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:

To find out more go to seadoo safety tips.

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:

Look for more information about seadoo covers at Personal Watercraft blog, for more seadoo boat covers information.

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:

trying Surf Industry business opportunities, why wouldn't you try the Global Surfing Serfices surf travel network of independant operators?

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:

Looking to find the best deal on trainer kite, then visit www.powerkitesdirect.com to find the best advice on power kites.

Increase Your Boat's Value Through Marketing

By John Howard

Evaluating a boat that you plan to sell is important, but there is also a lot that you can do to improve its value during the sales process. Specifically, if you are good at advertising the boat, you will have more interested buyers and can therefore afford to be less flexible about the price.

Also, by managing to get a good amount of interested buyers thanks to good boat marketing, you will be able to avoid having to sell the boat via a dealer, therefore avoiding to waste money on hefty commission payments on your vessel.

One of the most important elements of boat marketing and sales is the presentation. You need to do something that will make your vessel stand out amongst all the boats and yachts that are advertised for sale. Pointing out the unique points that your boat has is one of the best methods.

Also, remember that a picture speaks as thousand words. Take lots of good quality digital pictures of the boat, avoiding to represent it on ads and classifieds with a couple of blurry images from your last fishing trip or sailing weekend. Take purposeful images, and modify them slightly with an image editing software to make sure that your boat stands in the best possible light.

After having researched possible advertisement alternatives, choose on the one, or several, that you are going to use. There are lots of valuable free listings available on the internet, but you may want to supplement these with a more visible paid listing. Boat sales take a while, so you should have your listing up for at least two months.

Another great place for adverts are signboards of local marinas or boating clubs, especially considering that it is likely that the buyer will be from the surrounding area. You can use a printout of your online ad to advertise on signboards. Trade magazines are another advertising platform to consider.

Remember to include all of those characteristics that will help set your vessel apart from the others when you write the ad text. Justify your sales price underlining the value for money to attract more potential buyers. Don't forget to make sure that the contact details are accurate. Providing both a phone number and an email address is a good idea.

Make a plan on how to deal with the enquiries you will receive. It is a good idea to prepare an inventory sheet that includes more information and possibly more pictures, which should show off your boat really well.

Don't forget than when it comes to the price, most buyers will expect to be able to negotiate on the initial asking price somewhat, so be ready to counter any objections they may have and to be able to reiterate the boat's value. Still, be ready to concede a bit on the price.

If you are well prepared and friendly but businesslike, you will make a good impression on the potential buyers of your boat, and you will quickly find a taker. Be sure to know what makes your boat uniquely attractive and valuable, and you are guaranteed to get a price for your boat that will satisfy you. - 31512

About the Author:

BoatValueWorld.com is the premier resource for boat prices on the Net, with updates on topics such as yacht prices, as well as on boat sale negotiation, value-for-money refurbishments, handling transactions - click the links above to find out more!

Wetsuits For Protection Designed For Your Sport

By Clement Call

Choosing wetsuits that are designed for your performance level, your sport, and your climate is really quite important. There is nothing more discouraging than dropping a few hundred dollars on a wetsuit only to find that it chafes, doesn't move in all the wrong places, and isn't the appropriate weight for most of your wetsuit days.

Wetsuits are not dry suits. They are not there to keep all the water out and give you a bone dry session. In fact, the water that enters your wetsuit will warm up and then act as a secondary insulator against the cold. Whether you need a thick suit, a short suit, a skin suit, or a diving suit, you will probably want to buy more than just one suit to get you through all of your temperature related issues.

There are numerous different sports that require wetsuits when the water (or the air) becomes too chilly for swimming but you still have enough warmth to keep you in the game. Surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, water skiing and wake boarding, and of course, swimming are just a few of the main sports that will find you picking through your options early and late in the season.

Some northern climates will require a shorty even in the middle of summer. Some southern regions will require only a short or a "John" or "Jane" in the middle of winter. Each suit comes with its own weight to help you determine which suit will keep you the most comfortable the longest.

A full suit offers full coverage of the body, legs, and arms. You can add a hood, boots, and gloves to the ensemble in order to provide 100% protection of all exposed surfaces. While there are claims that different weights will keep you warm down to certain water and air temperatures, remember that we all have a different tolerance for the cold. What one might find reasonable another might find intolerable.

On the other hand, you might have days when all you really need is warmth for your core. A shorty or spring suit can offer you the valuable protection necessary and offer you freedom of the arms and legs. These do come with various options, so shop scrupulously. Sometimes a shorty will offer you a three quarter sleeve, but many sports have movements that can not tolerate this feeling of constriction.

A "John" or a "Jane" is a suit that offers full leg coverage and core protection while it also allows for total arm movement. It's sleeveless. A light suit like this can be beneficial not just when you need a little bit of lower body warmth, but can come in handy when stinging nettles take over the water.

You generally want to buy a weight that will offer you enough protection for your coldest season while buying something light enough that will give you just that little bit of protection with lots of flexibility for your warmer seasons. Since this is almost impossible to get all in one suit, most people have an array of different suits to match to the water temperature and the weather. Don't try to go out in a suit that is too light. Water based hypothermia is a serious deal, and you won't last long if there isn't someone around to bring you in to warm up in a light and ill chosen suit. - 31512

About the Author:

Clement owns the wetsuits information site where you can find out everything you need to know about wetsuits. Just check this wetsuit buying guide for instance.

Where To Find Ibiza's Bars

By Tom Binns

If you were to ask a person what they know most about Ibiza, you are likely to find that they know the island as one of the world's party capitals. The island has a global reputation for some of the world's most incredible parties and this is certainly something that it has worked hard to promote. You will find that Ibiza's bars are also some of the best in the world.

The bars is Ibiza help to create the perfect location to set the tone of the night (or in some cases, the day) ahead. Whether one is planning on having dinner and a stroll along the beach or whether the plan is to hit the hottest clubs and party the night away and watch the sun come up.

Ibiza's bars allow you to set the right mood.

If you have any doubt about the amount of bars that are available on the island then you will be pleased to know that there is actually a road with the name "Bar Street". This is situated on the western end of the island which is where all of the bars are grouped together. There is definitely going to be one that will meet your needs.

Whether a family is travelling with young children or a couple is trying to find some romance or a bunch of friends are out to have a good time and party life's troubles away, you will find there is a bar for every need. There are family bars, quieter more romantic bars, bars that to the untrained eye really do look like clubs with their loud music and brilliant lights and even the Highlander bar with its Scottish theme.

Ibiza's bars add to the feeling that is Ibiza. Remember the one major bonus about going to a bar instead of a club in that 9 times out of 10 you can still find a seat and enjoy the party that is happening around you. - 31512

About the Author:

Tom Binns is a comic for many years he has run the website Ibiza Boat Charter Life of Riley.