How To Balance Your Whitewater Kayak

If you’re someone who is considering becoming a whitewater kayaker then knowing how to balance a kayak is a very key to know. Balancing your kayak is a learned skill, if you want to get better at it here are some simple principles that you definitely have to understand. The two terms you need to know is Balancing and Leaning. You must understand the difference between them and how to properly do them. As I said before these are learned skills so take your time because precaution more times than not leads to safety; your safety!

When you go to balance a kayak there are two areas of your body that you should pay close attention to, and they are the torso muscles and the stomach area. When you do this you are making sure the kayak can function properly in the river as it comes up against the current. So, basically the kayak goes through the current with less resistance as compared to not having balanced the kayak at all. While out there on the river you are trying to avoid two things, and those spills, and flips. They happen when the kayaker tense up, and fight the current when you should relax your stomach and torso muscles to keep the kayak balanced.

Now on to leaning, you use leaning to ensure that the kayak does not flip. There are several causes for the flips, as we said earlier not having the proper balance, also the rapids, waves, and holes. The forces of the river have to be counteracted by an opposing force, and that is where “leaning” comes into play. This again, is a learned skill that is only obtained by practice, but once you master it you have thus moved on from being a beginner.

So the question that may come to is, how exactly do I “lean” my kayak? Well you have ways that are taught to beginners, which is the obvious ones, such as leaning side to side and using your hip to lift the kayak slightly. There is a more difficult lean to learn and that is the J Lean, trying to explain it here may not be sufficient so it is best to get a experienced kayaker and perhaps a certified trainer. However I will cover the general idea about J Leaning.

The J Lean’s general is to keep head and torso as straight as possible, and lift the kayak with your hip and simultaneously leaning toward the kayak. That is the best way to do one. Also remember not to use your paddle to balance. As I said earlier get a trainer or an experienced kayaker to show you how to properly do this.

Anthony Witherspoon researches and writes on various subjects, such as kayaking. For more information please visit at http://www.kayak-depot.info/Store/Whitewater%20Kayaks

By: Tony Witherspoon

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Sea Ray. The Most Popular Boat In The Us

During the last 15 years Sea Ray became the most popular boat in the US. It stays stronger than competitors because of design, features, and brand loyalty which was created.

Every Sea Ray boat is a reflection of the commitment to precision, innovation and craftsmanship. Spacious cockpits flow into thoughtfully designed cabins. The design, details and materials are tested and approved by the most dedicated group of professionals in the marine industry. The result is a line of boats, from 18 to 68 feet, that continues to set higher standards when it comes to aesthetics, engineering and technology. That's what you can expect from Sea Ray.

By: Sergey Rusak

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The Right Travel Company To The Right Vacation

You can count on spending a good deal of time and attending to a long list of details when you are planning any vacation. Besides the fact that you need to book flights or other transportation, and find room to pack all those "must-have" items, you need to figure out exactly what you're going to do on that perfect vacation.

That's where travel companies come into play. Travel companies can arrange all the details and get you to the right destination for the right price based on the specific details you give them. Naturally, doing the usual "comparison shopping" research before choosing a travel agent or company can pay off for you in a big way.

Using a travel agent or firm can even eliminate the hassle of deciding where to go if you can't make up your mind. Why not let an expert put the time into finding the right location by researching different places, as well as helping you to get the best deals that you might not know how to make for yourself? Due to the fact that they do this for a living, good travel agents have contacts with other people in the same industry all over the world.

Just their professional planning skills alone make agents valuable, and their experience and contacts help them get lower prices than you could yourself. They can save you money on hotels, get special tour deals, arrange for vegetarian and other special menus, and get you where you're going with cheaper flights and even discount cruises. Experience travel planners know how to get first-rate travel, accommodations and service at a discount because it is their job to do so. They also know that establishing a good relationship with you, the customer, can bring them additional business in the future, from referrals as well as your own next vacation.

It's always best not to go for the first travel company that you come across. Do your homework on this to find out if the company comes recommended by others that have used them before. Ask around and check with friends and family that might have used a particular travel agent or company, and read the travel section of a big-city newspaper to find any possible tips or suggestions.

The Internet is also a great tool to use when searching for a travel company, of course. Make sure to check in with the various travel forums and websites and keep an eye out for satisfied customers talking about the best agents and firms. It is important to establish a good working relationship quickly, and discuss your plans with someone that is easy to talk to. Communication is key and you must ensure that whoever helps you plan your trip understands what your goals (and dreams) are. When you find such a person and establish a candid relationship, you may just have found someone to help you again and again over the years.

When looking for a travel company or agent it is a good idea to search for an American Society of Travel Agents ASTA) member. This is an organization that is, in fact, a sort of cooperative "network" of travel-related businesses from all parts of the country and all niches of the travel industry. It includes not only agents and brokers, but airlines, cruise lines, hotels and concierge (personal service) firms. ASTA members can handle your vacation with a quality and professionalism that is unsurpassed. Relying on one of these professionals is a great way to reassure yourself that your vacation will go smoothly, and the ASTA connection ensures a certain level of expertise (and ethics). The ASTA will also respond quickly to any complaints about its members, so you have protection there, as well.

Remember, it is not just "okay," but expected, for you to have questions. After all, it's your money and vacation that are at risk. If you have found the right travel company, they will have all the right answers for you or know how to get them. Some companies even offer you the opportunity to speak with some of their past customers, whose experiences can give you valuable insight as to what you can expect with the firm.

Your travel company should always invest its full attention to the details of planning the right vacation for you and your family. Though the travel company should, first and foremost, attend to the numerous details of transportation and lodging traveling, you should always discuss the "little things" about the vacation you're planning. Anyone helping you plan a "dream getaway" will need to know exactly what you like and what you don't, and no issue is too small to mention. This kind of open and honest communication not only makes the planning a good experience, but will likely result in a vacation that is cost-effective, custom-tailored to your exact needs - and memorable, as well.

Float Market: One of Unique Place

Oke... Now i want invite you for visiting Float Market (in Indonesia = Pasar Terapung) which be tourist favorite place. Hmm it's a like traditional market but all acitivity do on the kelotoks (small boat) and jukung (kano).

Yeah unique i think. If you want shopping and order something, seller will give good which oredered by you using nailed stick. Hehehehe

Hmm... you must remember if you want visit "Pasar Terapung", you have to come before 09.00 Wite.

Loksado: Unique Place on South Borneo

If you visiting South Kalimantan, don't forget for visit Loksado. What is Loksado? Yupz Loksado is subdistrict on Hulu Sungai Selatan District and it's about 175 Km from Banjarmasin.

In here you can visit Dayak people who still live at Longhouse. Beside that you can try bamboo rafting on the Amandit river. Its enjoy and wonderfull trip, you must try it.

The "Kaget" Island On South Kalimantan

The Kaget island was a small island that was located on the middle of Barito River, +/- 1,5 hours with the small boat (kelotok) and 1 hour with used speedboat if departed from centre of the city (Banjarmasin). It's was the place of conservation for Bekantan, the monkey that had the long tail and various birds.

Bekantan was the very shy monkey. It's was the unique fauna and made the Banjarmasin City mascot. If you wanna visiting this island, maybe you can go at 17.00 s/d 18.00 cause at this time, Bekantan and the monkey that had the long tail will go out to looked for food.

Confuse Choose A Travel Agency For Your Holiday?

Travel agencies go beyond just finding plane tickets or booking a cruise. They often serve as the middle person between a traveler and the various services and destinations. It is a myth that booking through an agent will cost more. Travel agencies get their commissions from the various cruise lines, vacation packages, and airlines, not from the customer. This fact can actually save you money.

While it is true that if you simply need a flight from point A to point B, and back, you can probably get that on your own at a reasonable rate. Even if you need a hotel at point B for a few nights, you can negotiate that on your own and get a great rate. But, what if you need more than that? What if you don’t have the time to shop the rates, negotiate, and then compare all the rates? That is where a travel agency can come in and help.

When preparing for a trip, the packing, planning at home and the destination, arranging for coverage at work, and all of the other little details can be daunting. So, if you can get a little help with the travel details, it can be a big help. A travel agency can handle all of these particulars for you.

A travel agency can often pull together the airfare, hotel accommodations, rental car, and maybe even a few meals and event tickets, and put them into a package deal that makes the entire trip much less stressful. Their immense network of connections in various locations and with various services can help make each transition in the trip easier. When it’s done right you should not notice a bump anywhere, just a smooth ride from point A to point B.

The network of resources a travel agent has at their disposal pays off for you in price as well. Because a travel agency has connections with many different services they can find you the best flight, hotel, rental car, etc. for the right price. They spend the time researching all the options so you don’t have to. When they are done, they can put together a package with the best price for each component of the trip. They have leeway in the pricing also, because their commission comes from the companies they sell for, so they can offer a lower cost by cutting their commission slightly. You win with a great price, the airlines and hotels win with people in their beds and seats, and the agency wins with a multi-part sale.

A travel agency can also answer many of the questions that arise before a trip. They can help with travel insurance, inoculation procedures, passport and visa applications, connections at the destination, and even transport from the airport to hotel. They can often answer destination specific questions to help you prepare for the trip, as well, such as climate conditions, crime rate, availability of certain amenities, etc.

Any time you are planning a long, multi-destination trip or specialized trip, a travel agency should be involved. The multi-destination trip can become very confusing, especially if the destinations are international. The various countries are all likely to have their own laws governing travel and a travel agent can help you navigate those laws. They can also help you book the best, most reliable flights to and from the various points.

A traveler going to a difficult country or one where Americans are unpopular should also use a travel agent. Whether the issue is obtaining a Visa or slipping into the country via a small charter service from a friendly country, a knowledgeable agent will be able to help with that. Sometimes flying to a country like Switzerland and then taking a small connecting flight on a European airline will reduce the tension upon entering some countries.

Travelers with special needs or special requests will find more success using an agency, also. If you want to get special rates for age, affiliation, or occupation, you might find it easier with a travel agent. If you need a specific room number in a particular hotel in the city of destination then you might need a travel agent to arrange that for you. If you must follow a specific diet while traveling, a travel agent might be able to recommend eating establishments or the location of specialty food stores. They can also arrange for accommodations on flights.

If you find yourself stranded your agent may be able to redirect you and get you moving again. If a snowstorm in Maine strands you at the airport, they can help to find you accommodations. If your flight out of Cleveland is mysteriously cancelled they can help you get on another plane. If the hotel you were supposed to stay at in Bangkok burned to the ground just before you got there, they can find alternate lodging. Such disasters are rare, but they do happen – and working with a travel agent means that you have an advocate and a helping hand while you are away from home