Archive for May, 2010

Playing Fun Free Games Online

There are many different types of games available online now a days that it can be hard knowing what to play and what not to play.
Thousands of people each month search for free fun games and are presented with a
vast amount of choices. The actual games themselves can be a lot of fun and many find themselves playing the games for many hours.

Why Should You Play Online Games

One of the biggest benefits to playing online games is the fact that you can access them whenever and the skill level usually increases
the more it is played by a player. They are designed to be fun online games whether they are games for girls, games for boys or games designated
for everyone.

There is a vast amount of games available out there that are perfect for educational purposes, especially fun math games. Kids have the opportunity
to learn there mathematics while playing an online game, and half the time they don’t even realize that it is a math game.

Never-Ending Selection of Fun and Games

That is absolutely true. There is a never-ending selection of fun and games. Hundreds of online games are released each year for the public to play,
meaning players have the opportunity to try out new online games just about every day of the year.

Many designers are developing games specifically for the Internet, which has tripled the amount of games available online over the past few years.
The most fun games are the ones that a lot of the gaming websites promote more, so keep an eye out for these gaming choices.

When someone is on the hunt for a new, exciting game to play the best place to turn is the Internet. Playing fun free games online is something
everyone can do, and millions of people are doing it each and every month. Instead of paying to play games, why not go for free online games instead.
They are still jam packed full of fun and can easily keep a person attached for hours on end.

The Way of the Future

Online games are becoming the new thing and is something that isn’t going to disappear any time soon.

Why play those dull, costly games when there is the option to play fun online games instead. The opportunity is there, all it takes is finding that
perfect online gaming website that supplies a vast variety of options that matches exactly what the player is looking for.

Fun Games Arena is your home to all the latest online gaming options. We have taken
the time to get our users the most fun games available online while maintain quality gaming choices. If you are on the hunt for some fun games then
Fun Games Arena is the place for you!

Barbie Dress Up Games Entice Every Individual In The Market

There are many online games in the international market but nothing is more valuable and professional than barbie dress up games at all. In fact, they are a great way to get lifetime entertainment today. For example both young boys as well as girls can get a sheer piece of enjoyment with the help of barbie dress up games online. Talking about barbie dress up games designs, they are very riveting and versatile beyond your imagination. Currently they are available in a wide variety of designs, and styles, as well as sizes in the international within most economical price rates.
They have exceptional designs which are more often than not created by using highly advanced tools and softwares of the worldwide market. For example, barbie games have elegant and graceful graphics, textures, images, colors, and pictures due to the impact of latest graphic designing tools and softwares such as adobe illustrator, coral draw, dream weaver, Photoshop, and so on. On the other hand, they are very durable and long lasting online games in the worldwide today. You will only need to contact with your online games shop so as to get the best barbie dress up games cost effectively.

In fact, barbie dress up games online offer plenty of advantages to both kids as well as grownups such as increased enthusiasm, excitement, funs, entertainment, mental relaxation, removal of depression, improved lifestyle and fitness. Interestingly these online games are very efficient and useful especially for teenage girls in the worldwide market today. That is why most of young girls are today bound to buy online barbie games in order to get lifetime entertainment immediately. So, one should not overlook the significance of online barbie dress up games at all.
In short, they are a great way to get an increased amount of enjoyment and excitement today. That is why they have become the most favorable choices especially for young girls and boys these days. Also they are very cost effective as well as useful games beyond your imagination. Therefore if you want to get lifetime enjoyment, you should get barbie dress up games from your online games shop within economical price rates immediately.

World Cup 2010 Stadiums

Cape Town World Cup 2010 Stadium

Cape Town World Cup 2010  Stadium

The Stadium

Cape Town is building a new stadium for the 2010 World Cup in the suburb of Greenpoint, 500 metres from the Atlantic Ocean with Table Mountain as a backdrop.

Upon completion, the stadium should seat 70,000.

Group matches to be played in Cape Town

  • 11th June – 8.30pm: Uruguay v France
  • 14th June – 8.30pm: Italy v Paraguay
  • 18th June – 8.30pm: England v Algeria
  • 21st June – 1.30pm: Portugal v Korea DPR
  • 24th June – 8.30pm: Cameroon v Netherlands

Johannesburg World Cup 2010 Stadiums

Soccer City  Johannesburg World Cup Stadium

Soccer City

Johannesburg will have two stadiums in the World Cup 2010 and also boasts the opening match, one semi final and the final match of the tournament.

Soccer City is the jewel in South Africa’s crown, built in 1987 and with a capacity of 94,700 (excluding Media and VIP’s) it is sure to offer a great atmosphere for the lucky few that get tickets and hopefully as the stadium to be used for the first game, provide an excellent springboard for a magnificent tournament.

For 2010, the upper tier will be extended around the stadium, an encircling roof will be constructed, new changing room facilities will be developed and new floodlights will be installed.

Ellis Park World Cup  2010 Stadium

Ellis Park

Ellis Park was constructed in 1982 as a modern, integrated stadium offering outstanding sight lines from every seat. The Stadium stands within a world class sporting precinct, barely 15 minutes’ walk from the Johannesburg City Centre, and offers outstanding office, security and medical features.

For 2010, new upper tiers will be constructed behind each of the goals, at the north and south ends of the venue, increasing the net capacity by 10,149 seats to a total 60,000.

Ellis Park will host one quarter final match.

Durban World Cup 2010 Stadium

Durban World Cup 2010  Stadium

The Stadium

Durban will boast the new Moses Mabhida stadium, unveiled on June 15th 2006 at Durban’s ICC by KwaZulu-Natal’s Premier Sbu Ndebele and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Obed Mlaba.

The stadium will be built on the site of the existing King’s Park stadium and has been designed as a first-class multi-purpose sporting facility with a seating capacity of 70,000.

The stadium is named after named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the SACP.

Group matches to be played in Durban

  • 13th June – 8.30pm: Germany v Australia
  • 16th June – 4.00pm: Spain v Switzerland
  • 19th June – 1.30pm: Netherlands v Japan
  • 22th June – 8.30pm: Nigeria v Korea Republic
  • 25th June – 4.00pm: Portugal v Brazil

Nelspruit World Cup 2010 Stadium

Nelspruit World Cup Stadium

The Stadium

Construction of the new Mbombela Stadium on open land just eight kilometres north of Nelspruit will confirm the recently rising fortunes of this far north-eastern corner of South Africa.

The Mbombela Stadium has been designed to ensure it enjoys a prosperous life beyond the tournament as an adaptable, relevant multi-sport, entertainment and exhibition venue.

The stadium will be specifically constructed to ensure that it meets all FIFA Requirements and presents a compact and attractive venue for both first and second round matches with a capacity of just over 40,000.

Group matches to be played in Nelspruit

  • 16th June – 1.30pm: Honduras v Chile
  • 20th June – 4.00pm: Italy v New Zealand
  • 23rd June – 8.30pm: Australia v Serbia
  • 25th June – 4.00pm: Korea DPR v Ivory Coast

Rustenburg World Cup 2010 Stadium

Rustenburg World Cup  2010 Stadium

The Stadium

Only minor renovations will be required to bring the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace into line with requirements for a stadium able to host first and second round matches at the 2010 World Cup. The stadium will have a capacity of just over 40,000.

For 2010, essentially cosmetic measures such as installation of new electronic scoreboards and upgrading of the floodlights and public address system will render the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace ready to welcome the football supporters of the world.

Group matches to be played in Rustenburg

  • 12th June – 8.30pm: England v USA
  • 15th June – 1:30pm: New Zealand v Slovakia
  • 19th June – 4.00pm: Ghana v Australia
  • 22th June – 4.00pm: Mexico v Uruguay
  • 24th June – 8.30pm: Denmark v Japan

Pretoria World Cup 2010 Stadiums

Pretoria World Cup Stadium

The Stadium

The main west stand of the Loftus Versfeld stadium was completely rebuilt in 1977, and the other three stands have been rebuilt since, creating an impressive arena, that rises steeply on all sides and incorporates some of the country’s finest facilities for corporate hospitality.

Minimal upgrading will be required for the stadium to qualify as a venue for first and second round matches, but the floodlights, sound system and scoreboards will all be improved. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 and this will probably rise to 50,000 for the World Cup.

Group matches to be played in Pretoria

  • 13th June – 4.00pm: Serbia v Ghana
  • 16th June – 8.30pm: South Africa v Uruguay
  • 19th June – 8.30pm: Cameroon v Denmark
  • 23rd June – 4.00pm: USA v Algeria
  • 25th June – 8.30pm: Chile v Spain

Polokwane World Cup 2010 Stadium

Polokwane World Cup 2010  Stadium

The Stadium

The roof over the existing west stand of the Peter Mokaba Stadium will be removed and replaced by a roof that covers the entire western stand of the new Stadium.

An additional 20 rows of seating will be built around the entire stadium to increase capacity to 40,000.

In addition to the structural work, the Peter Mokaba stadium will be provided with first rate equipment, including an electronic scoreboard in the northern stand, new floodlights, a modern sound system and a fire detection and protection system.

Group matches to be played in Polokwane

  • 13th June – 1.30pm: Algeria v Slovenia
  • 17th June – 8.30pm: France v Mexico
  • 22nd June – 8.30pm: Greece v Argentina
  • 24th June – 4.00pm: Paraguay v New Zealand

Port Elizabeth World Cup 2010 Stadium

Port Elizabeth World Cup  Stadium

The Stadium

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will have a capacity of 49,500 and will be a multi purpose facility launched at the World Cup in 2010.

Click here for the host city website.

Group matches to be played in Port Elizabeth

  • 12th June – 1.30pm: Korea Republic v Greece
  • 15th June – 4.00pm: Ivory Coast v Portugal
  • 18th June – 1.30pm: Germany v Serbia
  • 21st June – 4.00pm: Chile v Switzerland
  • 23rd June – 4.00pm: Slovenia v England

Bloemfontein World Cup 2010 Stadium

Bloemfontein World Cup  2010 Stadium

The Stadium

In advance of 2010, a second tier will be added to the main grandstand of the Free State Stadium on the western side of the ground, increasing the net capacity beyond the 40,000-mark required for venues to stage first and second round matches.

Additionally, new turnstiles will be erected, the floodlights will be upgraded, electronic scoreboards will be installed and the sound system will be revamped to the required standards.

Group matches to be played in Bloemfontein

  • 14th June – 4.00pm: Japan v Cameroon
  • 17th June – 4.00pm: Greece v Nigeria
  • 20th June – 1.30pm: Slovakia v Paraguay
  • 22th June – 4.00pm: France v South Africa
  • 25th June – 8.30pm: Switzerland v Honduras

World Cup 2010 begins: Socceroos land in South Africa

Photo

Photo

Photo

Photo

In just over two weeks the World Cup kicks off and tonight, Australia were the first team to arrive in South Africa. I guess it really is about to happen.

Brazil arrive tomorrow, while the Argentina and Denmark national teams are due to land on Saturday morning. All will be flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

If you happen to be in South Africa and you are interested in knowing when each team arrives, we will list each date below. The airport will have a viewing area for you but be warned, security will be tight.

“With the arrival of teams, the FIFA World Cup becomes real. This marks a very special moment because we have provided the stage, now the players take the spotlight and that is what the FIFA World Cup is about.

“The focus will now shift to the excitement around the teams and the build-up to the games. The teams will certainly have a wonderful time in this country and be part of the African spirit while playing in world-class facilities,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke.

World Cup 2010 Team Arrival Dates

  • 26 May – Australia
  • 27 May – Brazil
  • 29 May – Denmark
  • 30 May – Argentina
  • 31 May – USA
  • 1 June – Korea DPR
  • 3 June – England and Paraguay
  • 4 June – Mexico and Chile
  • 5 June – France, Korea Republic, Uruguay and Nigeria
  • 6 June – Japan, The Netherlands, Portugal, New Zealand, Greece and Algeria
  • 7 June – Germany, Ghana and Slovenia
  • 8 June – Serbia
  • 9 June – Cameroon, Italy, Honduras and Slovakia
  • 10 June – Ivory Coast and Switzerland
  • 11 June – Spain

FIFA World Cup 2010: Curtain Raiser

The 19th FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11, 2010. And it is safe to say that the FIFA World Cup 2010 will be one of the most widely watched events in the world.

FIFA World Cup 2010: Curtain Raiser

South Africa was chosen to host the FIFA World Cup 2010 after beating countries like Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco in the bidding. Tunisia bid as a co-host, but the FIFA Executive Committee decided not to allow co-hosting. The host country was decided way back in 2004, and along the years, many influential people had concerns over the preparations in South Africa for the mega event. But things have finally fallen into place, and we are hardly a couple of weeks away from the most awaited sports event, the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

South Africa has pumped in billions to make sure the infrastructure was up to the mark for the event. 5 new stadiums were constructed, the 5 existing ones were upgraded, besides the transport system and security have also been fine tuned.

Venue Stadium Capacity
Johannesburg Soccer City 95,000
Johannesburg Ellis Park Stadium 63,000
Durban Moses Mabhida Stadium 70,000
Cape Town Cape Town Stadium 69,000
Pretoria Loftus Versfeld Stadium 52,000
Port Elizabeth Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium 48,000
Bloemfentein Free State Stadium 48,000
Polokwane Peter Mokaba Stadium 46,000
Rustenburg Royal Bafokeng Stadium 45,000
Nelspruit Mbombela Stadium 44,000

FIFA World Cup 2010: Groups

Countries – Group A
south africa flag South Africa
mexico flag Mexico
uruguay flag Uruguay
france flag France
Countries – Group B
argentina flag Argentina
nigeria flag Nigeria
korea republic flag Korea Republic
greece flag Greece
Countries – Group C
england flag England
united states flag United States
algeria flag Algeria
slovenia flag Slovenia
Countries – Group D
germany flag Germany
australia flag Australia
serbia flag Serbia
ghana flag Ghana
Countries – Group E
netherlands flag Netherlands
denmark flag Denmark
japan flag Japan
cameroon flag Cameroon
Countries – Group F
italy flag Italy
paraguay flag Paraguay
new zealand flag New Zealand
slovakia flag Slovakia
Countries – Group G
brazil flag Brazil
korea dpr flag Korea DPR
cote dlvoire flag Côte d’Ivoire
portugal flag Portugal
Countries – Group H
spain flag Spain
switzerland flag Switzerland
honduras flag Honduras
chile flag Chile

(Top 2 teams from each group qualify for the round of 16)

The FIFA World Cup 2010 will kick off with the match between the host nation South Africa vs Mexico on June 11, at Soccer City – Johannesburg. The final will be played at this same venue a month later on July 11. In the previous edition in 2006, Italy beat France on penalties to lift the cup, while Germany beat Portugal to take 3rd place. So who are you supporting this time round!!!

Classic, Sports & Muscle Cars

May 27 – 2010 Brabus T65 RS Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series This extreme new supercar from Brabus features 800 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo V12.


2010 Brabus T65 RS Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG

May 26 – 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger Period Photos Historical images of the famed muscle/pony car from the early 1970s.


1970-1974 Dodge Challenger Period Photos



May 26 – 2010 G-Power BMW M3 GT2 S & M3 Tornado CS G-Power announces two track-ready but street legal version of the M3 powered by a supercharged 600 hp V8.  The GT2 is more of a pure race car, while the Tornado is the “civilian version” of the pair.


2010 G-Power BMW M3 GT2 S & M3 Tornado CS

May 25 – 2010 Pininfarina Nido EV This small electric vehicle is the first prototype of the “Nido Development Programme”, a modular platform from which new types of hybrid and electric cars will be developed


2010 Pininfarina Nido EV

May 25 – 2010 BMW Alpina B3 S Biturbo Alpina has extracted 400 hp from a twin turbocharged version of the 3 liter inline-6, while the body sports a new spoiler and rear valence.  Other features include numerous interior upgrades and enhanced suspension.


2010 BMW Alpina B3 S Biturbo

May 23 – 2010 RZ Ultima Concept by Racer X Design The RZ Ultima concept is intended for those who want all the performance that the incredibly fast Ultima GTR offers, but with a more refined look.


2010 RZ Ultima Concept by Racer X Design

May 23 – 2010 TechArt Porsche Cayenne Individualization Individualization options for the exterior, the engine area and the interior of the SUV as well as light alloy and forged wheels.


2010 TechArt Porsche Cayenne Individualization

May 22 – 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X This turn-key spec series racer from Dodge features 640 hp from it 8.4 liter V10. At 3190 lbs, it weighs 160 lbs less than the stock Dodge Viper.


2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

May 22 – 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 The HEMI powered Challenger features 0-60 times of under 5 seconds thanks to its 425 hp V8.


2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8

May 22 – 2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 HEMI power for the Charger makes this the quickest sedan in Dodge’s lineup.


2010 Dodge Charger SRT8

May 22 – 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 This HEMI powered Grand Cherokee is the quickest Jeep ever, with 0-60 mph times of under 5 seconds.


2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

May 21 – 1935-1936 Mercedes-Benz 150 Sports Roadster Decades before Lamborghini set a new standard with their beautiful Miura, Mercedes-Benz created their own mid-engine sports car.  Its original design and configuration make the 150 Sports Roadster one of the most remarkable cars of its era.  Only a handful were ever produced, and only one still exists today.


1935-1936 Mercedes-Benz 150 Sports Roadster

May 19 – 2010 AC Schnitzer BMW X6M & X6M Falcon The Schnitzer X6M features a carbon fiber front spoiler, rear roof spoiler, rear wing, rear diffuser and design elements for the front skirt and chromed front grille.  AC Schnitzer has adapted the FALCON wheel arch extensions so that the BMW body gains an extra 40 mm width each side.


2010 AC Schnitzer BMW X6M


2010 AC Schnitzer BMW X6M Falcon

May 17 – 2010 TopCar Porsche Cayenne 2 TopCar releases three new and related body packages for the Porsche Cayenne.


2010 TopCar Porsche Cayenne 2

May 17 – 2010 Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V6E Aero Package Carbon fiber components include a front spoiler, deck lid spoiler, and rear diffuser.


2010 Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V6E Aero

May 17 – 2008 Ferrari FXX Racing A look at the racing program for the 860 hp, naturally aspirated FXX.


2008 Ferrari FXX Racing

May 17 – 2010 Hamann BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo An aerodynamic body package along with a lowering kit for the 5 series GT.  The diesel 530d sees an upgrade to an impressive 457 lb-ft of torque.


2010 Hamann BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

May 14 – 2010 MTM Audi R8 GT3-2 This R8 features RWD, 560 hp from a supercharged V8, an aerodynamic package, and MTM suspension upgrades.


2010 MTM Audi R8 GT3-2

May 14 – 2010 MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport This twin-turbocharged RS6 produces over 730 hp, with a target top speed of 217 mph.


2010 MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport

May 14 – 2010 TechArt Porsche 911 Turbo Aerodynamic Kit II A new aerodynamic package for the 997, featuring a front spoiler, front and rear aprons, side skirts, and rear spoiler, along with their own LED daytime running light system.


2010 TechArt Porsche 911 Turbo Aerodynamic Kit II

May 12 – 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS This 620 hp GT model marking the absolute climax in the 911 range is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche.


2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

May 12 – 2010 Porsche 911 Aerokit Cup Retrofitting These four new retrofit highlights Porsche include a 19″ sport wheel with the look of the Fuch rim from the limited edition 911 Sport Classic; a three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles; and the Aerokit Cup front apron and rear lid.


2010 Porsche 911 Aerokit Cup Retrofitting

May 11 – 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class L This version of the E-Class for China will be extended about 5.5 inches for additional interior space.


2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class L

Backstroke Swimming Technique

Anyone who knows how to float and swim can carry out backstroke swimming. Technique is far more important here rather than strength and stamina, and this is one of the least taxing swimming styles…

Backstroke Swimming Technique

Experienced swimmers may be well aware of the proper backstroke swimming technique, and with this knowledge they can achieve greater distances with their strokes and can also move faster. Backstroke swimming is slightly more complicated than the freestyle, and is not as flexible as well. Different people perform the freestyle in different ways, but there is only one correct backstroke swimming technique, and this is certainly the most effective.

For starters, backstroke swimming obviously requires the individual to float on his back, and this is something that most beginners are slightly hesitant to do. One needs to overcome this fear before they can go about mastering the correct backstroke swimming technique. Secondly, the breathing pattern here can be more relaxed, as compared to other swimming strokes, as the persons head will always be above the water. Moreover, the swimmer will be moving relatively slower, so the need for rapid breathing is unnecessary.

The back stroke technique that one adopts depends from person to person, but in order to get maximum distance and power, your arms and legs need to move in tandem with each other. You may also end up getting water in your nose occasionally, so you must be prepared for that. Read more about backstroke technique.

Tips for Backstroke Swimming

There are a few pointers that one needs to keep in mind while learning the backstroke. This is a style of swimming that does not involve the entire body, in fact, it is just your arms and legs that are helping you move. The streamlined body that you achieve while freestyling is also not possible here, so you need to pay more attention to the little details about backstroke swimming techniques. Read more about the backstroke flip turn.

Use Your Shoulders
Your shoulders play a very important role while backstroke swimming, and you need to move them around completely and forcefully. The manner in which your shoulders move should resemble the motion of a person rowing a boat. You must also try to achieve as much distance with your arms as possible while rotating your shoulders.

Kicking
You need to be constantly kicking down into the water in order to propel yourself forward. In backstroke swimming, your heels are entering the water first, so you must ensure that you never stop kicking. If you happen to stop kicking, you will find your lower body heavier to drag and manage. All basic backstroke swimming techniques require rapid and constant movement of the legs. You may also like to read about the butterfly stroke.

Free Breathing
As mentioned before, this is the only swimming stroke that does not require a methodical breathing procedure. Your head will always be above the surface of the water, so you can breathe as you want. But you will need to ensure that you do not drift into another lane and are moving in a straight line. You will need to constantly look to the side of the swimming pool to maintain this line of movement.

Proper Backstroke Swimming Technique

When you are swimming on your back, each part of your body is carrying out a specific task. You need to maintain a continuous motion of each of these body parts in order to keep moving forward. Your head should always be in line with your spine, your arms should always be in a 180 degrees angle with each other, your hips should move in accordance with your shoulder movements and your fingers should be the first part of your arms that enter the body.

Water Skiing: Tips, Tricks and Equipment

Water skiing is one of the most exhilarating of water sports. Here are a few water skiing tips that will give you an idea on how to get started.

Water  Skiing: Tips, Tricks and Equipment

Whether you use two skis, or a single ski, or skim through the water on bare feet – getting pulled by a speedboat or a trained dolphin – there is something about skimming on water as you glide through the spattering sprays that has you coming back for more, despite the number of times you get dunked.

It was back in 1922 that water skiing began when Ralph Samuelson, an eighteen year old boy from Minnesota, thought that if snow skiing was possible, then why not skiing on water. He tested his theory out for the first time on Lake Pepin, Lake City, in Minnesota, getting his brother Ben to tow him. It was after the two brothers had been experimenting for several days that Ralph realized that if he leant his body back, putting the tips of his skis up in the air, it lead to water skiing successfully. Those skis that the two brothers used were made from barrel staves, after which they tried using regular snow skis. Later, Ralph created the first pair of water skis out of some lumber that he bought and hewed into shape. Leather straps were used to bind the feet on to the skis and a window sash served as a towrope.

From those days to today, water skiing has turned into one of the most popular water sports. Whether you are a beginner or a long-time fan of water skiing, who has always envied people gliding effortlessly on the water, here are a few water skiing tips that you are sure to find interesting and useful:

  • One of the first things you will need is to get yourself a Personal Flotation Device or a Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket, which fits properly. So that when you do take a toss in the water it should not come up to your head.
  • The next thing is learning to put on the skis. While this is usually done in the water, however, it is better for a young beginner to be helped by someone while they sit on the swim platform of the boat.
  • The bindings that come with most beginners’ skis are adjustable in order to fit various sizes of shoes. The bindings should be sized properly, adjusted in such a way as to make them as tight as possible, and still have the foot fitting in comfortably.
  • Once you have the skis on, the next thing to do is get hold of the towrope’s handle and float on your back in the water, while the boat driver takes out the slack of the rope. It is not necessary at this point to try to keep your skis straight or to align yourself with the boat. Simply relax, floating with the help of your life jacket.
  • Once the boat driver removes the slack out of the rope, he/she will put the boat into neutral, waiting for you to get ready. This is when you begin getting into position by bending your legs fully and extending your arms almost completely, with the elbows outside your knees. The skis should be positioned in such a way as to be between you and the boat, while the rope should be between the skis. So, your body should be bunched up in a ball, while your head should be upright and facing the boat.
  • The next thing you need to master is how to stay up on the skis while the boat tows you. Keep your knees bent, since the knees act as shock absorbers. If the knees are not kept bent, the waves will come up to your waist, which will make you unstable.
  • While keeping your knees bent, you need to see that your back is straight, which will give you a more relaxed posture and help in balancing. Most beginners tend to hunch up, which puts a lot of stress on the back.
  • Take care to extend your arms fully, so that when you get slack on the rope you have the space to pull your arms in towards your chest. Most novice water skiers tend to keep their hands near their chest, so that when they do get slack on the rope, they have no space left to compensate and thus fall backwards.
  • Keep your weight centered on both the skis, if you want to go straight. If weight is put on one foot, it will have you making a turn.
  • It is important to keep the skis together, or you may end up doing the splits on water. The ideal distance of the skis is keeping them shoulder width apart.
  • Once you master the basics and become good at it, you can even try some trick skiing, such as dropping a ski, or taking a ski off and holding it aloft, or using a harness to hold the rope with the toes of one of your feet. You can perform other more intricate tricks like flips, jumps, step-overs, and of course slalom water skiing.
  • Some of the most important water skiing equipment include: water skiing boots and bindings; water skiing gloves; water skiing vests; water skiing vests; and of course the skis and the boat.

Whitewater Rafting for Vacations

Whitewater rafting, also called river rafting or just plain rafting, is a recreational sport that provides thrill and adventure. It is an experience that lasts a lifetime. During vacations, rafting is a good escapade option, not only for adventuresome but also for family and kids.

Whitewater Rafting for Vacations

Rafting was the earliest mode of transportation used across water bodies, for moving food, supplies and people. It was during the 1970s that river rafting caught the attention of people looking for alternate adventure activities. The inclusion of this sport into the 1972 Munich Olympics was a major boost.

River rafting or whitewater rafting involves handling and navigating a raft safely across a river or a stream which has tempestuous or violent water. Whitewater is formed when sections of a river suddenly slope downward, increasing the flow and speed of water, causing a turbulence. These sections known as rapids, make the fast-flowing water frothy and white in appearance. Hence the name whitewater rafting. Rafting is done on whitewater to thrill the raft passengers.

Although, there are many adventurous extreme sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, skiing, scuba diving, etc but those which can be enjoyed with family and kids are few, in fact rare.

Rafting is one such activity which will definitely excite everyone – whether you are young or old, alone or with family and kids. River rafting is an excellent option for a family vacation or adventure travel. Here are some excellent places for whitewater river rafting:

Colorado River, The Grand Canyon
Nothing can be compared to the beauty of rafting at the Colorado river. The river passes through the Grand Canyon National Park. One can enjoy the hidden waterfalls, falling from hundreds of feet and the silence of Colorado if you halt for the night. These are the exotic spots which are accessible only through the Colorado river. Many tour operators provide 3, 4, 6 and 7 day packages which include scenic helicopter flights, rafting, hiking and camping. Rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon are one of the best in the United
States.

Rogue River, Oregon
The river in Oregon provides a great experience for a family rafting vacation. The canyon from Grave Creek to Foster Bar provides a spectacular view and people love it when they discover the hidden swimming pools. In the 34 mile trip, you will come across a vast wildlife. The region is full of deer, black bears, turtles, mallard ducks, bald eagles and ospreys. The Rogue rafting vacation is one of the best wildlife viewing trip which comes at an affordable price. An old Oregon saying for rafting the Rogue, rightly states, “Relax in the state of excitement!”

Salmon River, Idaho
Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon river drops 3,000 feet through its course, making it extremely thrilling for the raft-men. The rafts are generally launched at 6,000 feet above sea level on the narrow steep river. The rapids are frequent and as the river drops in elevation, it widens and opens up to vast granite mountains. The trips are usually of 5 to 6 days, covering 80 to 105 miles. The best season for rafting at Idaho is from June to September.

New River Gorge Rafting, West Virginia
This is another perfect rafting vacation spot. The canyon at the New River Gorge is commonly known as ‘Grand Canyon of the East’. The steep cliffs and the forests surrounding the canyon provide ample opportunity for other adventure sports such as rock climbing, hiking, and fishing.

Useful Tips
Rafting can be dangerous if due precautions are not taken beforehand. Some things which need to be taken care of are:

  • Sign up for a multi-day trip instead of half or full day trip. This way you can learn the basics of river rafting under proper supervision.
  • Always bring well-fitting shoes and clothes. Loose clothes are a strict ‘NO’. Wearing loose fitting jewelry should be avoided.
  • People who use contact lenses are advised not to wear them while rafting, as they may get contaminated by the river water. Wear spectacles instead.
  • Before leaving on such a trip, make sure that the weather forecasts are good.
  • Swimming at night in unsupervised areas should be avoided.
  • Wear your personal flotation device (PFD) always.

Whitewater river rafting is always a thrilling activity. The joy of experiencing the adventure with your family is priceless. You experience it once, and I bet you will come back for more. Pack your bags this vacation for the ultimate adventure and have the time of your life!

Ticket news ahead of the 2010 World Cup

We are getting inundated with requests for World Cup 2010 tickets, news and information and we don’t have anything new to tell you. By writing a small article about the process we can send everyone interested in knowing more to this page.

Basically the ticketing system will be controlled by FIFA and there will approximately 3,000,000 tickets available for the 64 matches that will take place in South Africa during 2010.

Of those 3,000,000 tickets a third will go to sponsors, the teams and the FIFA family. Another third will go to international visitors and the last million tickets will go to South African residents or possibly residents of Africa.

Danny Jordaan has promised to make the tickets affordable for South African residents so pricing isn’t going to be a shock. The only concern is if the one million tickets for South Africa has to be spread over Africa.

As of 2005 there was an estimated 890,000,000 people living in Africa which means not everyone that wants a ticket is going to get one, so FIFA will manage the allocation of tickets as a lottery.

When tickets go on sale you will need to visit a special website that will be set up by FIFA and request what matches you want tickets for and the number you require.

Ticket sales will likely take place in 2009 and you will be given lots of notice. The website will also probably go up several months before ticket sales begin so you will be able to gather all the information you need and it will answer every possible question you may have.

Now, we don’t mind you all asking and if there is something that we haven’t made clear, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help, if we can.