Costs Associated With KiteSurfingWritten by Jakob Jelling
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All of these kites can be re-launched from water. There are many other manufactures of KiteSurfing equipment on market to choose from. Including: Wipika, Naish, Sea Jump, Seasmik, KiteSki, C-Quad, Banshee, Concept Air and fOne. Usually a setup can run in cost from $1500 to about $3,000 depending on accessories. The board can range from $499 to $1,200 and kite from $499 to $1,500. You can also purchase either or both of them used at a substantially lower amount. People have been known to convert old surfboards into KiteSurfing boards. There are numerous websites and literature on how to save money and get involved in this sport without spending a lot on equipment. Other costs factored into KiteSurfing are lessons, which normally start out at about $60 - $90 per hour. Most classes can range from 2 – 4 hours depending on what depth or level you are trying to accomplish. The final expense to be tallied is travel. Most of locations where there is enough open space and free beach are not located in highly populated areas around world.
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!
| | Top Tips for Successful BackCountry NavigationWritten by Chuck Fitzgerald
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* Always measure for yourself. You’ve prepared for your trip, now you should use what you learned. Bearing (direction of travel) and distance (number of steps or lapsed time) are two most important measurements to you when traveling in backcountry. Always measure for yourself, do not rely on anyone else for this. If your partner comes up with something different, sort it out. If you come up with same thing as your partner, then move on in confidence. * Never travel at night. Although a star lit sky can offer accurate navigational data, traveling at night is risky. Only experienced travelers should travel after dark. The major risk of traveling at night is injury. It is difficult to judge “footfall” distances and terrain in dark. * Keep a log book. If you are traveling from station to station (map feature to map feature) keep a written log of bearing and distance decisions you’ve made. This will aid you in recovering from navigational errors and will also aid you in returning to a known location. * If you think you’re lost S.T.O.P. Oftentimes admitting you are lost is toughest thing to do. It is also most important thing you can do. Once you’re lost, Sit, Think, Observe and Plan. S.T.O.P. will save you.Some final thoughts: * It’s OK to write on your map. * You should know how many steps you take to travel 100 yards. Write this number down on your map and in your log book. * When a new land feature presents itself to you, compare it to your map. * Keep your compass hanging around your neck, not in your pack. * Never use your compass on hood of your car or truck. Compass accuracy is adversely effected by metal objects. * Always travel with extra batteries for your GPS. * Pay attention to natural and manmade features such as fence lines, power lines, railroad tracks, ridges, valleys and rivers. Backcountry activities are fun…until you get lost. That’s why you should know how to navigate. Take a map reading class, read an orienteering book and practice. Like most life skills, navigating in backcountry is easy to learn. Get Outdoors!
Chuck Fitzgerald is Owner and President of Phoenix, Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information to outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055.
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