Coronavirus has more people staying home this summer to avoid crowds. Having a backyard BBQ is a great way to enjoy the warm weather without braving the crowds.

No BBQ is complete without the perfect grill. Different types of grills offer different benefits. Make sure to select the right grill for your cooking needs and taste preferences. Keep reading to learn about the different types of grills for your backyard cooking.

Charcoal Grill

Few things epitomize a classic summer BBQ like the smell of a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills are perfect for achieving deliciously smoked and grilled meat.

Charcoal grills are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. However, it takes a while to get a charcoal grill ready to cook.

Usually, you need to light the charcoal 45 minutes before you want to start cooking. Charcoal grills also require more cleaning than other types of grills.

Electric Grill

Electric grills use heated grill plates to sear meat to perfection. They are very easy to use and don’t require you to purchase additional fuel.

Electric grills are also immediately ready, you don’t have to wait for them to heat up like charcoal grills. Unfortunately, you lose a lot of smoky flavors when you use an electric grill.

Wood-Burning Grill

Wood-burning pellet grills are one of the best options for outdoor cooking. These innovative new grills use compressed sawdust wood pellets to smoke meat to perfection.

Pellet grills boast better temperature regulation and more even cooking than other grills. Plus, cooking over a wood-fueled fire provides unparalleled smoky flavor. These grills are fairly expensive, but their versatility makes them worth the price.

Kamado Grills

Kamado grills are enclosed ceramic grills inspired by ancient Japanese clay pot grills. Ceramic Kamado grills have an egg-shaped design that helps them to retain heat better and achieve higher cooking temperatures.

Kamado grills help you achieve a powerful smokey flavor that can’t be rivaled. Check out Kamado Joe for excellent Kamado-style ceramic grills.

Gas Grill

Gas grills are the most popular option for backyard grillers across the country. These grills use propane or natural gas to quickly heat up.

Gas grills are a great option for quick cook-outs since they don’t require much time to heat up. Gas grills are easier to clean up than charcoal grills. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Meat cooked with a gas grill tends to be less flavorful than meat cooked with charcoal. It’s difficult to achieve a smoky flavor with gas, even though some grills have small smoker boxes.

Types of Grills for Your Summer Cookout

Just because social distancing measures are keeping more people at home, doesn’t mean you can’t have some summer fun. A backyard cookout is a perfect way to celebrate summer’s warm weather.

The wrong grill can make or break your BBQ. There are a few different types of grills, and it’s important to pick the right one for your backyard grilling needs.

Look for more fun ways to enjoy summer at home? Check out the rest of our articles for more suggestions!

Though fishing can be done all year round, it is one thing to fish during the spring and summer months and another thing entirely to fish during winter with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels and lakes and other water bodies getting frozen. This process of fishing during the frigid winter period is what is referred to as ice fishing.

Many people engage in this kind fishing for many reasons. While for some, it’s for the occasional pleasure, for some it is a hobby. Actually, it is also a sort of competition in several places in the world. This is far different from what was obtainable in the years gone by when it was done as a means of livelihood.

It is popular in places like Asia, northern Europe and North America. Specifically locations like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, New York, Ohio, New Hampshire and parts of Canada. You can learn more about this here.

What will be Needed?

Because of the freezing temperature and thick ice, the gear needed are specifically designed to fit these conditions. Asides warm clothing, you also need essentials like a stool or chair for sitting, a shelter, sled, a flashlight, propane heater and a compass or GPS finder (this you will need both for locating your holes and for finding your way back home).

Other things you will need include specialized gear for fishing like, an auger or chisel to cut a hole in the ice, rods, lines and reels. You will need a spud bar, a skimmer or scoop, a gaff hook for pulling fish out of the whole, buckets, lures and baits. You will also need a license before you can fish on ice as a lot of states require it.

While some people fish in the open, some prefer to be comfortable and shielded from the elements so they do it from inside of a shelter.

Different types of shelters exist. Some are like tents covered with canvas with aluminum frames and zippers that protect from the wind. They can fold and are easily carried. There is also the ice shanty, a type of shelter that is made of either plastic or wood. This can be rented or constructed by the fishermen. It is usually tall enough for people to stand up in and can include seats or benches.

For people who prefer to be very comfortable, they rent a fishing house which can be a container or trailer and can take several people. These usually offer different levels of comfort include TV, heating, lighting, bathrooms, kitchen etc.

Choosing Fishing Bibs

One of the most important pieces of accessory for any ice fishing expedition is the bib. It is what keeps you warm and dry. Although a good shelter or heater may be of help, but if you need to go out, kneel on ice or fish in the open, you need a good bib.

In choosing ice fishing bibs, there are some things to be aware to ensure you pick the right one. Let’s look at a few of these factors.

Knowing the Difference

There are different types of bibs. While you will see a lot marketed as fishing accessories, many are not and are only good for use on rainy days. Also snow bibs may keep you warm when you have to trudge through snow but they are not the best as they do not have knee pads to protect the knee. Ice angling requires a lot of bending and kneeling. You must therefore get the one that is right for this kind of fishing.

It should be Waterproof

A part of fishing and especially on ice is that you will get wet. Getting wet during warm weather might not result in a health issue but that can’t be said of getting wet in extremely cold weather. You could catch a cold or even a more serious ailment. To guard against this, buy a bib with high waterproof properties.

Good Floatation.

Fishing on ice has it attendant risk and one of it is breaking through the ice and getting submerged. As much as you take precautions to avoid this, one of these precautions should be to get bibs that can help you float and save your life in case of such an eventuality.

Conclusion

Before stepping on ice to fish, you need to know and understand what it takes and get prepared for it. You cannot be over-prepared. It is important to get all necessary gear and accessories that are needed. This will help you have a successful time fishing and maybe also save your life.

 

You have decided to start spending more time in nature and to find a hobby. Fishing seems like the right choice for you – you just sit back by the river with your rod out and wait for the fish to catch. Sounds like a dream, right? But you realize that things are a little more complicated than that.

Like every noob, you’re not sure where to start. If you have friends who go fishing, they will probably give you good advice. Still, the question is how applicable these tips are for beginners, especially when it comes to choosing equipment. If you click here, you will see that a rod and a few baits are not the only things you need.

The experiences of other fishers can be helpful. Many of them will gladly share their thoughts with novices. But you should keep in mind that many of this information can be out of date. So, use the Internet to find recent experiences, reviews, and recommendations of appropriate fishing gear.

Fishing is a sport that has countless variations and various situations can happen on the water. This uncertainty gives this activity an additional excitement. You will gain new experiences and learn something new every time you cast the rod.

Don’t Rush

Fishing is indeed an expensive sport, but only when you do not know what you are buying. You should decide what you need, how much money to give for the gear, and where to buy it. You don’t have to spend a fortune on the most expensive equipment. Maybe, after a while, you realize that fishing is not for you, and give up. You wasted money on expensive equipment for nothing.

An excellent and reliable gear adapted to the beginner will give you a good start. If you do not experience at least part of the pleasure of fishing at the beginning, you may give up without feeling the excitement that this outdoor activity offers.

Some basic guidelines on fishing check below:

https://www.outsideonline.com/2393713/how-to-start-fishing.

Know the Gear You Need

There is no universal fishing rod. The offer is vast, but the choice depends on the experience, the type of fish, your budget, and so on. But when you have zero experience, and you’re not sure of which fish you’ll catch, the budget is a primary criterion to meet.

In most cases, seasoned fishers will advise you to buy a rod first and only then the reel. The reel is replaceable because it wears out, and a good pole can serve you for many years. There are rods of different lengths and throwing weights.

Shorter Rod and Cheaper Reels

The shorter poles are cheaper, lighter, more balanced, more convenient to handle. In terms of flexibility, reviewers generally suggest light (slow) to medium action for fishing novices. Rods that have a higher degree of flexibility are harder to handle and are recommended for seasoned anglers to catch larger fish.

Each rod is constructed for a separate type of reel. And since this piece of equipment varies in prices, it is advisable to read reviews for best spinning style reels. This type is the most suitable for beginners, and online suggestions can help you to know where you can get cheap and good reels.

Reviews Offer Buying Guides for Beginners

Reviews can be tricky. They can serve as an excellent guideline for buying quality equipment, but do not fully adhere to what you read. After all, sometimes, these articles are sponsored by fishing equipment manufacturers, and it is clear why their products must be described in a positive tone. Pay attention to the reviews where the writers describe several different products.

Most often, people writing reviews explain the equipment of a similar price range, so you have more options available. They won’t suggest which rod or reel is the best because it is an individual thing. But reviewers give a subjective assessment of certain products that can be a good kick-start for your search for the right gear.

Online Purchase – Yes or No?

Online shopping is useful, but it can often be a double-edged sword. You shouldn’t buy fishing gear this way if you are a beginner. As you gain experience in catching fish, so you can start exploring the online offers. Sometimes it’s really possible to find a good deal, but only from licensed dealers or directly from the manufacturer’s site.

Below, check for some tips on how to save money when buying your first fishing gear:

https://www.valuepenguin.com/how-to-save-on-your-first-set-of-fishing-gear.

It is best, at least for the first time, to go to a specialized outdoor gear shop. Feel free to ask the seller whatever you want to know. Tell them what your budget is, and they will do their best to find you the rod-reel combination for your money.

 

“How dangerous can our world be?”

Being aware of what goes around our community is far more than how we should prepare ourselves. We cannot depict the future and this makes it even harder for us to live fearlessly. Surely, our animal instincts urge us to fight for whatever danger comes. And this is what we call “survival.”

Why do we want to survive? Life can get a little tricky most of the time. One example of this is the food chain where survival is the key to be at the top of the game. Another example is running to the battlefield to fight for the country. Humans and animals have the desire to live and to come out alive. Truly, this is our life’s course. Visit this link https://news.psu.edu/story/532660/2018/08/21/health-and-safety/police-visibility-increase-home-football-games to have an idea about this.

But, can we prepare for the worst? Absolutely. The answer is “Yes.” This article will help you find the best tactical gear that you can bring with you. You do not have to be a soldier or a policeman to possess these kinds of tools.

Let us start by defining what is a tactical gear.

What Is Tactical Gear?

Tactical gear could mean different tools that will help you in survival. Some are combat shoes, caps, armor vests, and bags. People who work for security such as the military or the FBI usually use these. These tools serve as life protection.

What Are The Examples Of Tactical Gear?

You are probably curious now on what to buy for yourself. This should help you out. If you are preparing your everyday carry or EDC, you have come to the right place. Let us take a look at what you can get.

Tactical Gear For Your EDC

• EDC Backpack

Look for a good quality bag that could contain all your essentials. Make sure that it is tested and proven for its durability. Getting one that gets easily torn out is a major hassle in your operation or adventure. You can visit website for more details about this. Learn about the different tools you can take on your next mission.

• Combat Pants

These pants are designed for use as camouflage against enemies or offenders. It is created with the best material to give protection to your lower extremity. It helps you move freely without getting wounds. You should consider this buying this for yourself.

• Boots

Your footwear will determine your success. That is why you have to invest in boots to move fast, accurately, and safely in woods or rough terrains. It saves you from harsh objects or materials in the mountains. Having a good pair of boots would mean long hours of comfort for your trip.

• Military Caps 

It saves and minimizes the chances of getting wounds or small injuries on your head. Aside from that, it enables you to keep moving smoothly without complaining so much about the weather. In addition to that, your enemies could not easily notice you. This is an advantage on your part.

• Armor vests

Most of the time, policemen or military soldiers use these. It is produced with high-quality material that could protect your upper extremity. Moreover, as much as possible it must be impenetrable by bullets. Here you can be sure that your life is saved.

 

Now, we are familiar with the different tactical gear that you can use for your everyday living or your adventure. This time let us know how it could affect one’s life.

Tactical Gear And Its Positive Effects To People

It is not just about choosing the right clothing or footwear. It is the matter of weighing whether you prioritize safety or not. We may go beyond what seems to be normal for us. But the past few years have become truly unpredictable when it comes to circumstances. That is why it is better to come out prepared.

At this present time, the people have welcomed the use of tactical gear. One positive effect of using it is that it builds self-esteem and confidence. It is enough to respond to any unforeseen circumstances. It is true especially if you are in the security task group.

Another positive effect it creates is a good reputation or credibility. For some people to see authorities wearing tactical gear, there might be a conclusion that there is safety in the place. And that once help is needed, they will believe that it will surely come fast. It receives good feedback from people who perceive authorities using it. It only shows that it creates a positive effect on the community.

This time let us go the question: Can an ordinary citizen use this?

Can An Ordinary Citizen Use This?

Yes, non-military people can use this. There is already an increasing number of citizens who are fond of buying tactical gear. First, it is because there is a need for it. Second, it boots one confidence in combating upcoming danger. Third, it keeps the person as well as the people around safer. Lastly, there is a trend in using it.

So, what did we get from this article apart from the tools that we might have and its positive effect on people?

We start by making ourselves ready physically and mentally. It might be about getting enlisted for the army or just living our every day lives. Who knows we might be in for the next couple of days, months, and years? What is important is that we always try to live our lives in the best way that we can do.

Have you ever thought about buying a kayak? If so, that’s a great choice. Kayaking is a great pastime and it is one of the best activities you can do this coming summer.

But before you hastily purchase a kayak, you want to make sure you do your research so you can purchase the right one.

And when it comes to buying a kayak the best option is to purchase an inflatable kayak.

The Guide to Buying a Kayak

When it comes to buying a kayak, you want to make sure that you can take it with you. That is why an inflatable kayak is the best option.

You also want to spend your money wisely. You want to get the best inflatable kayak available.

Here are the 5 reasons why we think you need to invest in an inflatable kayak this summer:

1. Flexibility

The inflatable kayak is flexible in two ways. The obvious way is that it is portable and can be easily packed with you.

But the real flexibility that an inflatable kayak has is that it can be used for different occasions.

There are different designs available.

Some will be kayaks for long expeditions. There will be kayaks for intense activities such as kayaking on aggressive rapids. There are also kayaks for enjoying a fishing weekend.

And if you are going to accommodate multiple passengers on board or need to store your bags, you will find an inflatable kayak that can carry a heavy load. Make sure to ask for the specifications of a kayak before purchasing one.

2. Ease of Use

Inflatable kayaks are also much easier to use than other standard kayaks. They are more stable on the water than the hard-shelled kayaks. Especially if you are a beginner, an inflatable kayak is the best to use.

One of the other great features of the inflatable kayaks is that they are portable. You can easily store them in your home or in your car when heading out to the water.

3. Go With a Group

While you may want a solo trip every now and then, the great pleasure of an inflatable kayak is that it can fit multiple passengers.

Kayaking is a great way to bond with others. With your kayak, you can seat your friends and family and have them bring their luggage along.

It is also a great way to develop trust and dependency on each other. With a kayak, you will all have to paddle to move the kayak forward. If you are on more aggressive rapids you will have to respond with firm paddling.

If you want to conduct a team-building practice, then going kayaking with your team is a great opportunity. If you run a company and want to build a collaborative spirit amongst your employees, why not take them kayaking?

When purchasing your inflatable kayak, make sure you ask the seller about the overall weight capacity. This will include how many passengers the kayak can hold as well as how much storage can be on the kayak – luggage, fishing equipment, paddles, etc.

4. Activities

Let us return to what we discussed in the first reason.

Before purchasing your inflatable kayak, why not take a moment to decide what you want your upcoming kayaking trip to be.

For example, if you are deciding on an exciting fishing trip with your closest friends, you must first decide how many friends you will bring along with you.

You also need to set aside your fishing equipment. Then, ask your friends to set aside their fishing equipment and show it to you. You need to see how much space the fishing equipment will take and how much it will weigh.

Then, you have to decide what you are fishing for? Are you going to be fishing for small trout or are you and your friends competing to catch a big fish? If it is the latter, you want to make sure that the fish will fit on the kayak.

This is an example of the planning you need to have before you decide what kayak to purchase. When going to purchase your kayak, you must clearly express your goals to the salesperson. This way they can help you purchase the right inflatable kayak to meet your specifications.

5. Variety

While kayaks may all seem the same at first glance, they have unique configurations.

These configurations enhance the experience of the kayak.

Kayaks usually come in sit-up or sit-in options. The former has seats that passengers can sit in. This is a great option for a fishing trip or general relaxing while moving on the water. This is an especially great option for beginners to kayaking as well.

Please note: If you opt for the sit-up option, you are more likely to be splashed by water. It is advisable to be in warm weather and around warmer and more calm waters.

The latter option is the traditional cockpit-style seats. These are for more aggressive paddling. If you want to go white water rafting or want to enjoy a team-building session on your kayak, this is the best option.

Sit-in kayaks are surprisingly roomy so you do not have to worry about discomfort.

You also want to consider the length and the weight of your inflatable kayak. Usually, weight is not something to worry about for an inflatable kayak, but do not forget to ask about the weight capacity of the kayak.

Kayaks usually range from 8 feet to 13 feet in length. A kayak that ranges in this length is meant for calmer waters. This kayak is best for a river, a creek, or a lake.

If a kayak goes up to 14 feet, then it is usually best suited for more aggressive waters – such as for white water rafting. This also works well for larger lakes and larger rivers.

You can always decide on your destination and then inquire about what size kayak is best for where you are headed.

See You on the Water

Now that you know the 5 reasons why buying a kayak is a lot of fun, we hope to see you on the water this summer!

Be sure to read more about traveling and exploring the world on our site!

The quest to keep fit and have fun has made sports and adventure to be a very important aspect of our lives. Some people participate directly in such activities for fun and/or to make money, while others are just more spectators and watch those who are directly involved in it. If you are looking for a sport that you can be involved in to make money, this article will discuss some of such sports under different categories.

For popularity and money
One of the reasons why people get involved in sports is for the popularity of sports. They want to play a sport that a lot of people would be interested in. If this is the case, you would be considering football and basketball as they are arguably the two most popular sports in the world. With popularity also comes money. Thus, if you are also interested in a sport where you have a higher chance of making the most money, then you might be considering football and basketball as well. This is why they are grouped. However, a third sport you might want to consider if money is your major aim is boxing. Unlike footballers that make deals of between 80,000 GBP to 300,000 GBP per week at the very top, a boxer can get as high as over 200 million USD for a single fight (as was the case for Floyd Mayweather when he fought Manny Pacquiao in 2015), which would come occasionally. However, it would take a footballer about 800 weeks to make the 300 million USD if they were making 300,000 GBP per week. You can read about the highest paid athletes in the world and the sports they engage in.

For adventure
If you love adventure and you want to play adventurous sports, then you might want to consider American football, rugby and car racing. American football and rugby are very physical sports while car racing is a very risky sport. However, they are great for people who are adventurous and want to engage in daring sporting activities. You get to test your strength and wit with those of others. It is easier to get serious injuries from these sports compared to other sports where there are some higher levels of control and fouls. American football, rugby, car racing and bike racing are few of the sports that require you to wear helmets while playing them because of the high risk of injury. For the items that you would need for this sport, you could check out sporting companies, read their reviews and buy from reputable companies.

For ease of engagement
If you are looking for sports that you can easily engage in, there are quite a number of them. Popular among such sports is running. Unlike some of the sports in the other categories, you can engage in running all by yourself, you don’t need other people to join your team as well as a completely different team that you would be facing. With some equipment, you could have the equivalent of your running exercise indoors. Another very easy sports you might be interested in is skipping. It is a very intense sport that a lot of people do not know about. It is said that skipping for 10 minutes equals 30 minutes of running based on an aerobic exercise test by Cooper Institute. Thus, if you want to run for 30 minutes daily but can’t spare 30 minutes, then skip for 10 minutes. If, on the other hand, you want to run for 1 hour daily, but can’t spare 1 hour, then skip for 20 minutes daily and so on. If you are looking for a competitive sport that you can get involved in with just one other person and would be easy to set up, you can consider table tennis and/or lawn tennis.

 

Last year, Americans let 768 million vacation days go to waste last year! That’s a 9% jump from the year before and $65.6 billion in lost benefits.

Don’t leave those vacation days on the table. Instead, use those vacation days to explore the world and get your heart pumping. By exploring different fitness travel opportunities, you can benefit your body and mind during your next vacation.

Check out these 10 workout vacations and getaways.

With this guide, you can discover the perfect fitness vacation package. Then, you can race away from work and work up a sweat instead. By taking a fitness vacation, you can recharge your body before heading back to work.

Keep reading to discover the 10 top workout vacations you can enjoy in 2020!

1. French Riviera Marathon

Taking a normal vacation will help you unwind and relax. A break from work can benefit your brain, reduce stress levels, and protect you from neurodegeneration and depression. At the same time, you’re also fostering a positive work-life balance.

However, some people put their physical health on the backburner during a vacation.

Why not benefit your body and mind? A fitness getaway can help you recharge and improve your overall wellness before you head back to work.

Get started by exploring the second-largest marathon in France. The French Riviera Marathon follows the Mediterranean coastline, stretching from Nice to Cannes. Don’t worry; the pathline is flat.

This marathon began in 2008 and has since picked up popularity. It’s even set world records in participation.

You can choose to run the whole stress on your own. If you’re with a partner or team, you can also enter as a relay. The marathon accepts pairs and six-person teams.

2. SurfYogaBeer

Searching for a fitness adventure? Consider the SurfYogaBeer fitness vacation package. Established in 2014, this fitness getaway has hosted over 70 international trips since.

This option is ideal for anyone looking for a balance between travel, adventure, and fun. The team also runs clubs, boot camps, hikes, and goat yoga retreats throughout the year.

It’s all in the name! SurfYogaBeer unites people around the world who have a mutual love for surf, yoga, and (you guessed it), beer. You can sweat through the day with one of their intense workouts, then chill at night will a cool beer in your hand.

The company’s vision is community-oriented, allowing you to meet other like-minded people around the world. If you want to improve your mind and body while having a little fun, this is the adventure option for you.

3. Telluride Live Longer Retreats

Each one of these fitness travel options can change your life and help you see the world in new ways. Not all of them will help you live longer, though; a practice unique to Telluride’s Live Longer Retreats.

This six-day program will help you discover medically-based ways to prolong your life. Their fitness vacation package includes meetings with personal trainers, dieticians, physicians, and more.

Hosted at The Peaks Resort & Spa in Telluride, Colorado, this retreat is a great way to improve your health for the long-term.

Even after your vacation is over, you can take what you learned from these health and wellness experts to improve your mind and body.

4. Festivus Games

Looking to challenge yourself during your fitness vacation? Try competing in the Festivus Games. This worldwide functional-fitness competition is ideal for novice and intermediate athletes.

Across the world, over 8,000 athletes compete at the same time during this one-day event. You can become part of a community and compete in feats of strength completing a range of different workouts!

5. Volcanoes Safaris

Fitness travel is now a half-trillion-dollar market. It even accounts for 14% of all tourism revenues. By taking a fitness getaway, people can focus on their physical emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

It’s a chance to heal, explore the world, and focus on your overall wellness. Instead of returning home feeling sluggish, you can shave off a little weight. At the same time, you’re taking a break from home and feasting your eyes on the beauty our world has to offer.

Eager to step outside? Try Volcanoes Safaris, which takes travelers on gorilla trekking tours throughout Rwanda and Uganda. You’ll hike to gorilla families in the forest, traverse steep-sided mountains, and see majestic creatures in the workout during this unique fitness vacation!

6. On Foot Holidays

Not interested in getting stuck on a tourist-packed tour bust? Try an On Foot Holidays fitness getaway instead.

With this fitness vacation package, you’ll walk to your hotel. Then, you can enjoy local cuisine without guilt, especially knowing you have an eight-hour workout ahead.

There are many European destinations to choose from, including Spain, Greece, Germany Austria, England, and France. While you’re in France, don’t forget to explore the catacombs (a completely different type of hike).

7. Yoga for Bad People

Want to balance relaxing yoga sessions with engaging wine tastes? Try Yoga for Bad People. This fitness vacation is available throughout the world. There are two yoga sessions a day along with daily meditations.

After a few hours, you can jump in the ocean or enjoy a wine tasting, giving your retreat the perfect balance.

8. Safari Surf Adventures

Eager to jump into the water? Try a fitness getaway that improves your body and mind. Safari Surf Adventures will teach you how to surf in paradises like Costa Rica and Australia.

You’ll learn valuable skills, work on controlling your breathing in different situations, and unleash your potential on the waves!

9. Outward Bound

Outward Bound provides expeditions for adults, allowing you to discover new skills and a sense of self-reliance during your fitness travel. These courses range from sea kayaking to dogsledding, allowing you to customize your vacation.

10. Dipsea Race

The Dipsea Race is actually America’s oldest. Seven and a half miles, this race travels across California’s Mill Valley. You’ll race over the Golden Gate Bridge and make your way down a mountain before hitting the finish line.

Fitness Travel: Race Toward These 10 Workout Vacations and Getaways

Race toward a healthier, happier life. With these 10 fitness travel options, you can make the most of your vacation days this year.

Searching for more health and wellness guides? Check out the Fitness section of the blog today!

Wakeboarding is an incredibly popular water sport. In fact, in 2018, there were about 2.8 million wakeboarders in the United States alone.

If you or someone in your family is interested in picking up this exhilarating hobby, you probably have all kinds of questions. Is there any specific equipment needed for wakeboarding? Do you need a special boat to do it?

And past that, if you don’t know how to get up on a wakeboard before getting in the water, you may have more than a few wipeouts before you can really enjoy yourself.

We have the answers to these questions, as well as a step by step guide to successfully standing on and riding a wakeboard, in this article!

Read on to learn more!

Equipment Needed for Wakeboarding

One of the best parts about wakeboarding is that you don’t need any special vehicle with which to do it. As long as your boat or other watercraft can reach the correct speed and create a wake, you can wakeboard behind it!

That being said, there are a few items you need to get started, specifically for the rider. These include the wakeboard itself, a tow rope, and a life jacket. If safety is a concern or the rider is a young child, consider purchasing a wakeboarding helmet as well.

In addition, the type of wakeboard you choose matters – they aren’t all created equal! For beginner riders, it’s a good idea to get a wakeboard with channels that make it easier to turn and maintain control.

Wakeboards also have varying rockers, meaning the curvature of the board from the front to the back. A young or beginner rider will need a wakeboard with a little less rocker. Do your research on the best wakesurf board before making your decision.

How to Get Up on a Wakeboard

Everyone is going to adjust to the water and the wakeboard at their own pace, but there are a few steps you can take to get off on the right foot. To start your wakeboarding journey like a pro, here’s what you need to do:

1. Set Your Bindings

Before ever leaving the boat, you need to be sure that your bindings are at the correct settings for your feet. The bindings are the boot-like attachments on your wakeboard that hold your feet in place.

They should be tight enough that you aren’t sliding around in them, but loose enough that you can ride comfortably. It’s hard to maintain balance when you’re cutting off circulation to your toes!

2. Hold Your Speed

The next step has more to do with the driver of the boat than the actual wakeboarder but is still crucial. The boat driver should accelerate at the right pace to help the boarder to stand up in the water, then maintain a constant speed as they’re towing.

The optimal speed for wakeboarding is between 18 and 20 mph. Once the boat is in that range, the driver should take care not to accelerate or decelerate dramatically.

3. Set Your Board

After you’ve set your bindings and confirmed your speed with the driver of the boat, it’s time to allow yourself to float away from the boat into the water as you hold the handle. The bottom of your board should be facing toward the boat and on its edge, perpendicular to the water.

Grip the tow rope and relax, with your knees bent and your arms at rest.

4. Allow the Boat to Lift You

As the boat begins to accelerate, your instinct may be to pull against the tow rope in an effort to bring yourself to a standing position – this is a mistake.

Instead, hold your relaxed, crouched position, allowing your arms to naturally straighten from the force of the boat. Eventually, the board will pop up to the surface of the water on its own, pulling you out and into the air.

5. Goofy or Regular?

If you’re a skate or snowboarder, you know that there are two stances – goofy and regular.

A regular stance is what most people prefer and means you’re more comfortable riding with your left foot forward. If you’re a goofy boarder, it will feel more natural with your right foot in front.

Your stance preference should be determined before you step foot in the water.

A good way to test it is to stand relaxed on land while someone gently pushes you from behind. The foot that you instinctively step out with first is your dominant foot and should be in front when you’re on the board.

From your crouched stance, shift your leading hip toward the handle of the tow rope, which will, in turn, point the board toward the boat.

6. Shift Your Weight

Congratulations! At this point, you’re standing on the board, having fun being pulled along behind the boat. But the best part of wakeboarding is maneuvering the board as you go!

To get comfortable doing this, try shifting your weight back and forth between your toes and heels.

You will cut back and forth across the wake by doing this. Once you feel confident with this motion, you can take things up a notch and really start shredding!

Enjoy Your New Watersport!

There you have it! As long as you have a wakeboard, a tow rope, and a watercraft capable of creating a wake behind it, you’re ready to get started! Even if you’ve never tried this sport before, you can get in the water confident that you know how to get up on a wakeboard.

It’s important to remember that, with any new hobby, you’re not going to be an expert right away! Be patient with yourself – if you wipeout a few times, don’t sweat it! Just get back up and try again.

And before you know it, you’ll be shredding the wake like a pro!

Looking for more information on wakeboarding or a new watersport to try? Be sure to check out our blog!

It sounds like a dream come true. Spending your weekends and nights on the water, letting the sun warm your neck as you navigate the surf. Whether it is a small fishing boat or a large yacht, boat owners know that it’s the most amazing experience, but it’s not all sunshine and waves.

We’ve put together five realities of owning a boat that people never tell you. There is no doubt that owning a boat is exciting, but it comes with lots of responsibilities you need to understand before making an investment.

Don’t buy a boat without knowing all the facts.

1. Boat Owners Need to Store Their Boat

If you live in an area where the winter is bitterly cold or you have a large boat that needs to stay on the water, then you need to store your boat. Smaller boats can be stored on your property depending on where you live.

Larger boats need to be stored in a dry boat storage facility and larger boats that are in a temperate climate need a slip. The costs vary depending on your area.

2. Invest in a Boat Lift

If you own a yacht or other large boat, then it seems only right to store it on the water. The problem is even the most durable boat will end up impacted from sitting water for long periods of time. Your boat will absorb the water and water levels fluctuate.

Boat lifts keep the boat out of the water and safe until you lower it. It also makes it easier for checking your hull for cracks and debris.

3. Many Boats Need Insurance

You can probably get away with a small fishing boat not having insurance or having it as part of your homeowner’s policy, but expensive boats need insurance because accidents happen on the water. All it takes is a rough wave or one split second not looking, and you can hit another boat.

There are many different types of insurance depending on the type of boat you own and its use. There’s yacht, sailboat, dinghy, and professional insurance to name a few.

4. Owning a Boat Takes Tender Loving Care

A boat is just like a car in that it needs regular maintenance to keep functioning. The outside hull coating needs washed and waxed regularly or else it can oxidize. Engines and other parts need checking and lubrication.

Also, if you boat in saltwater, then you’ll need to flush the engine after each use or else corrosion can set in.

5. Know Boat Owner’s Etiquette

You can’t just drive your boat on the water with reckless abandon. There are laws and etiquette that must be followed or else you could end up with a ticket or unhappy fellow boaters.

It can be small things to sailboats have the right of way over powerboats or speed limitations on lakes and rivers.

Owning a Boat Can Be Fun

While owning a boat is a responsibility just like owning any other large item, boat owners agree that it’s worth the effort. You can enjoy the water and enjoy the peace and quiet that goes with it.

If you want to learn more about owning a boat, then please explore our site.

There are nearly 30 million golfers in the United States at the moment. Golf is one of America’s most popular sports.

It’s constantly growing as new people catch the bug. And yet, there are so many rules and techniques in golf, it’s not always easy to know where to start as a beginner.

Are you one of the new golfers hitting the course this year? Check out our must-know tips for anyone new to the green.

1. Getting a Grip on Things 

You shouldn’t be swinging anything until you know how to grip the golf club. Make sure you get comfortable with the club in your hands.

Are you right-handed? Just grab hold of the golf club with your right hand before using your left hand to fold your fingers over the handle.

If you don’t ensure that you have the right grip on the club you could find that you cannot accurately control where you send the ball.

2. Putting Into Action 

Swinging the ball from a distance is an amazing feeling. However, this is only a relatively small part of the game of golf.

Nearly half of the game is spent on the green with your putter. If you don’t master this aspect of the game, you could find that you lose badly.

Making sure your shoulders are square can help you direct the ball neatly into the hole. Follow the end of your putter down from your forearm to ensure you stand the best chance of sending the ball where you want.

3. Chipping Your Way to Victory

Making mistakes in golf is simply part of the game. Even the most experienced players find themselves in the rough or sand now and then.

But, you need to be able to use the technique of chipping to recover from your bad luck quickly. Position your body with the ball in the middle of your feet.

That’s when you use your weight behind the club to lift up the ball. Once you make contact with the ball, you can keep your fingers crossed that it lands on the green.

4. Reach for Your Iron

If you can develop your iron play, you’ll find that you race through a nine-hole course faster than others. The satisfaction when you hit a great shot with an iron club is like nothing else.

Your stance is really important when using an iron drive. Make sure most of your weight is on your right side.

As you swing the club back, you want to make a connection with the ball at the bottom of the arc. This will give you the best shot possible.

5. Driving it Home

You may not use your driver as often as other clubs. However, it’s still essential that you know how to effectively make use of the club.

This is when you want to be balanced with equal weight on both feet. You’ll need to hit the ball as you swing the club forwards. You can purchase everything you need at the golf store.

What New Golfers Need to Know

There is a lot to learn about the game for new golfers. But, you quickly get started with our tips for beginners.

Do you want to discover more about how to improve your game? Check out our blog!