Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next HikeWritten by Monica Marty
Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next HikeIt is downhill ski racing competition of winter Olympics. You watch a ski racer zoom down slope manoeuvring through ski gates. However, you notice that something is missing. The skier has on skis, boots, and a giant slalom skin tight racing suit. You realize what’s missing when their arms flail about causing them to lose their balance on a patch of ice. They are missing their ski poles. It is cross country skiing competition of winter Olympics. You cheer from crowd as skiers fly down trail. Each skier pushes hard with their ski poles. However, one skier is left far behind pack because he does not have any ski poles. His graceful cross country rhythm has been interrupted due to a lack of balance. In both cases, skiers lost race because they were missing their ski poles. Ski poles are vital because they help maintain balance, provide support, and relieve some of pressure off your body. If use of a ski pole is so crucial, then why is it that many hikers do not use a hiking pole during their hikes? You might not think of a hiking or trekking pole as a necessity until you compare hiking to cross country skiing. In hiking you traverse across a terrain of varying degrees and obstacles. There is constant stress and strain on your muscles and joints as you navigate through rocks, sandy areas, and elevated terrain. Your knees and lower back are constantly adjusting to pressure placed on them. This can lead to soreness and pain. This is comparable to demands of cross country skiing.
| | The Versatility of Inflatable KayaksWritten by Monica Marty
When you think of kayaks you most likely picture a kayak constructed from plastic or a composite of fiberglass and Kevlar. However, kayaks have been available in inflatable form for several decades. These kayaks are not like simple inflatable water toys in your swimming pool. Inflatable kayaks provide durability and stay afloat easily. Plus, inflatable kayaks have superior tracking abilities compared to inflatable boats. These are just a snippet of countless features that bring confidence and interest to many kayakers.Inflatable kayaks have several advantages. They weigh less then their plastic and composite counter parts. They are easily mobile and can be carried by one person versus need for several people to move a hard-hull kayak. Inflatable kayaks can be used on day tours, camping trips, and sea kayaking. If you have little storage space available, then an inflatable kayak will suit your needs. It can be quickly stored in a compact area. Experienced kayakers may doubt durability of inflatable kayaks, especially with regards to sea kayaking. Inflatable kayaks bode quite well on sea. In fact, inflatable kayaks are puncture resistant. If a puncture does occur, then it can be patched up quickly. A puncture will not lead to a sinking kayak because of structure of inflatable kayak. What type of inflatable kayak will best suit your kayaking needs? There are several brands and models of inflatable kayaks to choose from. Do you want speed or stability in your kayak? If you desire speed then a long, slender kayak will be a good option. If stability weighs on your decision then a short, wide kayak will be an effective match. There are more detailed factors to consider such as payload capacity. Consult an inflatable kayak specialist before purchasing your kayak.
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