June 15, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Glenn Kolb

So, you got a great deal and found a cheap flight to your surfing destination. If you are packing up your Dakine bag with your two favorite surfboards, you may be in for a nasty surprise. In the world of surf travel, not all airlines treat your surfboard the same. How do the airlines stack up? Many of them, not so well.

Let’s start with the worst. One major US based air carrier charges between $175 and $250 each way for your surfboard bag. To fly with this airline with your surfboard you are going to be paying between $350 and $500 round trip just for your surfboard. You can buy a new surfboard for $500 or a used surfboard for even less. Maybe you could use that money to buy a surfboard when you land and give it to a local kid when you leave. Essentially you would be giving the money to a local kid rather than a business that was trying to stick it to you for simply wanting to travel with your surfboard. When you get back home, all of your surfboards are still going to be in the shape you left them and you won’t be out any more money than if you had brought your own surfboard with you. That is one way to make a good situation out of an ugly one.

Now for the bad. Unfortunately, most of the other major airlines around the world fall into this category. It is common practice for the airlines to deem your surfboard bag excess luggage and levy high fee’s on the surfboard bag. You can expect to pay around $100 each way with most airlines to travel with your surfboard. If you plan to travel with your surfboard, I can not recommend highly enough that you check the airlines policy on surfboard bags prior to booking any flight. Many airlines have luggage restrictions at certain times of the year and you may not be able to bring your surfboard for any price on the airline.

In today’s world of high jet fuel prices, it seems the airlines are competing tooth and nail on price and then try to make up for it with all of the “extras”. Well, here is the good news. Several airlines do want surf traveler’s business. A handful of airlines offer free travel for your surf bag. Quantas Airlines was awarded Surfer Magazine’s “Airline of the Year Award”. One of the factors in their decision was because Quantas do not charge for surfboard travel bags. In addition, Virgin Atlantic also offer free surfboard bag travel.

It is interesting to note that in November 2007 British Airways made a decision to no longer accept surfboards on all of their flights. This caused a stir with many travelers and even made its way into discussion in Britain’s parliament. In September 2009, thanks to a campaign on Facebook, British Air eventually reversed their decision. They now allow surfboards up to 6′3 (190cm). However, for many surfers this unfortunately means longboards and minimals (funboards) are not allowed.

If you are taking your surfboard on your next flight, I suggest you take the time to email any airlines that you chose not to fly with because of their baggage rules / fees on surfboard travel bags. Let them know they lost business. The Facebook campaign is an example that consumer pressure makes a difference. While you’re at it, let the airline you chose know what you think of their policy on surfboard travel bag charges.

You can get a detailed list of surfboard travel bag charges on international airlines at Surfhow’s Guide to Surfing.

Article Source: Glenn Kolb

Surf Travel: Surfboard Travel Bags, Baggage Limits on International Airlines

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June 14, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Byron Jonas

Are you looking for something for your surf look wardrobe? Are you having a bit of trouble hunting or do not know where to start? You could take a look at brands that are popularly known as distributors of surf clothing. These brands can serve as guides as to whether you are on the right track or not. Here are some of the popular brands of surf clothing:

Speedo

Speedo is well-known in the sports circles. The brand is well known for creating tight and sleek sports outfits that make movements faster and smoother. Speedo also contributes wetsuits and runners to the surfing world. Speedo surf walkers are more attractive substitutes or even replacements to the flip-flops when it comes to footwear to be worn comfortably while walking on the beach.

Roxy

For women who love to surf, there is a chic and sassy answer. Roxy has always been associated with active young women or girls who go for what they want, all the time. The brand offers sexy and sweet varieties for surf wear. There are chic and casual sweatshirts, tank tops and shorts for walking on the beach. There are also string bikinis for riding the waves. Roxy, however, also offers some no-nonsense wet suits for the serious surfer girl.

Quiksilver

For a cool, casual vibe at the beach you can go for Quiksilver surf clothing. There are some colorful and quirky board shorts to have fun with. You can even match it with your surfboard, if you want to that is. Quiksilver even offers no rash options. There are stretchy pieces, quick dry clothes and even ultra lightweight ones. What are you most comfortable with?

UV

Are you picking surfing wear for your children or for some young children you know? Then, you may turn to UV for the perfect protective and casually cool outfits for young and even older children. Some older children may have already started learning how to surf and could do well with a nice looking outfit.

Billabong

Billabong is another sports outfit powerhouse. It offers some really cool looking board shorts and t- shirts. Even some of the outfits coming from the brand may fit the surfer look even if they have not been made specifically for surfers.

There are many surf clothing brands out there. The above are just recommendations to start up your search. If you are looking for clothes at the mall, you may find other brands offering surfing clothes in the same section as the other brands.

Byron Jonas enjoyed his Gold Coast surf lessons. Now he practises lots and is really learning to surf properly.

Article Source: Byron Jonas

Browsing Through Popular Surf Clothing Brands

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June 9, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Meadow Summers

Blueberries are nutritional superstars. They range in flavor from tart to sweet and are low in calories yet packed with nutrients. They are best when they are in season, from May through October.

They grow on a shrub and belong to the heath family with relatives such as cranberries, bilberries, mountain laurel, rhododendron and the azalea. Blueberries grow in clusters. They can range in size the size of a small pea to the size of a marble. They are a deep color (part of what makes them so nutritious).

For the vegan, this recipe delivers! There are no animal products in this recipe. If you are a real purist, the whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted for a purer option such as ground buckwheat. The honey can be substituted by agave nectar or maple syrup. These shifts in the recipe may change the flavor slightly, but the great thing about recipes is that you can experiment and find what works best for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flax-seed egg substitute
• 2 cups soy, rice or almond milk
• 1 cup apple sauce
• 1 1/2 cups honey (or substitute with agave nectar or maple syrup)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 7 cups whole wheat pastry flour, sifted (or substitute with ground buckwheat)
• 2 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 1/2 cups blueberries, frozen and chopped in a food processor
• 2 1/2 cups blueberries, frozen, whole (can use fresh also)
• Raw, unrefined sugar for sprinkling on top

Method:

• Sift all the dry ingredients into large bowl and set aside.
• Whip all wet ingredients (except blueberries) for 2 - 3 minutes on high speed.
• Blend the wet mixture with the dry mixture and fold in blueberries using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to over mix.
• Spray muffin pans with vegetable or grapeseed oil cooking spray, or use muffin papers or silicone muffin molds.
• Fill muffin cups 3/4 full with batter using a cookie scoop
• Sprinkle a little bit of the raw sugar on top of each muffin before baking.
• Bake muffins at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until muffins spring back when lightly pressed
• Makes approximately 30 regular size muffins

After you remove the muffins from the oven let them sit for about 30 minutes to cool. This blueberry muffin recipe is so good you will want to share it with your friends!

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I completely changed my lifestyle, dropped almost 50 pounds and began a regimen of complementary treatments to support my immune system and get my body healthy again. It is one year later and I am feeling great. Please visit my website. There you will find lots of total cleanse information and health tips.

Article Source: Meadow Summers

Vegan Blueberry Muffin Recipe

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June 8, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Zoul-Kifl Pio

Surfing may only appear like its value can be commensurate to that of the fun it can provide. However, ever since the late 50’s, it has become a serious sport for many. As a matter of fact, it can never be related to beach bums just like before. Now you can hear of professional surfers who are earning millions from riding beautifully on waves. Because of this, there are men and women who take a surf lesson with the serious intent of a senior college student. You can enroll simply by merely going to a popular surfing spot. But, you have to select wisely your surfing school. Consider only those that have lessons for pros.

You should make sure, if the surf school you are in is duly recognized by professional surfing organizations. If it isn’t accredited, you are running the risk of being given a substandard surf lesson. It will be such a huge waste of time and money. The worse part is that you might end up being a little better that you were the first time. The pros will take your surfing as nothing better than that of a first timer on surfing. One major guarantee you can have is to hire a popular surfing pro as your instructor.

Location and season count matter most for quality surf schools. Therefore, you should not entertain enrolling at one that is located at beaches that do not provide good surfs. If you aspire to develop professional skills in surfing in due time then you must not be content only with the unchallenging waves. Go to a surf school that can truly bring out the pro in you by allowing you try the more difficult waves, such as dumpers. Of course, you must try first the small rolling waves but as soon as you get enough skills then you must try the more challenging ones.

You should give importance to your gear and to your equipment as you take that surf lesson. You will not get that great feeling of learning it like a pro if you only have access to substandard surfboards and wetsuits. This can get in the way of your learning process. You must see for yourself if the surf school lets you use different types of surfboards. A professional is someone who can use any kind of surfboard and still manages a superb performance.

The fourth and the last element to search in a surf lesson is the number of instructors. If you observed that they are too few compared to the number of learners, you can expect the quality of training to be affected badly. Of course, the ideal is one on one. If this is not possible, you can go for at least 7 students per instructor.

For a superb and super updated Surf Lesson to choose, find the best options from Surfing Secrets Revealed.

Article Source: Zoul-Kifl Pio

4 Things to Think of in a Surf Lesson for Pros

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June 7, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Mathew Roda

Surfboards sure can take a beating, yet eventually they have to be replaced. They can lose some of their buoyancy after a while especially if there are enough nicks in them. It can be unsafe to use an old surfing board because you may not realize that it is not stable until you fall off or hurt yourself while surfing. A new surfboard will provide you with a stable surface to stand on and you will be certain that it will properly stay afloat. It may difficult to control an old surfboard that has been used a lot because it may have too many scratches and holes.

Surfing boards have foam in the middle that is covered by either epoxy or fiberglass. The fiberglass or epoxy is then sealed. Fiberglass surfing boards are the most common boards, but epoxy boards are growing in popularity because they are lighter and faster. After you determine which material you want when you are going to buy surfboards, you then decide what size and shape of board you want. The most common board is the longboard surf board because it provides the maximum amount of support for surfers and can be ridden even in small waves. You can look for a local surfing boards shop to find a variety of longboards.

If you already have a surfboard that is long, you may want to consider transitioning from a longboard to a retro fish longboard or a shortboard. If you have been surfing for a while and have been mentored by a professional surfer, you will want to discuss the possibility of using a retro fish longboard or a shortboard. These types of boards will help you surf faster and do cuts and turns in the waves. You should be aware that short boards will require you to be able to adjust your body quickly so you can continue to ride them.

San Diego is a popular place for surfers to congregate because of the sunny weather and moderate climate. You will need to wear a wetsuit because the ocean water is quite cold. If you are in the market for a new surfboard, you will find a plethora of places in San Diego to buy surfboards. If you are not sure about what kind of wetsuit you should buy, you will want to ask a professional to help you. The best place to shop for surf gear is an online surf shop because you will have so many choices.

Matthew Roda is freelance writer, a beginner surfer, and a supporter of the San Diego surfing company degree33surfboards.com. At Degree33, you ride & LOVE their surfboards or they’ll buy them back. Their Website offers surfboards sales that are out of this world - for beginner to advanced surfers. They offer surfing longboards, shortboards and so much more!

Article Source: Mathew Roda

How to Buy a New Surfboard

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June 4, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Richard Merino

A surfing exercise program can benefit any level of surfer, from the wide-eyed beginner, to the grizzled veteran, and everyone in between. Even if you consider surfing just a casual hobby, you don’t want to be the guy who exhausts himself after only a few minutes of paddling and then spends most of his time in the water just trying to recover. And for the serious surfer who is already in pretty good shape, see how focusing on five specific areas of surf fitness will take your training to the next level, resulting in immediate improvements on the waves.

So what are the five critical types of surfing exercise that will make you a better surfer?

1. Cardiovascular: as part of your surf fitness, you will want to build up your endurance. Paddling takes a lot of energy, and you will be doing it for long stretches at a time. Running and swimming are very good surf exercises with cardio benefits. Be sure to do enough to keep your heart rate up for 30 minutes at a time.
2. Core strength: addressing your core means building up your abdominal and back muscles, which also are very important for paddling. In addition, core fitness is a big part of fighting against the weight of the water, which is something you do almost constantly while surfing the waves. Abdominal crunches, presses, and planks are good examples of core surf exercise.
3. Upper body: yet another area that will help with paddling! But again, because you spend so much time paddling, there are huge benefits to doing it well. By paddling faster, you’ll be able to catch more waves. A stronger upper body also will allow you to pop up onto your board more quickly. The bench press, pushups, pull-ups, and upper back moves like lat pulldowns are good in this area. Specific surf paddling exercises are shoulder presses and rowers, if you have access to a machine.
4. Flexibility: your surfing exercise program also should include stretching, something that a lot of people tend to avoid. More flexibility and mobility will allow you to maneuver your board better, remain upright, and do more tricks. As an extra benefit, if you are like some surfers and have lower back problems, stretching your back and hamstrings should give you some relief.
5. Lower body: conditioning your lower body is another way to help you remain on your board and do more advanced maneuvers. Movements involving balance and power will help strengthen your lower body. Your surf fitness program should include drills like lunges, squats, and calf raises. Incorporate the use of a stability ball to improve your balance even more; squats and bridges with a fitness ball are examples of enhanced lower body strength exercises for surfers.

By getting yourself fit for surfing, you will reach a level of health that most people only can imagine. You also will transform your appearance, which will have plenty of benefits too, especially when you’re on the beach lounging in your bathing suit. And perhaps most importantly for those of us who truly love to surf, your surfing exercise plan will help you reach your full potential as a surfer, allowing you to enjoy yourself more every time you step in the water.

To discover more tips and tricks for putting together a multi-dimensional surf workout, see pictures and video of the surfing exercise program designed by a licensed fitness trainer at http://surfingfitnesstips.com.

Article Source: Richard Merino

Surfing Exercise: The Top 5 Fitness Areas That Will Make Any Surfer Even Better

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June 2, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Michael R Browne

Picking the right area to begin surfing can greatly aid the learning process. A quiet, uncrowded beach with easy breaking waves, about 3 feet in height, is an ideal place to start.

Paddling a surfboard is an important skill that requires plenty of practice. Walk out with the board until waist-deep in the water then lie on the deck, keeping the weight centred in the middle of the board. Commence paddling, using a front crawl stroke with the arms, cupping the hands to make each stroke most effective. The idea is to determine the board position that offers minimal resistance. When the board begins to move smoothly through the water, the ideal trim position has been identified. Make a mental note of the relative positions of body and board, since remembering them will greatly ease future paddling.

Many novices experience difficulties with continual battering from breaking waves when paddling out. This can be avoided by using a technique known as “duck diving.” As the breaking wave approaches, firmly grip both edges of the board (rails) about halfway between its nose and midpoint. Transfer all the upper body weight onto the hands/ arms until the board tip begins to dip under the water, pointing the head down and allow the body to follow. Once below the water surface, bend the knee of the front leg and use it to propel the board tail under the wave. Forward momentum means that only a short period is spent underwater. When the wave has passed, allow the board’s buoyancy to lift it back to the surface.

How to Stand Up

Few things match the look of an experienced surfer riding a surfboard and the process of standing up on a board looks to be a straightforward process to the uninitiated. However, once the fact that the surfboard is on a pitching, rolling, surge of churning water is taken into consideration, it becomes clear that is anything but easy. The process of standing requires a leap from the prone position, while simultaneously repositioning the weight in all directions merely to remain in an upright position. It soon becomes apparent that a great deal of practice is required.

The beach is an ideal place to practice. The “pop-up” motion from prone to standing is accomplished via a quick push through the feet. Place the board on the sand (avoiding damage to the fins), lie on it and do a press-up. When the arms are fully extended, pull both knees towards the stomach and hop onto the feet. Regular practice will make this combination of movements second nature once in the water.

In the water, paddle for a wave and the moment to attempt standing is as the board’s momentum exceeds the paddling speed. Firmly grasp both rails, pushing up quickly, fully extending the arms and pulling the knees towards the chest. Plant the feet firmly, the leading foot just in front of the midpoint and the other near the tail. Maintain a low centre of gravity by crouching down, endeavoring to focus the body weight over the midpoint of the board. Keep the eyes looking straight ahead and leave the arms extended to help with balance.

Article by Michael R Browne for Simply Beach
For a huge selection of women’s designer swimwear, from the bikinis and tankinis, one piece swimwear, plus size swimwear, mastectomy and maternity swimwear, to kaftans, cover ups and summer dresses, beach hats and bags. At Simply Beach you’ll find everything you need to complete your summer wardrobe.

Article Source: Michael R. Browne

How to Learn the Basics of Surfing

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June 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Zoul-Kifl Pio

Being a surfer means it is in your nature to be drawn to huge waves. You must have tried one but while you are out there riding the waves with your surf board and waiting for the next huge one, you must have been dreaming of taking that surf vacation as you taste some of the world’s most popular swells.

Why don’t you turn that dream surf vacation into reality?

Every good surfer has to experience a surf vacation once a month. Out of town trips can be sometimes frustrating - what with all the packing and the preparations and the long list of things that you need to have while you are away. Many surfers may be water-logged when it comes to planning the real-life surf vacation. Keep in mind these directions so you will not forget anything, and you can just swim off into the wild blue yonder. Also remember to always double check the packing list right before taking off.

First thing’s first. Decide where you are going. It’s your destination that tells you what are the things you are going to need. If you are staying in a town, you might decide to book a room in a motel which means not brining a camping gear in tow. If you will be at an isolated part of the coast, you might need to camp or sleep in your vehicle.

Make a list of things to bring days before you leave. Obviously, you may be able to live as comfortably as you like but campers and long-time travelers have proven that to bring only what’s essential and a few more extra stuffs would make the stress level low.

Bring along toothbrush, toothpaste and flip flops and enough change of clothes that will keep you warm, dry and feeling clean even while you are far away from home. You will find shoes important if it is raining or if it’s cold or when there are hikes but even the cheapest sandals won’t help if you are constantly running out to check the waves or go off to the restaurant or for that bathroom break or simply living that sock free life in general.

Bring some essential foods like nuts, raisins, oranges, bananas, honey and peanut butter, tuna, bread and of course water.

If camping is in your plan, bring a tent or a sleeping bag. Bring with you a travel sleep pad if there’s one. This could show you the difference between having three hours and eight hours of sleep.

Most important of all for every surf vacation even if quick, you should bring your board, leash, wax, wetsuit, booties if it is too cold, gloves for the freezing temperature, sun screen, a towel and board shorts. It is also good to bring a spare leash.

Get the best resources about Surf Vacation spots and surfing secrets from Surfing Secrets Revealed.

Article Source: Zoul-Kifl Pio

Things Needed in a Surf Vacation

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