Essential Rock Climbing Techniques

By Gareth Hanson

I would like to take this opportunity to talk about core rock climbing techniques. Essential for any rock climber wanting to have a rounded game.

When I first started rock climbing I was amazed when I watched experienced climbers using impossibly small holds, as they progressed up routes that I could only dream of completing. I thought they must have spent years developing incredible strength in their fingers. Only now, after learning from those people, do I understand how it's done.

Learn where your centre of gravity lies

Once you start to climb steep routes, you will discover the importance of finding your body's centre of gravity. If you can get your centre of gravity closer to the wall, you'll find holding on much easier. If you're hanging on with one hand, turn your opposite shoulder and hip into the wall, you'll feel your grip much stronger. You can also use your legs as counterweights,when you're stood on one foot and you feel unbalanced, you can point your other foot in the opposite direction to the direction that you feel you're going to fall. This is called 'flagging'.

Focus on your feet

Most climbing newbies focus far too much on their hands (especially people who have strong arms and hands). Always get your feet into position before moving your hands, your climbing will immediately improve. Focus on getting them into a position which means you will be balanced when you move up. You will be amazed how much your feet actually come into play, even on really overhanging routes. If you feel like you're struggling with your grip, push from your feet, forcing your hips towards the wall. It will almost always relieve the pressure on your fingers.

Keep your arms straight

Putting weight on bent arms will stress your muscles. In no time at all they will be pumped up and you'll be struggling to hold on. Try hanging on your skeleton. If when you're stood on a hold and the hand holds are too low to keep your arm straight, bend your legs. Your leg muscles are strong and less likely to become fatigued.

Don't forget your breathing

Rock climbing in situations where you're under pressure (all climbers have experienced fear at some point). Many hold their breath when they get stressed. This is the worst thing to do. Breathe deeply to control your anxiety. Take a deep breathe then exhale forcefully when you move.

Focusing on these core techniques will improve your game. If you ever find yourself struggling, refer back to them and it will help you through. - 31489

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The Benefits Of The Razor Scooter

By Owen Jones

The Razor scooter is a fantastic suggestion for everybody wanting to stay healthy. These days loads of people are office-bound and we all appear to have a reduced amount of time for simply going out for a stroll, which is the age-old therapy for gaining a few pounds. The Razor scooter can assist you here.

How frequently have you said to yourself, 'I haven't got time to walk' or 'I can't be bothered to walk' and then have jumped in the automobile instead? But what if you had a Razor scooter handy? You could simply scooter down to the store or the park. You could take the dog for more walks and at a snappier speed too, something your dog will surely be thankful for.

The Razor A series or its bigger siblings, the Razor Pro or Razor Cruiser, are not expensive, costing between $40 and $60, cheaper still at Amazon or eBay, yet they will quickly save you hundreds of dollars on gas. After all, starting a vehicle is usually the most costly part of a short trip.

The Razor scooter is also very versatile. Weighing in at approximately six pounds, anybody could carry it without difficulty up or down a couple of stairs or lift it in or out of the trunk of a car. But not only that, it folds up too, so that the whole scooter is only a couple of feet long by six inches high by six inches wide. It will without difficulty fit in a passage sideboard or the boot of a car.

Your Razor scooter could be utilized in numerous ways to save you money and keep you trimmer. For example, if you need a loaf of bread, you could jump on your scooter. You could take you dog to the park. You could scooter with your kids 'in a pack'. You could put a Razor scooter in the boot of your car and scooter the last half a mile into school. And every time you get on that scooter, you are burning not gas but fat!

Think of it that way. You are saving energy and money and burning your surplus calories at the same time. You are also exercising your legs and raising your metabolism and heart rate too. That is everything the bank manager and the doctor suggested all rolled into one . And you will be in first-class company too.

Do you know who else's children ride Razor scooters? Well, there's Al Pacino's twins for a start. Now, Al Pacino is not short of a few dollars, I'm sure, so you can be assured that he's going to be looking for the finest for his kids, isn't he? And Lisa Kudrow and her son. And Liv and Cal, progeny of Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich. You would be forgiven for saying, 'Aw well, they got theirs for free!' and that may be true, but at approximately $40 who cares?

The benefits in saved motor fuel and increased exercise make the Razor scooter a must-have necessity in my opinion. So, take another look at the Razor scooter and remember that someone's birthday is coming up in a little while. - 31489

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Shark Dives In Australia

By Morten Elm

If you are thinking about diving with sharks, Australia might not be the first place that comes into mind. But you can actually find some great shark diving in Australia.

Australia is the place for everything from a simple one-day aquarium shark dive to a several-day live-aboard scuba shark diving expedition. It is also possible to try cage diving.

Have you always wanted to try scuba diving among wobbygong sharks and grey nurse sharks? Then you should head to South West Rocks; voted as one of the ten best scuba dive sites in Australia. The area is rarely affected by current and you can dive close to steep walls to an average depth of 30 meters.

But if you want the largest thrill of them all, a great white shark dive, you do not have to go to South Africa. Australia is a superb place for this special kind of scuba diving.

If you want to try great white shark cage diving in Australia, one option is to go on a shark scuba diving expedition from Sydney. But the main departure point for great white shark cage dives is Port Lincoln and Adelaide in South Australia.

Both places are great departure points from live-aboard expeditions to great white shark diving spots. From either Adelaide or Port Lincoln you sail to the Southern Ocean around the Neptune Islands. And even though you are doing the trip to see the great white shark, you can also find a lot of other interesting animals like dolphins, fur seals and many bird species. Even the beautiful and rare Australian sea lion can be seen around the islands.

So if you never have tried a great white shark cage dive and you are on vacation in Australia, you have the option to try it for the first time.

If you are not into several days of shark diving expeditions, a more easy way to dive with sharks are in an aquarium. Australia has several places to do that; like Melbourne, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.

Normally you are offered an introduction to diving (if you are not a certified diver). Certified scuba diver can normally skip the pool practice. After the practice and introduction to the sharks, you are brought down in the big tanks. Often it is also possible to feed the sharks. And your family can watch you from the outside.

So if you think a great white shark dive is a little too thrilling and difficult, an aquarium shark dive is a great way to see those amazing animals close up.

If you are going to Australia, you can have a great shark dive; no matter if you choose the ultimate great white shark dive or a more normal aquarium shark dive. - 31489

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Take a Deep Breath

By Kubassek Jay

One of the many invaluable gifts of living in a city like New York is the remarkably inspiring amount of cultural diversity. The streets hum and croon, with the unique syncopated pulse of what feels like the promise of fulfilled hope. Like a melodic jazz score, the citizens of this commonwealth of opportunity ride the alluring current of absolute possibility. A city teeming with people from somewhere else.

Everyday, I am lucky to bear witness to this magnificent composition of human experience. I am able to see, without the obstruction of the polished metal and glass of a car, the real presence of a dynamic variety of people. Their smiles and their frowns, the joys they cannot hide, the embraces. All of this, expanding the canvas and color of how I understand and appreciate not only human existence, but my own.

I say this because I feel too often we are conditioned to believe that our personal happiness, our salvation as some would say, is "Elsewhere." A contingency or circumstance that is invariably located in the future. Dependent upon some item, or goal that lies ahead or behind, but not within us. The feeling that "if only I had this....then I would be happy."

I would rather argue that the contentment we seek is never divided from us. But rather, it lies in the "Now" of our everyday lives. This, for me, is a notion of complete "Presence". We often are riddled with compulsive thinking: bills, schedules, problems in need of resolution. These can become overwhelming parts of our existence, making us feel like slaves to our mind.

The next time you feel this way (which probably be soon) attempt to separate yourself from your mind. After all, you are not your mind. You are much more. Listen to your thoughts with your whole body. Don't analyze, just listen. Even in motion, there is a stillness of self that can be called upon to harmonize our being at any time. In Zen teachings, it's called the Satori, the gift of total presence. Real transformation doesn't occur outside of our bodies, it is within. I would be lying if I said I was able to practice this all of the time, but a consistent effort will transform how your days and nights are experienced.

Think back to a moment when a surge, of what YOU felt to happiness, came upon you. Imagine how every extremity in your body felt, the energy, the warmth, whatever it may have been. Our bodies are in constant dialogue with ourselves, all we must do, is attempt to listen.

Consider this, a single human cell, that measures 1/1000 of an inch, contains instructions that would fill 1,000 books of 600 pages each. (staggering isn't it).

What does this mean? We have an astronomic amount of intelligence at work in our bodies at every given moment. Be in communication with your natural self, don't just interact. Communication is about being in "communion" with something. An ally of sorts. The next time you experience a situation that you might find troublesome, accept that moment as though you have chosen it. Work with it, not against it.

The possibilities of our existence are, and always will be, within us at every moment. The invitation never expires, and the internal knock at the door will always be there, silently beckoning that you enter, it's time to step inside.

All my best,

Jay Kubassek - 31489

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The Scooters of Your Youth

By Owen Jones

The Razor A scooter ... What does that phrase conjure up in your mind? If you have children, I'm certain that you've heard of the Razor A scooter series, but they weren't around when we were kids. However, the concept was, even though I forget the brand names from my youth.

I loved my two-wheeled, kick-powered scooter when I was young. Mum and Dad had their car, my older siblings had their bicycles and I had my scooter. It didn't go fast, but then, I didn't go far either, but it was a vehicle, of sorts and it gave that feeling of freedom. I had my wheels and I was on the move!

Well, the modern variety of that scooter is the Razor A scooter series. And they really are modern too! They are a long chalk from the simple scooters of years ago. The Razor A scooter series was brought out in the year 2000 and is sturdy, strong, collapsible and safe.

The Razor A scooter series comes in several guises to accommodate various age groups, abilities and pockets. For example, the Razor A scooter is meant for children of six years and older, while the Razor A2 scooter, the Razor A3 scooter and the Razor Pro scooter are intended for older, heavier, more demanding and more skilful riders. With prices starting at about $25 none of them is over-priced.

The Razor A scooter series is made from aircraft-grade light aluminium and weighs in at just six pounds. That's light enough for any small child to be able to carry, if required, without risk of strain. It is also collapsible, which means that it is easy to carry under your arm, in the trunk of your car or on the bus. Storage is a cinch too.

The Razor A scooter range is height-adjustable too in that the handlebars can be raised as your child grows up or if an older sibling wants a go. It also has a heavy-duty braking system, which is obviously quite important as these scooters will easily travel at speeds of five or six mph on the flat and much more on a slope. Going down hill, that is.

The Razor A scooter series also has lesser and greater stable companions. The Razor Kiddie Kick is intended for children younger than six and has a third wheel for greater stability, although it is equally as robust and durable as the Razor A scooter series. The Razor A scooter series is intended for 'young-minded' people from the age of six. I say 'young-minded' because it is quite the fashion now, to keep one in the car and scooter the last mile or two into work or college. That mile or two every day will save you fuel and give you extra exercise over a prolonged period of time. After all, it all adds up, doesn't it?

Furthermore, for those who want a bit more power, there are the Razor E100(S), Razor E200(S) and the Razor E300(S), which are electrically powered scooters. The (S) denotes that they have a seat fitted.

So, why not introduce your kid to the concept of mobility with a Razor A scooter? Give your child the chance to look back on his or her youth in 20-30 years time and remember zooming about at three-five mph on a Razor A scooter. - 31489

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Dressing for the Mountain: A Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding Clothing

By Damian Papworth

Getting ready for a day of snowboarding can be a daunting task for anyone who isn't from a snowy wintery environment. But whether or not you're a seasoned snowboarder or a newbie from Florida who's never even seen snow, it's easy to learn the right way to dress not just to impress, but to survive out on the slopes.

Before you can even think about your board, it's important to get the right clothing for a day on the mountain. There are two crucial steps to keep in mind when dressing yourself for a day of snowboarding: remember to layer, and cotton kills.

Don't even think about including cotton in your snowboarding outfits! It absorbs water rather than wicking it away and will generally cause at best discomfort and at worth death. There's no exaggerating about how harmful cotton is. Avoid it at all costs.

The purpose of layering is to be prepared for any sort of weather at the drop of a hat (but please don't drop yours). Sometimes, storms will creep up, and it will be important to have layers for maximum warmth. Other times, noon on the slopes, especially during the start or the end of a season on a sunny mountain, will require removing some layers as to not get too sweaty.

Long underwear and non-cotton socks make up the first layer to any snowboarding outfit, known as the core or initial layer. The purpose of this layer is to wear material that clings closely, but comfortably, to your body, keeping the heat trapped in. The thinness also makes the layers that come afterwards feel and appear a lot less bulky.

The insulation, or middle, layer is for staying warm and keeping that core heat locked in for a day out on the slopes. Snowboarding pants, snowboarding boots, and a sweater or pull-over of some sort make up the middle layer. Pants should fit into the boots for a minimum chance of getting a leg full of snow, and boots should lace up firmly without pinching the feet.

The final touch for any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, where it's the most important to look cool, too, if that's something you have in mind. Thankfully, with a world of designers making snowboarding jackets for all styles, from vintage cool to contemporary chic, it's simple to get something right up your alley. Just be sure that the jacket has a shell that will keep snow from getting in if you take a spill, and try to get one with a hood that folds out at a moment's notice in case of a particularly bad dumping of snow while out on the mountain.

The outer layer of snowboarding clothing also consists of your goggles and gloves, which are equally important. Gloves are a must-have item because your hands will spend time touching the snow and the cold lift poles, and should be waterproof and easy to fasten tightly at the wrists to prevent any snow leakage. Sometimes in very cold conditions, riders wear additional wool gloves inside of their synthetic, waterproof gloves for insulation.

One of the most important elements of outerwear are the goggles, which protect against just about everything, from ice and water to tree branches and too much sun. Goggles should fit snugly around the face and be attached with a secure band so that they don't go flying off during a particularly invigorating run.

The most crucial part of your snowboarding outfit is the snowboarding jacket. A water and wind repelling jacket is a must for riders, as well as an inner-shell that fits a little more snugly and keeps water out in case you fall down at any point during the day. Once you're all suited up, it's time to hit the slopes! - 31489

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Hitting the Slopes: A Beginner's Guide to Snowboarding Gear

By Damian Papworth

Beginners and advanced snowboarders alike have something in common: the need to dress properly for a day on the mountain. Even when it seems like a clear winter day with no possible need for extra layers, weather can blow in at any moment. If you're on top of the mountain when it happens, you're going to be glad you wore that sweater.

While choosing the right board and binding is important, no one, beginner or expert, should consider a day on the slopes without planning accordingly.

You should avoid cotton like the plague because, unlike other synthetic materials or even wool, cotton absorbs water, a potentially dangerous trait for your clothing to have in the middle of a snowstorm when it's freezing outside. Trekkers and professional skiers all know that cotton kills, and it's no laughing matter! Don't put it on.

Layers are a crucial part of dressing for snowboarding because it's much more convenient to be able to take something off or put something on at a moment's notice than it is to unzip a one-piece ski suit and go from there. Sometimes, a drop in temperature will necessitate adding a layer, while other times, on a warmer spring day, three layers just won't be necessary. Layers make adapting a whole lot easier.

The first and most crucial part of any snowboarding outfit is that initial layer, the base layer. This is where it is really important to remember absolutely no cotton at all. Long underwear, or thermal underwear, should fit snugly but not too tightly, and should be made of a material that will wick sweat away. The same goes for socks, which should be made of wool or some other synthetic material that allows breathing while eliminating the risk of water.

The insulation layer of a snowboarding outfit goes on over the base layer, but does not need to protect from the elements like the outer layer. Also known as the middle layer, this is what provides extra warmth by keeping heat locked firmly in while allowing water to be wicked away. The middle layer consists of a sweater or zip-up, usually made of wool or fleece. Its purpose is to provide a little bit more warmth while not adding too much bulk to the outfit. Boots are also included in the middle layer.

The final touch for any snowboarding outfit is the outer layer, where it's the most important to look cool, too, if that's something you have in mind. Thankfully, with a world of designers making snowboarding jackets for all styles, from vintage cool to contemporary chic, it's simple to get something right up your alley. Just be sure that the jacket has a shell that will keep snow from getting in if you take a spill, and try to get one with a hood that folds out at a moment's notice in case of a particularly bad dumping of snow while out on the mountain.

The outer layer of snowboarding clothing also consists of your goggles and gloves, which are equally important. Gloves are a must-have item because your hands will spend time touching the snow and the cold lift poles, and should be waterproof and easy to fasten tightly at the wrists to prevent any snow leakage. Sometimes in very cold conditions, riders wear additional wool gloves inside of their synthetic, waterproof gloves for insulation.

One of the most important elements of outerwear are the goggles, which protect against just about everything, from ice and water to tree branches and too much sun. Goggles should fit snugly around the face and be attached with a secure band so that they don't go flying off during a particularly invigorating run.

Snowboarders should take the most time in choosing the right jacket, because that is the first layer of the outfit that's going to come in contact with the outside elements. A snowboarding jacket should repel both wind and water, and provide a hood that easily folds away for extreme weather. Remember that this is your first line of defense against the cold! Plan accordingly. - 31489

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