Boat Lifts by Davit Master, Article 1

Water Sports - Four Things You Should Know Before You Try Bodyboarding
By Steve Alexander

So you've obtained a bodyboard and are ready to try some ocean sports. What should you think about to insure the safest and most fun surfing experience?

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Because of the easy beginning learning curve you may be tempted to try swimming out in conditions that are beyond your control. Maybe the surf is too powerful or breaking too far from shore for your swimming experience. Maybe that particular beach has rocks or reef that may harm you if you make a mistake while learning. Become familiar with beach postings and talk to lifeguards if the beach or conditions are unfamiliar to you.

USE PROPER SWIM FINS

Fins are used by all but a select few bodyboarders. Relying on arm strength alone is not recommended. Since bodyboards are not as fast as surfboards you will expend much more energy to travel less distance using only your arms. With fins you can switch between arm paddling and leg kicking to avoid exhausting your muscle strength. It is also much easier to catch waves while kicking with fins since you can use your arms to help "push" your board forward and into the wave.

Use only fins designed for water sports like bodyboarding that take place in the surf zone. Diving fins are not designed for surfing activities. There are two problems with fins designed for diving: the length of the blade makes it difficult to generate speed fast enough to catch a moving wave and they may be torn off of your feet by the turbulence of the breaking waves.

UNDERSTAND THE MOTION IN THE OCEAN

Every beach has it's own distinct characteristics, though these may change with the surf conditions. Waves may break in specific locations or in specific directions. There may be currents could help you get out past the breaking waves or if you are not aware (or in conditions that exceed your limitations) sweep you away from the beach. Incorrect responses to ocean conditions may zap your energy or turn a manageable situation into one that requires rescue. Many beaches have piers or rock jetties that can either help shape the waves or present dangerous obstacles.

UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE RULES OF WAVE RIDING

Chances are you won't be alone in the ocean. There are "unwritten" rules of priority shared by both bodyboarding and surfing. Following these rules not only maintain a sense of harmony in these water sports, they also minimize the chance of injuring you and your fellow wave riders.

Now it's time to have some fun, so go catch some waves!

Steve Alexander (http://www.fullforcebodyboarding.com) is a seasoned bodyboarder with 20 years experience riding waves in California, Mexico, and Hawaii. Connections with bodyboard manufacturers including Element Bodyboarding and JL Designs have also given him insight into production aspects and he has custom-designed many of his own bodyboards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Alexander

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Water Sports - Four Things You Should Know Before You Try Bodyboarding By Steve Alexander So you've obtained a bodyboard and are ready to try some ocean sports. What should you think about to insure the safest and most fun surfing experience? KNOW YOUR LIMITS Because of the easy beginning learning curve you may be tempted to try swimming out in conditions that are beyond your control. Maybe the surf is too powerful or breaking too far from shore for your swimming experience. Maybe that particular beach has rocks or reef that may harm you if you make a mistake while learning. Become familiar with beach postings and talk to lifeguards if the beach or conditions are unfamiliar to you. USE PROPER SWIM FINS Fins are used by all but a select few bodyboarders. Relying on arm strength alone is not recommended. Since bodyboards are not as fast as surfboards you will expend much more energy to travel less distance using only your arms. With fins you can switch between arm paddling and leg kicking to avoid exhausting your muscle strength. It is also much easier to catch waves while kicking with fins since you can use your arms to help "push" your board forward and into the wave. Use only fins designed for water sports like bodyboarding that take place in the surf zone. Diving fins are not designed for surfing activities. There are two problems with fins designed for diving: the length of the blade makes it difficult to generate speed fast enough to catch a moving wave and they may be torn off of your feet by the turbulence of the breaking waves. UNDERSTAND THE MOTION IN THE OCEAN Every beach has it's own distinct characteristics, though these may change with the surf conditions. Waves may break in specific locations or in specific directions. There may be currents could help you get out past the breaking waves or if you are not aware (or in conditions that exceed your limitations) sweep you away from the beach. Incorrect responses to ocean conditions may zap your energy or turn a manageable situation into one that requires rescue. Many beaches have piers or rock jetties that can either help shape the waves or present dangerous obstacles. UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT THE RULES OF WAVE RIDING Chances are you won't be alone in the ocean. There are "unwritten" rules of priority shared by both bodyboarding and surfing. Following these rules not only maintain a sense of harmony in these water sports, they also minimize the chance of injuring you and your fellow wave riders. Now it's time to have some fun, so go catch some waves! Steve Alexander (http://www.fullforcebodyboarding.com) is a seasoned bodyboarder with 20 years experience riding waves in California, Mexico, and Hawaii. Connections with bodyboard manufacturers including Element Bodyboarding and JL Designs have also given him insight into production aspects and he has custom-designed many of his own bodyboards Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Alexander