Kris Koonar asked:


Rock Climbing is a sport that involves climbing precipices and scaling rock faces. Often pursued as a hobby, rock climbing includes the usage of specialized equipment and techniques.

Rock Climbing can be conducted using a variety of different variations and styles. Among the most popular styles, enthusiasts and athletes use traditional Rock Climbing and Sport Climbing. Given below is an overview of the variety of styles that can be used in Rock climbing.

Traditional Climbing

Traditional Climbing is a conventional method of climbing rocks. An old style of free climbing, Traditional Climbing involves climbing on routes without artificial tools and external support, to aid the climbers in their ascent. To engage in this method, the athlete need to improve on his technique, as the climber’s body and some pieces of Passive Protection like Nuts and Hexes are used.

With such low levels of protection and minimal usage of tools, traditional climbing is slow-paced and more strategical. This has made this form of free Climbing, become popular as “Adventure Climbing” in Australia.

Features of Traditional Climbing:

. Traditional climbing offers it climbers, freedom of technique and customization of rock climbing routes. This freedom is more extended, with the availability of protection and hi-tech equipment.

. This is the only style of climbing that emphasizes on technique and proper usage of safety equipment and protection. The style teaches the climber, distribution and positioning of tools with maximum efficiency.

. Traditional climbing improves a climber’s capability of making quick strategical judgments. It also insists on teamwork, as it is carried out in groups, usually with a leader and be-layer (the one who retrieves the tools after the climb).

Sport Climbing

Sport climbing is the only form of rock climbing that includes investments and sponsorships. A professional sport, this form of rock climbing includes predetermined routes that have permanent bolts and anchors attached on the rock wall.

In sport climbing, a rope is used to assist the athlete. The rope is attached to each athlete’s climbing harness with the belayer handling the loose end. Generally, the distance between each bolt is eight feet but can be decreased to improve speed. At the peak of each route, an anchor is placed to accommodate a variety of equipment.

The element of danger in Sports Climbing is greatly reduced as the sport highlights the gymnastic and athletic aspects of Rock Climbing. Though Sport Climbing does not include strategy, it does require overall development of stamina, strength, and flexibility.

Mountaineering:

Popularly known as Alpinism, Mountaineering is a form of climbing that involves climbing mountain slopes and trekking trails. It requires athletes to scale higher altitudes, which may last for days and even months.

There are three basic forms of Climbing based on the condition of tracks:

. Rock Climbing, or rock-craft that is popular among amateur Climbers.

. Rock craft includes climbing rocky slopes and avalanches.

. Snow and Ice Climbing, experts prefer snow-craft, which is also known as, Snow and Ice Climbing and it involves a more dangerous Climb as it includes routes with glaciers.

. Mixed Climbing is a combination of rocky and icy routes. It is an extremely hazardous form of Rock Climbing that requires training and experience.

Richard Staunton asked:


Why do you need an inflatable river kayak in the first-place? It may be the case you already enjoy kayaking but don’t have a place to store a standard kayak. Or if you enjoy kayak fishing you should definitely invest in one. There are many places where one can find an inflatable river kayaks, it’s just the matter of looking in the right place. Here are few companies that you should try out.

Sierra South

Sierra South have a vast selection of new and used inflatable river kayaks and rafts for you to consider, and at affordable prices. You should check out their Dagger Agent 6.0 which is one of their best sellers, the Agent 6.0 is the latest play boat design from the Dagger. The rocker front and back allows one to do front and back surf as well as traditional moves.

Another Dagger kayak that we rate is the Dagger Agent 6.2. The Agent 6.2 is basically an upgrade from the 6.0 and at the time of writing was retailing for hefty $1000. No doubt it is pricey but in our opinion well worth it because it is an inflatable river kayak that you know is going to be durable and should last you for years.

Clavey

You would likely have heard of Clavey if you have purchased an inflatable river kayak in the past or are an experienced kayaker. They offer inflatable kayaks as well other interesting gear such as white water rafts, touring kayaks, camping equipments, gear bags and other kayaking equipments which you will find useful on your kayaking trip.

Zebec Boats

If you don’t mind looking through a large collection of inflatable river kayaks this is the company for you. They feature number of kayaking brands, including the Sport Bug, which is one of their best sellers. If you haven’t heard of the sport bug, this kayak has built-in transom, self bailing floor, patch kit, collapsible aluminium oars, foot pump, carrying bag and it also comes with 5 years warranty.

These are just a list of few retailers and companies that you may want to look at for a durable inflatable river kayak, so relax and browse through their selection before deciding which one is the best for you. If you want more input you should visit a good kayaking store where a well-trained staff will be able to help you determine your needs and suggest the best kayak for you. A quick list of criteria’s to consider are how many people will be using the kayak which can help you decide number of seat you need in the kayak. Also consider whether you want to buy a kayak or would you be better off renting one, which could be a better option for you. This basically depends on your enthusiasm for the sport and whether you are willing to participate regularly otherwise there is no point of buying a brand new inflatable river kayak. You can find more information on inflatable kayak on various web sites on the internet.

Thomas Cutler asked:


Kite surfing Road Rules adopted by the British Kite Surfing Association have been adopted by the American Kite Surfing Association. The key message is, “If in doubt don’t go out.”

• Be sure that you can handle the prevailing weather conditions and never sail in offshore winds unless it is in a suitable location.

• The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider.

• The rider on the port tack gives way the rider on starboard tack.

• Kite surfers using the seafront should give way to other water users and retreat to a safe zone outside of the navigational channel when other craft approach.

• The seafront can get exceptionally busy both on the beach and in the water. No matters how competent you are, or good the conditions look, never risk the safety of others.

• Always maintain a 50-metre downwind safety zone between yourself and other craft. In the event of coming into conflict with other water users stabilize your kite at noon.

• Never kite surf within 50-metres upwind of any moored vessel.

• Never kite surf in or near to the bathing areas and swimmers, buoys and boat moorings.

• Never practice jumping on land or close to the beach.

• When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launching.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. Logan Long, co-founder of the association was not surprised by the results; “It’s just simply the biggest adrenaline rush available. The combination of air, water, land, wind power, physical strength and balance the force of nature are the qualities that attract Kite Surfers.”

American Kite Surfing Association 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. According to Cathi Long, co-founder of AKSA, “The exhilaration of hang time in kite surfing is unbeatable…kite surfers are simply the sexiest athletes.” AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

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

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