Power Kite Safely

By John Stoggins

Have you ever thought of experimenting with a power kite? Dynamic kites which are totally unique from usual kites, offer the user numerous dissimilar styles to have fun. Power kites are designed to extract the user off the ground. They are usually used in conjunction with a board or buggy and can be utilized on a lot of dissimilar surfaces, consisting of sand, water and snow. When utilizing a power kite, it is important to hold security in mind. Here are several protection modes to help you feel sure that you are taking the necessary precautions when using a power kite.

1. Always ensure that when using your kite that you are at least three miles from a sky field, and never use a kite close to train tracks or roads.

2. Due to the danger of having electrocuted, stay away from high-voltage wires and charged wires. If for several cause your kite gets entangled in above cables of any kind, do not try to remove it.

3. Never play a kite in a storm. This raises your prospects of being struck by brightening, which can prove to be inevitable.

4. Keep a stable length from individuals or animals to control that you don't hurt anyone. If people coming you out of interest when you are utilizing your kite, notify them of the perils and ask them to stand clear.

5. Contact your local agencies to see what the sound limit for moving a power kite is in your nation and never exceed this limit.

6. Always assume the particular certain gloves, specially when utilizing big power kites in stronger winds. Gloves tighten the adventures of taking fires and blisters on your hands.

7. Never use power kites over vehicles. If the kite drops and occurs into connect with a vehicle, it could disorder the driver, and do hurt to your kite.

Cleaving to the security ways for power kites is a victorious mode to ensure that you and your loved ones can savor this machine and contract any adventures of injury. - 31512

About the Author:

Power Kites and Trainer Kite Tips to Get Started

By Andy Simmons

If you haven't had the opportunity to fly power kites before, you're missing out on a terrific sport. However, before you get started it's important to understand the concept behind them and how they work for different individuals. The first thing to realize is that there are 3 prime power kites today; the supported leading edge, leading edge inflatables, and foils. You can utilize various vehicles, boards, or even water to enjoy power kites today. When it's time to choose yours there will be anywhere from 2 to 5 lines present, as well as a bar or grip to hold.

It's also important to understand that the sizes will drastically vary. You can find power kites that are as small as 1.5 square meters to as large as 50 square meters. It all depends on the vehicle you're using and whether or not you'll be taking advantage of this sport on land or water. A good example of this is back in 82', a boat called Jacob's Ladder used a power kite to hit 25 knots in sailing speed. In 2008, someone exceeded 50 knots on a kiteboard.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, here are four tips for successfully flying a power kite.

1. Start with a small, two-line trainer kite. For kids, small adults, and strong winds, start with a 1.2 meter kite or a 1.4 meter kite. A 1.8 meter kite will offer more power, but will still be relatively easy to control. Larger power kites, such as 2.2 meter ones, are made for more experienced fliers who want a strong pull. Most kites need very little wind to fly. It is important to understand that different kites that are the same size may lift and handle differently. That's another great reason to start out with a more predictable steady kite. Two-line kites let beginners master the basics of power kiting and usually only fly in a forward direction.

2) One of the most important parts to the learning process is the "wind window." This is the area in the air where power kites fly. If you hit different areas of the wind window you will notice different pulls and directional issues. You'll know when you hit the edge of a wind window though, because the power vanishes quickly. The best avenue to figure out what kind of power you'll get is starting at the edge of the window and dropping your trainer kite into the power zone. If you struggle in this area then it's safer to cut back.

3) No matter what you do, it's a necessity to wear a helmet. There is no loophole here, and we want to make sure you understand this thoroughly. Also, land riders will want knee pads and wrist guards as well (maybe even elbow pads). If you're focusing on the water then impact vests, gloves and goggles should be worn for maximum safety (and the helmet of course).

4) If you're just starting we recommend starting on land first. The power kites for water purposes are more powerful because of water resistance. Even when you feel as though you mastered land, still take a few lessons on using power kites with water.

Once you start enjoying power kiting you will realize how addicting it can be. It's all about progressing through the sport, and once you get a handle on the two-line trainer kite, you will want to jump to kite sailing, kiteboarding and all the other options available. Just keep in mind it can be a dangerous sport, so safety gear is a requirement.

Eventually you will try so many different option you will find a favorite amongst them. Whether it's with buggies, boards, skates, skis, snowboards or anything else, each one has an appeal like no other. In the end, do the necessary research and find the best trainer kite to use in the beginning. The more you understand about power kites and how they work, the easier it will be to progress through this fantastic sport. - 31512

About the Author:

How To Find Good PWC Covers

By Dylan Brodderick

This season what you need for your personal watercraft is a pwc cover. A tailor-fit or custom-made cover designed exactly for your make and model of watercraft will be the best investment you can make. You can find a cover that will custom fit just about any watercraft that you might own these days. Manufacturers, dealers, after-market accessory shops will carry a good selection, although it's probably easier to order on-line and have it shipped rather than try to find a pwc cover for your exact model in stock.

Let's talk about what you have to worry about when you are looking for a pwc cover. First - choose a perfect fit. Why does it have to be 'perfect'? For one thing, it just looks better. Secondly, a tight fitting cover protects your pwc better, especially when trailering. There's nothing worse than a loose fitting cover whipping against your boat causing wear and tear, not to mention the possibility of the 'parachuting' effect causing a hazard to you and anyone following you.

Now the second biggest thing to worry about after you've chosen a properly fitting cover, is to make sure you consider the material. Material plays a huge role in the quality of your pwc cover, and will be the primary factor in how long your cover will last and protect your pwc.

Probably the most durable canvas covers are constructed using the Sunbrella brand of fabrics. Sunbrella is specifically engineered to be fade-resistant, and durable enough to stand up to severe sun and weather condition in the south. In addition to sun resistance, the material is woven which prevents build-up of moisture and heat, thereby preventing moisture and mildew damage. The woven material also adds resistance to tearing, shrinking, or mildewing of the cover itself.

Regardless of whether you are looking for a seadoo cover, Yamaha pwc cover, Kawasaki pwc cover, a doger, bimini, or any other kind of boat cover that you can imagine, it is important to keep these two factors in mind - exact fit, and a durable material. Color choice helps to make your ride look good, but a cheap cover that looks ratty in less than a year just isn't worth skimping on.

So do you need to get your pwc cover right from the manufacturer to ensure the best fit and quality? The truth is, there are a lot of after market pwc cover manufacturers that design covers specifically for each particular make and year - so no, the best quality doesn't always come from the manufacturer. Your mileage will vary though, and you need to ensure you are getting the quality you expect, so do a little research before you choose a brand. However, if you really want your pwc brand logo on your cover, then you may have no option but to buy from the manufacturer.

So, knowing a bit more about the important factors to consider before choosing your pwc covers ? ie. 1) exact fit and 2) material durability and breathability, will help you decide whether you should invest a little extra expense in a custom designed and manufactured cover, or whether an off-the-shelf pre-manufactured cover will suit your needs. - 31512

About the Author:

The Evolution of the Seadoo PWC

By Samual M. Adams

If you ever thought that a seadoo looks a lot like a snowmobile, you might have wondered if this was coincidental or not. The fact is, the inventor of the seadoo was a prominent player in the snowmobile industry, having many years experience in the production and evolution of the Bombardier snowmobile.

The Bombardier family name may be more commonly associated with the aeronautical industry now, but they got their start in snowmobiles. Their claim to fame was the introduction of the Ski-Doo brand of snowmobile, with the trademark black and yellow paint scheme. Having perfected a winter recreational vehicle for snow, it was only natural that this Canadian manufacturer make an attempt at creating a summer vehicle for water.

In the early 1960s, the first Seadoos were introduced to the marketplace. These machines were very popular and generated a lot of excitement. The concept of a snowmobile that operated on water sounded like a great idea. The idea generated a lot of excitement with boating enthusiasts all over North America. Sadly though, the first models brought to the market had problems with engines overheating and metal corrosion.

Seadoos were only on the market for two years in the 1960s before they were taken off the market to be re-designed. The re-design process did not seem to be a priority as it was over twenty years before a new model was launched. In the mid-1980s, the modern day Seadoo was introduced and newer models have been introduced almost every year since then.

The term Seadoo is now a brand name that refers to a number of different products. There are still the original "one person personal watercraft" available. However, there are a number of other watercraft products now available. Seadoo has brought larger personal watercraft to the market and now has a line of Seadoo boats.

It is interesting to know the history of the Sea-Doo. The SeaDoo pwc is so popular now, the evolution of them is something that I take for granted. It is sometimes a bit weird to think that they didn't even exist when I was a kid. Even though they had a bit of a stumble and break in production from their first concept to the Sea-Doo pwc that we know now, in the end they came back with a winner. From their single and multi-person pwcs, to their line of boats, to boat trailers and seadoo covers ... I think that Sea-Doo is definitely here to stay. - 31512

About the Author:

Basic Scuba Diving Equipment Needed For A New Diver

By Will Kerfoot

Gaining popularity over the past thirty years is scuba diving. Many leaders of the sport made it popular to the point of what it is today but they did not have the scuba diving equipment that is used now. Many of them made their own equipment to be able to dive and through their efforts modern equipment was developed for today.

You will need some basic equipment when you dive. Most people rent this equipment when first beginning. It is an investment so try out the sport before you spend a lot of money. You can rent equipment from most places you take lessons from or on a holiday. The following are the basic items you can expect to use.

When being fitted for equipment you will be trained on how to use a regulator, a console and a depth gauge. Each has a specific purpose that will be explained as you are fitted in detail to show you what will be using each for and why. A good instructor will also teach you how to connect all of your equipment together.

You will also be using a dive tank cylinder. You will not only learn how to use you cylinder but also how to hook up the other equipment previously learned about and how the gauge and the regulator all work together now that you have learned about their separate functions. This is the basics of the monitoring equipment when you are under water and you will learn more specifically about them with training.

Another essential piece of equipment will be your dive mask. It is your visual aid as you are diving and you would be blind without it. It is fit securely with bands around your head to avoid water from entering the mask. They are adjustable to have your teacher show you exactly the best way to get the best fit for your mask.

Finally a piece of basic equipment will be a wet suit. You will need one of these as the water you dive in takes heat away from your body. The wetsuits maintain you body core temperature so you can protect not only your health but enjoy your diving. Suit come is variety of sizes based on thickness. The thickness is for warmth so the thinnest would be for tropical diving.

These are the basics for scuba diving equipment. There are more detailed information the more you get into it but this is enough to get you started. Make sure you get proper training and are learning from a certified instructor to make sure you are learning the proper way to dive. - 31512

About the Author:

The Four Essential Rules of Seadoo Safety

By Matt Allan

Imagine: blue sky, warm waters, a bunch of family and friends and a few PWC Seadoos. Sounds like the setting to s perfect summer day at the cottage. Personal watercrafts of all sorts provide for a lot of fun and laughs. The whole family can get in on the fun. If approached properly watercraft activities can be very safe. However, if proper care is not taken then something safe can turn into something dangerous. If you can keep four important tips in mind, you can increase your safety and the safety of your family.

Rule 1: Everyone who goes on the Seadoo must wear a well fitted and properly certified PFD or lifejacket. Even the strongest swimmers must always wear one. It makes good safety sense plus in many jurisdictions, it is the law. Always make sure that children wear a lifejacket that is appropriate for their size and weight. Smaller children might need a lifejacket that has a strap that goes between their legs.

Rule 2: Absolutely never mix drinking with any type of water activity. Drinking and driving any type of motorized vehicle is very dangerous and is quite often a crime. Remember, there are no exceptions to this rule. You can have a beer once you get home and start working on your tan.

Rule 3: Never allow children to drive the Seadoo by themselves. It may seem innocent to allow an 8 year to take a little solo spin on the lake. It may, in fact, be harmless but it is very dangerous. A child can get him or herself into trouble very quickly. It is a serious mistake to allow children to be on the Seadoo on their own.

Rule 4: Always use a spotter when towing someone behind your Seadoo. Towing a skier or a knee boarder can be good fun but a responsible spotter must always be able to watch the person being towed at all times. It is dangerous for the driver to think he can drive and monitor whomever it is he is towing.

The combination of friends and family, sunny skies, and clear water make for picture perfect days. Add a Seadoo into the mix and you will have an exciting and thrilling day too. All water activities are fun, relaxing, and full of laughter. If you can follow the simple Seadoo rules as set out above, then you are sure to take away happy memories. - 31512

About the Author:

Seadoo Covers Protect Your Investment

By Matt Allan

Seadoo covers are the next logical purchase after buying a new Seadoo PWC. After investing in the asset you would be well served to take steps to protect and preserve you asset. The regular use of a cover will keep your Seadoo in better shape. By taking care of your machine you will be increasing its lifespan. You will also be preserving the re-sale value in the event you might wish to sell at some point in the future.

Although newer PWCs are very durable and are constructed with materials that are meant to withstand the punishing effects of the sun, sand, and salt, it is best to take some extra steps to protect. The rubber and vinyl bits are doubly vulnerable to the elements. It goes without saying that your machine should be regularly washed with fresh water. Try to be diligent about this even if it is only a rinse with a garden hose. Allowing sand, salt or algae to remain on the vinyl is a recipe for disaster. In storage a good Seadoo cover will protect from other environmental elements.

Towing your Seadoo behind your car is reckless unless the Seadoo has a protective cover. While on the road your car is bound to kick up gravel and small rocks. It is inevitable that something will get kicked back in the direction of your machine. If you are unlucky, something large might kicked back with the potential to do some real damage. A Seadoo cover is the first line of defense. Even a small pebble can nick the paint. Even a small nick in your paint job can lead to rust or bubbling of the paint.

There are literally dozens of different types of Seadoo covers on the market. Some are model specific while others are a one size fits all sort of deal. Each year manufacturers bring more covers to the market. Each cover should have specifics on the Seadoo PWCs that it can be used for. If in doubt, try the cover on your machine before buying it. There are light weight covers for sun protection and heavy weight covers that are better for towing and winter protection.

It is also possible to find second hand Seadoo covers. The best place to start looking for used Seadoo covers is on the bulletin board of your local marina or boat club. If you do not see any Seadoo cover "for sale" ads you could put up a "wanted" ad. Another good place to look is on electronic bulletin boards like Craigslist. Also, ask around as often people might part with an old cover but not necessarily feel like going to effort to sell it.

Regardless of what your initial investment might have been, it is important to protect your purchase with a properly fitted cover. You can buy a cover directly from the manufacturer or you can buy a generic cover. Remember, if money is tight, it is always possible to find used Seadoo covers. - 31512

About the Author:

Catching the Surf in Australia

By Damian Papworth

When surfers think of a holiday destination, few parts of the planet are quite as enticing as Australia. All over the world, everybody knows that there is hardly a better place to be than Down Under to catch the most amazing, glassy waves the oceans have to offer. Practically every section of Australia's coast-excluding areas naturally protected by harbors, bays, etc.-has world-class surf conditions to boast of, making a trip to Australia an absolute must for all surfing fanatics.

One area that surfers generally avoid in Australia is the northern part of the continent, where a mix of natural conditions generally shoo people off: between the small stature of the waves and the fact that these tropical waters are rife with the world's most dangerous jellyfish, it's best to go catch a wave elsewhere!

In a country of this size, the other tracts of coastline are more than ample grounds (or waters) in which to seek out a good ride. Australia has many thousands of miles of beautiful beaches with some exceptional beach as well as reef breaks all along the way. Whether you're in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia's western coast or in the chilly waters off the southern end of the continent or the heavily frequented waters of the eastern shores, surfers will feel like their dreams have come true in any of these places.

Western Australia surely boasts some of the most exceptional surf spots, and the fact that the water gets nice and warm and the air even warmer makes it all that much more inviting. The Indian Ocean is at its best here, and perfect 6 feet tubes are a dime a dozen here. Surfers are advised to get to know such coastal destinations as Esperance, Albany or Margaret River (where the river opens into the sea, of course), all of which are famous for their ability to attract boarders from all over the planet.

South Australia offers surfers chillier waters, but hardly any other sacrifice! The surf conditions here are ideal despite the frigidness of the ocean, and the cold currents flowing northwards from Antarctica provide truly spectacular swells that are the stuff of surfing legends. The terrain is pretty rugged which makes accessing many beaches a bit of a challenge, but if you happen to be lucky enough to have a local guide and/or a 4WD vehicle you can surmount any obstacle just about. In this part of the country, surfers should definitely get to know spots like Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula, designated by local surfers and those that flock from the capital of Adelaide as being nothing short of the best.

The coast of Victoria is similar in many aspects to that of South Australia, and in both cases surfers will want to don their wet suits as the waters are exceptionally chilly. Despite this, the conditions are magnificent: to get the most out of this area, again, you will want to pick apart the brain of a local surfer. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for Bells Beach, Phillip Island and Torquay, singled out by locals as favorite surf spots. For a leisurely surf/road trip, just get on the Great Ocean Road that runs for more than 100 miles along the Victorian coast-it's simply chock-full of ideal surf breaks.

Moving back towards warmer waters, New South Wales has seemingly unending expanses of surfable spots-from the crowded beaches around Sydney to the more remote locations farther north or south, such as Byron Bay, Angourie, and Lennox.

Even more to the north, in Queensland surfers can enjoy such beautiful places as the Gold Coast, where surfing culture has taken root unlike anywhere else on the planet practically. Beach names like Surfers Paradise bear testament to the local obsession with the sport. Then, in northern Queensland, surfers can check out the natural phenomenon that is the Great Barrier Reed, one of the most spectacular natural formations in the world.

Finally, well to the south and amid truly icy waters, the surf spots of Tasmania are restricted to the genuinely brave of heart. The eastern beaches are the best, especially during mid-spring and summer. - 31512

About the Author:

Power Kites: 4 Tips to Help You Get Started

By Andy Simmons

Those who have had the opportunity to fly power kites already know they are designed a specific way. These are geared to actually pull the person flying it. There are 3 prime power kites you will see today; the supported leading edge, leading edge inflatables and foils. Individuals who enjoy these are usually just having a good time and adding doing so on ground boards or from vehicles. If you want to try this with a vehicle there should be everything from a kiteboard, buggy and landboard to all-terrain skates, skis, and various other options. They also come with anywhere from 2-5 line and some sort of bar to grip on to while enjoying them.

Variety is a word that is definitely used when talking about power kites. They come in all different shapes and sizes that can be anywhere from 1.5 square meters to 50. The thing you have to remember is that they are various ones because of the different ways to fly them. For instance; one trainer kite tip would be that using a boat will mean you purchase certain power kites that are geared for that type of speed and velocity. Take a boat called Jacob's Ladder back in 1982 that used a power kite to hit 25 knots in sailing speed. Twenty-six years later a kiteboard exceeded 50 knots.

This lets you know how much the technology has changed with power kites over the years. So today we want to share 4 tips to help you get started on the right foot.

1) In the beginning you should always start off with a two-line trainer kite. This will allow you to easily control your power kite and stay within the safety measures. These are also highly recommended for children and small adults due to the pulling issues. They should be somewhere in between 1.2 to 1.4 meters. However, if you find that a little more power is okay you can go as high as 1.8 meters before it becomes a real issue. Just remember, the same sized power kites can still lift and handle differently. It's in your best interests to stay with a predictable power kite and just fly in a forward direction.

2) When you start getting the hang of everything you will hear more about the "wind window." This is the area above the ground that will offer air for your power kites to fly. You don't need much, but you could experience different pulls and directional issues. Once you hit the edge though your power will greatly decrease. If you want to figure out if you can handle the power zone, start out at the edge and then drop into the power zone with your trainer kite. If it's too difficult then you should abort the ride.

3) No matter what you do, it's a necessity to wear a helmet. There is no loophole here, and we want to make sure you understand this thoroughly. Also, land riders will want knee pads and wrist guards as well (maybe even elbow pads). If you're focusing on the water then impact vests, gloves and goggles should be worn for maximum safety (and the helmet of course).

4) If you're just starting we recommend starting on land first. The power kites for water purposes are more powerful because of water resistance. Even when you feel as though you mastered land, still take a few lessons on using power kites with water.

Once you're able to get out there and enjoy everything this sport has to offer, it's quite addicting. Why? The progression is really what catches everyone's attention. If you start out with a trainer kite (the two-line), eventually you want to move up to kite sailing, kiteboarding, and every other option out there. Just remember that it can be dangerous, so it's extremely important to wear that safety gear.

It isn't easy to pick out a favorite form of traction. Buggies, boards, skates, skis, and snowboards all have their own "awesomeness" factors. You'll probably want to try them all at some point. But if you're just starting out, do some research, and be sure to choose a trainer kite that you can maneuver easily over land. Then work up to larger, more complex power kites, and master handling your kite over land before attempting to use power kites over water. - 31512

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here