Erick Laseca asked:


For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, various destinations in Mexico offer a wide array of amenities, prices and activities catered to adults and children alike.

PUERTO VALLARTA

Velas Vallarta features ideal family-style accommodations. This beach-front resort, located in Marina Vallarta, offers a year-round complimentary children’s program including a Kids Club for children 4 to 12 years old. The beautifully landscaped grounds, which include flowered walkways and rustic bridges, make this location a true family paradise. For more information, contact 1-800-VELAS –PV.

For those that enjoy larger family-friendly resorts, La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta features 303 luxurious suites with private terraces and an exceptional program for kids ages 5 to 11. The program features handicrafts, painting, singing, beach soccer, bingo, piñatas, treasure hunts, a kid’s parade, bobbing for apples and more.

What to Do

Vallarta Adventure Tours offers an opportunity for families to swim with dolphins at the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center, watch Humpback whales at the Marietas Islands, take a brief flight up to the 16th century mining village of San Sebastian, explore the Sierra Madre foothills or simply relax on the pristine beach of Caletas.

CABO SAN LUCAS, SAN JOSE DEL CABO AND LA PAZ

Fiesta Americana Grand offers a program known as Fiesta Kids. Specially designed for children, the activities include arts and crafts, table games and access to an air-conditioned area with television programs playing for kids. The resort also features a game room and arcade and provides babysitting services and cribs upon request.

Families looking for a little diversity can enjoy Hotel Cabo San Lucas where a variety of unique children’s activities and programs are available. Families can participate in a marine biology tour of the tide pool, sign up for a day of whale watching, play doubles on the tennis courts, sail, parasail, or even discover hidden trails on horseback.

What to Do

Several local excursions are great for families interested in experiencing the rich eco-tourism offerings of the area.

The Baja Adventure Company offers whale watching trips, diving adventures and kayaking expeditions on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

Santiago Zoo: This small but well maintained zoo is located in Miraflores (about 30 minutes north of San Jose del Cabo). Residents of Parque Zoologico include petcarts, bears, coyotes, foxes, monkeys, parrots, and ducks, some which are Cape Region natives. The park is open daily 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. in summer and admission is free.

ACAPULCO

Fiesta Americana Condesa Acapulco caters to families with on-site children’s activities and a Fiesta Kids Club program in the summer. Located right on the beach in the center of downtown Acapulco, families can easily stroll around town visiting many of the dozens of restaurants, stores and arts and craft shops.

At the Radisson Resort Acapulco you’ll find a spectacular view of the Acapulco Bay from the private beach, two swimming pools, and a children’s wading pool. A tramway takes you from the lobby down to the guestrooms and pool.

What to Do

Parque Papagayo – This Pacific port playground is a kid’s delight and adults will love it too. It features a 52-acre playing field filled with an aviary, roller skating rink, mini racetrack, bumper boats, and replica of a space ship. Located at Costera Miguel Aleman, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Call 011-52-7-485-9623 for more information.

Swim with the dolphins, watch seal shows and glide down water slides at Cici Water Park. It’s located along the Costera Miguel Aleman, and open daily from 10-6. Call 011-52-7-484-8210 for more information.

CANCUN

Hyatt Regency Cancun offers something different and fun for kids: Camp Hyatt. This recreational program is designed exclusively for Hyatt guests 3 – 12 years old and includes a pin, t-shirt, hat, beverages and a special meal created by the Camp Hyatt chef. Activities are offered Tuesday – Sunday, with two sessions daily: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Prices range from $10 per child per session, or $15 for a full day. Other fun activities for kids include a game room, arcade and a private children’s pool.

Aquamarina Beach Hotel offers all-inclusive family accommodations with services such as a Children’s Club, where kids can play miniature golf right at the hotel. Up to two children aged 11 or younger stay free at the hotel with at least two accompanying adults.

What to Do

Yucatan Ecotourism & Adventure Tours: Children can experience an adventure through bird watching, Mayan ruin exploration, jungle trekking, kayaking, scuba diving & snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and wildlife observing.

Xcaret ecological theme park is sure to amaze the entire family. Just a short drive away from the hotel zone, families can participate in a myriad of activities including swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, visiting turtle hatcheries, floating down rivers and watching displays of ancient Mayan dances.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517 ext 14

erick.laseca@bm.com

http://www.visitmexicopress.com

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Kayaking is really an intimate boating experience. Kayaking is a very popular water sport these days and very enjoyable to do. Whether you just like to float down the river or shooting down a set of rapids, kayaking is great way to go. There are many different types of kayaks are available in market traditional wooden to contemporary fiberglass kayaks many different types of kayaks are available. All these kayaks are really very expensive, whether traditional wooden or fiberglass kayaks. So buying used kayaks is a great option.

There many things you have to consider when you are buying used kayaks. The first and foremost, carefully inspect the kayak and make sure that it is not a damaged kayak. If you could find used kayak in very good condition nothing like it, many times used kayaks are even better than new kayaks. And moreover if you doesn’t want kayak for racing or to do some tricks then used kayak is good for you.

First thing you have to do is set the budget, you can decide on budget by doing some market research there many website are there on internet which give all required information about used kayaks.

Main thing you have to decide on is what type of kayak you want to but there are many different types of kayaks are available in market. 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 is a very interesting type of kayaks these kayaks are easily folded.

You can decide on type of kayak based on shape, size of paddler then where you are going to go for kayaking calm water or sea water. Depending on this there even sub types of kayaks are available in market. If you going for sea kayaking then kayak used are narrower and they have more storage area than normal kayaks.

Whenever you are inspecting a used kayak, then look for kayak which doesn’t look as if it has been patched up. Especially with inflatable kayaks these kayaks may some small hole or damages and if they are patched up they are easier to break. Also look for high quality used kayak so as to get safe kayaking experience so it is vary important to buy kayak which is in best condition.

You can make out if that kayak is patched up from outside but if it is repainted then it is not easy to locate patches but take closer look that part of kayak look different than remaining part of kayak.

So have close look and buy used kayak which is in good condition.

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


If you think kayaking can be done on only calm water of lake or river, then it is not likely that kayaking can be done on any water surface. Whitewater kayaking is more popular than ocean kayaking; ocean kayaking is also admired by many people. Ocean kayaking is great alternative for surfing.

Normally kayaks are slender boats used for sailing on still lake waters. So to use such kayaks on ocean some modifications is required, they have to adopted to always changing ocean’s unpredictable weather and huge brute strength of ocean. Considering this many changes are done normal rigid kayak to transform it into ocean kayak. So it is well said about ocean kayak that “Ocean kayaks are bit different and difference make them better”.

Most significant adaptation in ocean kayaks is that they are huge; means have longer length than normal kayaks. These ocean kayaks are about fifteen plus feet longer and about 26 inches wider. Cockpit of ocean kayaks can be built as per your specification if you want it large choose larger, if you want it small, choose smaller.

Modern ocean kayaks can be made up of many different types of materials, sizes and in many different designs. Two main types in ocean kayaks are rigid kayaks and folding kayaks. There many different innovations are done with traditional craft and modern technology. Some new designs are recreational kayaks and sit on top kayaks, inflatable kayaks, surf kayaks or surf skies.

The most common size of an ocean kayaks is in between 12 to 15 feet and usually kayaks long lengths are built for two paddlers. Ocean kayaks usually 18″ to 28″ wide but some special type of kayaks like surf skies, which is specially designed for wave surfing is very narrow. Longer length of ocean kayaks increases their ability to sailing in straight line. And wider space allows more storage area.

Ocean kayaks can be made using many different types of material like rotomolded polyethylene, carbon Kevlar or more often using fiberglass or even sometime local material like foam core or carbon fibers are used for building these kayaks. Handmade kayaks are usually made up of wood sometimes wood strips are covered by fiberglass. If ocean kayaks are of skin on frame then main frame of kayak is covered by canvas, Dacron or some other type of fabric.

Ocean kayaks sometimes have steering gear in form or skegs or rudder. Usually rudders are attached at stern and operated using wires from cockpit. For beach landing these rudders are retractable. Basically skegs are straight blades which drop well in the stem of boat. These gears are there for smooth paddling when there is strong ocean wind.

Paddles used for ocean kayaks are different. There are three basic types of paddles for ocean kayaks are seen, European paddles, Greenland paddles and wing paddles.

Ocean kayaks are now used worldwide for marine journeys, does not matter for long low they are used from few hours to many weeks; they are becoming more popular with passing years.

LJ Adama asked:


The first time I saw a picture of someone kite boarding they were what looked to be 30 feet in the air upside down, I thought it looked so sweet, I started obsessively watching the videos and looking for a lesson. The first time I flew a 9M kite I dropped it down into the power zone, summer salted across the beach, ate a bunch of sand and let the control bar go launching the kite into the water and making my instructor go swimming after it. This could have easily been the end of my kite life, I was scared for sure. The next time I flew the kite I would panic at even the smallest tug and let the kite drop. I stopped kiting for several weeks, but sick of seeing my friends advance in the sport and getting to go in the water and up on the board finally pushed me to try and overcome my fear. I definitely took some steps to get back out there though, here are my tips that helped me get back out there and try, try again.First thing I started to do before I even went back to the kite beach was to:



List Reasons On Why You Want To Kite In The First Place

-Why do you really want to do this sport, its not just to show off is it? (For me I always liked the idea of wind power and the idea of being on the water mixed with acrobatic moves seemed peaceful)

Identify The Source Of Your Fear

-Learning what your exact fear is can help you overcome it, by knowing what your afraid of exactly can help tremendously. (I was scared that even the smallest gust of wind was going to yank me 100 feet in the air)

Research and Watch

-Read, look at videos on kite surfing and sit out on the beach and watch others kiters. Learn the whole process before jumping in and flying the kite. What are all the different kites available and what are the differences. Watch and practice setting up your kite, most Kitemares happen with just a slight error in gear set up. Learn by watching how experience kiters handle their kites, look for the small details how far they dip it into the power zone look at the cause and effect of their movements, what do they do when they are on the water, where is the kite in relation to the wind directions are all questions to ask yourself.

Body Drag, Body Drag, Body Drag

- If you like me and got dragged across the beach your first time out you may have quit before even getting to this step. There is no shame in body dragging even after you have had your initial lesson with a certified kite instructor, you don’t need to go out by yourself and try and get on your board right away. Body dragging in the water is much different then body dragging on the sand. You are meant to be pulled by the kite eventually you are going want to feel the power of the kite and the best way to get over the fear of being yanked by the kite is to get in the water (in a safe uncrowded area) and body drag around with the kite.

Go Out On Light Wind Days

-Make sure you go out on light wind days, you can still have fun kiting in 8-10 knots of wind. If they wind is constant and not gusty are good learning conditions. You won’t have to worry about the kite getting too powered up, but you will still get enough force to get pulled.

Focus and Visualize

-Whenever you can imagine yourself having successful kiting experiences, go through the whole process in your head. Setting up the kite, putting you gear on, hooking into the kite, launching the kite, flying the kiting, getting pulled by the kite and enjoying the whole process. This will help you place fear emotions with positive reinforcement emotions.

With time and experience you will overcome your kiting fears. With proper lessons, knowledge and gear you will be able to have fun kiting. You will get scrapes and bruises along the way, it is part of the sport, but keep in mind what brought you to the game in the first place and decide for yourself if it is worth it. The more time spent learning the basics the better your kiting experience will get, you have to build a solid base before moving onto new tricks. Before you know it though your thoughts of fear will have turned to thoughts to getting bigger air and learning new tricks.

Thomas Cutler asked:


Logan Long, President and Co-founder of the AKSA, the newly formed American Kite Surfing Association said, “We have been very disappointed by the unfriendly reception of some long-time participants in kite-surfing. While some people have been terrific to new participants in kite-surfing, many others have been arrogant, uncooperative, and didactic. AKSA is more committed than ever to ensure this sport is open, available, and welcoming to anyone interested. AKSA will make that happen.”

Long also suggested, “This organization is about inclusion. Many of the old-timers in the sport are arrogant and try to exclude the efforts of new participants. AKSA is about welcoming everyone to the sport of kite surfing regardless of experience level, race, ethnicity, gender, or orientation. We believe kite surfing is a great sport for anyone who loves thrills and adventure.”

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. A vast array of information, products, and techniques 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.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

Cathi Long

Executive VP

American Kite Surfing Association

Info@kite-surfingusa.com

727-772-1202