How Rock Climbing Is Soaring In Popularity In The Extreme Sport Genre

How Rock Climbing Is Soaring In Popularity In The Extreme Sport Genre

Rock climbing is the sport where you climb steep rocks and it was first done in England. By 1930 some hundred climbing resorts opened in England alone and people started the sport of rock climbing. A person who wants to be a climber should always be ready to climb such as being in good physical and mental health. The person who is outlaying the route to the top of the climb should always be watching out for the other climbers since they just started climbing.

There are a few different kinds of climbing, there is free climbing where you do not use any kind of ropes or anything and that is very dangerous then there is aid climbing where you are aided into climbing with ropes and such. In lead climbing the leader of the group that is climbing will outlay a path to take by taking a rope around their own body and then start to climb up the rock formation. Once he has made it up the rock formation a good ways the others start to climb and use his path.

With sport leads climbing the bolts are already placed in the rock formation and so the climbers can just attach their ropes to the bolts already placed and keep climbing without having to bring extra equipment with them on the climb. When a rope is placed on top of the rock formation with an anchor you just kind of use the rope and make your way down like the rock walls at the local fairs that you may have.

Every kind of climbing here is dangerous and you should always take serious care when doing these kinds of sports. When you are doing leads climbing you need to be sure to follow the path that the leader has given to you and not stray from it. If you were to stray from the right path you could seriously hurt yourself and could possibly even die if you don’t follow the right path and stick to what you are told to do. Climbing a rock formation without any kind of help is called free climbing and should never be attempted if you are not strong in your upper body and cannot climb alone with the help of bolts and ropes.

When you are doing lead climbing you are always going to be safe as your body is being held up with ropes and you are continuing to follow the path which had been given to you. Sometimes it may be hard to stick with everyone when you are doing lead climbing but once you have lead climbing down and you can probably go do some of your own lead climbing and start climbing with other people that need help just like you needed help. Even though it may take some time for you to be able to lead it will pay off when you are the one leading everyone to the top and you are not the one following anymore.

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Kite Landboarding: The Latest Extreme Sport for Extreme Skateboarders

Kite Landboarding: The Latest Extreme Sport for Extreme Skateboarders

Those who are into skateboarding tend to be thrill seekers. They are fun, adrenaline-loving, and ahead of the curve. They are always open to something new and exciting to try out. If this sounds like you or someone you know, then you’ll definitely want to learn more about kite- landboarding! Kite landboarding is a sport, originally designed by skaters, that takes the skateboarding to an entirely new level.

The Board

The board used in kite landboarding looks a lot like a regular skateboard deck, but with fat all-terrain wheels that can handle fast speeds on different types of surfaces. In kite landboarding, the kite actually picks the rider up off of the ground using the power of the wind. These wheels and the special bearings of the kite landboard are designed to absorb the impact when the board touches down on the surface again. The board also has bindings similar to snowboard bindings that keep the rider’s feet on the board while in the air.

The Kite

The special type of kite used in kite landboarding is long and rectangular and designed to catch the wind and give the rider maximum control over speed and direction. Kites with pre-stretched bridle lines provide optimal performance in higher winds. These kite landboarding kites also come with handles, a kite killer safety device, and a metal ground stake that keeps the kite from flying away when not in use.

How Kite Landboarding Works

The sport of kite landboarding is a lot like kite surfing – only you don’t need an ocean or a lake to have fun! All you need is some wind and an open terrain to be off and flying. Unlike skateboarding where the rider is powering the board, the wind and the kite do all of the work. As the wind catches the kite, which is held by the rider using specially designed handles, the board literally takes off. Jumps and hills that give regular skateboard riders the ability to catch only a little bit of air send the kite-powered landboarding rider flying and soaring above the ground for an exhilarating ride.

Boards: Speed Seekers, and Freestyle Boards

As with skateboarding and surfing, the length of the kite landboard you choose will make a difference on the type of actions you can do. Longer boards are great for those who are new to kite landboarding because they offer more control and balance. If you’re into fast speeds and long rides, a longer board is best because it offers more stability. Longer boards also tend to be a better fit for taller or heavier riders.

Shorter kite landboards are more agile and allow riders to do lots of tricks and catch serious air. The smaller board provides optimal maneuverability and is extremely responsive to the rider’s movements. These smaller boards are usually better for those who have some experience with kite landboarding.

Whether you’re a skater looking for a new challenge, or you have a skater or ex-skater in your life that you want to surprise with something cool and unusual, a kite-powered landboard is sure to be an ideal fit. No matter where you are in the world, if you’ve got open terrain, some wind, and a sense of adventure, you can have a blast with kite landboarding!

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On Psychology and Sport: Finding the Zone

On Psychology and Sport: Finding the Zone

What does it take to have “the perfect game?” Every athlete of any sport knows what those three words mean, and they may spend their entire career trying to have that one flawless performance. Many young athletes have trouble with consistency in sports performances, and have no clue why. They may come into the season in great shape, possessing the well-refined skills that there sport requires, having a solid game plan intact, having eaten well and getting antiquate sleep all week, but still having inconsistency during competition. What is the missing ingredient? The answer lies within the skull. Sports psychology is one of the most overlooked and underrated aspects of sports performances. Many psychological factors, such as memory, focus, arousal level, anxiety and stress can drastically effect a sports performance.

Attention in Sport

According to William James, attention is “the taking possession by mind in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneous possible objects or trains of thought.” (Huang & Lynch, 1992)

Memory can be held in one of three basic systems. The sensory regular system holds large amounts of information for a short period of time. Long-term memory holds smaller amounts of information for a long period of time, and the short-term memory system is the crossroad between the two. (Cox, 1998) To put these in perspective, the long-term memory would hold a skill, such as dribbling a basketball. The short-term memory would hold the scouting report of the opposing team. The sensory regular system would be responsible for in game awareness, such as the tempo of the game and adjusting to opposing player’s strengths.

Athletes must respond in some way to their environmental situation. The larger the amount of information being conveyed makes a situation more difficult to respond to. However, through careful analysis, the difficulty of a situation can be reduced. (Cox, 1998) For example, lets compare two baseball players with equal talent. Player A has done his homework on his upcoming opponent. He knows that the pitcher he will be facing is a lefty who loves to throw a fastball that reaches 85 mph. He also throws in a changeup at 70 mph and a splitter that breaks to the left. Player B shows up to the game having no knowledge on his opponent. The amount of information that player A will have to take in while batting is considerably less than player B. Naturally, he will have a higher rate of success, for he has a better idea of what to expect.

Information content can also be reduced with skill level. The more refined an athlete’s skill is in a game situation, the less information he or she must account for. (Cox, 1998)

Anxiety

Anxiety is another contributing factor in a sports performance. There are two basic types of anxiety that apply: somatic and cognitive state anxiety. Somatic anxiety is the physical component of anxiety. It is the butterflies in the stomach feeling before a game. A certain degree of somatic anxiety is perfectly healthy.

Cognitive anxiety on the other hand, can be costly. It is the mental component of anxiety that causes feelings of worry, self-doubt and loss of self-esteem.

Before a sports performance, certain levels of both anxiety types are to be expected, increasing in intensity as the event draws closer. During the performance, intensity should change. Somatic anxiety is best in the middle; levels that are too high or too low can hurt a performance. Cognitive anxiety can prove to be more costly at higher levels.

Arousal

Of course, each athlete perceives anxiety differently. The athlete must work to find his or her own optimal level of arousal. (Cox, 1994)

Arousal refers to the degree of activation of the organs and mechanisms that are under control of the body’s autonomic nervous system. More specifically, the sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for the changes in bodily functions associated with arousal. This system is activated by stimuli from the environment that are perceived as threatening.

Arousal level has a direct effect on attentional narrowing. Increased arousal has a narrowing effect on attention. Sports that require a broad focus must have lower levels of arousal. Oppositely, decreased arousal has a broadening effect on attention; therefore sports that require a narrow focus must have higher levels of arousal.

Finding the right level of focus depends on the sport being played or action being carried out. (Cox, 1998) If one has too low an arousal level, the may be easily distracted by things that do not apply to the game. If arousal level is too high, the athlete may be too focused on one aspect of the game, and will forget other important aspects. For example, a golfer may worry too much about hitting the ball hard that he forgets his mechanics, and hooks the ball far to the left.

Selective attention is another important characteristic of a successful athlete. Having the ability to weed out unnecessary information and focus on tasks in demand is a skill that can be learned. It is helpful to understand this concept with the focus chart. Imagine two perpendicular lines. At the ends of the vertical line lies external focus and internal focus. At the ends of the horizontal line lies broad focus and narrow focus. (Hatfield, 2004) As mentioned before, different sports require different levels of focus, and even within a sport, different positions may require different levels of focus. A quarterback would need to broaden focus in order to scan the field and see all of his receivers. A cornerback (defensive player who’s primary responsibility is to cover receivers) would have a narrow focus. A quarterback with too narrow a focus may throw a ball without seeing the defender in position to intercept the pass. A corner with too broad a focus would be susceptible to loosing sight of his man, and give up a big play. Finding the right balance of broad/narrow and internal/external focus for a particular assignment in a sport is key to success.

After suffering a setback during a game, it is important for the athlete to keep from loosing focus. Refocusing after a miscue, bad call, or any distraction can be the difference between a good player and a champion. First, one must displace the negative thoughts with positive ones. Second, they should center attention internally, and make minor adjustments in arousal level. Then, one must shift focus externally on the task at hand. At this point, the athlete has hopefully forgotten the distraction and is ready to execute. (Loehr, 1994)

Mental toughness is a term thrown around expendably by youth coaches and PE teachers. The fact is that acquiring the components of mental toughness is necessary to become a great athlete. Toughness can be understood by four categories. First, an athlete must be emotionally flexible. He/she must have the ability to roll with the unexpected emotional turns in a sporting event. The athlete must be emotionally responsive, being able to keep game awareness under pressure. The athlete must be emotionally strong, having the ability to exert and resist great force and keep striving for victory under pressure. Lastly, the athlete must be emotionally resilient, by bouncing back quickly from mistakes. These abilities can be learned. The best way to improve as an athlete is to recognize weaknesses, and practice correcting them. (Loehr, 1994)

The balance of stress and recovery are another component that affects an athlete. In our terms, stress is anything that takes energy, and recovery is anything that restores energy. There are three types: physical, mental and emotional. Stress can be from running, jumping and moving (physical), focusing, problem solving and thinking (mental) or anger, fear, depression and frustration (emotional). Recovery can be eating, drinking and sleeping (mental), decreasing focus and increasing fantasy and creativity (mental), or relief, positive feelings, fun and self-esteem (emotional). All three types of stress are interconnected. Excess in one area can affect all three. (Hatfield, 2004) This is why a balance is needed between stress and recovery. An athlete must push him/herself in order to grow in all three areas, but must also allow time for adequate recovery.

Reaching the Zone

Reaching the zone, which is also referred to as “flow,” is the most rewarding feeling for an athlete. There are several defining characteristics. First, it requires the ability to perform all necessary skills for a specific sport simultaneously. Second, there must be a merging of action and awareness. Third, goals must be clearly defined, which basically means knowing the sport and the game plan. Next, the athlete must receive clear feedback from coaches and teammates. Then, there must be a sense of control without trying. There will be a loss of self-awareness, as well as a loss of time awareness. The end result is referred to as an autotelic experience, a self-contained activity done simply because the activity itself is the reward. (Cox.1998)

It is in the zone that optimal levels of performance can be experienced. If an athlete can attain and maintain this state, the perfect game may be in his/her hands.

My Personal Journey

For me, the mental aspect of sports has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. Naturally being a highly competitive individual, I learned early on that I was destined to be a jock. In my younger years, my extreme competitiveness and aggressiveness was a double-edged sword. I often fouled out of basketball games, and even got into a few scuffles during soccer games. My temper would rage when the ball was not bouncing my way.

Eventually I learned to curve my temper, and I found a sport that fit my personality, football. At first I was unaware of the psychological aspects of the sports. During games, it all seemed the same to me. The only thing I knew is that I would do anything to win. It was the mental preparation aspect that always troubled me. After a few seasons, I decided that I needed to obtain a certain mental state before the game to optimize my performance. Right before we hit the field, I would think about all of the things that angered me, and would work myself up to a state of rage. Sometimes this strategy would benefit (when it did, it was short lasting), and other times I would play out of control.

It wasn’t until my senior year of football that I really began to focus on mental strategies. Before each game, I needed to reach the most gratifying mental state: the zone. My body would feel loose and powerful. I would react without thinking about moving. I would have an intense focus on the task at hand. Lastly, my emotions would be under control, but ready to explode at any minute, in other words, a controlled rage.

Through trial and error, I found that there were a few things that I could do to reach the zone. The morning of the game, I would be sure to wake up with a little bit of anger. Throughout the day I would carry an edgy demeanor. I would avoid having conversations with people, and would stay relatively low key. As the game approached, I would gradually focus my thoughts. I would visualize myself doing my assignments. When we hit the locker room, I would find a quiet corner and listen to music. During warm-ups my focus would shift to my body. I ensured that every joint and muscle was as prepared as possible for the battle ahead. During the game, my mind would naturally focus solely on the game. I noticed that my pre-game anxiousness would usually subside after the opening kickoff. I would keep myself focused mainly on my assignment, but was always conscious of the game time, down and distance, and what the opposing team was doing. I can vividly remember many altercations I had with teammates and opposing players, but I would could completely lose consciousness of external events.

Looking back, I cannot remember ever hearing the crowd, the band or the announcer. During the game I was usually very critical of my performance. I would usually talk to myself, referring to myself in third person. If I did something good, I would yell out “ that a baby, that’s the way you play.” I would also yell at myself if I made a mistake. A few times I got into trouble with referees for yelling out profanities. I would also yell at myself if I felt lax, or if I felt I was losing focus. After big games, I could remember being emotionally drained. A few times I could not even put together sentences because of the amount of physical and emotional stress I had endured. Looking back, I now realize that most of the emotional stress was self-inflicted.

After researching this topic, I have come to realize that I had many weaknesses in my psychological approach to sports. My main struggle had to do with dealing with failure. I had always considered myself a mentally tough athlete, but according to the definition, I am not completely resilient. I was never good at forgetting a mistake. Instead, I would become angry, and my arousal level would become so high that I would sometimes focus on causing physical harm to my opponent, and lose sight of my assignment. Fortunately this strategy worked a few times, for I would become more physically imposing than usual, but other times it got me into trouble.

I also wish I had understood the concept of arousal level. I always thought that the more fired up I was, that the better I would perform. Looking back, I can recall a few instances in which my intense focus led to disaster. In a game against our cross-town rivals, I became extremely aroused after having made a big hit. The next play I was so focused on stopping another run play, that I forgot about the receiver I was covering, and he caught a ball over my head for a first down. If I had broadened my focus, it would have been an easy stop. Overall, I can relate my experience fairly closely to the material I have researched. I had never thought about game mentality in terms of something that could be studied. However, reading through the concepts was an enlightening experience; many of my theories had been confirmed, and the reason for many of my struggles became clear.

The contents of this essay described several aspects of sports psychology. Topics included memory as it relates to athletic performance, anxiety types and intensity of anxiety, arousal levels and focus, the benefit of selective attention, refocusing, defining mental toughness, balancing stress and recovery, defining components of “the zone,” and lastly my personal experience with the mental aspects of sports. Like any other scientific field, sports psychology is ever changing. What may hold true today is susceptible to revision at any time. What is without question, however, is the impact that mental state and emotion can have on an athlete’s performance.

Works Cited

Cox, R.J. (1998). Sport Psychology, Concepts and Applications. St. Louis: McGraw Hill Hatfield, F.C. (2004). Fitness, the Complete Guide. Carpenteria, CA: Txul-157-866 Frederick C. Hatfield

Huang, C. & Lynch J. (1992). Thinking Body, Dancing Mind. Bantam Books: New York

Loehr, J.E. (1994). The New Toughness Training for Sports. Dutton Books: New York

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Powered Hang Gliding Is Considered An Extreme Sport, And There Is A Risk Of Injury

Powered Hang Gliding Is Considered An Extreme Sport, And There Is A Risk Of Injury

Powered hang gliding is an amazing adventure! You will get to soar higher and at faster speeds than with the traditional method of hang gliding. It is also more comfortable. Very small, lightweight aircrafts are used in the sport of power hang gliding featuring a four cylinder engine. Some powered hang gliders offer two seats. This is a great way to experience the flight with a friend or partner.

Another model of power hang gliding involves taking off by foot. Instead of a small aircraft, this model is powered by a small motor and a propeller. While this type of powered hang glider doesn’t have the same power as the model using an aircraft, it is still an amazing alternative. Either model of power hang gliders require much less wind for take off and landing than non powered hang gliders.

Powered hang gliding lessons are recommended. It is recommended that you use the same safety equipment for power hang gliding as you do for the tradition method, with the exception of the type of harness used. You should wear waterproof boots and a waterproof hang gliding suit that will keep your warm. A helmet is also recommended.

Powered hang gliding is considered an extreme sport, and there is a risk of injury. Knowing how to operate the powered hang glider isn’t enough to keep you safe. You have to understand take off and landing procedures. You also need to be able to read the wind direction and be prepared for sudden shifts in the wind speed and the temperature. The majority of powered hang gliding accidents involve inexperienced pilots who were not prepared for the range of variables that can take place while in flight.

It is recommended that any new hang glider take the time to be trained with a non powered hang glider first. They don’t fly as high or as fast. After sufficient hours and proper training at that level, it is then recommended to give powered hang gliding a try. In fact there are some really neat hang glider converters on the market.

This means you can effectively transform your non powered hang glider into a powered hang gliding system. You can do the transformation yourself or take your hang gliding equipment to a professional. Take the time to find out exactly what you want in a powered hang gliding system to ensure you are very satisfied.

 

 

Olympic Personal Change – The New Extreme Sport

Olympic Personal Change – The New Extreme Sport

Copyright (c) 2009 Dorothy Tannahill Moran

This week a person made an observation of me that stuck with me long enough to think up this concept. He observed that change was really a big part of who I was but noted that most people run the other way due to fear and loathing of change.

Like a fire fighter running into a burning building, I also run to the flame of change. Why is that? What makes a person gravitate to things that frighten other people? It occurred to me that it is a lot like an extreme sport. There is a skill, a process and a bit of fearlessness that comes with the confidence. The confidence is not foolishness. The confidence is the type of feeling you get when you are practiced and thoughtful. A fire fighter doesn’t just rush into a burning building. Equipment is gathered. The body is conditioned and the mind is practiced and knowledgeable about what lies ahead. The extreme sport of initiating and mastering change in your life is exactly the same. So finally, I’m a Personal Change “Athlete”!

I contend that within each of us lies the personal change athlete just waiting to get out. As with any sport, you have to work on your capability and over time, it improves. What do you need to do to get into personal change shape?

Understand the Process
There are 2 parts to change: 1) an event and 2) the internal, emotional “adjustment” you make to the event. The internal part is known as transition and that is often the part we dislike the most. Transition can make us anywhere from mildly confused to seriously uncomfortable. This discomfort is a natural reaction we have while we are learning new behaviors driven by the change event. Many people find some satisfaction in simply knowing that what they are going through is natural and will pass. We tend to avoid things we aren’t familiar with. Learn to take on new things with curiosity and openness. There are things you can do to help yourself improve your situation.

Plan Your Way Through the Process
What are some things you could do to help yourself adjust to your life following a change? I have found that in both organizationally prompted changes and personal changes, if a person sits down and answers this question, it will help them in many ways. Emotionally, it gives you an anchor or something to focus on so you’re not so caught up in feeling funky. At a practical level you most likely need to be taking some actions to accommodate a variety of things the change has impacted.

Examine Previous Changes and Learn
We don’t do this often enough. We are so busy gritting our teeth; we tend to just be glad it’s over and move on without looking back. If you are facing an upcoming change sit down and reflect on other changes in your life. What are some things you did that helped reduce the discomfort? What should you avoid? Make it a practice to use change events as an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Record your results and then add to them over time. Each time you go through a change, you will learn more about what helps you to maximize the opportunities that come with change.

Develop a Support System
Learn to experience all the internal and external changes you are making. Talk about them with others, especially people who have had experience going through what you are about to go through. Not all people are the right support to have. So don’t think your entire base of friends is your target group. You don’t need people who fuel your anxiety or are dismissive. If you need to blow off steam, find the ear that will let you vent without personal involvement in what your issue is. If you need insight, find that person.

Take Care of Yourself
Don’t over-do anything. Don’t step up the drinking, smoking or eating. Exercise. It will help reduce anxiety and give you a greater sense of peace. Get enough sleep. Think about some other things you can do to make yourself feel calm like a walk or massage.

Becoming a world class “Personal Change Athlete” is simply a matter of getting familiar with the process and not allowing it to be something to fear. It doesn’t take courage, it takes practice.

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The New and Hottest Extreme Sport

The New and Hottest Extreme Sport

If you did not see them in the Olympics, chances are you will see them in your neighborhood soon. I am talking about the newest and hottest extreme sport today…Jumping Stilts.

They are absolutely the most fun you will ever have. Jumping Stilts are known by many names. Flying Jumpers, Powerisers, Velocity Stilts and Powerbocks just to name a few.

These will let you achieve amazing speeds in running. You will not believe how high you can jump and they will help you perform all the tricks that many skateboarders use. Flips, jumps, and speed are all actions that accompany these amazing and super fun extreme sport stilts. The spring in these stilts force your movement to accelerate therefore all jumps are higher and running is faster. It’s almost bionic.

Strap your feet to a pair of spring loaded stilts and you have the recipe for an activity called “bocking”. With an open space and Jumping Stilts you can run up to 20 MPH, jump as high as 6 feet and take strides of more than seven feet. This is definitely power and speed for the X-generation.

There are specific sizes according to your weight as how to choose which one is right for you. If you weigh at the low end of the scale for a certain size then you will not need to go up and that size will be good for you. However, if you weigh at the higher end of the scale, you will probably need to go up to the next size. For example, the M60 are for people that weigh 110 to 132 pounds. If you weigh 115, then you should stay at the M60 size. But if you weigh 125 and are still growing you would probably want to go up to the next size which is the M70 for weights from 133-155 pounds. If you get the stilts that are too small, they will not spring the proper way and therefore will not perform like you would want. If you buy stilts that are too big, then you will not get the spring action either. As you will not have enough weight to move the springs. The sizes are M60: 110 to 132; M70: 133 to 155; M80 156 to 175; M90: 176 to 198: M100: 199 to 220; M110: 221 to 243. All prices should be the same for each size. The right size is important.

Keep in mind this is an extreme sport and safety is important. Helmets, kneepads and elbow pads are always a good idea to wear when using these jumping stilts. Because you are higher off the ground and accelerating at speeds you normally would not run, injury can occur if you fall. You should always use these in an open area where the chances of running into something are slim.

A jumping stilt is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. This new sport is sweeping across the states and we’re starting to see more and more people on these stilts each and every day.

So get yourself a pair and get out there and start bocking.

Internet Marketing – an Extreme Sport

Internet Marketing – an Extreme Sport

Why i consider internet marketing to be an extreme sport ?



As it turns out, plenty! I went to a IPL T20 cricket match final in mumbai with my friends and, in between buying outrageously priced food, I thought about what cricket (or any sport) has in common with internet marketing. I know, you may think it’s a bit of a stretch, but these simple analogies will make all of us to consider internet marketing to be an extreme sport.
 
1.Enter the ground with determination – Let’s start with most apparent. You need to have sheer determination to rich the finish line or score the winnig run. You’ve got to have the same kind of determination to your business and your marketing efforts.
 
2.Take proper stance and be ready – It takes an intense focus and concentration to hit a 100 mile-per-hour fastball.You must be on you toes, ready to respond, and completely ready for anything that might be hit his way. Are you paying attention in your business? Are you nimble, prepared and ready to react?
 
3.Give it a real go – It’s not the half-hearted shots that wins you matches, you need to swing hard for that. In your marketing efforts and in your business in general, you’ve got to take big swings. If you want to hit winning runs, you’ve got to swing for the fences!
 
4.Have a game plan – Just as an australian cricketer may make it look effortless, they never take the field without a game plan. Business, like cricket, is a game of strategy. Plan ahead. Study the competition. Know your strengths and weaknesses. And most important, execute.
 
5.Team game - No matter how good the individuals in the team are, it’s the team that wins cricket matches. While this is painfully obvious,  you need to ask yourself how teamwork can benefit you. How can you use the combined efforts of your team to win?
 
6.Life lesson - The players we most admire are the guys who are as great off the field as they are on the field. You’ve got to bring your  “A”  game every day, both in business and in life!
 
7.Never give up - As they say in cricket “No game is over till the last ball is bowled”, to succeed as an entrepreneur, you’re going to need that same kind of dogged persistence and determination.
 
8.Be aggressive - Good players always plays agressively. They run hard. They stretch full. They don’t let up. How are you playing in your business? Can you put in even more effort? Can you push a little harder?
 
9.Use a variety of “weapons” – A champion team uses many different ways to win.They have a variety of weapons in their arsenal. Are you using an assortment of marketing weapons in your business? Look for ways to add some depth to your armoury and don’t rely on just one or two methods.
 
After considering these nine points, i am sure many readers will agree with me and apply things to their marketing campaign if they haven’t yet.
 
For more on internet marketing visit www.thebrandsaloon.com 

Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got Crazier!

Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got Crazier!

 

Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got Crazier

When you think of Nicaragua what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the Sandinistas, the left-wing revolutionary party that dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20th century. For others, it’s images of romantic white sand beaches or lush tropical rainforests. But, did you know that Nicaragua is quickly becoming known as the world’s hottest extreme adventure destination for one of the craziest sports ever imagined?

 

In fact, adrenaline junkies from all around the globe are discovering that Nicaragua is home to some of the best rushes available, everything from windsurfing to crocodile safaris, extreme diving and mountain biking. However, one sport in particular is gaining worldwide attention…

 

You’ll never find it in the Olympics. Mothers won’t want their kids to take part in it. And, if you can escape a day of it without cuts, bruises, broken bones, or mild concussions, you’ll be one of the lucky few.

 

What is this insane sport, you ask? Volcano surfing, of course!

 

Volcano surfing is quickly becoming the latest craze that extreme sportists are flocking to Nicaragua to experience.

After heaving, huffing, and scrambling up the face of some of the country’s most rugged volcanoes – many of which are still very active, like the popular Cerro Negro – volcano surfers take a few minutes to view the amazing panoramic vistas, say their prayers, and then strap war-torn snowboards to their feet and hurl themselves right down the volcano.

 

Taking advantage of the ashen mountainsides – many of which are still smoking hot – surfers carve up the volcano and soar down the mountain like a blast of molten lava…careful to avoid (or attempt to do so, at least) the countless shards, rocks, and hidden obstacles that make the downhill experience more like trekking through a vertical minefield than a pleasant day in the snow.

 

Many veterans of this topsy-turvy sport say it’s an unmatched burst of adrenaline. Even when the going isn’t so fast and furious – often you’ll be knee-high in silt-like ash and moving slower than a turtle – the fact that you’ve chosen to ride down the face of an active volcano with only a little board between you and certain danger has a sexy quality all its own!

 

If you’re asking yourself what the draw of such an insane sport is…it’s probably not for you. But, if you’re that one in a hundred who, once they’ve heard of it, have to do whatever it takes to get on that volcano…you don’t need anybody to explain the appeal. Pure adrenaline, total excitement…and, often some wickedly good scratches and scars that will provide years of fireside story-telling of that one summer when…

 

So, if you’re headed to Nicaragua, take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Caribbean Sea or the calm peacefulness of the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Take in the remarkable magic of the tropical rainforests, jungles, and wildlife reserves. Check out the amazing real estate bargains that can be found in every corner of this beautiful country. But, when you’ve had your fill of these more placid experiences, take a bumpy ride west over toward Cerro Negro way and – even if you don’t do it yourself – check out the thrill seekers and action heroes who are defying gravity (and sanity) as they tear it up down the face of an active and ready-to-rumble volcano.

It’s an experience you (and your body) won’t soon forget!

Capturing the Essence of Sport: Dubai Sports City

Capturing the Essence of Sport: Dubai Sports City

Already a popular destination for all types of sporting events from closed season training to international tournaments, Dubai Sports City has firmly established Dubai as the number one sporting destination in the world. Given its proclivity for being the biggest and the best, the ambitious Dubai Sports City property development comes as no surprise; it is but a natural progression for this Emirate.

The center piece of Dubailand, the world’s largest theme park and tourism destination, you can expect nothing but the best in terms of sporting facilities as well as the residential and commercial freehold Dubai property available at this purpose built city.

Check It Out!

With its comprehensive range of avant-garde sporting facilities, Dubai Sports City is what dreams are made of, whether you are a sportsperson actively participating in sporting tournaments or a spectator soaking up the thrills of the sport.

Sprawled across 50 million square feet of land within Dubailand, Dubai Sports City is home to state-of-the-art venues, each of them designed and built in accordance with the stipulations laid down by the global governing bodies for the relevant sports.

Take a look at what Dubai Sports City has to offer athletes and spectators from all over the world:

- A 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor sports stadium for football, rugby and all types of track and field events.

- A 10,000 seat indoor arena for basketball, volleyball, indoor hockey, ice hockey, netball and handball. It also doubles up as an entertainment center for shows and concerts.

- A dedicated cricket stadium with a capacity of 25,000

- A field hockey venue for 5,000 spectators

- An Olympic size swimming pool

- Multi-functional, state of the art 3,000 square meter gymnasium

- A sports rehabilitation clinic

- World-class sporting academies that offer training programs are customized to suit participants of all ages and abilities

There’s More…

In addition to all of the above, Dubai Sports City will also host:

- The world’s first, purpose-built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility

- The International Cricket Council’s own Global Cricket Academy

- A Butch Harmon School of Golf; the only one outside of the United States

- David Lloyd Tennis Academy

- The Dunes, a plush 18-hole championship golf course, designed by none other than Ernie Els, international ambassador of golf. Nothing but the best for Dubai Sports City.

And More…

In addition to the splendid sporting facilities, the Dubai Sports City property development also boasts superlative residential and commercial developments including the world-class medical facilities and international schools along with ample leisure facilities, hotels and shopping opportunities. A sports-themed retail mall is the primary shopping destination complemented by numerous retail shops, boutiques and plazas.

The commitment to a healthy, relaxed lifestyle is evident everywhere; from the multitude of open parks and lush greenery to the waterway of canals that runs through its center and the well-being and lifestyle country club, the Next Generation Club.

At the Heart of Dubai Sports City – Sport

Capturing the very essence of sport, Dubai Sports City is truly a place where legends are made and sport is life.

Which is the More Violent Sport: Football, Ice Hockey or Mma?

Which is the More Violent Sport: Football, Ice Hockey or Mma?

So what’s with all the rhetoric and discussion on MMA being a violent sport?  Have any of these detractors ever watched a football game?  Ice Hockey?  Rugby?  Talk about violent sports!  And these are all approved and sanctioned!  Senator McCain and a lot of politicians are on the anti-MMA bandwagon, although sources close to Senator McCain have told me personally that he’s “coming around” and is willing to take a closer look at the sport.  Well thank goodness for that, because what MMA was in 1995 is not what it is today.

A report by the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, (JOSS&M) stated “The incidence of injury in combat sports has not been adequately reported although it is important to identify the nature and frequency of injuries prior to the implementation of prevention programs.”  In their study, they “compared injury rates treated in Hospital Emergency Departments between different combat sports of boxing, wrestling, and martial arts.  A secondary objective described anatomic region and diagnosis of these injuries.  Data were obtained on all boxing, wrestling, and martial arts-related injuries that were in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database and resulted in Emergency Department visits between 2002 and 2005.” 

Their findings?  “Martial arts had lower injury rates compared to boxing and wrestling for all diagnoses (p<0.001).  Boxing had lower injury rates compared to wrestling for strains/sprains and dislocations.  Boxing and wrestling had similar injury rates for concussions.”

Their recommendation?  Stop fighting?  Ban MMA?  Nope.  In fact the report suggested that “Injury prevention efforts should consider the distribution of injuries and concentrate on preventing strains/sprains in wrestling, concussions in boxing and wrestling, and fractures for all three activities.”  So basically, like with any other sport, one should take proper care and use preventative measures when training or competing.  Okay – good to know. 

The JOSS&M report went further:  “The findings of the present study do not provide evidence that combat sports have alarmingly high rates of injuries resulting in emergency department visits.”  Interesting.  Hope Senator McCain reads this report.  You can find the whole study here:  http://www.jssm.org/combat/2/11/v6combat2-11.pdf

Next I’ll talk about sports injuries in football and ice hockey.  Make a little comparison.  Should be interesting.

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