Popular Destinations For Surfing Around The World

Posted by Guest on Jan 12, 2012 in Featured, Surfing Destinations | 0 comments

Learning new things and exploring the world are perhaps the popular pursuits that everyone, regardless of age, would want to experience. Surfing is an activity that allows one to try out something fun and exciting while at the same time gives them the opportunity to travel the world. While most people go on vacation to relax and know more about different cultures, surfing enthusiasts tour the world in order to find the best surfing spots. Surfing basically offers surfers the opportunity to conquer big and imposing waves, giving them the adrenalin rush they are craving for.

If you are a true blue surfer, you definitely know the best places to catch the biggest waves in the planet. But for those who do not have any idea where to find the top surfing destinations in the world, here are some of the popular surfing spots frequented by both amateur and professional surfers alike. (Note: The surfing spots listed below are not arranged in any particular order).

Gold Coast, Australia

Any surfing enthusiast knows that Gold Coast in Australia houses the best beaches and great waves, making it an ideal location for surfing. Located in the south-eastern part of Queensland, Gold Coast City boasts of excellent surfing beaches, canal systems and a sunny subtropical climate. Dubbed as one of the world’s best surfing destinations, this city has been recognized as a surfer’s paradise for decades now.  Better than being stuck in phlebotomy training classes.  Gold Coast City is well-recognized for the quality of waves found in its beaches, which remain to be unmatched until now. Though there are a lot of new surfing hotspots that sprung up over the years, Gold Coast never fail to excite and attract surfers from around the world.

North Shore, Oahu Island (Hawaii)

Recognized as the top surfing destination in the US, North Shore, found in Oahu Island in Hawaii, is also considered as the best surfing location in the world. Like Gold Coast in Australia, North Shore also tops the list of surfers. Even seasoned surfers come to North Shore to experience its exciting and enthralling waves. With North Shore’s high-quality waves, it has become a sought after surfing spot of world-class and world-renowned surfers.

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Found right off Sumatra’s western coast in Indonesia, Mentawai Islands boasts of over seventy wave-rich chains of islets and islands, making it a consistent surfing destination among seasoned and amateur surfers. It features four main islands – South Pagi, Sipora, North Pagi and Siberut – which block big swells from reaching the shore of Sumatra. Mentawai Islands have become a hotspot for serious wave hunters who want to have a taste of the greatest surfing experience in the world. The islands are only accessed by riding charter boats and ferries. If you are looking forward to ride the biggest waves, then you should schedule your surfing trip to Mentawai Islands anywhere from March to October. The biggest swells are expected to occur from June to September.

Jeffreys Bay ‘J-Bay’, South Africa

Found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, J-Bay is a very famous surfing destination that has also been featured in a number of surfing movies. Jeffreys Bay is famous for its blue flag beach, and it is also home to the popular annual surfing competition ‘Billabong Pro’. Recognized as an international event, Billabong Pro draws millions of tourists and surfers to J-Bay every year.

Learning To Surf For Beginners

Posted by Guest on Jan 1, 2012 in Featured, Surfing | 0 comments

So you are all geared up to take pleasure from some great surfing action. But before you hit the water and set your foot on your surfboard, it is important that you learn how to surf properly first. If you are a novice surfer, there are some essential pointers to consider before you strut your stuff in the midst of the smashing waves.

Finding the Perfect Spot

One of the most essential points in having a successful surfing lesson is choosing the right spot. Opt for beaches that are not crowded. This way, you will be able to have the sea to yourself. It would be difficult to learn if you have to battle with a thick crowd of swimmers and some other surfers, especially the experienced ones, for some space. A beach with a spilling mushy break wave of 2-4 ft range is the perfect place to have that surfing lesson.

Acquiring Basic Surfing Skill

The basic skill that novice surfers must master is the art of paddling. Beginners can start paddling in small waves, and if you are already up to it, try paddling in the bigger waves. Position yourself on the area of the surfboard where there is least resistance when you are paddling. You can use a crawl stroke to initiate paddling and use your cupped hands to navigate a speedier glide.

Learning the Duck Dive

A special skill, known as duck diving, allows divers to pass under the breaking waves when the paddling ceases. When approaching a wave, a surfer must paddle as fast as he can. As a surfer is about to hit the big waves, which is approximately 2 feet, grab the edges of the surfboard. The surfer then must push his entire body weight onto his hands and arms. As you feel your nose submerged in water, push your head down, then the rest of your body would follow.

Catching the Waves

This is perhaps one of the most fun experiences that are a prologue to the standing up position. You have to use the paddling skills that you have learned to take you to the areas where there are unbroken waves. The nose of the board should face the beach as you are approaching a wave. Paddles as much as you can as the waves begin to lift your board, this will bring your weight forward to keep your momentum going. Your chest should be raised as you glide among the waves. Be sure to wait for the waves to become flat before you stand up on your board.

A Shopper’s Guide For Buying Canoes and Kayaks

Posted by Guest on Dec 29, 2011 in Canoes and Kayaks, Shopping Guide | 0 comments

When you go out to buy canoes kayaks Cheltenham, you’d be surprised with the number of great choices that are available in the market today. Because of this, the task can get confusing and the existing choices can definitely overwhelm you. Kayaks and Cheltenham canoes come in a great variety of sizes, weights and even materials. Knowing that, it is imperative that you are already certain on the type or kind of canoe or kayak that you intend to purchase.

Like with any other things, purchasing a canoe or kayak will become a lot easier if you know to ask the appropriate questions. With this in mind, conducting a thorough market research, as well as finding a reputable canoeing and kayaking shop will allow you to ensure a quality purchase. In addition to this, taking time to select the best canoe or kayak for your needs could help you save a lot of money by not making the wrong choice.

One of the important criteria that you have to take into close consideration when buying canoes or kayaks is the material used to make them. If you are out to buy a canoe, know that they can be made from varying materials including polyethylene, aluminium and aluminium alloy. It is highly advised that you go for a canoe produced from a durable but light material. If this is your first-time buying one, it would be smart to do your homework first to ensure that you will end up with the best type of canoe that will satisfy your paddling needs.

How Surfing Has Evolved Over the Years

Posted by Guest on Dec 18, 2011 in Featured, Surfing History | 0 comments

Surfing could be just the next Olympic sport. Though huge efforts are yet to be made to include this fierce sport in the prestigious Olympic games, it might be very well nearing it. Nowadays, surfing has gained massive popularity all over the globe.

It is reminiscent of the ancient Hawaiian culture. He e nalu or wave sliding is the first known occurrence of the sport on Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian folks often seek the prayers of the kahlua or the priest, to ask for the sea to provide them with good waves, which are essential to the sport. Wave sliding does not only serve as a traditional pastime, it also was used as a form of training exercise for the early folks.

One of the first missionaries in Hawaii, Captain James Crook perceived surfing as a sport that brings evil to man. Introduction of the western religion aimed to eradicate the supernatural elements of the sport. As western lifestyle has been penetrating the Hawaiian culture, surfing has dramatically declined.

In the 1900’s surfing experienced a rustic revival. This vibrant sport was brought into life again by a group of Hawaiian teenagers, the Beach Boys of Waikiki. At first it was thought that only native Hawaiians were the only ones who possess the ability to ride amongst the waves. This notion changed when a Hawaiian Irish, George Freeth, became the first promotional surfer. It only took a matter of years to spread this fierce sport to other countries. In 1915, surfing was introduced to Australia by Duke Kahanamoku.

In the 20th century, from this date onwards, surfing has been climbing the ladder of success inch by inch. An advanced surfboard design was produced in the 1920’s. In 1928, the first ever-surfing competition was held. In the modern times, advancements for this sport have been taking place. Improved materials for the surfboard were sought; this led to the use of new and better surfboard materials, fiberglass and modern Styrofoam. Jack O’Neil produced the first ever wet suit for surfing; the specialized material of the wetsuit enabled the surfers to tolerate the cold temperatures of the water.

Surf culture has also influenced several clothing brands that are hot in the market right now. Surfing also proves to be a very lucrative sport, with professional surfers earning as much as 120,000 dollars for every competition.

Indeed, surfing has come a long way and with its growing popularity, it is not far from impossible that the sport might be included in the Olympics in the near future.