Archive for April 2010

Surfboard Designs

By Rene Thompson

Many surfing aficionados often wonder exactly how the board they are riding was built. The process of surfboard design and construction is surprisingly complicated today, especially when you consider that the surfboards used a century or two ago were literally boards cut from a single tree trunk.

While for centuries surfboards were solid wood, the modern era of surfboard design began in 1946, a date which marks the first fiberglass surfboard design. This early style consisted of two hollow, molded pieces with a piece of redwood running down the center for stability. In 1949, the first board with a Styrofoam core was built. This buoyant center was enclosed not by fiberglass but by thin sheets of plywood sealed with resin. The first truly modern boards were built beginning in 1958. These surfboards, designed by Hobie Alter, were produced with a polyurethane foam core and fiberglass shell. Today, nearly every surfboard design uses this mode of construction.

Typical surfboards sold today have a polyurethane core, surrounded by fiberglass and polyester resins. Often, a redwood “stringer,” or stabilizer is contained within the core. The fin of the board is made either of wood or of laminated fiberglass and resin layers. While this basic construction has remained the same for many years, the shapes and styles have certainly changed. Over the past few decades, boards have grown shorter and longer several times, with popular designs including one fin, two fins, or three fins. Today, surfboard makers continue to experiment in the search for the perfect board. Serious surfers may use as many as five or even ten different boards for different surf styles and beaches.

Although there are certainly many brands offering standardized and mass-produced boards, the highest quality surfboards are individually crafted by talented surfboard makers. Although techniques vary from one builder to another, most surfboards are built one at a time starting with the formation of the foam core. Known as a “blank,” most surfboard builders form this core in a large mold that is roughly the shape of the finished surfboard. Liquid polyurethane is poured into the mold in order to form a dense foam. Once cooled, the surfboard core is removed from the mold.

Now, the core is cut in half, from the nose all of the way to the tail, to allow for the insertion of the stringer. The purpose of a stringer is to provide stability, keeping the board from snapping in half. Glued between the two halves, the core is then clamped back together.

Now, it’s time to finish the shaping of the board. The outline is cut and then smoothed into its final shape. Some builders use computer-guided machines to do this, while many surfboard builders often use only their experienced eye to guide the shaping process. The blank is now ready to be covered in a fiberglass and resin shell. The core of the board is covered with a fiberglass cloth, and then a layer of polyester laminating resin. When done, the leg leash and fin are attached to the board. During the final finishing process, excess resin is sanded away, leaving a glossy and perfectly smooth coating.

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Article Source: Rene Thompson

Surfboard Designs

Basics of Surfing for Beginners

By Lydia Quinn

If you are interested in learning how to surf, it’s important that you consider some tips before hitting the beach. Like every other sport, you will need to learn a few of the most essential rules, as well as safety tips to make every outing as enjoyable and safe as possible. To start, it would be best to discuss the rules that surfers abide by.

  • Respect your fellow surfers as they will be able to provide you with help if ever you need any. Give them due respect and they will do the same.
  • Respect the beach. Littering will ruin everyone’s fun.

Keep those things in mind when starting out. It will ensure that you and the other surfers will be having a fun and safe time. Now let’s get to the actual surfing (the fun part). As a beginner, it is important that you practice how to balance yourself out on the board first. This does not immediately mean a standing balance as you might even find it difficult to lie still on the board. To balance yourself on the board when lying, remember to find the balance point on your board first. Try several points on your board first. Once you have found that perfect balance, make a mark on the board where your chin rests. This will serve as your reference point every time you will be paddling out.

Notice if the board’s nose is digging into the water, this is called pearling and to correct this, you will need to move back a bit. Make a mental note once you get the exact location for the marking later on. When the board starts to cork (too much weight at the back of the board), try adjusting yourself by moving forward a bit, stop when you feel the board lying naturally in the water, this will help you to catch waves.

In terms of paddling, remember to paddle by alternating both hands, and not at the same time. Paddling with both hands at the same time will not only wear you out faster, it will also prevent you from maintaining constant speed through the water. Once you’re already proficient enough in both techniques, you will then need to learn to sit on your board. At first this may be quite a task as your board will seem to dislike the fact that you are sitting on it. Wobbling is normal for beginners, and to aid with this you will need to be as calm as you can. The more movements you make the harder it’s going to get, so work along with instead of against your board.

Once you have mastered sitting on the board, you’re ready for the greatest part; standing. Now, it would be a lie to say that standing on the board will be easy, as you will probably need to practice for days or even weeks before you get it. When attempting to stand on your board start from a lying position, put your hands on the side of the board and assume a push up position. Push your upper body, and sweep your feet under you at the same time. Keep your feet apart at all times, to maintain a low center of gravity and prevent yourself from falling off the board.

One last note to remember when starting out is to keep both eyes to the front. Never, ever look down at your feet. Once you do, it’s guaranteed that you will fall. So remember all of these tips when starting out. Surfing is not something that you will become good at immediately. But with enough practice and proper techniques, mastery will be sure to follow.

Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, offering motorcycle goggles, snowboarding goggles and sunglasses for everyday. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com

Article Source: Lydia Quinn

Basics of Surfing for Beginners

Surf Schools: Picking the Right Place to Learn How to Surf Can Be Tricky!

By Jordy Mason

When it comes to your goals you need to know that you can achieve anything you want. There are many ways to go about learning how to surf and you can pick one of the many surf schools to help you with this goal. You want to learn the art of surfing and you can do so by going to school for it and taking some lessons. You have a few choices and you should know all about them.

You can start by picking which coast you want to learn on. There are some great waves out in California, but there are some great schools on the East coast. This is necessary to decide and you could go to Hawaii in order to learn. You could even travel to an island to learn this art and it is really just up to what you want.

The next thing you need to do before you pick one of the surf schools is you need to get some equipment. You are going to want a wetsuit and a long board for sure. The long board is easier to learn on at first and eventually you might switch to a shorter board, but for not you want a long one. You also want some good surfing wax as well.

The last thing you will do is choose a school and if you want the proper one on one attention, then you will choose a place that does not take on too many students at one time. You might even want just a one on one set of lessons to help you learn how to surf. If you want to ride the waves and do it for a long time this is the best way to get started.

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Article Source: Jordy Mason

Surf Schools: Picking the Right Place to Learn How to Surf Can Be Tricky!

Surf Shops: Promoting the Surfer Lifestyle

By Damian Papworth

It is impossible not feel good and relaxed after walking into a surf shop. They have such a relaxing ambiance that you want to drive to the nearest beach right after getting out of it. The purpose of these shops is to promote surfing as a recreational sport. Whether it’s located near the beach or smack in the middle of a busy city, it should radiate sun, sand and fun. Some outlets even go the extra mile by having a beach display and playing summer soundtracks.

The most common thing you can see in these shops are surfing paraphernalia. Surf boards, wetsuits and board accessories are also things that you can expect. Good surf shops should display many kinds of surfboards. Whatever the customer wants, they should have. Common types of surfboards found include long boards, short boards, soft foam boards, pop up boards and fiberglass boards. Some shops even offer custom boards if you want one.

Outlets should also offer many sizes and types of wetsuits. Aside from having various brands of wetsuits, they should also have sizes for all shapes and ages. They can offer them in different colors that appeal to different tastes of surfers. They should also offer variants like short-sleeved rash guards.

Board accessories and maintenance supplies are also important. A good outlet not only ensures you have good surfboard, but also ensures you can keep it at tip top shape for a long time. Board accessories include nose guards, Pro Tek fins and leash straps. Maintenance supplies include chamois cloths and surfboard wax. These not only maintain your surfboard, but also can enhance its performance.

You can find other things in a surf shop aside from wetsuits and surfboards. They also sell surf branded apparel like board shorts and t-shirts. These are not only perfect for a pre and post-surfing wear, but also for everyday fashion. Billabong, Roxy and Rip Curl are examples of popular surfing brands that are sold in surf shops. Surf shops also sell sun block, sunglasses and caps. And if you are looking for waterproof accessories, surf shops will surely have them.

Surf shops should always promote the surfing lifestyle. Shops should show everyone that surfing isn’t only for beach bums; surfing is for everyone.

Buying a custom designed surfboard is not as easy as you think. Gold Coast shapers just do not market themselves well and are hard to find. Damian Papworth wants to rectify this.

Article Source: Damian Papworth

Surf Shops: Promoting the Surfer Lifestyle

Green Transportation: How it Helps the Planet Against Climate Change

By Sunshine Chen

Usually, public transport and car pooling is considered a green mode of transport, compared to private vehicles, although for some people a better definition of green transport is one that does not involve non-renewable energy.

Indeed the scope of green transport cannot be limited to electric vehicles and hybrid cars alone. It may also include walking, cycling and other forms of human-powered transport, green vehicles, solar energy transportation, wind energy transportation, water energy transportation, electric transportation, and other forms of renewable energy transportation or alternative energy transportation.

A transportation reform group called the Transportation Alternatives has inspired a green transportation hierarchy which rewards the low cost, space efficiency and zero environmental impact of cyclists and pedestrians. Trucks get priority over personal cars due to scarce curb side parking and for eliminating double-parking problems. The green transportation hierarchy include congestion pricing, the pricing of all on-street parking in Manhattan south of 96th Street, tolls on bridges and tunnels, and parking policies that prioritize commercial needs over personal cars.

The year 2008 had been a good year for green energy transportation. It was in this year when lots of competitors came up with cars that competed with the hallmark hybrid vehicle Toyota Prius. Among these cars include the Ford Fusion, the Mini-e, the Audi A1, and the Honda Insight which had all left a good impression on auto owners who also liked living green. The green car that got the most raves, however, was the Chevy Volt. The Chevy Volt was built by General Motors with the goal of building an electric platform that can be deployed first in the Volt, and then later on to cheaper cars. Many have commented on the irony of having a company that killed the electric car which is now building one to survive.

Key characteristics for a green car can also include being small and efficient. For compact green cars, Nissan’s Nuvu and the robot-assisted Pivo 2 had been launched. Meanwhile Chrysler developed the GEM Peapod while Mitsubishi came up with I-Miev.

Other green cars that aimed to battle global warming that were launched in 2008 include Mazda’s Kiyora, a car that cleans water, BMW’s hydrogen-powered car that cleaned the air as it goes through the city, and the Eco-Elise from Lotus, an energy-efficient vehicle that was created with green materials.

Hungary also introduced their own efficient car -the Antro, which has 150 miles per gallon mileage. Volkswagen, on the other hand launched a 235 mpg concept with the VW 1L. French Microjoule is also hoping to produce an 8923 mile-per-gallon vehicle in the near future.

There are many other means of green transport out in the market. Here are some basic green car tips to remember:

  1. Before getting in your car, consider whether you could reach your destination by other means. Walking regularly can reduce your risk of heart problems and other illnesses.
  2. Identify your most common destinations, and investigate whether you could get there by bus, train, bike, or walking.
  3. Travel to work or school by public transport, walking, or cycling once a week.
  4. Investigate the possibility of car sharing. By sharing with one other person, you could half your costs of driving.
  5. When driving, get rid of any additional and unnecessary weight, like roof bars or bike racks.
  6. Use air conditioning carefully, as this increases fuel consumption by 15%.
  7. Change into a higher gear as soon as possible.
  8. Accelerate and brake as slowly and smoothly as possible.
  9. Drive at slower speeds - driving at 70 mph uses 30% more fuel than driving at 40-55 mph.
  10. Have your car serviced regularly - an incorrectly adjusted carburetor can waste up to 25% of fuel. Incorrect tire pressure can increase fuel consumption too.
  11. Switch off your engine at short stops (more than one minute).

Sunshine Chen is a seasoned writer, having travelled around the world, largely putting all her experiences and the sights and sounds she has come across to paper. She now writes extensively about topics related to green news, mostly on renewable energy, but also on a variety of related topics as well. When not travelling around the world, she is based in Central Hong Kong, taking in the myriad colours, flavours, and scents of the melting pot that Hong Kong is known for.

Article Source: Sunshine Chen

Green Transportation: How it Helps the Planet Against Climate Change

What is Earth Day?

By Richard N. Williams

More and more people getting interested in environmental issues all the time and in doing so, many of the long running environmental campaigns that were once seen as fringe movements are now becoming mainstream events.

Earth Day is one such movement. Started in 1970 by the US senator Gaylord Nelson, it has grown from being just a minor American day to a global event celebrated by countries across the globe.

Most countries celebrate Earth Day on 22 April but the United Nations have their own in March. However, many countries precede the actual day itself with a week of eco and environmental promotion.

Earth Day is aimed at encouraging eco friendly living and promoting such schemes as recycling, energy efficiency, and reducing waste. And this year it is celebrating its 40th anniversary and it expected to be the biggest celebration in the day’s history.

Across the globe all sorts of initiatives and schemes are conducted to promote eco friendly ideas; from rallies, and large pop concerts to mass switch off’s and recycling projects. It is estimated that almost a billion people will get involved in some aspect of this Earth Day anniversary.

And there is something everybody can do to celebrate this global event too. Earth day is a great opportunity to begin all those eco friendly schemes that you have been putting off. From recycling and reducing energy consumption; to turning all the appliances off that are normally left on stand-by; It is also a great way of kick starting those positive habits that could go a long way of helping the environment.

But being green and keeping up an eco friendly lifestyle does require some determination so it is important to remember the Earth is forever not just a day!

Richard N Williams is interested in green innovations and writes about them. Please visit our website if you are interested in eco friendly living or other eco-friendly products.

Article Source: Richard N. Williams

What is Earth Day?

6 Top Tips to Make Life a Little Bit Greener

By James H. Hunt

Green living and being more energy efficient is something that everyone has to think about nowadays. Not only is the good of the environment at the forefront of everyone’s minds but the pinch of the recession means that saving money is something that even more people are thinking about that ever. Here are a few easy tips to help you make a start on making everyday life that little bit greener:

  1. Unplug, Turn Off & Shutdown: Even when your computer, TV and other appliances are on standby, they’re using electricity! Try to make sure you shutdown, switch off at the mains or unplug electrical items in the home wherever possible. This will also reduce your carbon footprint as it’s estimated that equipment left on standby in the UK produces 3.1 million tonnes of CO2 a year!
  2. Give Your Shower a Facelift: Getting a newer and better shower head could save up to 5 litres of water a minute! A new more efficient shower head can use up to a third less water per minute than older models.
  3. Eat Locally & Seasonally: So much produce in your local supermarket has been shipped from faraway lands! Shipped by boat, truck, plane or train just think about the amount of greenhouse gases that have been emitted to get that bunch of bananas there!
  4. Improve Heat Retention in Your Home: Probably the two most common green home improvements: installing double glazing and loft insulation. Although not as easy as the above tips, these two combined can massively increase heat retention in the home and therefore decrease energy bills therefore reducing your carbon footprint. It’s definitely something we should all think about getting done.
  5. Lower the Thermostat: We all know just how cold it can get here in the UK, especially after the winter just gone but turning your thermostat down by just one degree can reduce energy usage by up to 10%.
  6. Look After Your Car & Don’t Overfill the Tank or the Boot: If your tire pressures are right and your car is looked after, it WILL run more efficiently. Leaving loads of stuff in the boot and filling the tank to the brim also add extra weight which means more fuel is used. Try to put less petrol in more often and keep the clutter to a minimum and you’ll help save money and the environment.

Increase the energy efficiency of your home with double glazing from Safestyle UK.

Article Source: James H. Hunt

6 Top Tips to Make Life a Little Bit Greener

What Simple Things Can I Do to Help Save the Planet? Think, Reuse, Recycle!

By Felicity Lightbody

Saving the planet and reducing your carbon footprint is the key to reducing the spread of global warming. This, along with over population are two of the biggest threats to all life on this planet. As the lead species involved in the destruction of life, we know that surely we should be taking every opportunity to help slow down the effects of carbon dioxide on our planet.

The maintenance of key features on the planet such as the rainforest and ice caps is what will stop the eventual destruction of the planet. The steps required to make a big change in how we affect the planet have been well documented in terms of the international treaties and agreements on reducing the production of greenhouse gasses. The fact is that everyone can make a difference. Many people have been affected by the global economic crisis and cannot afford to take direct action like sponsoring the rainforest but can do small things like turning off unused lights, televisions and electrical equipment. It will also cut down on our electric bills in the process.

Recycling has become more of a way of life for all of us especially when most local councils know recycling is great for the planet by reusing precious resources but it can also generate them serious money. Recycling our used plastic, metals and glass can save a huge amount of money for companies in production and our local officials can sell the resources to those who can reuse them and generate an income through our waste, so it’s a win win situation.

Taking recycling another stage further is items such as clothing, shoes, household fabrics and household furniture. There are many charities willing to collect unwanted items in the hope they will be able to sell them for a small profit that will help needy people as well as helping those who cannot afford to buy these items new. Before you throw something out next time think about possibly donating it to a charity shop especially if it is not ruined or worn but simply something you do not enjoy anymore then pass it on to someone who might. Even those items that have been ruined can be chopped up and used as cleaning rags rather than buying new ones.

There has been a massive increase in the recycling of metals and as the cost of mining metals from the earth has increased, so much recycling metal has become a big business with plenty of people willing to sift through skips for scrap metals.

Technology is a great source of metal which is why simply throwing away electrical items can be a real waste and many big businesses know there is money to be made in recycling phones. Envirofone was one of the first in this field to see the potential waste when mobile phones were being thrown into the bin. There is a surprising amount of precious metals inside a mobile and in the right hands even a broken mobile can be fixed and sold to someone else or the parts used to prevent damaging the environment and wildlife. Envirofone review second hand or broken mobile phones and give a customer a price for their unwanted phone and make a payment once the phone is safely received and in the stated condition.

There are many companies now offering a similar service to envirofone, cash for old mobile is quite a common service and big companies services such as O2, Boots and even the Post Office are getting in on the act. The recycling of technology has become very big business and now there are even sites who can recycle other digital equipment such as laptops, computers, cameras and accessories for a PC.

The basic idea is nothing has to be thrown away. Making a real effort to think about how we can salvage something before we discard it will ultimately help save the planet. The more we use the resources we have already taken from the planet, the better. We can also reduce the waste in producing items by incorporating recycling into the production of certain goods, especially packaging, then even better. Everyone can lead a greener life by recycling.

Felicity is a intermittent journalist, writing infrequent columns in the UK on telecommunications and mobile devices. See how much you could get for your old mobile phone with Envirofone, as well as comparing the price on all the phone recycling companies like Mobile Phone Exchange at recyclemobilephones.co.uk

For more information on this, please visit recyclemobilephones.co.uk Blog.

Article Source: Felicity Lightbody

What Simple Things Can I Do to Help Save the Planet? Think, Reuse, Recycle!

Types of Surfboards

By Rene Thompson

A surfboard is a uniquely Californian icon, although surfing actually originated in Hawaii hundreds of years ago. If you’re thinking of taking up the popular hobby of surfing, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is what kind of surfboard to choose. Modern surfboards range in length from 5 to 12 feet, but length isn’t the only consideration to keep in mind.

There are many different surfboard designs, each with their own purpose, advantages, and disadvantages. The three main surfboard categories are soft surfboards, longboards, and shortboards. Soft boards are recommended for beginners, as they are comfortable and very stable. The softer foam reduces the chance of injury when falling off the board. Most soft surfboards are made with foam coated with fiberglass, and measure between nine and ten feet long to assist you with balance and stability.

The longboard is typically the board of choice for intermediate surfers. This board is made entirely of fiberglass, making it much more rigid and harder than the soft surfboard. In ancient times, this style of surfboard would have been carved from a solid tree trunk, and weighed up to 150 pounds. These boards range in size from nine to twelve feet.

Finally, experienced surfers may move on to shortboards, which are fast and maneuverable. They are also difficult to balance on, making them frustrating for beginning surfers. Short surfboards are recommended for those who are ready to start learning tricks or joining surf competitions.

The shape of the surfboard can have an even more dramatic affect on the rideability of the board. The outline of the board determines turning speed and how the board will handle in the water. Within the three main types of surfboard, there are dozens of shape variations that have come and gone over the years.

The most popular surfboard shape for beginners is the ‘egg,’ which has a rounded profile and tail shape. This board is ideal for catching smaller waves. It won’t let you perform the tricks you see in surfing competitions, but it’s a good starter board for those looking to have a lot of fun on the surf. Another popular surfboard shape, known as the Fish, was created in the 1970s and made instantly popular by pro surfer Tom Curren. Shorter than the Egg, this board is designed for surfing smaller waves.

Most longboards, also known as Mal boards, typically have a single fin and a large rounded nose. This surfboard can often be seen in Malibu, where it is used to catch the biggest waves. An offshoot of the longboard, the Mini Mal is shaped like the Mal, but only measures seven to nine feet long. This change in length allows the board to be much more maneuverable. Many of these boards have three fins rather than the single fin of the Mal. The Gun is another mid- to long- surfboard, measuring 7 to 12 feet. Popular on beaches known for big waves, such as Waimea Bay, this board is shaped like a shortboard, but has the length of a longboard or Mini Mal.

Surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed at virtually any age and can quickly become a lifestyle or a way of life. Whether you live on the beach in California, or daydream about laying out on the white sands of Hawaii, summer makes thousands of people think of the time-honored tradition of surfing.

Royal Tiki’s genuine Hawaiian Tiki statues, totems and masks make a great addition to any Tiki bar. Also check for current specials on a mask for your Tiki hut

Article Source: Rene Thompson

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Earth Day, 2010: Change for the Better

By Meghan Teixeira

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day falls on Thursday, April 22nd in 2010. The ways to get involved are countless, with major events taking place in each city across the United States. As the world consciousness expands, people are making it more of a priority to tread lightly on our earth. Fuel efficient vehicles, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and basic recycling are steps many Americans already hold as priorities in their homes. It’s time to take things to the next level.

Every aspect of life is filled with options, and as a global society it is our responsibility to seek out the better ones. For every chemically packed, oil based, and earth-harming option, there is a counterpart that is a cleaner and green alternative. To truly celebrate our Earth this year, take a moment in your upcoming projects, purchases, and even daily events to consider how to do just a little bit more, with these ideas as an offer to jumpstart the creative alternatives.

One of the best kept secrets in home and office flooring is cork tiling. Cork is harvested from the bark of a cork tree without killing the tree, and is compacted into various products (including bulletin boards and wine stoppers). One rising trend is the use of cork tiling for floors, as cork is naturally water resistant, offers excellent acoustic buffers, is simple to maintain, and is a more comfortable alternative to wood flooring with a similar look. Cork floors come in a variety of colors, grains, and sizes with incredible options for customization of colors and patterns. All the while, the trees from which this amazing product are harvested remain unharmed, and ready to re-harvest in a few years time. If you have home renovations in mind, consider this product for your new flooring. And take a look at the variety of green paints that easily available at local hardware stores.

Not everyone, however, has the time, means, or desire to undertake a major home renovation or purchase a fuel efficient car. Instead, pick a new answer to an easy question: paper or plastic? Over the past few decades, plastic bags have become the assumed choice, as consumers have considered it a kinder alternative to cutting down trees. Unfortunately, many plastics are oil based products that are difficult to recycle and even more harmful to produce. Almost all grocery stores offer bags that can be purchased for roughly $1 and can be reused indefinitely, with sturdy handles and lined insides. You will find yourself carrying less bags with these alternatives, and may even start saving a few extra cents at the checkout, as some major grocery chains offer discounts to those who bring their own bags.

Lastly, one great way to reduce trash and help the environment is to create your own home compost pile. Many cities offer compost containers created from modified trashcans that have been damaged. By learning a few simple guidelines on what to and to not throw into your compost pile, you will begin using less trash and have no need for expensive soils and fertilizers. A flourishing garden also creates more plant life that convert carbon dioxide into the life sustaining oxygen we thrive on.

The ways to preserve the environment are endless and simple. It is time to replace the feeling of helplessness with an educated empowerment that will ultimately improve our world for generations to come. If you don’t have time to participate in any of the Earth Day activities this year, make it a point to implement some of these simple and necessary changes in your daily life. You, and your planet, will be thankful that you did.

Meghan Teixeira is the Marketing Manager of ImpressInPrint.com an online invitation and stationary company.

Article Source: Meghan Teixeira

Earth Day, 2010: Change for the Better