Friday, April 27, 2007

Big Wave Surfing!


Bring Your Board - Surf's UP!

At a glance, from HI:

Pete Cabrinha had ridden big waves before, but as he surfed down the face of a giant wave over the notorious Jaws reef at Maui, Hawaii, last January, he just kept going and going..... "It was growing in front of me and growing behind me, so it felt like I wasn't getting anywhere," Pete recalled. There had already been 10 "bone crushing" wipeouts that morning. There are several still pics of the ride (not included) but shot in the calm water with a waterproof digital slr camera case.

When Pete Cabrinha began picking up speed, blazing down the wave, its break was catching up from behind fast. People watching on the shore started cheering and yelling "Go, Go Pete", as he blazed across the wave, trying to stay ahead of the white water. He rode out some bumps but never lost his balance and finished his ride intact. Upon reaching calmer water outside the reef, his pal Rush Randle told him, that it was the largest wave he'd ever seen. After pictures of Cabrinha's ride had been analyzed, Randle's assertion was right. The wave measured 70 ft.! Yep, seventy (70') - the highest wave ever surfed and recorded. Go Pete Cabrinha - yea!

Many surfers don't believe that record will hold. In 2001, Billabong, an Australian surf-wear company, set up the Billabong Odyssey, a fund for surfers to travel anywhere on the planet, in pursuit of a 100-ft. wave. Billabong will award $250,000 to the first surfer who successfully rides one (uhmm, 1/4 million ain't what it used to be Billabong - 100' waves - you're kidding me??).

The perfect storm out at sea, traveling faster over 40 mph. and breaking with such a force that it could be heard miles back from the beach, a 100' wave would certainly kill anyone who fell off while riding it. Billabong claims to have 64 volunteers on its list ready to go for it. Still want to take a ride on the big waves? Billabong is your hook-up!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

A Day At The Beach?


Headed for the Beach


Whether you find yourself elected to take your kids and their friends to the beach or woke up full of energy and looking forward to catching a few nice sets of waves - don't forget where you are! The beach is a blast most times, but the environment of heat, sand and sun can do a real number on your body and other associated gear you'll be bringing along.

Think of some of the items you'll be carrying. sunglasses, camera, car and home/hotel keys, cash, mobile phone, travel visa and credit cards...just to name a few!

Let's contrast this gear (include more for your needs if appropriate) - to the enemies mentioned above: heat, sand, lotions, food, drinks and sun to name a few. Ever try to get sand or water out of your new digital/slr camera - and have it live? Few have been able to revive them and have them work as new again. Precision instruments such as cameras don't like sand or water in their internals. Sunglasses buried in the sand can be a waste of hard earned cash, not to mention the hazard they present to beach walkers/runners. How do you get home when your car keys have fallen from a blanket or discarded article of clothing and bury themselves in the sand or fall out of your pocket in the water? You're calling home or a cab right?

Let's not forget the mobile phone you brought along, they tend to dislike water more than cameras. Dunk a cell phone and it's history for sure! You take the kids into the shallows to play and while attending to them, some crook who's been glassing the beach looking for opportunities, may shoot over to your blanket and calmly pick up you wallet with cash, credit cards and I.D. then slowly get up and walk away with everything you own - wow that hurts!

We found the perfect all purpose pouch for carrying everything above and more. It is an inexpensive PVC pouch from ewa-marine. Stow all of your valuables inside and it can be carried around the neck or tied off of your waist with the closure lanyard. They aren't recommended for "swimming" but they are waterproof, they float with your stuff inside and will hermetically seal itself against splashing, rain, sand or body lotions. I think they're a "must have item" for anyone who spends much time at the beach or at poolside. They are certainly a value and priced in the $20 -$25 dollar range. Getting one is a no brainer gang - get yours today!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Differences Between a Charts and Maps


Let's Clear Up The Confusion!


A chart, especially a nautical chart, has special unique characteristics including a very detailed and accurate representation of the coastline, which takes into account varying tidal levels and water forms, critical to a navigator. It's important to store your maps and charts in a waterproof case!

A map, on the other hand, emphasizes land forms, including the representation of relief, with shoreline represented as an approximate delineation usually at mean sea level.

A chart is a working document. It is used to plot courses for navigators to follow in order to transit a certain area It takes into account special conditions required for one's vessel, such as draft, bottom clearance, wrecks and obstructions which can be hazardous. Way points are identified to indicate relative position and points at which specific maneuver such as changing courses, must be performed.

A map on the other hand is a static document which serves as a reference guide. A map is not, and can not be used to plot a course. Rather it provides a predetermined course, usually a road, path, etc., to be followed. Special consideration for the type of vehicle is rarely a consideration. Further, maps provide predetermined points-road intersections-to allow one a choice to change to another predetermined direction.

Charts provide detailed information on the area beneath the water surface, normally not visible to the naked eye, which can and is very critical for the safe and efficient navigation.

Maps merely indicate a surface path providing no information of the condition of the road. For instance a map will not provide information on whether the road is under repair (except when it is a new road) or how many pot holes or other obstructions it may contain. However the driver is able to make a visual assessment of such conditions.

Since we need to have an underwater's eye view - let's get those charts out and use them!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Dive Pennekamp Reef!


An Aquatic Paradise

Founded in 1963, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park created in the United States. The park's name is to honor the late John D. Pennekamp, a Miami newspaper editor, whose efforts contributed to the establishment of Everglades National Park and the preservation of what would become John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park and adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. These areas were established to protect and preserve the only living coral reef along the coast of the continental USA. If time is limited, be sure to make reservations for the boat trips.

The park contains a large selection of tropical vegetation, birds and marine life. The mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks offer visitors a unique experience, it's the coral formations and the marine life that bring most visitors come to the park. The park lands and waters are teeming with life. This is a great spot to put on your list of stops while visiting Florida.

Yours truly missed this years trip, but my father and brother-in-law did make the trip and had a great trip except my brother-in-law accidentally purchased the wrong camera housing (used - no returns) and wasn't able to use his new digital video camera. At least he only spent $25 on it, so no big loss - just a memory booster to "read the fine print". He needed a good waterproof digital camcorder case for a little more money, to have picked up some spectacular shots. My Father told me the reefs were just filled with fish, and some schools were so large that you couldn't see more than a few inches in front of your face until they had passed. They saw a good 10 - 12 ft nurse shark as they swam around a section of the reef and kind of froze solid wondering what to do next. The shark decided with a quick flick of his tail - he spun 180 degrees and shot off in the other direction like a bullet. These big fish can sure generate some power with their large tails and stocky builds. There were a lot of barracuda and several moray eels were spotted. It sounded too good to be true, but that's what Pennekamp Reef is like - a true wonderland of every variety of fish can be seen visiting the reef.

For those who like to do a little snooping around, there are tunnels and caverns that a diver can swim into and come out at the other end or even a different spot on the reef completely. There are camping and lodging facilities right at the State Park and you're also very conveniently located to other accommodations as well. The Park is also "pet friendly" for those who have their family pet along for their vacation. I highly recommend diving Pennekamp Reef - you won't be sorry!

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

River Rafting Alaska


Rafting in Alaska - Trips for Everyone's Tastes!


Does jamming down a stretch of boiling white water suit your tastes? Maybe you want to just relax and take a scenic float trip down a beautiful 20 mile stretch of river.

There are some of us older folks who may want to experience the scenic landscape and the many kinds of wildlife that inhabit the river bottoms. You can charter a float trip and have your guides paddle you along the river as you relax with a loved one and shoot photos or shoot the breeze with the experienced tour guides. Alaska is one of your last bets to experience real wilderness on American soil.

I'm providing a link to a resource for great river rafting trips. They offer everything from fast and furious to the more sedentary float trips. Check this site out!