious architecture; Chiang Mai, an ancient city founded in 1296; and Nan, where annual boat races are conducted.

Bordered by the Mekong River and Laos, the North-East region has a unique topography, and is home to attractions such as Khao Yaii National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Khon Kaen. Included in the attractions of the Eastern region are Pattaya, one of the premier beach resorts in Asia; Rayong, whose prime attraction is Ban Phe fishing village; Chanthaburi, which is renowned for its historic sites; and Trat, with Ko Chang Marine National Park.

When comes to the Southern Region, this area contains a multitude of lush islands, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, forested mountains, and picturesque sanctuaries. Some of the attractions in the region are Phuket – the largest island in the country; Krabi, with 75-million-year-old Susan Hoi shell graveyard; Pattani, which boasts of the most beautiful mosque in the country; Surat Thani, with the magnificent island of Ko Samui; and Chumphon, with excellent scuba diving facilities.

Above all, people touring Thailand could indulge in a number of activities from water sport activities such as diving, paragliding, sailing, and deep sea fishing to activities like viewing traditional Thai boxing, indulging in traditional Thai massage, taking Thai cooking classes, and jungle trekking.

In short, Thailand has everything that is required to make your vacation in the destination amazing as well as unforgettable. Hence, the destination has accommodation choices to cater to every taste and budget. From hotels and resorts to condominiums and apartments, accommodation choices are aplenty in the destination. Along with these options, also a popular choice is villa, which is perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury.

Thomas Cutler asked:


Individuals are exposed to extreme amounts of sunlight while kiteboarding. This constant exposure can cause irreparable damage to ones eyes. Choosing the correct kind of protective eyewear is just as important as choosing the right board or kite.

Zeal Optics has developed innovative interchangeable lens designs that are Rx compatible, utilize the latest in materials technology, and rethink the entire category of eyewear. Models like the multi-use Swap-it Aqua Sun goggle and the Slipstream “frameless” sport shield with P.A.S.V. venting, stand out in the crowd with superior design technology which translates into enhanced performance for kiteboarding athletes.

The designers at Zeal Optics have utilized their years of experience in testing lens colors and treatments to find the ultimate in PERFORMANCE lens color. Zeal is Introducing the new Zeal Blend, ZB-13, an enticing mix of all that is soothing and enhancing in color.

Exclusive ZB-13 Lens Technology:

The ZB-13 technology is the only lens that provides use in the broadest range of light conditions; resulting in performance enhancement, overall eye comfort and user satisfaction. These and other Zeal products can be found at their website, http://www.zealoptics.com.

American Kite Surfing Association (AKSA) is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this fast-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. Vast arrays of information about kitesurfing products such as Zeal Optics eyewear are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing.

Co-founder of AKSA Logan Long stated, “The reflection of sun off of the water can be a health hazard for those who spend a large portion of their day in and on the water. Polarized eyewear is essential when participating in any water sport.”

Cathi Long

Executive VP

American Kite Surfing Association

Info@kite-surfingusa.com

727-772-1202

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Rock climbing belay is one of the most commonly used words in rock climbing. The perfect definition for the word Belay is to protect or to provide safety. The most common use in case of rock climbing is to provide safety for a climber by means of a rope, belay device and harness.

Taking in the rope through the belay device as you climb makes sure you have adequate friction. During a fall, belayer increases the friction to stop the fall by holding the rope and locking it to the side. This is rock climbing belay.

Other importance of the word rock climbing belay is common in related techniques used in mountaineering. The most ordinary of those is self-belay.

Another type of rock climbing belay is passive protection. A category of climbing gears that climbers place in the rock to anchor themselves to the rock. Passive protection generally has no moving parts and does not scar the rock when it is placed in. Pebbles and a little larger stone were first used for this principle.

They were gathered at the bottom of the cliff and wrapped with cord as they were slotted into the cracks in the rocks. Machine nuts played an important role in the evolution of climbing.

Nuts used to secure bolts are machine nuts. These are widely used in construction of bridges and in the auto industry apart from a host of other applications. One advantage of these nuts is that the hole in their center made it convenient to sling the cord through them.

One disadvantage was that even though they were by far a better alternative to the rock, they tended to get stuck on the rocks frequently. Modern passive protection was developed in the middle of 1960’s. They are called the Nuts and Hexagonals and they work on the very same principle as their predecessors. They are designed to be light in weight, compact and easily removable from the cracks of the rock.

Top roping is a form of rock climbing where safety for the climber is provided through a rope strung from the top of the cliff.

As the climber goes up the cliff, his partner starts to pull the other end of the rope by using a friction-device. This way of providing security for the climber is called belaying.

Spring Loaded Camming Devices are the most modern type of rock climbing belay available. Entirely Different from the Passive Protection, and camming devices these actively expand to fit into the rock they are placed in. They come in many different sizes and are color coded for easy recognition.

You need cracks that are parallel in order to fix and use the camming devices. These devices are very useful if placed in a strategic position as they can hold quite a lot of weight. “Friends” was the name of the camming devices that were first introduced on a commercial basis. This introduction created quite an impact in the field of rock climbing. Climbers were able to clear and climb cracks that were otherwise difficult to climb due to lack of support for placing protections.