The ABC’s of Roller Derby
Up until last week, I practically had no idea what roller derby really is. All I knew was that it’s a female-dominated sport played on roller skates and that was it. But last Friday I came across an interesting article about the increasing popularity of roller derby in South Africa, which kindled the fire of curiosity in me and got me researching and gathering information about this unique sport. So, if you are interested in learning the basics of roller derby, then you are exactly where you need to be.
The Rules of Roller Derby
Every sport comes with its own rules, and roller derby is no exception. One roller derby match is made up of a series of two-minute countdown jams during which the two teams try to score as many points as possible. At the beginning of each jam, the two teams send five players onto the elliptical track: one point scorer and four blockers (one of which – the pivot – is a special kind of blocker).
The players are identified by their helmets – the jammers (or the point scorers) wear helmets with one or two stars, whereas the pivots wear striped ones. The active jammers score points by legally passing opposing skaters on their second and subsequent passes.
The most remarkable thing about this sport is the fact that the blockers are both defensive and offensive players, as they are trying their best to protect their jammer from the opposing players and stop the opposing jammer from scoring points at the same time. That’s precisely what makes this sport a high-adrenaline one.
Roller Derby Gear
When it comes to gear for roller derby, you should know that professional derby skaters are always well-equipped and protected, which means that you should be as well if you want to fully experience the beauty of this incomparable physical activity. Given the fact that roller derby is a very dynamic and aggressive sport (the players are allowed to shove their opponents and hit specific parts of their bodies), playing it without the right gear for roller derby is never a smart idea. A careful derby skater owns and uses a tough and comfortable helmet, a nice mouth guard, quality knee pads, elbow pads, and of course durable roller skates that fit them perfectly. Wearing stable yet agreeable roller skates means having a great base, for in this game everything starts and ends on skates.
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely going to see a roller derby bout soon and enjoy everything it has to offer. Who knows, maybe the whole watching experience will inspire me to become a skater myself. I’ll let you know if that happens.
The Essential Motorcycle Tools for Proper Maintenance
I am one of those types of motorcycle owners who don’t think of their motorcycle just as means of transportation. For me, my motorcycle is like my treasure, my most prized possession, my therapist and the enhancer of my style. Which is why you won’t see me take my baby for servicing in a motorcycle service shop. I know pretty much everything I need to about the model I have and how to maintain it. Don’t think of it as some kind of a biker’s pride, but more like a passion and an interest of mine. I do it because it’s my pleasure to do it.
So this post is for all of you who own a motorcycle and don’t see it just as a fast way to get from point A to point B. Maintaining your motorcycle doesn’t have to be a hard task or something to panic about. It should be easy, pleasant and effective if you have the right motorcycle tools.
Changing the Oil the Right Way
Changing the oil of your motorcycle should be very easy and straightforward process. Nothing too complex, you just need to take the old oil out and put in new one. However, oil isn’t water. It needs to be properly stored and then disposed in the right manner. For that you need to own an oil drain pan where you’d store the old oil and prepare it for transportation to a recycle centre or your local auto shop.
Lubing the Cables
A proper cable lube is an essential must for the smooth functioning of your motorcycle. You want the throttle, the clutch cables and the engine entirely to function as smoothly as possible. This can always be done manually, but using a tool is far easier and more effective. A slight mess may result if you use excess lube, so use a rag and wrap it around the bottom for prevention.
Bike Stand
Among the most important motorcycle tools any owner of a bike should have in his garage is a bike stand. You can’t call yourself a biker if you don’t have this piece of equipment for inspecting and maintaining/parking the bike. Bike stands come in many sizes and designs, but all of them serve the same purpose: to lift and lock your bike assuring it will never fall off. Some bike stands are designed for specific bike models, so make sure you look for the right specifics when you’re getting yours.
Wrenches and Pliers
These are simply indispensable for any motorcycle owner for adjusting certain little pieces on the bike. Wrenches come in a set of different sizes, since you never know for what part of your bike will you come to need them eventually.
These would be the essentials according to me. Of course, some motorcycles that are way bigger and have a lot more complex construction would require a lot more maintenance motorcycle tools. And some models would simply ask you to take them to their service centres as their repair system may be one of a kind.
Source: brookys.com.au
Kick Scooters: Both Children and Adults’ Favourite New Ride
Cheerful five-year-old kids, free-spirited teenagers, even dressed-in-a-suit adults – they have all been seen scooting through the streets of many big cities and small towns. If you have ever had the chance to spot a number of kick scooter enthusiasts, then you must have noticed how deeply they are enjoying their ride. The popularity of these practical vehicles is constantly rising, becoming a serious threat to the road bike industry. Yes, that’s right – many devoted cyclists are trying out push scooters and are starting to buy them as a replacement for their old bikes.
Well, alright, kick scooters are well liked and sought-after by plenty of people, but that doesn’t necessarily prove that they are worth your money, right? “Reasons, please, give us reasons why we should consider purchasing a scooter kick for ourselves and/or for our children.” (Yes, you caught me, I like to think that I am conversing with the readers of my articles while I am writing them.) Well, of course. Your wish is my command.
First of all, riding a push scooter is a wonderful form of physical activity, helping you and your kids stay in great shape. Not only do scooting burns fats and calories in an effective way, but it also stretches and strengthens almost every muscle in your body. That’s a pretty good reason to visit the nearest store and buy a scooter kick, is it not? I know, I know, it’s not enough, so you demand more.
Kick scooters are one of the most convenient vehicles out there, having in mind the fact that they are usually foldable and small enough to be placed inside any space, including your office. That makes them a great alternative to your car or your road bike, especially if your workplace is not far from your home.
Using a push scooter to your work will also reduce your commuting expenses, since you won’t be paying for bus tickets, metro tickets or taxi rides, nor will you have to regularly fill your car’s gas reservoir. Do you know what else will you no longer have to worry about? Getting robbed. They are cheaper than bicycles and cars, which makes them unattractive to thieves. If this doesn’t comfort you, then you can always lock the scooter up or hide it somewhere safe.
Yes, kick scooters are slowly but surely taking over the world, meeting the needs and wants of both grown-ups and kids. So, you should give them a try. Otherwise, you will never find out whether they are right for you or not.
Fishing Show Bloopers: A Fun Way to Learn How Not to Fish
Being a huge fishing fan means you like to enjoy a quiet afternoon by yourself or with a friend or two and just stare into the sapphire coloured water waiting for the perfect catch. Us men, in particular, love the calmness and relaxation that comes with fishing. It’s an activity that can easily captivate your full attention and make you forget about everything else except the lure, eagerly awaiting the catch.
Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Fortunately, when they don’t, you can still have a good laugh and enjoy a moment or two of embarrassment and learn from the mistakes, so that you don’t repeat them in the future. Or, you can just go online and look for some fishing show bloopers, laugh at other people’s mistakes and try to do the complete opposite of what they are doing. It’s an educational and fun way to learn how to fish, or rather learn how not to.
Bmx Bicycles: Small But Mighty
If you’re a daredevil who’s into biking, then you understand that not all bikes are meant for riding in the dirt, jumping and freestyling. There’s a special type of bikes that are made to especially suit extreme riding conditions, namely the BMX bikes. BMX are versatile bikes that any beginner can have fun with and attempt different extreme styles of biking. However, sometimes they can come at a price that not everyone can afford, so if you’re looking for a more affordable model, your best bet is to look for BMX bicycles for sale.
BMX bikes are mainly designed for racing, however, their speed and lightweight can be appreciated in other areas besides racing. They are usually equipped with 20 inch wheels, upright handlebars, small saddles and rear hand brakes. The frames are sturdy and light, and the pricier the bike is, the lighter the frames will be. The most common materials they’re made from are aluminium and steel.
What makes some BMX bikes better than others are the details and components. Often times similarly priced bikes will still differ in the quality and type of individual components. Additionally, you can custom build your own BMX by acquiring pieces that you will find suit the best of your needs to create the perfect bike for yourself.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the frames. The frames are most often made from chromoly – an alloy of chrome, steel and molybdenum, or aluminium. Top tube length is always chosen for comfort, and the most common size for bikes is 20.5 inches. This size is suitable for people in the 150-190 cm height range.
Secondly, the wheels play an important role in the characteristics of the bike. Being able to accelerate to high speeds is important for races, dirt riding and freestyle. The generic wheel type for bikes comes exclusively with mag wheels or 48-spoke. This makes them extremely durable in order to provide high rim protection.
And lastly, when it comes to the brakes, BMX bikes have front and rear brakes. The reason why brakes are important is that you sometimes will require pure stopping power, so for this reason linear-pull brakes are preferred, which offer the best grip.
To conclude, you have to decide what you are going to use the BMX bike for before going out and seeing all the available BMX bicycles for sale. Make sure you find a reliable retailer that will offer you a bike decent for your money’s worth – quality enough to withstand different weather conditions and be your ally on your adventures.
LED Hunting Light: The Essential Tool for Your Hunting Equipment
There are all kinds of different hobbies and sports that are meant to provide enough exhilaration while including working with all the physical efforts, and hunting is one of them. Men have always hunted, especially in the early beginning of humankind as it was a means of acquiring food. The sort of sense of a sport was brought by nobility in Medieval days and it was considered their exclusive pastime activity considering not many could afford to have all the weaponry or birds of prey like the falcon. Nowadays, you don’t have to be part of nobility to set about your own hunting adventures, all you have to do is get all the right equipment and you’re good to go. The equipment differs based on the animal that you are hunting and when and where it takes place, whether it’s during the day or night.
Many tools will be of use to you for one or the other, and there are those that come in handy in any situation as are the hunting lights. Though they are essential during hunting nocturnal animals, they are also ideal for day hunting in gloomy conditions. You will use them to read maps and find paths, including spotting animals and targeting. They can help save your life from accidents which is a reason enough for you to have them as part of your hunting equipment.
Considering the number of flashlights that emerge, you want durability and a powerful beam so that you don’t end up making a new purchase frequently. LED is currently among the most reliable ones and you will easily find the LED hunting light for your requirements. Since there is a large variety, you might find it a bit difficult to decide on the specific light you need. To ease your purchase, it’s advisable to get to know the features of certain models that catch your eye so you can compare them and make up your mind depending on which one will be most useful for you.
It’s important that you do your search in finding the reliable shop to have your peace when you make the purchase, knowing you buy LED hunting light of quality. Hunting lights can be handheld, gun mounted and hat lights. Usually, time is of the essence, and the animal won’t wait for you to point out your light and then prepare your weapon, so you might find the handheld option as less advantageous than gun mounted. When it comes to gun mounted, it’s done simultaneously since you already have the light on the gun, whereas with the hat lights you have your hands free and ready for getting a stronger grip on the weapon.
You’ll know you’ve found quality when the hunting light has special features, such as the strobe setting which can temporarily cause blindness, the SOS setting that can work up to four hours, location beacon and a warning signal. Latest designs are made to be functional, so they are rechargeable with a USB port, and their durability comes from the toughened glass, anodized body and the reverse polarity property protecting them from internal damage. Decide which features you will need the most, buy the ideal light and you’re ready for the hunting season.
Few Tips from a Pro on How to Get Started in Tournament Fishing
I’ve been a professional angler for almost 5 years now, and I must thank my dear friend Bobby who introduced me to this marvellous sport. I work as an investment banker and the stress I was going through every work day drained my entire life force, which eventually resulted in me being constantly cranky and negative. Bobby took me to shore and introduced me to the magical world of complete silence while concentrating on how to catch fish. It was like I’m doing a trick with my mind while being totally still and calm. Of course, that was the beginning, but as I started to get serious about the task I developed not just real techniques for successful catch, but also immense love for the sport. And as such, I started signing up for tournaments which the fishing Australia community often organized. That’s when I really connected with the fisherman in me. Read More
Camping Made Easy with the Right Choice of a Camping Headlamp
My girlfriend always complains about me not being very creative about our date nights. She claims I find it simple and easy to just call the guy at our favourite bar and make a reservation for two, go out and enjoy a couple of drinks, come back and that’s it. Which frankly, is a very cool date night as most of the male world would agree. But, in the name of the peace in the relationship, I decided to compromise and do something different – take her camping. She has the adventurous spirit in her, so I knew she’d be up for it. What she isn’t up for however, is complete darkness and her being out there in the open, even though I am with her. Imagine that. I managed to prove myself even more and got her a solution: a camping headlamp.
A good camping headlamp can really bring you peace of mind when you are camping and have to function in a very dark environment for a night or two. Have it in mind – you’ll need to gather small branches and other elements to light a fire, you’ll need to carefully place the tent and inspect if there’s something around that might disturb your otherwise romantic forest getaway. And trust me, there will be probably something your girlfriend will freak about, like a bug or a lizard. After all, you’re in the rough nature.
Choosing a camping headlamp is easy actually, but if you’re someone who wants to know what he spends his money on, then it’s a good idea to know a few important features of a good headlamp.
The beam type
The beam is the head of the lamp, and it can come in two main shapes:
Wide beams – also known as ‘flood’ beams are perfect if you’ll be the one doing some up-close repair work or reading, which I hardly doubt, but still. These don’t offer a long-distance light, so they’re not suitable for the one leading the way.
Focused/ narrow beams – these are ‘spot’ beams and these are the ones you’d be using. They will enable you to have a clear view on a long-distance and are perfect for navigating a trail.
The light output
The measuring unit for the total quantity of light emitted by a light source is called a lumen. A light source with a higher number of lumens consumes more energy and at a higher rate than a source with lower lumens number. Also, the higher the lumens number, the better the light in most cases.
Headlamp run time
You’d definitely want to know how much time you can utilize the headlamp. Imagine it runs out just when it shouldn’t – you don’t want to go through that bad scenario. Now, all headlamps have a different run time, but generally, a headlamp is considered to be run out when it’s no longer able to produce light at 2 meters.
- Brightness levels
- Generally, you’ll find headlamps that offer two basic modes: high and low. The more sophisticated ones offer at least three or more work modes:
- Strobe – an emergency blinker, and it can be in fast or slow mode;
- Low – a standard mode for tasks like camp chores and night walks;
- Mid – just to have another choice as a stronger light;
- High – when you need more light;
- Boost – offered by a few models, this is the type of light that’s produced for just 10-20 seconds, enough to provide you with a glimpse on whatever you want to see. Have in mind that this mode drains the batteries.
So, how was my date you ask? Well, I didn’t have to hear her wining about how dark it is, how scared she is and similar stuff, and I enjoyed. Plus, the headlamps I got are so great I am still using them when I need to look for something in the basement or the garage and I don’t have much light. Really convenient.
Specific Fishing Tips And Tricks Every Fisherman Needs
Fishing – a hobby for relaxation of a never ending competition? Or maybe, a little bit of both…
I’ve always thought that there are two types of fishermen: those who know all fishing tips and tricks and are at the top of the game and those who just sit there in the middle of nowhere, killing time. If the first one is your kind, that you better get a hold of some good old fishing tips and tricks, cause those big fish are not going to catch themselves!
The hardest one to catch in Australia are: crappies and trouts.
The trout is on the move during whole summer and it is quite impossible to extract it from those fast moving streams. To catch this wondrous fish, the best thing is to use bugs tied with synthetic fur and fibre for the salt. With these attached together, you’ll put yourself on a higher level that fisherman who use rabbit fur and feathers – which absorb a lot of water and sinks faster.
Trouts can be found in salt-water, ponds, lakes and they are perfect for your summer adventures. However, remember that you can find a perfect hatch, tie it on the best bug and bait the trout diabolically and still fail. Whenever this happens, most fisherman quickly change their patterns. In calmer waters, trouts depend on bugs that are on the surface usually drying their wings.
If you want to fish for crappies, using a slingshot is the best way to catch these fish. A famous fact is that they always seek shade in small jigs under the docks and although this is great info, it also makes them hard to catch unless you’re willing to be on the watch all day long. These fish usually nab the jig as it starts to fall down and you are alerted by the swinging pendulum. However, at different periods of the day, they would not react so fast to catch the jig, usually after a cold front.
It’s always good to rely on more than one source for the best tips and tricks. You can do this by consulting with more experienced fishermen who are willing to share information with you, watch fishing videos and read magazines related to this topic. And let’s not forget the most improtant teacher of them all – your own experience gained by the inevitable process of trial, errors and then success.
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Yoga Mat
I have been practicing yoga for a while (I don’t exactly go everyday I do try to fit in at least 3 sessions a week). The key to ultimate relaxation is not just mastering different poses but buying the right yoga mat as well. When you choose the wrong kind of mat it can make yoga uncomfortable, not enjoyable and a whole lot more. So today I’m going to share with any of you who might be looking for yoga mats or are looking to get started, what I wish I knew before buying my first yoga mat.
1. Look For A Mat With Grip
There is nothing worse than trying to do a new move but you just end up sliding everywhere. A great way to make sure you find one with good grip is to test it out in the store. If you feel your palms sliding or your feet sliding, then this is probably not the right mat for you. If you paid a lot of money and your mat does feel slippery, then you can cover your hands in chalk or roll it around on some concrete to get rid of that slippery feeling.
2. Make Sure It’s Padded
Building enough strength in yoga takes time and practice. A good amount of padding when you are just starting out is super important. This is so your joints and muscles can slowly build up without running the risk of injury. I really hurt my wrists with my first yoga mat because I didn’t think that I would need the padding. Read More
The Amazing Links Between Your Running Shoes and Staying Young-Looking
There’s no discussion on whether exercising is good or not; it has been scientifically proven from so many various aspects that’s simply impossible to deny it. But have you ever thought on the things that make a difference in exercising, like the exercising mode, the equipment, the clothes and the footwear? For what it matters, music has its influence on the outcome of exercising too. Aside the bodybuilders that are seriously dedicated to completely changing the way their body looks like, ordinary women (and men for that matter) are more interested in exercising for overall health, better physical condition and most importantly, for keeping the young looks and appearance. Who doesn’t like it when being told they look a few years younger than their actual age?
While we can’t influence most of the factors that define the success rate of a training session, the thing women can do is improve their performance through choosing the proper womens gym footwear (because it’s more than obvious that women would choose the right clothing – tight compression clothing). More than often I see women in the gym that train in Nikeys or Adidas footwear that were designed as piece of fashionable clothing instead of a training necessity. And normally, they can’t run and most certainly can’t perform proper squats.
So, a piece of advice for all women out there who want to reap the amazing benefits of exercising and keep their youngish looks: buy womens gym footwear and stop ruining your stylish running shoes which weren’t made for hitting the gym but for walking the streets. The running shoes you’ll get for the gym should be extremely light and feel comfortable on the soles. Once you’re not burdened with how your feet feel heavy while you run, you’ll be able to do some real training and actually feel the benefits from exercising. Here’s what you’ll experience in roughly 4 weeks of regular training.
Antibacterial Sweat
You can sweat in million ways, but once you decide you’re going to devote yourself to running and exercising, it better be a good sweat, right? When you like your training and don’t feel like you have stones attached to your feet, you sweat a lot. And that sweat acts like an antibacterial DIY steam treatment for your skin – it opens the pores and everything comes out. There’s a trick though: you need to take a bath right after you sweat it all out, so that you cleanse your skin completely.
Better Circulation Means Natural Face Blush
There’s nothing better on a woman’s face than the natural face blush she gets after exercising which is a result of increased circulation. When you have the right training equipment, exercising is easy and therefore, fruitful. Circulation is increased and you look amazing. No powder blush can give you that glow.
Less Stress = Happier Face, Younger Everything
It’s cortisol you want to keep under control here; cortisol is the hormone responsible for producing more sebum and consequently, skin with more break-outs. When you exercise, cortisol levels are held in place and are regular, which means less sebum and less stress. Another thing to consider is that too much cortisol can cause collagen in your skin to break down, which will result in more wrinkles and sagging.
Busy and Firm Fascia
Probably most of you haven’t heard about it, but the fascia is the web tissue that keeps the muscles, blood vessels and nerves together. That being said, elasticity of tissue should be your main goal if you want to stay young-looking. And how do we get tissue elasticity? By exercising regularly, of course.
Skating Pro on-the-go: Know What to Look for
Buying a pair of new skates is a task that should not be taken lightly. Whether you have just decided to give inline skating a try, or you feel your skill level has advanced enough and want to upgrade your gear, it is very important to know what all the different skate features mean, so that you can find exactly you want.
There are hundreds of different types and brands of inline skates available in any Australian online skate store that come in a wide range of prices, but in this article, I will focus on three main categories: recreational, specialized and aggressive.
- Recreational skates, as the name itself implies, are made for everyday casual skating. With this type of skates, you can skate around your neighborhood or hit the local bike trails, you can explore the city or even commute to work. Recreational skates may vary in both boot construction and wheel size. In general, smaller wheels offer greater control and maneuverability while bigger wheels offer greater speed and more distance passed with each stride. As for the boots, they can be soft or hard. Soft-boot skates are the more lightweight option, since a large part of them are made from flexible fabric, but they offer minimal support, which is why they are recommended for more experienced skaters. Hard-boot skates, on the other hand, are made from plastic or carbon fiber and they are more responsive, offer more support than soft-boot skates and are generally recommended for heavier skaters and for beginners.
- Specialized skates include freeride, speed and slalom skates. These types of skates are built for maximum speed and minimum energy loss. They come with a lightweight boot, a relatively large wheelbase and larger diameter wheels. This ensures greater speed and allows you to cover the maximum distance with each stride, but it also means less support and maneuverability . Larger wheels further reduce stability since they place the skater higher from the ground, making them an unsuitable choice for beginners. These skates are most suitable for open roads, bike trails, enclosed tracks and basically any unobstructed pathways.
- Aggressive skates are designed for a specialized type of inline skating known as “aggressive skating”. This is a form of skating in which the skater interacts with the environment in a completely different ways, such as: jumping over obstacles, spinning in mid-air, grinding down rails, sliding on edges and so on. Aggressive skates offer maximum support, responsiveness, stability, maneuverability, shock absorption and of course durability. They come with a hard boot made from plastic or carbon fiber, higher cuff, and removable liner and they have multiple wheel setups which you can change depending on the terrain, obstacles, your skill level or even your mood.
A new trend in inline skating that I also consider worth mentioning is called “urban skating” which is a hybrid that combines the mobility of recreational and performance of aggressive skating.
Whichever type of skates you choose, don’t forget that safety comes first. With the right safety gear, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed and your overall skating experience will be more enjoyable.
To help you choose the skates that best suit your needs go to an Australian online skate shop which not only sells skates, but has a team who is passionate about skating, knows skating, and is willing to take the time to offer you the proper advice and information.