by Byron Jonas
It would seem that snowboarding has become more and more popular by the year, thanks in large part to its association with hip, youth style and culture. Notwithstanding, many people that want to pick the sport up are completely unaware of the reality that snowboarding is an activity which places major physical demands on the body and that isn't apt for just anybody to perform. Hence, it's important for a person to be in good physical shape to actually enjoy themselves on the mountain, without even speaking of preventing any injuries!
That?s right: if you are not careful, your otherwise enjoyable snowboarding trip could be turned into a complete nightmare! So before you snap on the boots and the board, make sure that you are up to the challenge and are in good enough condition to handle this sport, avoiding injury to yourself and to others (common with first-time boarders).
To being with, you shouldn't even be thinking about putting together a snowboarding trip if you are not in somewhat decent physical condition. It's not necessary for you to be at the Olympic level of competition, but in the case that you have doubts regarding the shape you're in then at least be modest and careful on the trails. Make constant stops and keep yourself to the beginner's trails, and avoid fatiguing yourself until you are ready to throw the towel in for the day. Though it may seem strange, many first times to the sport only discover how exhausted they are when they are on the verge of causing some sort of incident or accident on the trail.
Additionally, don't outdo yourself and try hitting the expert trails when you are still a newbie. If this is going to be your first time on a snowboard, then don't even think about trying out those crazy stunts that you saw on the X-Games or elsewhere. Steer clear of icy patches as well as the very compacted snow and especially the moguls, as all of these require a high level of skill to manage.
Furthermore, make sure that you are in the right state of mind and clear headed before going out onto the trails all geared up. There is absolutely no room for going out to the lifts with a hangover or worse, still drunk! It ought to go without saying that this applies to all medications and drugs that you may be under the influence of, which may alter your physical performance and judgment on the trails.
A major cause for concern while snowboarding is the incredible rate of acceleration and the speeds which can be achieved in very short distance/time. Contrary to skiing, in which riders can easily execute the "wedge" position to decrease their speed rapidly, it can be quite challenging to slow down or prevent excessive acceleration on a snowboard. Therefore, for new riders, it's crucial to keep on low-grade slopes for starters and to swerve frequently.
Protective gear is an important aspect of safe snowboarding, both in terms of lessening the risk of injury from a fall or collision and keeping the cold and wet at bay. Padded clothing, goggles and waterproof clothing are all important features of the snowboarding gear lineup, and local resort operators may offer additional materials.
Finally, be sure to take the right attitude out onto the slopes and be mindful of other people out there enjoying the snow and the fun. Be aware of your limitations and always expect the worst (just as when driving) of what those beside you may do as a safety precaution. That way, you ought to be able to avoid any kind of injury or problem and enjoy your day out snowboarding to the fullest!
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October 09 2009 | Travel | No Comments »
by Damian Papworth
The eastern coast of Australia is home to some of the most pristine and gorgeous tracts of land on the planet, graced with spectacular beaches and looming ridges that dazzle visitors to these shores. The most popular-and for good reason-of all the wonderful destinations along Australia's Pacific coast would have to be Gold Coast City and the broader Gold Coast area.
This strip of beautiful shoreline and hinterland is situated in the southeastern corner of the state of Queensland, and happens to be located a relatively quick drive south of the state capital, Brisbane. The city is the biggest city in the country among the non-capital cities, and this is in large part due to the tremendous rate of growth of the tourism sector in the Gold Coast.
One of the most stunning attributes of the Gold Coast is the subtle yet excellent fusion of modern, urban life with pristine natural surroundings, achieved in such a way that few if any other places in the world can claim. The center of town and the most developed area is the narrow stretch of city located right on the waterfront, and there are plenty of high-rise apartment condos and many more features of a modern cityscape; then, there are natural spaces located a little farther inland such as the pristine and biodiverse rainforest and many remote beach areas that are fodder for backpackers, nature lovers, and anybody looking to get back in touch with the great outdoors.
A truly remarkable quality of this area is its winding grid of man-made canals and waterways, which were built as a way to ease development in what was historically a low-lying marshy area. In their totality, these canals stretch out over a distance that is over nine times longer than the world-famous canals of Venice, which is a fair amount of waterways when you think about it. One of the benefits of this feautre has been that lots of properties are located on the waterfront even if they are not right on the beach, and this has helped boost the Gold Coast's allure.
The Gold Coast is ultimately known as one of the best surf destinations in the country, and in the world for that matter. The surf breaks of greatest renown along the Gold Coast's roughly 35 miles of beaches would have to include Kirra, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Palm Beach, among others. Here, the perfect wave is always just about to roll in.
Given the excellent beach conditions and the temptation to take a dip experienced by everybody, there is a professional and extremely competent Shark Control Program carried out by the state government, and it is credited with sparing beachgoers from shark attacks since the late 1950s...an eternity! Under the watchful gaze of these professionals, tourists and locals alike can take a dip without cause for concern.
Some of the most recognizable places in the Gold Coast are the Q1 building, a soaring tower with an observing deck that is only beaten out in height by one other tower (also in Australia) in all of the southern hemisphere, at about 754 feet tall. Then there is the beauty of Lamington Park, which figures on the World Heritage Site list compiled by the United Nations because of the ecological diversity and spectacular natural vistas. Finally, just about evey beach along the entire length of the Gold Coast-it ought to go without saying-is on its own a landmark worthy of recognition.
All in all, the Gold Coast has plenty to offer people of all tastes-a fact that is well attested to by the 10 million visitors that come to this corner of Queensland every year. The fact that a majority of those people are themselves Australian is further proof of the fact that this is one of the most naturally pleasing and rewarding landscapes in the vast and intriguing country/continent of Australia.
Tags:
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June 08 2009 | holiday | No Comments »