Your Guide To Surfing: Surfing Safety

by Tom Fay

Surfing safely is the topic for this part of our how to surf guide.

You will be most safe by knowing your limitations, the power of the ocean and weather, and staying alert while learning how to surf.

Always remember that the ocean is stronger than you are and that the force of even an average swell is far greater than anyone can resist. Staying alert is key because water patterns will change rapidly and unexpectedly, especially rip currents and undertows.

Be aware of the weather, check the forecast in the morning before going to the beach and also keep an eye on it whilst surfing. Some other elements to be aware of in the weather are heavy rain and strong winds, which can inhibit visibility; make it difficult to stay on your board; and produce extremely large waves and unforeseeable water activity.

Be conscious of dangers and obstacles that the ocean can present, such as wave breakers, sea creature, piers and rocky outcroppings, as they can all cause injury. Even if you do not see any of these objects when you first enter the water, it does not mean a current will not pull you closer to one along the way. You also need to keep in mind that you will not always be able to see these obstacles.

By staying in good physical shape and swimming on a regular basis, you will have help in getting out of those situations of troublesome that can arise. Experts advise beginners to build strength and stamina.

Even if you think that you are in good condition, once you get into a bad situation you may not be able to use your good judgment and strength. Also stay aware that there are other surfers and beach goers in the ocean and you will have to stay clear of them. It can also benefit you to accompany a surfer with more experience at first, as they can help you avoid doing anything that can risk your own safety or the safety of others.

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Click Here: How To Surf

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The Best Wetsuits for Surfing

by Paul Garnett

The design and style of wetsuits usually vary according to what water sport they are to be worn for. Because surfing is a very popular sport, wetsuits for surfing have been made and designed for greater flexibility as this is needed in the sport, although the main purpose of preserving body heat is always there.

Among the popular surfing wetsuits in the market are the Hurley wetsuits, Body Glove wetsuits, Roxy wetsuits, Rip Curl wetsuits and Billabong wetsuits. These brands are making surfing wetsuits as well as men and women's wetsuits. Some even add additional features to their wetsuits for surfers to enjoy the sport more. Other surfing wetsuits have added features such as anti-rash and the 'batwing' system introduced in Rip Curl wetsuits, which gives added warmth on critical parts of the body.

The best surfing wetsuit usually depends on the how it is made to make your surfing enjoyable and comfortable. In choosing the best wetsuit for surfing, it should be a suit designed with greater flexibility and comfort. Below are leading brands that make the best surfing wetsuits.

Rip Curl Wetsuits. These wetsuits are famous for their flexibility and warmth. Rip curl wetsuits uses Elastomax, one of the lightest, most flexible Neoprene and the SlickSkin technologies that repel and dry water quickly and reduce wind chill. Rip curl wetsuits also feature their batwing system, detachable feature, liquid seams, and padded knees for added flexibility.

Hurley wetsuits are made specifically for surfing, thus they have undergone careful designing to suit a surfer's need for the best wetsuit. They are made from SuperStretch Neoprene which gave it the desired flexibility. Their seams are 100% sealed and welded to avoid leakage. Surfing wetsuits by Hurley also feature a Neoprene zipper barrier to avoid leakage in the zippers, and they have flexible kneepads that every surfer would want to have.

Roxy wetsuits are wetsuits specifically designed for women. Aside from giving warmth to the body while doing your favorite water sport, Roxy wetsuits are also designed with style and flexibility. They made use of Hyperstretch and freemax Neoprene that are very flexible. These suits also have welded kneepads fit for surfing enthusiasts.

Billabong is a leading wetsuit brand that offers the warmest, lightest and the most flexible wetsuits available in the market. They are known to have high quality wetsuits that are durable and flexible. With their GBS construction, Billabong is different from other brands. Their wetsuits are claimed to have the right thickness enough to make it very flexible and enough to give the body the warmth it needs. They have also added an inner lining that adds more comfort to the user. Famous surfers use Billabong wetsuits because of their durability and great designs.

Body Glove is another leading brand that makes the best wetsuits available in the shops. They incorporated Thermofibers in making their wetsuits for added warmth. Their wetsuits also carry some advanced features like its anatomic fit, flatlock stitch and their superflex kneepads. Aside from making best quality surfing wetsuits, Body Glove also manufactures swimwear, board shorts and other water sport accessories.

If you are looking for the best of the best, go ahead! Take your pick. You can never go wrong with these high-quality wetsuits.

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Author Paul Garnett wrote this article on behalf of WetsuitPro.com, a Cheap Wetsuits Company. WetsuitPro.com features the latest in name-brand wetsuits, as well as Mens Surfing Wetsuits, so take a moment and visit them today for the best deals on wetsuits!

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What to Look for when Buying a Snowboard

by Tyler D King

1. Height

There are 3 different heights of snowboards; short, medium and long. A short board will come somewhere between you're collar bone and you're chin. Short snowboards are easy to ride on; so many people prefer them for learning on. Short snowboards are also great for people who like to do a lot of tricks. A medium board will be anywhere between you're chin and you're nose. Intermediate riders prefer medium boards, but so do certain advanced riders who like to ride on different types of terrain. Long boards will be from eye level to above you're head and are used by advanced riders who are looking to get a lot of high speed carving. Long boards are excellent for deep powder snow and mountains.

2. Width

The width of you're snowboard will relate directly to the size of you're feet. If you're feet are long you will need and wide snowboard, if you're feet are small you will need a narrower one. When standing on a board, you're feet should meet the edge of the bored or you're toes should only hang slightly over. If you're feet are hanging off you're bored, you risk the chance of you're boot catching on the snow while you ride. As well, if you're feet are much too small for you're board, you are not going to be able to get the amount of control you need to direct you're board. Snowboards and Gear

3. Type of snowboard

Before you purchase a snowboard you will want to decide which type of board is right for you. There are three types of snowboards, which are freestyle, free ride and free carve. Freestyle is the most popular type of board today. Freestyle boards are great for doing jumps, tricks, rails and half pipes. A freestyle board is relatively short, and made for soft boots who are designed specifically for doing tricks; most boarding competitions are based around the freestyle board. A free ride board is perfect for people who like open terrain such as the mountains, trees and powder shoots. Free riding is where the pros show what they are really made of. Free ride boards are generally longer than freestyle boards, but they also use a soft boot. If you're not sure what kind of boarding you prefer or if you like doing everything, this is a great, versatile board for you. Free carve boards are often overlooked in the world of snowboarding. Specifically made for speed and carving, these boards use a hard boot and a long stiff board. Used on packed snow, there is generally little or no jumping involved in this style of boarding. This is a popular Olympic sport in which the riders swing around flags or poles.

Tyler D King - winter gear online

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Snowboard Stance

by Tyler D King

When you’ve purchased you’re snowboard, you are going to want to determine what stance you will use. Snowboarding stances are different for everyone, so don’t go copying you’re best friend! For starters, you will have to decide if you will put you’re left foot forward or you’re right foot. Left foot forward is referred to as regular and right foot forward is called goofy.

To figure out which foot you should put forward you can have a friend push you from behind, and which ever foot you use to stop yourself will be the foot you put forward on you’re snowboard. Next, you will want to determine the width of you're stance. The width will depend on where you put you’re bindings. Bindings are what holds you’re boot into place. You’re bindings should be placed so that you’re feet are a little wider than shoulder width apart.

You should also consider the fact that you should feel comfortable and sturdy. You will also want to decide on the angles you place you’re bindings in. The angles that you place for you’re feet are based entirely upon personal preference. The angles will be printed on you’re bindings to make it easy for you.

For beginners it is usually recommended that you’re front foot should be angled about 21 degrees and then altered to what feels natural and comfortable for you. Remember that the angles you prefer can change at anytime, and bindings are very easy to adjust.

Tyler D King - Winter Snowboarding

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Snowboarding Gear - What Do I Need?

by Mike Singh

The right snowboarding gear is essential to having a great day

on the slopes. Below are a few pointers for picking what's right

for you:

Head Gear

* Choose a helmet that fits your head snugly. Some helmets have

more insulation than others, so make sure if there is little

insulation you can fit a thin cap underneath for warmth. * Make

sure the helmet is comfortable and you can easily move your head

when wearing the helmet.

Warm Clothing

* The best way to stay warm and dry is to dress in layers.

Cotton or natural fabrics against the skin allow for moisture to

be kept away from the skin providing warmth. A nylon or other

water resistant outer layer will prevent outside moisture for

getting in against the skin. Clothing should be loose to allow

movement.

Protective Wear

* Snowboarding gear would not be complete without some extra

padding for those sure to happen falls. Elbow pad and kneepads

can help reduce the shock of impact to the joints. Padded

lightweight pants are available to help protect the tailbone and

hips from backward falls.

Bindings

* Bindings may step-in or strapped. Beginner snowboarders

generally favour the step-in bindings, as they are easier to

manage. They may not be practical for more advanced users as

they tend to allow the foot to be released to easily. * Strapped

bindings may have two or three straps to hold the foot to the

board. They tighten using a ratchet method to hold the foot snug.

Boots

* Boots, like all snowboard gear, need to fit correctly. Make

sure you try on several styles to find the one that is most

comfortable. Your heels should fit tightly in the boot but there

should be no rubbing or discomfort when the boots are laced up.

Walk around and bend in the boots to test their fit before

choosing a pair.

Board

* The board should be the correct length and width based on your

body size. It should come to the bottom of your chin and be wide

enough to fit your feet.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article28140.html

How To Do A 360 On A Snowboard - Spin To Win With 5 Easy Tips

by Mark Redoubt

Imagine learning how to do a 360 on a snowboard without the fear of falling. Imagine landing 360's in front of your friends and the looks on their faces. With these 5 tips you will be able to increase your confidence and show your friends who the best rider really is.

Consistent 360's can only be done when you have the proper building blocks in place. Successful 3's are a byproduct of being able to stick your edges, timing the wind up, releasing off the lip and spotting your landings.

1. You can only learn how to do a 360 on a snowboard when you have got backside, frontside and cab (fakie) 180's down. You will only end up frustrating yourself until you have these simple basics mastered. You can practice spinning 360's on flat land in order to get the feeling down. Do them both with and without your board on.

2. A key component of a 360 is being able to stick to your edges. Your edge will allow you to start your spin from a solid position. Try to master the feeling of using both heel and toe edges. Find a small slope or jump that you can spin off and won't cause you to slam hard. You want to get the feeling of spinning down and you can do this while gaining confidence.

3. The wind up not only helps you to spin but also makes your spins look stylish. As you hit the base of the jump, wind up in the opposite direction you want to spin and not sooner. Release your momentum to start your spin. You want to use your arms, shoulders, hips and knees to spin your body around. You will need more wind up for smaller jumps and less for bigger ones.

4. Releasing off the lip of the jump occurs at the last second. You want the board facing straight down the hill when you pop off the jump and not pointed to the side. Simply push your knees down through the base of the jump as you wind up to really pop off the top lip.

5. You should be able to see your landing area as you rotate past 270 degrees. If you start be doing backside 360's, you can really get the feel of your shoulders turning to open as you spot your landing. Your legs should touch down smoothly to absorb the landing. After you have successfully learned how to do a 360 on a snowboard, add another backside 180 to start your mastery of 540's.

These tips will give you a head start on learning how to do a 360 on a snowboard. Remember that you need to have 180's down first. Next you can start learning how to stick edges, wind up, release and finally, spot landings.

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Are you ready for more? Unravel the truth about how to do a 360 on a snowboard that the pros don't want you to know. Discover how to land big airs, dominate your fear and impress your friends. Learn the coolest grabs, flips, rails, spins, half pipe riding, and more... Check out how to 360 snowboarding for more information and free videos now!

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Western Science Takes A Big Blow In Meditation Study

By: Victor Fama Published: October 10, 2010

Western science is finally catching up to what the Buddha taught 2500 years ago: that meditation is indeed a brain workout, and this workout actually increases the size of the brain:

"A study published in NeuroImage presents findings by a group of researchers at UCLA who used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the brains of meditators. The researchers report having found differences between the scans, showing that certain brain areas of the long-term meditator group were larger than those of the non-meditating control group. Meditators displayed a significantly larger volume of hippocampal tissue, as well as a similarly increased volume of tissue in the orbito-frontal cortex, the thalamus and the inferior temporal gyrus. All of these areas are recognized as playing a role in emotional regulation."

This is no surprise to Buddhists: most of us have heard that the brain is no different than any other muscle, "use it or lose it" as it will entropy if it isn't exercised regularly. The implications of the study are far-reaching, from the treatment of Alzheimer's, ADHD to anger management.

But there is another implication that will shake western materialistic science to the core: the implication that the brain itself is NOT 'in charge,' that the brain does NOT necessarily determine our behavior and that the brain itself can be CONSCIOUSLY CHANGED by a combination of WILL and SUSTAINED, DIRECTED ATTENTION. Science to this point has happily explained everything in terms of brain structure, replacing the ability to have free-will and self-determinism with an organic, pre-destined fate determined by the genetics of the brain. This brings us to the realm of religion, ladies and gentleman, and it is indeed something that science is ill-equipped to explain.

The study refutes that idea the brain CAUSES certain behaviors, and implies that the brain is a RESULT of certain behaviors. Since meditation changes the brain, it means that the brain is a result, not a cause. Other studies are starting to show the effect of different behaviors on the brain as well.

So...what exactly IS it that is 'in charge'? WHAT-or WHO-inside this physical body can make the decision to do things to cause the brain to get larger in the first place? What can get us to meditate, if it's not the brain itself? Interesting questions, to be sure.

In addition, the meditation study rejects the ever-increasing tendency of our culture to abdicate personal responsibility, by claiming that our behavior is caused by things out of our control, like our genes or our brain.The reality is that, as the Buddha taught, we can overcome all manner of inner obstacles, from faulty brain chemistry to difficult upbringing to abusive parents. We CAN.

For example, one of the seven deadly sins is 'sloth'-emotional or physical apathy. Sounds like depression to me. There are numerous Orthodox Christian texts which talk about the sin of 'low self-esteem.' Buddhism teaches that depression is one of many, many mental formations that can be let go of through meditation, sati, or mindfulness.

Obviously, the religious sages were well-ahead of Western science in this regard. Think of the implications to the drug industry. It is completely built on the idea that depression is purely a result of bad chemistry, and that drugs can fix this. (By the way, while I'm pretty much anti-medication for this type of thing, as you can can see, I won't deny that once the brain chemistry has been altered, it will be much tougher for the average person to 'fix' it with meditation alone, and they might not be willing to put in the effort. In such cases I leave open the possibility that medication can at least do some help.)

I say, "Meditate, not medicate!"

"Luders (one of the researchers) suggests, "These [more developed areas] might be the neuronal underpinnings that give meditators' the outstanding ability to regulate their emotions, and allow for well-adjusted responses to whatever life throws their way." The specific correlates of these findings on the microscopic level are not known, leading her to propose the need for further study in order to determine whether it is an increase in the multiplicity of neurons, increased neuronal size or a specific neuroplastic wiring plan that those who meditate develop, as opposed to those who do not."

The beautiful thing about meditation is that the breath, the most common object of meditation, is not even religious! The breath is not Christian, not Muslim, not Hindu, not Buddhist, not even atheist-it is all of these, and it is none of these. So you don't have to worry about whether 'it's ok' to practice.

So, as they say, "Hurry up and just sit there!"

Happy Sitting!



Victor Fama, Quang Vinh or Light of Glory, the founder of this site, was ordained as a Lay Buddhist Teacher as a 45th Generation Descendant of Linji (Lam Te in Vietnamese, Rinzai in Japanese) by Ven. Thich Tri Hoang. Quang Vinh is inspired by what he calls 'The Iconoclastic Teachers' or 'The Iconoclasts,' which includes Linji, Huineng, Sunlun Sayadaw, G.I. Gurdjieff and Christian Rosenkreuz, as well as the Ven. Hoang, filled with quiet humility, love for all beings and, simply, presence.

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2012 Official Countdown - December 2012 Doomsday

By: Chris Jensen Published: October 20, 2009

The Mayans are considered a highly intelligent race which must have possessed far developed technologies which nobody alive can start to comprehend even now. They were also a bloodthirsty race who built highly accurate astrological equipment out of stone. More than that, the Mayans are known for having predicted that the year 2012 will be the end of life on the planet. According to the Mayan calendar, December 2012 doomsday will mark the culmination of mankind.

According to scientists, the sun dramatically increased its radiation energy to levels much higher than registered in a long time a few years back. Now, a couple of years after the last serious activity increase, it was calculated that the sun's activity will reach its deadly peak ? the height of the 11+ years cycle ? in the year 2012. Furthermore, scientific research has shown that the poles are drifting apart roughly twenty to thirty kilometres every year. During the process of a pole shift, the magnetic field is disrupted until it disappears. This magnetic field surrounding the earth is what shields us from most of the sun's radiation. Without it, the sun's radiation will crisp our skin in seconds and kill everything it touches.

Another theory is that the largest volcano on earth, which is located underneath the Yellowstone National Park in the United States, has a pattern of erupting approximately every 650,000 years. At present, the pressure under the Yellowstone volcano is building steadily, and geologists have set the year 2012 as a likely date for the major eruption.

Even various world religions give us similar indications and predictions. The Chinese Book of Changes and Hindu teachings indicate the 21st of December 2012 as the end of the world. The Bible also reveals this as the date of the Armageddon or the final battle between good and evil, as well as Judgment Day.

Could December 21, 2012 really be the end of the world? Who knows? It may only be the beginning of a new age.

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This author writes about December 21, 2012 The End at December 2012 Doomsday

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Do You Believe in Reincarnation?

By: William McKay Published: June 7, 2010

The dictionary meaning of the word 'reincarnation' means rebirth. Thus, it refers to one's soul 'being born again' or 'being flesh again.' Soul, the central seat of all power, energy and emotions of an individual is immortal in nature and it is trapped in the physical body. After the body dies, the soul leaves it and reincarnates in another new one.

Many a times the term reincarnation is used synonymously with that of metamorphosis and resurrection. It must be clarified at the very start that all these three terms differ in their meanings and implications to a considerable extent. While metamorphosis means changing one form of life to another, the Christian term resurrection refers to rise of the body from the dead.

Reincarnation is also known as soul transmigration and has been a concept which has been believed in since the ancient times. Prevalent in both the eastern and western hemispheres of the word during those days, it was part of almost all doctrines that studied the infinite potential of the human soul.

Starting from the ancient eastern beliefs, mention may be made of Hinduism, the age old religion that is known to be one of the oldest and richest in terms of its spiritual content. Ancient Hindu scripts known as Upanishads contain this core belief in reincarnation where the soul is stated to be immortal trapped in the body which is subjected to life and death in the world which is an illusion.

Another core concept of Hinduism is that of the 'Karma' or quality of your deeds in your past lives. Thus past karma defines the quality of life and experiences you undergo in your current life. Till the time you attain complete spiritual understanding of the ultimate truth, your soul goes on being reincarnated into this illusionary world.

When after numerous reincarnations you understand that real lasting happiness rests in something else than earthly desires, you start spiritual practice known as 'Sadhana' and ultimately realize the ultimate truth that soul is the central seat of all emotions, power and energy and all other things are illusions. It is then that your reincarnation stops and your soul attains the final liberation or 'Moksha'.

Ancient Egyptians and Greek philosophies during that time are not much different with both believing in reincarnation. Egyptians believed in 'ka' as the source of supreme power and energy which can be compared to our concept of the soul. Proof of their belief lies in their act of preserving bodies of the dead so that it can accompany the 'ka' into the next world. The Greeks on the other hand believed that the soul leaves one body and rests in a place called the underworld for purification thereafter reincarnating itself in another new born body. Till the time this purification takes place, the soul goes through reincarnations. Once ultimate purification is attained, the cycle of reincarnation stops.

Theosophical belief on the other hand refers to spirit or souls as an immortal, omnipotent, ageless, timeless and formless source of energy which comes to and goes back from the earth through a rhythmic process. It manifests itself on earth in life form only to gain more experience and after that is over, it departs to the high sublime layers to complete the rhythmic process.

If you are interested to know more about your reincarnations, in other words, information about your past life, PLRT or Past Life Regression Technique is the best method. Using hypnotism in helps the mind to focus and thereby attain a higher spiritual awakening so as to recollect memories of his/her past lives. Moreover, meditation also leads the way towards heightened awareness about yourself, controlling the subconscious and getting in sync with your soul.

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The author William McKay writes for the popular http://www.past-lives-regression.com site. You can enjoy the incredible experience of past life regression for yourself and get more than thirty Free my past life Audios and Videos when you visit here.

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