Archive for November, 2008

What Gear To Have When Kayaking

Friday, November 21st, 2008

It is always important to have the right gear when you are going out kayaking. For safety reasons and to get the most enjoyment out of your experience. First of all I must stress the importance of helmets. There are many kayaking have injuries and even deaths each year from simply not wearing helmets. The rivers can have rocks and if you tip out of your kayak you don’t want to hit your head on one of those rocks. The next would be warm clothing. If you don’t stay warm during your kayaking then you will not have an enjoyable time. That is about it for apparel so it’s on to accessories.

Although it may seem odd at first bug spray is always on the top of my list. Why would you need bug spray when you are getting splashed with water? Because you aren’t always in the water. You will sometimes need to walk a mile or so to get to your destination or stop to take a break for a while on the riverbank. Next would be safety gear such as a medical kit and survival gear. A lot of the rivers kayakers take are in the wilderness and if you get lost in the wilderness you will want every advantage you can get. Then of course comes your basic camping gear if you plan on camping out for a night or two. Always include a way of making a fire and a GPS if you have one. GPS’s are a great way to stay on track. Also remember to include a way of making fire even if you aren’t camping out. This is one of the most common mistakes but the most deadly as well.

The Beginners Guide to Basic Camping Equipment

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

When it comes to camping, being prepared is essential for a fun and safe trip. There are many extras you can purchase for comfort, but you should first and foremost be equipped with the basics. Your most basic concern will be shelter and sleeping arrangements. You should choose the right tent for your needs.  If it’s only you, a simple single-person tent will suffice. For families, larger multi-person tents make better choices. Next, your choice of bedding, such as a sleeping bag, will mean the difference between a peaceful night’s rest and a no sleep.

The next essential is food. You may be expecting to fish and catch your own food, but don’t count on this. Anything can happen and you don’t want to be stuck with nothing to eat. Pre-packaged food like chips and beef jerky are a good choice if you’re not comfortable with outdoor cooking. If you are, you might opt for something like hot dogs.

Also absolutely essential is water. For one person, bring a couple gallons, just in case. For families, more will be needed. And don’t forget the incidentals, such as waterproof matches , a compass in the event you get lost, a utility knife, small first aid kit, and even a cell phone if you have one. Remember, having the right equipment can save your life.

Different types of Catamarans and their functions

Friday, November 7th, 2008

Most Catamarans are dual-hulled boats, meaning that they contain two different hulls, called Amas, separated by two poles, called Akas, which typically carry a platform between them. Most Catamarans differentiate in sizes, although recently they have drifted towards the larger side, becoming bigger and bigger, until today, where they are commonly very large boating vehicles.

One different type of Catamaran is the Pontoon boat. This boat is very similar to the typical Catamaran, but instead has a platform that is placed on the Akas, with additional flotation devices underneath. It is very cheap to make and is very conventional. Most of these boats are motor powered, and are very stable. Many are passenger boats as well. They require no ballast, and this makes them very, very efficient.

Another type of Catamaran, known as the Swatch (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) is another common type of Catamaran. It was invented by Canadian Frederick G. Creed during the year of 1938. These Catamarans have very, very broad decks, but much, much higher water resistance than mono-hulled boats of comparative size. The increased size, allows for increased displacement, which makes them extremely efficient in rough water, and these vessels are commonly used in navy’s across the world.

Choosing the Right Camping Gear

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

When camping it’s important to have the right camping gear for your trip.  Having too little gear can make the experience a little more difficult.  For example, if you’re planning starting a fire and cooking out, not having a match or lighter to light your fire can make it more difficult than it needs to be.  Forgetting the stakes for your tent can render your tent almost useless.

Before you set out, make sure you thoroughly think your trip through from start to finish.  Make a note of everything you’ll need for each part of your camping experience.  Planning ahead like this will make your camping trip so much more relaxed as you can feel confident you’ve got everything you need.

You want to be sure you plan for any issues that might come up, beyond your typical camping activities. For example, it’s always a good idea to have a well stocked first-aid kit. So long as you’re careful and pay attention to what you’re doing, it’s unlikely you’ll need it but you can never be too prepared.