Canoes have long been known to be a great way to get outside and enjoy the water whether for recreation, fishing, or multi day excursions. Over the last several years there has been a huge increase in the popularity of the inflatable canoe. Inflatable canoes have become extremely well made and can be far more convenient own than a regular hard-shell canoe.
Below are the five top benefits to using an inflatable canoe:
1. Convenience
An inflatable is very convenient to own. You can deflate it, roll it up, put it in its carry bag and store it anywhere. This is ideal for anyone who lives in a condo or a small space. They are typically fairly light weight and are extremely easy to transport. They will easily fit in the trunk of your car, in an RV and many can even be checked onto an airplane. They are truly a convenient way to get out and on the water.
2. Affordability
As a general rule inflatables tend to cost less than their hard-shell counterparts. The prices can greatly vary depending on the model and the quality. However you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 right up to $2000. I would say the most popular price range (from what I have seen) would be around $250 – $500. Believe it or not for $250 you can get a good quality, very durable and fun to paddle inflatable canoe. There is very little upkeep at all so it is basically just a one time purchase and consequently a very affordable option for many people.
3. Travel
One of the greatest things about owning an inflatable boat is that you can usually take it traveling with you. I have personally taken mine traveling with me by airplane, by RV and by car. It is amazing the different waterways you are able to explore when you have your own canoe with you. It takes your traveling experience to a whole other level and you are able to see areas that would not have otherwise been possible. There are even some canoes that are light enough and small enough to be carried in a backpack which opens up a whole other world of possibilities.
4. Stability
You will find inflatable boats to be extremely stable. Their pontoon like sides make them practically impossible to tip. They are ideal for fishing, for kids, for dogs and for any person of any age. They are an extremely safe way to enjoy the water.
5. FUN
They are absolutely fun to paddle! Whether you plan to paddle on lakes, rivers or the ocean there is no better feeling than getting out and being one with the elements. An inflatable canoe is a great way to add a lot of fun to any person’s life and a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
Benefits of an Inflatable Canoe
How to Buy the Best Mountain Bike at the Best Price
Are you looking for the best high end mountain bike or a beginner mountain bike model to try out something new? Buying a new bike will take research to find the best model for you and your needs. The guide below will help you research for the best mountain bike to fit your needs.
REVIEW WEB SITES: Consumer Search Mountain Bike Reviews is a great place to start your search. They provide detailed reviews of many different products. In their review of mountain bikes they have chosen the Specialized Rockhopper series as the best Hardtail mountain bike, the GT Avalanche 0.5 as best Hardtail bike, the Schwinn Mesa as the best Budget hardtail mountain bike, the Ibex Apogee Sport as the best Full-suspension mountain bike, the Ibex Ignition 2 as the best Budget full-suspension bike, and the Iron Horse MKIII Comp as the best Full-suspension trail bike. Additional reviews can also be found at Epinions.com Mountain Bike Reviews. USER REVIEWS: Amazon.com Mountain Bikes is a great source to do further research on the models you are interested in. Users of the products provide their personal experiences with the bike models.
CHOOSING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE MODEL: Now that you have researched the review sites and user reviews, choose the top 3 – 5 you are interest in. This will be helpful as you now look for the best price.
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PRICED MOUNTAIN BIKE: You now have the top 3 – 5 bike models that will fit your needs. Next we will find the best price for the models you liked. Amazon.com often has the best price on many items, since they also offer products through other companies. ConsumerSearch.com is another good resource for best prices when you click on their “Where to Buy” section.
Fun Outdoor Hobbies For The Family
In the hustle and bustle of modern life it becomes all too easy for a family to find they have transgressed to a mere collection of individuals, separated intellectually and emotionally by the diversity of singular activities. Outdoor hobbies for the family participated in together allows the opportunity to bond and share the positive aspects of the environment within the social structure that is unique in scope to a given family unit, without the distraction of outside cultural forces. The main focus in selecting fun outdoor activities for the family should be based upon finding an endeavor that is instantly considered entertaining by all with the exclusion of none. While experiencing the great outdoors may not be for everyone, there are varying levels of participation that are acceptable to all – from the roughest terrain and conditions possible to outdoor hobbies that can be experienced in the family backyard or local park.
Family units that have young children or elderly members can best utilize outdoor hobbies that are within a close proximity to home. Local parks and recreational facilities offer a wide variety of outdoor hobbies that can be enjoyed by all with little or no associated cost. Fishing, hiking, and catching ball or Frisbee are free activities that can be experienced without fees, and can be engaged in at one’s own pace regardless of physical condition or age. Within every local community there are any number of programs available for free or at a minimal cost to learn of wildlife, horticulture or history, presented in quite an engaging manner by federal, state or local park services. For those families younger in age and more fit in physical conditioning, outdoor hobbies in the extreme realm abound in rock climbing, white water rafting, skateboarding, surfing, skydiving and about one hundred other outdoor hobbies. In fact, there are usually local businesses that cater to those with an adventurous spirit by creating extreme sporting packages at reduced cost when participated in as a family. While these outdoor hobbies may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, those family members choosing not to actively participate can certainly feel useful in lending support to those that do engage.A great way to get everyone enthused in outdoor hobbies as a family is to let each member take a turn in deciding which activity will be undertaken. In this manner each family member gets to choose a favorite, while attempting new activities in the selection of others.
How To Choose The Right Road Bikes For Racing And Leisure
Riding road bikes is a great way to keep in shape and is also one way to help prevent pollution. As we all know, our planet is already suffering from global warming, and anything we can do to help lessen pollution is more than welcome. There are plenty of cheap bikes available for sale, however, if you are looking for a bike that will last you for a long time, then investing in a quality one is in order. There are also led bike lights available for those who foresee themselves using their bikes at night.
One thing to note about road bikes is that, as its name suggests, this kind of bicycle is intended for use on paved roads. This is the best kind of bike to have if you are going to ride it within town to visit nearby places like the store or maybe the house of your friend. These road bikes are also known for their speed, compared to their counterpart, the mountain bike. A road bike has a lighter frame, and also comes with thinner wheels. Choosing the right road bike takes a lot of thought and consideration. Here are a few things to note when choosing road bikes for both racing and leisure.
Get the Right Size for You
One of the things to note about road bikes is that, like any other type of bike, they come in different sizes. You need to take your height in consideration when buying road bikes. This is because this type of bicycle features a somewhat hunched over sitting position, and your body needs to have just the right sized bike for it. Your legs should also be able to comfortably reach the pedals as well as the ground in case you need to pause for a water break. If the bike is too tall or too small for you, you may have a hard time when it comes to riding in long distances. Eventually, your back and shoulders will feel the strain after hours and hours of hunching over.
Choose a Quality Bike
A great bicycle is one which is made by a reputable manufacturer, and is also made with quality materials. If you intend to participate in races or even just fun races or rides with your bike, take into consideration the fact that you are placing your safety on your bike. The last thing you would want would be a bicycle that will let you down in terms of performance. Naturally, a quality bike will be quite an investment, but it will be one which will pay for itself over time and as you use it. You not only get to save on gas, but since quality bikes are well made, they will rarely need any part replacements or any repairs, save for the usual maintenance. This will also give you less headaches.
Safety Comes First
If you intend to go for bike rides in the evening, choosing a bike which comes with led bike lights is a great choice. This will ensure that you will be able to see where you are going even when it is dark, and any other bikes or vehicles on the road will be able to see you. Cars and other vehicles will not accidentally bump into you or run you over since they will be able to see you and your led bike lights. In addition to this, when you buy your road bike, make sure you also get a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and also cycling clothing which will absorb sweat and lessen friction.
Riding road bikes is a great way to stay in shape and save on money. Instead of taking your car when you are only going a few blocks away to the store or anywhere nearby, take your bike with you. You will save a lot of money on gas and also save the environment from the harmful vehicle emissions of your car. If you plan on riding your bike at night, choose a bicycle which comes with led bike lights. You will see where you are going clearly, and any other vehicles on the road will also see you as well. When buying a bicycle, avoid cheap bikes unless they are from a reputable manufacturer who is simply having a sale. Bikes are an investment, and this is a purchase you should not skimp on.
Outrigger canoeing
Types of outrigger canoes
A six-person outrigger canoe
A variety of boat types exist, including the OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4 and OC6 (with the respective number of paddlers using a single hull outrigger canoe), and the DC12 or OC12 (with twelve paddlers using a double hull outrigger canoe, two six person canoes rigged together like a catamaran). The shorthand form is also commonly written as V1, V2, V6, etc.
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Types of outrigger canoes A six-person outrigger canoe A variety of boat types exist, including the OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4 and OC6 (with the respective number of paddlers using a single hull outrigger canoe), and the DC12 or OC12 (with twelve paddlers using a double hull outrigger canoe, two six person canoes rigged together like a catamaran). The shorthand form is also commonly written as V1, V2, V6, etc. (where V refers to vaa) Big Canoe Foreclosures
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The Cano Limon field is located in North-Central Aracua department at the Colombian northeast border with Venezuela. The field is located north/south and is approximately 8,000 ft beneath the Aracua River.(where V refers to vaa).
Single hull outrigger canoes have an ama (outrigger float) connected to the main hull by spars called iako (Hawaiian), iato (Tahitian), or kiato (Mori). The ama, which is usually rigged on the left side, provides stability. The paddlers need to be careful to avoid leaning too far on the opposite side of the ama, as that may cause the canoe to capsize (huli or lumai).
There are also outrigger sailing canoes ranging from smaller three or four person canoes to large voyaging canoes. Sailing canoes may have one ama, two amas (one on each side, but only one side is normally in contact with the water), or a double hull configuration (like a catamaran).
Paddling roles
In an outrigger canoe the paddlers sit in line, facing toward the bow of the canoe (i.e. forward, in the direction of travel, unlike rowing). The seats are numbered from 1 (closest to the bow) to the number of seats in the canoe, usually 6. The steerer (or steersman or steersperson) sits in the last seat of the canoe (seat 6 in the common OC6) and, as the name indicates, is primarily responsible for steering. The paddler sitting in seat 1 is called the stroke (or stroker) and is responsible for setting the pace of the paddle strokes. The first two positions may also be involved in certain steering manoeuvers.
In an OC1, the single paddler must also steer the canoe. Some OC1s have rudders operated by foot pedals, while OC1s without rudders must be steered by drawing and paddling as needed for steering purposes while paddling to move the canoe forward.
Steerers
A good steerer is able to maintain the straight attitude of the canoe throughout the course of a race, and also keep the boat and the crew safe in rough sea conditions. S/he may also take advantage of water conditions to gain extra speed by surfing. The steerer uses a single bladed steering paddle which has a larger blade than a standard outrigger paddle, is built stronger, and has less or no bend in its shaft. S/he steers by the following methods:
Poking: holding the paddle vertically against the side of the canoe, causing drag on that side to cause the canoe to turn that direction.
Drawing: paddling at a 45 to 90 degree angle to pull water under the canoe, causing the canoe to turn the opposite direction.
Posting: holding the paddle in the water out to the side with the forward edge angled opposite to the desired turn direction, usually as a prelude to drawing.
Paddling: by applying power on one side of the canoe, the steerer can influence to a small degree which way the canoe will turn. Paddling also increases the total power moving the canoe forward compared to the other steering methods.
A steerer also skippers the canoe and instructs all other the paddlers as necessary. As an outrigger canoe is a long narrow canoe with the steerer placed at the very end, the steerer must give instructions sufficiently loudly and clearly for the entire crew to hear. From a water safety perspective the steerer should also be amongst the most experienced crew members, and be knowledgeable with the waterways and weather conditions, relevant maritime rules and other safety considerations such as the use of personal floatation devices, rigging of the canoe, placement of paddlers in the various seating positions, and recovery from a huli by righting the canoe and bailing out the water.
Paddlers
Paddlers use single bladed paddles, usually with single or double bent shafts. The paddling stroke is similar to that of most other racing canoe paddling strokes, involving primarily core and lat strength. Generally, each paddler paddles on the opposite side from the paddler in directly front (for example, in an OC6, paddlers in seats 1, 3, and 5 paddle on one side, while paddlers in seats 2 and 4 paddle on the other side). All paddlers switch sides simultaneously on a call from one who is the designated caller. The steerer may paddle either side or switch sides as needed for steering purposes.
Stronger paddlers are typically placed in the middle of the canoe, while paddlers with the most endurance tend to be placed at the front, as the lead paddler sets the pace for the crew. All other paddlers synchronize their strokes to the paddler in front of them (whom they can directly see).
In rough water, it is often desirable to have a paddler with steering skill in seat 5 (of an OC6), to allow for the steerer to have that paddler also take steering strokes if needed in some situations. A seat 5 paddler with steering skill can also assist in preventing a huli by staying on the ama side during a particularly rough stretch of water.
In water rough enough to splash into the canoe, paddlers also need to pay attention to the water level in the canoe, report the situation to the steerer, and bail out the water as necessary. Paddlers also need to know how to recover from a huli under the steerer’s direction.
In a quick turn situation, paddlers at the front may also be instructed to une (poke steer, causes the canoe to turn the opposite direction) or kahi (post and draw steer, pulls the canoe to the side where this is done) to help bring the canoe around a turn quickly.
Racing
The length of a race ranges from short sprints (e.g. 250-500 metres for the OC1 and the OC12, 500-2000 metres (usually includes turns) for the OC6) to longer events, including marathons (e.g. 42 kilometres). A number of races are raced over distances that far exceed 42 kilometres, including the Molokai Hoe that crosses the Kaiwi Channel between the islands of Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii. However, long distance races of 20 to 30 kilometres are more common, with shorter 5 to 8 kilometre courses typically being offered to novice paddlers and those under 20 years of age.
Longer races involving the OC6 often involve paddler replacements, which involve exit and entry to the canoe directly from the water while the canoe is under way (this is called a water change). Typically, nine paddlers form a crew, with six paddling the OC6 and the other three resting, drinking, and/or eating on an escort boat. Replacement typically occurs at 20 to 30 minute intervals; the escort boat drops the relief paddlers into the water ahead of the OC6, which is steered toward them. The relief paddlers climb in on the ama side as those they are replacing roll out into the water on the opposite side. The escort boat then picks up the paddlers in the water so that they can rest, drink, and/or eat before they in turn relieve some of the paddlers in the OC6.
The longer races are typically conducted in the open ocean, e.g. between islands in the South Pacific. The Molokai Hoe in Hawaii and the Catalina Channel crossing in California are two examples of races involving water changes.
Paddlers and crews are usually classified by gender and age. Gender classification is typically straightforward, with male, female, and coed classifications, with the latter being a crew with equal numbers of male and female paddlers (different rules may apply to nine person coed crews doing a race with paddler replacements). Age classifications typically include youth divisions like 19-and-under, 16-and-under, etc., master divisions with minimum ages typically starting at 35 or 40 years of age, and an open division which allows paddlers of any age. A novice division for paddlers with less than a specified number of years of race experience (usually one or two) may also exist in a given association.
In some races, a particular type of outrigger canoe, usually a more traditional design for the region, may be given its own racing classification. For example, races in Hawaii have a koa division, while southern California has a Bradley OC6 division and northern California OC1 sprint races have a traditional (no rudder) division.
Adaptive (Disabled) Paddlers
Outrigger canoe paddling is a sport accessible to all. The International Vaa Federation (IVF) have included adaptive events in the World Sprints and the sport is growing in popularity amongst disabled athletes. Countries known to participate in adaptive outrigger canoe paddling include Italy, the United States (including Hawaii), Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Modifications can easily be added to seats or paddles enabling athletes with a wide range of disabilities to participate in the same canoe and/or race as paddlers without disabilities.
External links
Outrigger canoeing at the Open Directory Project
“Master Strokes.” Hana Hou! Vol. 10, No. 3, June/July 2007. Article about the Manu O Ke Kai outrigger canoeing club in Haleiwa, Hawai’i.
Takia Outrigger Canoe Club Fiji
v d e
Canoeing and kayaking
Main sports
Sprint Slalom Marathon Polo Whitewater Sailing Freestyle
Olympics
Summer Olympics Men’s medalists Women’s medalists
Other sports
Creeking Dragon boat Extreme Freeboating Outrigger canoeing Surf ski Surf kayaking Snowkayak Squirt boating
International Canoe Federation
World Championships – Sprint (Men’s Canadian medalists, Men’s kayak medalists, Women’s kayak medalists), Slalom
Recreation
Small-craft Sailing Whitewater canoeing/kayaking Sea kayak Canoe camping Kayak fishing Kayak diving Kayak Walk Dongola racing Canoe orienteering Canoe livery or rental Crossing the Ditch
Modern boat types
Canoe Kayak Concrete canoe Flyak Folding kayak International Canoe Malia (Hawaiian canoe) Recreational kayak Sprint canoe
Traditional boat types
Aleutian kayak Baidarka Cayuco Chundan Vallam Outrigger canoe Sturgeon-nosed canoe Taimen Umiak Waka War canoe
Manoeuvres & techniques
C-to-C Roll Eskimo Rescue Kayak roll Kluning Portage Watercraft paddling
Equipment
Artificial whitewater Albano buoy system Outrigger Paddle Paddle float Paddle leash Royalex Sea sock Spraydeck Tuilik
Meteorology & sea states
Clapitus Whitewater
Kayakers
Jimmy Blakeney Tyler Bradt Paul Caffyn Tad Dennis Chris Duff Douglas C. Gordon tpnka Hilgertov Freya Hoffmeister Eric Jackson Ramo Kolenovi Brad Ludden Andrew McAuley Mark Pollock Alex Prostko Oskar Speck Rush Sturges Todd Wells Nicholas Wiechern Clay Wright Alexander Yermilov
Venues
List of whitewater rivers List of artificial whitewater courses Playspot Boulter’s Lock Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Broxbourne White Water Canoe Centre Canolfan Tryweryn Cardington Artificial Slalom Course Dickerson Whitewater Course Dorney Lake Dutch Water Dreams Eiskanal Hawaii-sur-Rhone Helliniko Olympic Complex Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre Hurley Lock Idroscalo Kanupark Markkleeberg River Thames Millrace Rapids Nene Whitewater Centre Northern Forest Canoe Trail Ocoee Whitewater Center Ohio River Trail Parc Olmpic del Segre Penrith Whitewater Stadium Raice, Czech Republic River Dart Rutherford Creek Saint Regis Canoe Area Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park South Bend, Indiana Stanley whitewater canoeing course Symonds Yat Rapids Tacen Whitewater Course Teesside White Water Course Texas Water Safari The Loop, River Dart Tour de Guden U.S. National Whitewater Center Upper Dart Water Sports Centre unovo Wolf River (Tennessee)
Competitions
List of world records in canoeing 2006 South American Games 2006 Asian Games Adirondack Canoe Classic Au Sable River Canoe Marathon Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon Dusi Canoe Marathon Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Murray Marathon National Student Rodeo Thameside Series Waterside Series
Suppliers & manufacturers
Attbar Bliss-stick Jackson Kayak Rockpool Kayaks Royak Marine Tiderace Sea Kayaks
National governing bodies
American Canoe Association British Canoe Union British Dragon Boat Racing Association Canadian Canoe Association Croatian Canoe Federation Scottish Canoe Association USA Canoe/Kayak Welsh Canoeing Association
Notable clubs
Burloak Canoe Club Canoe Cruisers Association Forth Canoe Club Kingston Royals Dragon Boat Racing Club Manchester Canoe Club Philadelphia Canoe Club Rideau Canoe Club Royal Canoe Club Viking Kayak Club
Other canoe/kayak organisations
Association of International Paddle Sport Federations Canadian Canoe Museum International Dragon Boat Federation Sir Alexander Mackenzie Canada Sea-to-Sea Bicentennial Expeditions UK Rivers Access Campaign
In the arts
Chasse-galerie Men, Rivers and Canoes Paddle-to-the-Sea The Rise and Fall of the Great Lakes Waterwalker
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