Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Travel Therapy
From the San Jose Mercury News and The Associated Press comes a timely news story on stress related illnesses. Writer Karen Schaler has just written a Berkeley-based $20 paperback book from Seal Press. The chapters are broken down into 11 different situations of stress and travel remedies.
For the love lost folks, you are best suited for an extreme adventure such as shark diving, hang gliding or whitewater rafting. Physically demanding adventures will help you to relax through your anxiety or stressful times.
Those in need of a personal reinvention of the mind and soul might want to consider an exotic adventure in an exotic location. For those who are workaholics, Ms. Schaler recommends reconnecting with your family and loved ones on a family-friendly outing or vacation.
Those of us with whitewater rafting companies knew about this "healing" method a long time ago!
For the love lost folks, you are best suited for an extreme adventure such as shark diving, hang gliding or whitewater rafting. Physically demanding adventures will help you to relax through your anxiety or stressful times.
Those in need of a personal reinvention of the mind and soul might want to consider an exotic adventure in an exotic location. For those who are workaholics, Ms. Schaler recommends reconnecting with your family and loved ones on a family-friendly outing or vacation.
Those of us with whitewater rafting companies knew about this "healing" method a long time ago!
Labels: american river, california, outdoors, rafting, rivers, surfing, teens, trips, wet river trips, white water
Monday, January 05, 2009
Australia : Forth River, Tasmania
Rob Shaw from the Examiner reports the news about the organisers of the Australian whitewater championship held on the Forth River yesterday. The National schools championship concluded on this river. An overwhelming number of visitors from the interstate and New Zealand were reported there by Andrea McQuitty. Competitors and supporters number in the hundreds each day on the course itself.
Brilliant performances by the youthful group show promise for the future. The Australian slalom kayaking championships will run on Thursday and Friday on the Upper Mersey.
The national whitewater titles will be staged this Saturday and Sunday with the finals for the Australian team to compete in the World Cup in October on the Launceston's Cataract Gorge.
Support from Forestry Tasmania, Peter Rowlands who is currently the North-West manager, provided safety and rescue assistance.
Thanks to The Examiner and Rob Shaw for this story. Read the entire story and view the pictures.
Brilliant performances by the youthful group show promise for the future. The Australian slalom kayaking championships will run on Thursday and Friday on the Upper Mersey.
The national whitewater titles will be staged this Saturday and Sunday with the finals for the Australian team to compete in the World Cup in October on the Launceston's Cataract Gorge.
Support from Forestry Tasmania, Peter Rowlands who is currently the North-West manager, provided safety and rescue assistance.
Thanks to The Examiner and Rob Shaw for this story. Read the entire story and view the pictures.
Labels: california, north fork, outdoors, paddling, recreation, rivers, surfing, teens, trips, wet river trips, white water
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Rafting News from Second Life - USA
Whitewater and paddling in the USA is pleased to announce world wide partnerships with the rafting and extreme sports networks. W.E.T. River Trips is the first rafting, whitewater or paddling entity in Second Life. Over one year in development, W.E.T. River Trips is networking in the virtual world with giants in the extreme sports industry such as the Costa Rica sims, the Weather Channel's surfing sims, SL Triathelon, Base Jumpers, Diving and Second Life script and terrain developers.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Builder, Tu Dae - Wizard Water & Rock Video
Throughout the virtual world, W.E.T. River Trips has encouraged other sim owners to create rivers, streams, whitewater, waterfalls and other water elements in Second Life.
Recently, the Dutch have announced the creation of a new sim soley based on paddling sports. The marketing relationships with the Dutch were developed in-world through electronic music and owners of other sims.
W.E.T. River Trips is now a concierge level landowner in Second Life. Their female avatar is represented by their domain name RAFTWET. The avatar is a single, business woman created to network with other sim owners and businesses. She has created three major groups for avatars including a builders's group for land development and the paddling sports of rafting and whitewater.
"Our focus is to network and educate. The more the public knows about rivers, the more protection a river will have from the encroachment of civilization and pollution. Countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Brasil, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Japan are already here marketing their outdoor tourism programs. We were concerned that the USA had not discovered this marketing opportunity. We came here to make sure that the USA was well-represented for outdoor tourism and whitewater rafting. And now... we are network partners with the world," exclaims RAFTWET Jewell, the company avatar in Second Life.
As the rafting company celebrates their first year in Second Life, they have taken on a philosophy of sharing and educating the world-wide public to the whitewater rafting and extreme sports networks. "If you build it, they will come" is the mantra of the virtual world builders, and W.E.T. River Trips has taken this to another level in marketing whitewater paddling sports.
Labels: american river, california, conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, rafting, recreation, rivers, second life, surfing, trips, wet river trips, white water
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Rafting Forum
Topix is a news service specializing in feeds from every blog, news source registered in the universe. The rafting news portion has a forum where rafters, paddlers and kayakers can vent or comment on their news' items. Each teaser has a recap on the feed with a direct link to the publisher or media source. Though all encompassing, many of the items are sensational or promotional releases.
W.E.T. River Trips' Rafting News will focus on news that promotes the rafting whitewater industry and other paddling and surfing news. PR pieces will not be given the same role here as a real news item. We will leave it to Topix to gather it all as one source. Check it out and make your comments count.
W.E.T. River Trips' Rafting News will focus on news that promotes the rafting whitewater industry and other paddling and surfing news. PR pieces will not be given the same role here as a real news item. We will leave it to Topix to gather it all as one source. Check it out and make your comments count.
Labels: outdoors, rafting, recreation, rivers, surfing, wet river trips, white water
Saturday, July 07, 2007
International Surfing Day
The Surfrider Foundation helped sponsor several environmental events last week during International Surfing Day. Over 2,500 lbs of trash were collected during this year's events.
The focus of the event was surfing as well as activities ranging from litter clean-up to global awareness of keeping beaches and oceans protected. “To be out there interacting with our oceans and riding waves, it’s an incredible experience,” says former World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson. “This is a great opportunity to let the rest of the world see just how special the sport of surfing is.”
Over a dozen countries participated such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Argentina,, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Japan.
International Surfing Day was made possible by Surfing Magazine, the Surfrider Foundation, Billabong, SoBe LifeWater Beverages, Islands Restaurants, Pac Sun, Simple Shoes, Surf Tech Surfboards, Earthpack and Wavewatch.com. For more information on International Surfing Day please check the website.
Thanks to American Chronicle for this information.
The focus of the event was surfing as well as activities ranging from litter clean-up to global awareness of keeping beaches and oceans protected. “To be out there interacting with our oceans and riding waves, it’s an incredible experience,” says former World Surfing Champion Shaun Tomson. “This is a great opportunity to let the rest of the world see just how special the sport of surfing is.”
Over a dozen countries participated such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Argentina,, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Japan.
International Surfing Day was made possible by Surfing Magazine, the Surfrider Foundation, Billabong, SoBe LifeWater Beverages, Islands Restaurants, Pac Sun, Simple Shoes, Surf Tech Surfboards, Earthpack and Wavewatch.com. For more information on International Surfing Day please check the website.
Thanks to American Chronicle for this information.
Labels: conservation, environment, outdoors, paddling, recreation, surfing, wet river trips
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
SURFING Magazine - Carbon Offsets
Surfing Magazine, established in 1964 covers progressive surfing and is the official magazine for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. They have formed a partnership with Carbonfund.org foundation to buy carbon offsets for mangrove reforestation in India. Mangroves are important for the health of fish habitat and help filter ocean pollution.
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
The magazine's second annual Green Issue will be distributed August 21, 2007. The first Green Issue focused on how global warming will affect surfers and surfing. This year, the publication is making itself accountable by buying the carbon offsets.
"We have an obligation to protect the resources that give us so much joy," says SURFING Magazine Publisher Ross Garrett. "Offsets aren't the whole answer, but they might buy us some time. Overall, through this issue and International Surfing Day, we’re focused on generating awareness and action with surfers across the globe."
Carbonfund.org support mission for renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects, help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The organization is a non-profit.
Thanks to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility for this news item!
Labels: california, conservation, environment, outdoors, recreation, surfing
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Reno River Festival - Nevada
Reno, Nevada is hosting the 4th Annual Reno River Festival this weekend. Eric Jackson, the 2005 and 2006 men's freestyle champion and 3-time world freestyle kayak champion will be there again vying and surfing for top honors. Tanya Faux, the 2005 and 2006 women's champion from Australia will be there, too defending her crown.
Other well-known names in the kayaking world will be there to offer challenges. Stephen Wright, Bryan Kirk, Ben Guska and Mo Kelleher will challenge the men's titles as Ruth Gordon and 17-year old, Emily Jackson will compete in the women's divisions.
The festival is held in the urban center of Reno on a man-made whitewater park that draws thousands of recreational paddlers each year. This year the festival begins when the Freestyle World Championships on the Ottowa River in Canada ends. There should be record numbers of outdoor paddling enthusiasts there to witness the Reno whitewater event.
For more information, please visit Reno's Visitor's Center for accommodations and lodging.
Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for this information!
Other well-known names in the kayaking world will be there to offer challenges. Stephen Wright, Bryan Kirk, Ben Guska and Mo Kelleher will challenge the men's titles as Ruth Gordon and 17-year old, Emily Jackson will compete in the women's divisions.
The festival is held in the urban center of Reno on a man-made whitewater park that draws thousands of recreational paddlers each year. This year the festival begins when the Freestyle World Championships on the Ottowa River in Canada ends. There should be record numbers of outdoor paddling enthusiasts there to witness the Reno whitewater event.
For more information, please visit Reno's Visitor's Center for accommodations and lodging.
Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for this information!
Labels: flows, outdoors, paddling, recreation, rivers, surfing, white water
Monday, January 08, 2007
Mavericks - Big Waves
Mavericks ... conjures up the romantic notion of big waves, beautiful surfers and astounding moves. California surfers are gearing up for the biggest event on the surfer's circuit. A $75,000 purse is this year's 2007 Mavericks Surf Contest prize. A 24 hour notice is given to 24 specially selected participants to try for the big prize this year.
An estimated 40,000 people lined the cliffs at the event last year creating problems on the fragile, eroding cliffs. This year, event organizers have set up web cams for anyone to access and view the contest while hoping to relieve the traffic jams and environmental damage to the cliffs. A big screen webcasting will also be held at AT&T Park in San Francisco in real time. Also, non-local traffic will be closed at two intersections near Half Moon Bay at the town of Princeton-by-the-Sea.
Check these sites for webcam viewing and forecasts:
- From Surfline:
"Monday: NW(290-315) energy continues strong with a new pulse of peaking NW groundswell. Overhead surf holds for better open exdposures with NW standouts 2-4ft overhead on sets." - From Mavsurfer:
The official website of Maverick surfing has a live webcam. Watch the swells. - From Frank Quirarte, Mav's Photographer:
These are past photos from 2005 & 2006 Maverick Surf Contests. - From Rob Vreeland, 2005 Mav Photos:
More past Maverick photos to drool over.
Labels: outdoors, paddling, recreation, surfing, trips
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Santa Surfing!
Rumors of Santa Claus surfing the waves at Hermosa Beach were partially true. When asked if he was the real Santa, he answered, "No, just a relative!" as he once again dove back into the surf. Santa, aka Vince Ray of L.A.'s Original Surfing Lessons, at 6 feet 4 inches, loomed large on his board as he paddled through the waves. In his custom Santa suit made of neoprene, his wetsuit, beard and hat stayed put as he surfed and paddled. Ray made quite a stir with the kids as they all were amused at this surfing Santa.
You better watch out! Santa Claus (the real deal) is coming to town... maybe down the chimney or paddling on the river or surfing in the ocean... but I guarantee you, he'll be there soon.
You better watch out! Santa Claus (the real deal) is coming to town... maybe down the chimney or paddling on the river or surfing in the ocean... but I guarantee you, he'll be there soon.
Labels: paddling, rafting, surfing, trips
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Pro-Am Fall Classic - East Coast
$10,000 dollars was donated by the Brandolini Foundation for the annual Jupiter Pro-Am Fall Classic back East off the Carlin Park beach. The foundation was created in the memory of Lew Brandolini, IV, who died in a surfing accident in Jamaica in 2004. The former Jupiter resident has inspired the foundation to offer scholarships and sport opportunities for underprivilidged youth and young adults. A free surfing clinic during the Fall Classic will be offered at Carlin Park. Raffles and prizes will be awarded for the participants.
Additional support comes from Seacoast National Bank, a major sponsor since the first Classic began. Jupiter, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department along with most area's surf shops; Ocean Magic, Local Surf Shop, Ground Swell, Island Water Sports and other businesses such as Bonnie Tile, Grand Slam Bait & Tackle, Fairfield Inn, Bates Exterminating, R& R Tools, J-Town Bikes and Welding Dynamics. Pre-entry is $80 until Friday. On Saturday the fees go up to $100.
Pros and amateurs will be competing in six open divisions; men & women's short and long board, junior (16 & under) short board and senior's (40 and up) long board.
Additional support comes from Seacoast National Bank, a major sponsor since the first Classic began. Jupiter, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department along with most area's surf shops; Ocean Magic, Local Surf Shop, Ground Swell, Island Water Sports and other businesses such as Bonnie Tile, Grand Slam Bait & Tackle, Fairfield Inn, Bates Exterminating, R& R Tools, J-Town Bikes and Welding Dynamics. Pre-entry is $80 until Friday. On Saturday the fees go up to $100.
Pros and amateurs will be competing in six open divisions; men & women's short and long board, junior (16 & under) short board and senior's (40 and up) long board.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Paddling, Surfing... Tow-in?
APT (Association of Professional Towsurfers) is pleased to announce its upcoming competitive circuit for the '06 and 2007 surfing season. The new tow surfing website was recently announced with plans for the APT World Tour Tow-In Surfing Circuit. Rodney Kilborn and Eric Akiskalian have dedicated the past few years in gaining support for their personal vision and the APT goals for the future of the sport. "... the APT World Tour Tow-In Surfing Circuit is recognized as a legitimate and globally sanctioned tow-in circuit for competing towsurfers." Says, APT's founder/president, Eric Akiskalian.
Supporting member, Garrett McNamara compares the traditional paddling and surfing sport to the tow-in surfing sport and is quoted,"Traditional surfing is a cutting edge sport. Tow-in surfing is the cutting edge of Surfing. It is great to have APT pushing forward and joining forces with all, to create a world tour tow-in surfing circuit. I can't wait!!! Let's get it on."
Sean Collins, President of Surfline has given his blessings on the organization by asking the group to pay close attention to educating tow-in surfers to the standards and policies of the surfing community. He is also quoted,"... I feel confident in encouraging towsurfers to join the APT as soon as possible, so we can use this organization as the united voice for the towsurfing community to deal with the immediate issues we have at hand."
And for traditional surfing news, go to the updates on the WCT (World Championship Tour); Kelly Slater (7,824) is ahead of Andy Irons (6,348) after 9 out of 11 events! Go Kelly!
Thanks to APT for their info on Tow-in Surfing!
Supporting member, Garrett McNamara compares the traditional paddling and surfing sport to the tow-in surfing sport and is quoted,"Traditional surfing is a cutting edge sport. Tow-in surfing is the cutting edge of Surfing. It is great to have APT pushing forward and joining forces with all, to create a world tour tow-in surfing circuit. I can't wait!!! Let's get it on."
Sean Collins, President of Surfline has given his blessings on the organization by asking the group to pay close attention to educating tow-in surfers to the standards and policies of the surfing community. He is also quoted,"... I feel confident in encouraging towsurfers to join the APT as soon as possible, so we can use this organization as the united voice for the towsurfing community to deal with the immediate issues we have at hand."
And for traditional surfing news, go to the updates on the WCT (World Championship Tour); Kelly Slater (7,824) is ahead of Andy Irons (6,348) after 9 out of 11 events! Go Kelly!
Thanks to APT for their info on Tow-in Surfing!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Surfrider Beach Protest in Malibu
Surfrider supporters along with Hollywood gliterrati were out in force on Sunday, October 22nd protesting the proposals for building a liquified natural gas facility just 14 miles off of the California coastline. Other proposed areas include Long Beach and Port Hueneme. Paddling enthusiast and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosan, the protest host, was quoted as saying,"I would certainly put our best efforts into that as well,... I think this is for the whole California coastline."
Protestors include Cindy Crawford, Tea Leoni, Daryl Hannah, Jane Seymour, Dick Van Dyke and Ted Danson. Halle Berry, an Oscar winner said,"We have to use our voices and band together and stop this."
The terminal proposal will be decided next year in 2007. Company officials from Australian-based BHP Billiton say the proposal will provide a reliable source of low-polluting energy. Opponents claim that the facilities fail to address clean-air requirements and also may be a target for terrorists.
After a pancake breakfast, the protestors along with dozens of surfers paddled out to a protest sign which read, "Terminate It!"; a two-word message intended for Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger who can veto the proposal.
W.E.T. River Trips
Protestors include Cindy Crawford, Tea Leoni, Daryl Hannah, Jane Seymour, Dick Van Dyke and Ted Danson. Halle Berry, an Oscar winner said,"We have to use our voices and band together and stop this."
The terminal proposal will be decided next year in 2007. Company officials from Australian-based BHP Billiton say the proposal will provide a reliable source of low-polluting energy. Opponents claim that the facilities fail to address clean-air requirements and also may be a target for terrorists.
After a pancake breakfast, the protestors along with dozens of surfers paddled out to a protest sign which read, "Terminate It!"; a two-word message intended for Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger who can veto the proposal.
W.E.T. River Trips
Saturday, September 30, 2006
North Coast Wilderness Bill
27,000 acres in the Cache Creek area in Lake County was included in the recent unanimous approval by the Senate on Friday. The Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Act would designate Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands in Napa, Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino and Del Norte counties as federal wilderness. In addition 42,000 acres in the King Range National Conservation area, coastal lands on the Lost Coast, a 27,000 acre expansion of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness in Mendocino National Forest, more than 30,000 ares in the Six Rivers National Forest, 53,000 acres in Yuki Wilderness area and 3,000 acres in the Snow Mountain area of the Mendocino National Forest.
Much thanks goes to Representative Mike Thompson, Senator Barbara Boxer, and Senator Diane Feinstein for their efforts and compromises that allowed this bill to pass. Now let's hope that Bush signs it.
Much thanks goes to Representative Mike Thompson, Senator Barbara Boxer, and Senator Diane Feinstein for their efforts and compromises that allowed this bill to pass. Now let's hope that Bush signs it.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Surf News:Cowell & Huntington Beach
Look out paddlers and surfers near Cowell Beach! Surfing hangout, Cowell Beach was closed 51 times during the 2006 season from mid-June to early August. Unreal. Flesh-eating kelp reigned supreme... just kidding. Actually, the bacteria that feeds on decaying kelp is a hazard to humans. The bacteria will make you sick to your stomache and is not a nice way to end a great day of surfing and paddling. The bacteria can lead to many illnesses including skin & ear infections and can even cause death. Cowell Beach is a popular Monterey Bay beach in California where swimmers, surfers and paddlers play regularly. The 276-mile long federally protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in the world.
And further south, we hear that Huntington Beach is still bickering with Santa Cruz over the official title "Surf City, USA." The US Patent & Trademark Office has given Huntington Beach the official and exclusive title. Huntington Beach is notorious for serious surfers, the surf museum and the surfing hall of fame. First order of business was to send cease & desist letters to any entity infringing on their official title. One of the first letters to go out went to Noland's on the Wharf in Santa Cruz. Noland's was selling t-shirts with the words "Santa Cruz" and "Surf City." Instant notoriety gave these t-shirts a collectability status that has surfing and paddling communities clamoring for the shirts. Geesh, can't we all just get along?
Post by Surf Goon
And further south, we hear that Huntington Beach is still bickering with Santa Cruz over the official title "Surf City, USA." The US Patent & Trademark Office has given Huntington Beach the official and exclusive title. Huntington Beach is notorious for serious surfers, the surf museum and the surfing hall of fame. First order of business was to send cease & desist letters to any entity infringing on their official title. One of the first letters to go out went to Noland's on the Wharf in Santa Cruz. Noland's was selling t-shirts with the words "Santa Cruz" and "Surf City." Instant notoriety gave these t-shirts a collectability status that has surfing and paddling communities clamoring for the shirts. Geesh, can't we all just get along?
Post by Surf Goon
