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History of KiteSurfing
April 25 , 2008
BigAir!
What do you get when you combine surfing and a parasail? Why, KiteSurfing of course!
Slim Chance 101 (Kite Surf)
Combining traits of windsurf and wakeboard, the powerful air-foils and lightweight boards give the kiteboarder higher performance capabilities than ever before. In its short but exciting history kitesurfing has brought together the most exciting components of other extreme sports. The simplicity of the kite-board concept allows every rider the ability to create their own ride styles that reflect their creative imagination and personal expression. With every new move the definitions are changed and the sport continues to expand in possibility!
Kitesurfing can trace its roots back to its ancestors, "kite-skiing" and "flysurfing" which first appeared back in the 1980's. The modern era of kitesurfing began in the mid 90's when Laird Hamilton and Manu Bertin gained recognition by kite-surfing on Maui's north shore. Riding surf style boards with footstraps, they captured the imagination of the water sport community.
Kitesurfing popularity has exploded in recent years and the equipment is now widely available and more sophisticated than ever. Kitesurfing now has well-organized events such as the Kitesurfing World Titles, and the World Cup of Kitesurfing. Kitesurfing instruction is also widely available through several networks of accredited schools. Kitesurfing associations, Internet newsgroups, and web-sites are growing.
New kites range in price from $600- to $1500-(USD). A complete beginner setup including board will cost between $1500- to $2000-. Some equipment is sold as a "complete package" for a discounted price. Used kites are an option and buying a last years model may save you 30-40% off the new price. Always take care to inspect any piece of equipment before purchasing it.
Do you Kitesurf? Upload your videos and photos of you doing your thing on SplashVision today!
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- The SplashVision Team
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Shark Attacks
April 22 , 2008
Attack of the Shark!
Beneath our smiles and laughter on the water, we are all constantly aware of the danger of sharks. Are our fears founded in facts or Fiction? Is ‘Jaws’ to blame for our paranoia? Usually, I try to be chatty and engaging, but this time, It’s ‘Just the facts...
World Record Shark 23 feet!
Shark Attack Statistics for 2007.
- According to The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) there were 71 incidents of unprovoked shark attack on humans in 2007
- According to The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) there were 71 incidents of unprovoked shark attack on humans in 2007
- The 2007 yearly total of 71 unprovoked attacks was higher than the 63 unprovoked attacks in 2006
- The growth in shark attack numbers does not necessarily mean there is an increase in rate of shark attack, rather it most likely is reflective of the ever-increasing amount of time spent in the sea by humans. As the world population continues and increases its love of the water and ocean, its only natural there will be more attacks. Just as if you drive your car 5 days a week as compared to one, your chances of getting in an accident are higher.
- There was only one death from a Shark attack in 2007, and that was in
New Caledonia .
- 61% of unprovoked attacks occurred in North American waters.
-Half of the world's attacks occur in (including
Hawaii ) waters.
- Australia had 13 attacks, had 2, and
New Caledonia had 2, with one resulting in death. , , , and all reported only one shark attack.
Some other interesting Facts:
- 1/3 of shark attacks and the majority of U.S, attacks are recorded from
Florida . With 32 shark attacks in 2007, Florida had the most unprovoked attacks in the .
- Additional attacks were recorded in Hawaii (7), South Carolina (5), California (3), North Carolina (2), and
Texas (1).
- Volusia County Florida usually has about half of
Florida 's activity and in 2007 had 17 bites.
- The east coast of Florida historically has had more attacks than the
Gulf of Mexico coastline because of the larger number of beach users, particularly surfers, utilizing its high-energy beaches.
- Surfers/windsurfers make up 56% of shark attack victims.
- Swimmers/waders make up about 38% and were the recreational user groups most often involved in shark attacks in 2007.
- Snorklers and divers are relatively safe, and only come in at 6% of shark attack victims.
- Surfers have been the most affected user group in recent years.
If you do find yourself under attack, hit the shark on the nose, ideally with an inanimate object, this will usually results in the shark temporarily stopping the attack. Try to get out of the water at this time. If this is not possible, repeat bangs to the snout may offer temporary restraint, but the result will likely become increasingly less effective. If a shark actually bites, we suggest clawing at its eyes and gills, the two most sensitive areas.
Stay safe, upload your shark videos and photo’s to SplashVision, and remember…
That’s a wrap!
- The SplashVision Team (if you liked this, share it with a friend)
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2008 Hurricane Season Forecast
April 18 , 2008
Hunker down for the 2008 Hurricane Season!
Living on the coast, I am no stranger to boarding up windows and replacing carpets after a hurricane. And according to some experts, this year will be no different.
Researchers at
North Carolina
State
University have predicted an active 2008 hurricane season, but said the number of storms with the potential to make landfall is close to an average year, they said.
Their forecasts call for 13 to 15 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the
Caribbean Sea . Six to eight of the storms could become hurricanes, they said.
Hurricane Noel (2007)
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
The southeast coast of the could see one or two named storms make landfall, and there is a better than 50 percent chance that at least one of the storms will be a hurricane.
The Gulf of Mexico is most likely to see storm activity this year, he said, predicting two to four named storms, including one hurricane, were likely to make landfall along the Gulf Coast.
In NC States calculations, they use data from the last 100 years on
Atlantic Ocean hurricane positions and intensity, as well as other variables like weather patterns and sea-surface temperatures, in order to predict how many storms will form and where they will make landfall.
Colorado
State
University researcher William Gray also predicted Wednesday that rising water temperatures in the
Atlantic would bring a "well above average" storm season this year, including four major storms.
Gray's forecast calls for 15 named storms in the Atlantic in 2008 and says there's a better than average chance that at least one major hurricane will hit the U.S.
government forecasters issue their seasonal outlook in late May.
Do you have amazing footage of your weather experience? Upload your videos or photos and share them with the SplashVision community today!
That’s a wrap!
- The SplashVision Team (if you liked this, share it with a friend)
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