Kayaking

December 16th, 2009


In Connecticut, nature has provided abundance of watershed as the glaciers receded ages ago. It has rivers, lakes, and ponds peppered through out the landscape. A byproduct of this is any type of water activity imaginable. Humankind has derived some benefits fro this natural waters. Some probably would have preferred if they were left alone. However if you love to kayak, shoot the rapids, then Connecticut kayaking presents an affordable, safe means to get on the water and enjoy the day!

Connecticut waterways are widely divided into ponds, lakes and rivers. They all provide an excellent means for varied kayaking experience, which suits, from an novice to an expert paddler.

Ponds in Connecticut:

Numerable ponds in this place ease and relaxing paddling. Most of them have clear waters. They are ideal fishing grounds. They provide good hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites many beaches that are perfect place to put on your kayak. Paddlers enjoy the scenic view and serenity of the place. These routes are quiet on weekdays and populated on weekends. While paddling you come across lots of bird life activity, wildlife a heron, hawk, duck, fish and some turtles. It is for quiet simple paddles and exploration trips.

Lakes in Connecticut:

Waramaug is a natural lake that has been dammed to raise the level, the shoreline is quite developed. Winchester Lake offers several coves to explore and excellent fall colors as the lake is surrounded by forested hillsides. Upper Bolton Lake can be paddled only in the early spring or later fall as in the summer the lily pads take over the area and would really be difficult to get through. Tyler Lake is ideal for a short and relax paddling. It only takes about two hours to paddle around the circumference of the lake.

Rivers in Connecticut:

Rivers offer combined level of paddling. Some provide easy paddling, where others offer moderate paddling. Housatonic River holds some of the most challenging rapids. Connecticut River has Seldom Creek, which provides some interesting and exciting moments for paddlers. Some rivers are shallow and narrow. Most of them are calm rivers. Wildlife is everywhere including blue herons, ducks, swans, monarch butterflies, and songbird and water plants. Some of them are ideal to go if you have limited energy and need some quiet. It offers excitement for novices as well as seasoned paddlers.

Bays and Ocean in Connecticut:

1. Essex Harbor: For paddling, the old harbor is separated into three distinct coves, North cove, middle cove and south cove. The paddling ranges between river conditions and bay or ocean conditions. One must pay attention to the tide as the current can run pretty, strong on either the ebb or the flood.

2. Fishers Island sound: The best area here is at a preserve called Barn Island. From her you have wide range of destinations. There is a bird sanctuary which plenty of calm shallow and clean water to practice skills.

3. Little Narangansett Bay: It is a fun and easy location for a day is paddling. The Barn Island here has many gulls and other seabirds

Connecticut’s waterways are beautiful, diverse and very user friendly. It large tidal river, smaller freshwater rivers, Lakes and marshes, along with the long Island sound’s many beaches and island are made for kayaking. The easy to paddle crafts smoothly navigates and makes you feel connected to nature in an intimate way.

Cynthia Olga is the author and webmaster of a website about saris bike rack and saris bones bike rack

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Olga

Surfing

December 16th, 2009


Surfing is a whole other world. You have to be in it to understand it completely. Surfers have a brotherhood that ties them together for life. If surfing has got you interested and you want to know more about it, let’s take you through the process and common terms.

On large open surfaces of water, swells are created in particular weather conditions. They occur several miles into the sea and make their way towards the shoreline, creating big waves that are ideal for surfing. Wind conditions affect the waves immensely. It is the tail end of the waves that all surfers love. Moderately strong offshore winds that blow into the front portion of the wave like a tube or hollow barrel are ideal for surfing. Swell conditions vary across the world and change with different weather conditions.

For surfing you need a good surf board, wetsuit to protect you from the sun, wax for the board, a leash and fins. While learning to surf, catching the first wave to take you further is the most difficult. In fact, catching a good wave is a sign of a great surfer. A surfer catches the wave then stands on the board and rides the wave to the best of his ability with some common sense and some signature moves. To understand surfing better, here is glossary of terms.

• Take off means to catch and start riding the wave.
• Goofy Foot means keeping the left foot on the back of the board.
• Natural Foot is placing the right foot on the back of the board.
• Pop up is when you switch your position from lying flat to standing in one single jump.
• Snaking is waddling or paddling in water to get into the best position possible for surfing.
• Duck Dive is when the surf board is pushed underwater with its nose in front through a wave without any riding.
• Cutback means cutting back toward the breaking part of the wave.
• Hang five or hang ten is a surfing move when you put five or all ten toes over the nose of the board.
• Hang Heels is when a surfer is facing backwards and puts his heels over the edge of the board.

These are just a few terms; there are many more that you can learn as you go along. While you go to surf school or surf camp you will come across all these terms.

If you’re looking for a surfing school or a special surfing retreat in Australia, visit http://www.soulsurfing.com.au. You will find all the information you need to start riding the waves! Harrison Keeley is an avid surfer and has travelled around the world in search of the best surfing spots. His articles on his passion are interesting and informative. Please Visit http://www.soulsurfing.com.au.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harrison_Keeley

Underwater Metal Detecting

December 3rd, 2009


Metal detecting is a fun, exciting and rewarding hobby for the whole family. Metal detecting is done on the beach, near streams and rivers, in the woods, and in various parks and playgrounds. But what about under the waves, in the world underwater. For those who are up for an adventure, underwater metal detecting is by far one of the most relaxing metal detecting modes. This article will help guide the reader in the right direction.

What do I need to get started?
There are a number of items that need to be taken care of before attempting to take your metal detecting underwater. First you need a new metal detector that can used underwater. Secondly, if you don’t already know how, you need to learn either snorkeling or scuba diving.

Scuba diving is recommended because you can stay under longer and in this author’s opinion is far better. There are many places to get certified in scuba diving, even if you don’t live near the ocean. For example in Columbus, OH, there is no ocean in site but there are to this author’s knowledge at least two schools where anyone can learn and earn a certification; do a Google search for schools in your area.

Having a certification will give you a greater degree of freedom. Scuba gear can be rented or bought. Most places that have scuba diving activity have boats that take groups of people out. One very important note: NEVER GO SCUBA DIVING ALONE! Please go with a group for your own safety. Even professional go out with at least one other person.

Finally you will need some kind of sand scoop to dig. Remember to not disturb the natural environment too much. For example don’t destroy a portion of a coral reef in an attempt to find something. Respect the environment and use common sense.

Where can I go besides on the ocean?
You can go anywhere, but keep in mind the visibility level of the water you hope to go hunting in.

Be aware of the environment
In all of your joy and ecstasy, you can easily forget that the environment can be potentially harmful. Know of the precautions for the area. Are there dangerous jelly fish or sea snakes to be aware of? How about cone shells? Cone shells possess the ability to harpoon from a couple of inches away; the venom they emit can cause respiratory failure. What about sting rays? Sting rays will not bother you, but there stingers can be deadly (rip Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, we miss you). Rubbing against the wrong thing can potentially cause irritation. Most creatures will not bother you if you don’t invade their territory. Just remember to keep safety in mind.

Do your research
Know the history of the water you are diving and hunting in? You should who has traveled across the water and why, and you should know of particulars such as maritime battles, whether the waters had a history of pirating, etc. Armed with information you will be more knowledgeable about what the items picked up during a hunt.

Underwater metal detecting can be very memorable with the proper training and precautions. Do research and have fun. Happy hunting!!

Marcus is the author of Metal Detector Information, a resource page for metal detector hobbyist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Leeper

Divers Watch

December 3rd, 2009


Any owner of a divers watch knows well that maintaining it properly is part of staying safe underwater. Taking some time before and after one goes for a dive will prolong the service life of the divers watch. Another good reason to take care of a divers watch is that it can cost a lot of money.

The first thing you must be doing is cleaning out the watch after every dive so that the salts from the seawater will not corrode its parts. After swimming in a pool, rinse the watch too because chlorine also can do some harm.

The next one is to clean out the surfaces under the dial where dirt or other foreign matter would likely get stuck. This also helps in rinsing away saltwater or chlorinated water.

Check the gaskets for any damage. Gaskets are made of rubber and are used as seals to keep the watch waterproof. These are important so your watch does not get damaged. If you are a frequent diver, you must inspect these annually. Manufacturers recommend having these replaced every two to three years.

Do not take your watch with you in hot temperatures such as saunas or hot tubs. Drastic temperature changes will certainly affect your watch and could be damaging. Do remove it before walking in the sauna or dipping yourself in hot water.

Make sure that the screws are screwed all the way down and are not loose. This makes sure that no moisture well be let in the watch. Following these simple guidelines should help you keep your divers watch working for a long time. You can turn it into one of your most reliable gadgets what would go with you through many dives and adventures.

Visit us at divers watch for more information on dive watches or take a look at some diving clothing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Hemmings