Finding the right scuba diving flippers

Scuba diving is a great recreational activity. It gives a person the opportunity to travel to different resorts and widen his horizons. Even better, having fun in this activity doesn't depend on a person's height or size. Unlike some sports, there is no competition in scuba diving. Just tons of fun! The downside of getting into this sport is the need to purchase a lot of expensive gear. This obstacle can easily be surpassed by renting some of the equipment needed for scuba diving. Most people start with the basics: a mask and a pair of scuba diving flippers. Flippers for Underwater Mobility With the huge number of scuba diving flippers in the market, choosing a pair can be very confusing. Even worse, as our technology becomes more advanced, the variety of products to choose from becomes greater. And, with the promise of higher durability and efficiency, it is difficult to resist the pull of each product. Making a decision can be very difficult. In order to choose the right scuba diving gear, a person must always think about the function of the equipment. Scuba diving flippers, for example, are used to make it easier for a person to move in the water. When choosing a pair, he should pick a type that would make moving underwater more comfortable for him. Scuba Diving Flippers VS Snorkeling Flippers There are two types of scuba diving flippers: the full foot fins and the open heel fins. The full foot fins are usually used with bare feet. Since they are smaller in size, they cannot give the extra push needed for scuba diving and are usually used for snorkeling. The open heel fins, on the other hand, should be worn with boots. Because these fins are larger and stiffer, it makes moving through the water much easier. Hence, this type of fins is very much recommended for scuba diving. Scuba Diving Flippers in the Market Paddle fins are most commonly used by scuba divers. These fins work by moving the water up and down as the diver kicks his feet upward and downward. These can be very helpful when diving through currents. With the help of Engineering, many improved scuba diving flippers have surfaced in the market. Recently, some companies have created paddle fins that have pivoting blades that can angle to the most efficient position while you kick up and down, giving you a more forceful push. Unfortunately, modifying the conventional angle of these fins can make a person's kicks lose force in certain positions. Several types of fins that have splits, cut outs or vents have also emerged in the market. The purpose of these splits and cuts is to help a person swim a longer distance with a lesser effort. When using these flippers, the number of strokes done for a certain distance becomes lesser. A lot of people say that these flippers have made their strokes more powerful. Other enthusiasts believe otherwise. For a beginner, getting a conventional pair of scuba diving flippers is a very good move. Paddle fins are much cheaper than the modern models available today. The reason for this is that not all divers pursue this activity for a very long time. Scuba diving is very expensive activity and can take a lot of time. By getting a cheap and basic pair of fins, the person wouldn’t waste a lot of money if decides to stop doing this activity. Furthermore, he can always buy a new set every time he reaches a higher level in scuba diving. He can compare the efficiency of different pairs of scuba diving flippers as he advances in this activity.

Go get that table tennis dvd

Table tennis videos have made a mark in the market of sports videos in the recent years. More and more companies are producing various videos in different formats such as DVDs. A table tennis DVD might be a compilation of previous Olympic games, World Championships or even an instructional one meant to guide a beginner to the sports and enhance the skills of a professional player. One table tennis DVD that has acquired immense popularity is the “Table Tennis Beyond Imagination” video. This table tennis DVD is produced by Reflex Sports and sold in the internet site tabletennisvideos, an interesting site selling table tennis videos of different themes. A compilation table tennis DVD, “Table Tennis Beyond Imagination” features highlights of world championships in table tennis from 1985 to 2000. It also contains the highlights of previous table tennis DVDs produced by Reflex Sports. It is the most recent in a series of compilation of table tennis DVDs. There are other two DVDs, entitled “The Wonderful and Wacky World of Table Tennis” and “More From the Wonderful World of Table Tennis”. Table tennis enthusiasts find this video helpful and appealing at the same time because they are able to view previous game matches that used to be unavailable to them. For those who are new to the sports, watching the best game matches of the last 15 years might create a deep sense of interest for them to enhance their skills. Due to the span of time that this table tennis DVD covers, it also contains a slight touch of history as professional table tennis players of today can be seen playing during their early struggling, amateurish days. It can also demonstrate the evolution of the game into a full-pledged Olympic sports, and show what type of modifications and enhancements have been done through the years. The “Table Tennis Beyond Imagination” DVD is a must-have for table tennis enthusiasts. It contains the best film clips for the past 15 years from 1985 to 2000 that show impressive shots, remarkable points and amazing finishes by the best players of the game from all over the world. For solid 500 hours of high-quality DVD, viewers will be in awe by the excellent skills of players in this table tennis DVD. Players demonstrate superb skills in attacking and counter-attacking their opponents, show backhand swatting skills, diving returns and other unusual but rare playing moments in the history of table tennis. Included in the table tennis DVD is a count down to the top 10 game plays of the last 15 years, and a slow motion replay of each high point play. A special feature of the table tennis video is a series of the China versus Sweden games, considered to be the titans of table tennis, in their decades-long fight to be the number one in numerous World Championship Games. Sellers and buyers of this table tennis DVD say that viewers watching this video will not only appreciate the game, but also learn to improve their playing skills. Testimonials from people who bought and watched the DVD say that the quality of this video is excellent, organized with good picture and audio quality. Tabletennisvideos is in an exclusive contract with the International Table Tennis Federation until 2007. This exclusive contract allows tabletennisvideos to produce DVDs and other table tennis videos featuring World Championship games in table tennis.

Choosing the right salmon and steelhead rod

Recently I had a chance to make a new friend with someone looking to get into fishing. When I asked him what he intended to fish with, he told me about some of the recommendations he’d been given. As a result of the “advice” he received, he ended up with a "tweener". That is, a rod that is in between, or can be used to fish for more than one species. When choosing a rod, you want to pick one that BEST suits what you are fishing for. As I mentioned in one my earlier articles, when I first started fishing for these larger fish (Salmon/Steelhead), I didn’t know anyone who was really into it. So I asked the guy at the store, and he showed me a "tweener" rod. Let me tell you right away...it doesn’t work like that. It can catch you fish yes, but to really get into fishing, you want to use what works best. Salmon Rods Depending on where you intend to fish, these guys can reach the 50+ lb class. Are you going to be able to work one of these guys using the 10-20 lb rod (“tweener” rod) you got? Probably not. When fishing for Silvers (Coho) that rod is perfect, as these fish typically run in the 10-20 lb class. Sometimes a bit bigger but you get the idea. When hooking into a Chinook, you need something with backbone and power. Something heavy enough to handle the ride these fish are going to give you. Typically, your average salmon rod is rated 12-25 lbs. and 8'6" in length. This rod will give you the strength you need, as well as the length for casting ability. This rod is not going to be quite as sensitive, but that’s okay since Salmon typically are not going to "nibble" at your presentation. They will smell it, maybe think about it, but once decided...they just take it. No pecking at it like a steelhead would. Once you set the hook...Look out! When that hook gets set these guys will come un-glued. Again, at that point you need some power in the rod in order to control or fight them. Remember, these fish are running 20 lbs on up. You’re in for a fight. If you’re going to be fishing from a boat, you may want to go a bit smaller in length. Maybe 7'6", or 7'9". You don't need quite as much length when you aren’t casting out far, or not casting at all, as when running Kwik-fish, or bait with diver or back-bouncing. When these monsters hit and bury your rod you’ll be glad you have that stiffer, heavier action. Again, hang on. Once hooked they’ll go nuts. Not out of the water nuts (usually not), but straight down, and up and down the stretch of water you’re fishing. Steelhead Rods Steelhead are totally different critters. Where salmon will bite primarily out of hunger, steelhead will also strike out of irritation. Steelhead will strike at something simply because it is in there way, or territory. With that in mind you need a rod that is more sensitive where you are able to feel the bite or strike. I recommend a fast action rod. These are also 8'6" in length, but this time we want to go with a 8-12 lb rod. This class of rod is much lighter than those of 12-25 lbs. If you are looking at the G-Loomis rod, you are going to see 8-17 lb extra-fast action. This is the rod of all rods. You will feel everything with this rod. It’s stiff, but surprisingly sensitive. Having that stiffness will also help in your hook set. In my experience with steelhead, they usually come at you quick. Whether bite or strike, it happens fast. Sometimes they slam you, and sometimes your line or drift will stop, but usually for me it happens quick. Bang, or "tap tap", in these instances you need a quick hook set. That is where a good, light fast action rod is an advantage. The rod picks up on the hit, and gives you time to react. Again, with my IMX rod...there is no missing it. I may miss the hook set, but I know when the fish was there. When you do set the hook and get a fish on, oh baby, be ready for some action. I love the mass of a salmon, but in my opinion there is no fight like a steelhead. These guys come up out of the water head-shaking, upriver, downriver, you name it. Again, if you are in the boat you can afford to go a bit shorter for the same scenario as above...plugs, bait/diver, etc... Brands can be hard to choose from as there are quite a few. If you aren’t going with the top 2 (Loomis & Lamiglas), go with something reasonably priced but dependable. I have narrowed my search to the IM7 rod by Berkley. It's a great rod for the money, and gives you great dependability. Depending on where you are geographically there are more or less options, but the Berkley rod can easily be found just about anywhere. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Just don't ask for a rod that "can do both". We all know what that gets you. If you tell them what type of fishing you are mostly doing they can get you started. They will probably ask you how much you want to spend at that point. After that it all boils down to opinions.

The truth about online poker bots cheats and other softwares

There's been a lot of talk this days about poker cheat programs, poker bots, and that kind of stuff. Since I have been in the internet poker business for a while, I have seen these programs come and go. Check here the real story: -> Poker Cheats: a program that could hugely change the outcome of the game by giving you information that you should not be able to know, or that could change the cards you will get. Some claim to be able to show your opponents hidden cards. THE TRUTH: There is no such thing. The respected poker rooms have softwares with so powerful encryption, that it would be easier to hack into some online bank accounts. If you buy such a program, be aware. Just think: if someone has such a thing, why would he sell it? He could be making millions using the programs, and would not be willing to advertise his crime! -> Poker Bots: a program that plays for you in your computer. It "reads" the situation on screen and play for you, even if you are sleeping. THE TRUTH: looks interesting, doesn't it? But there are some problems you should be aware of: the biggest poker rooms do not allow them; it could have spyware and viruses, although I have never heard of something like this; it is kind of dumb: I mean, it's a software, so it uses a program to calculate odds and take actions based on those odds. It cannot "feel" the opponents, it cannot make advanced moves, it cannot mix-up the strategy. It can win some money? Probably yes, because there are a lot of players out there dumber than the bot, but I would be surprised to see a bot that could get you lots of money. Most claim that they can win an average $50 per hour, but I cannot confirm it. -> Poker Helping Softwares: softwares that show you your hand strength, your odds for a great hand, your odds for having the best hand in the table. Most of them show also a suggestion of play, telling you when you should fold, or raise, or call... THE TRUTH: What you see is what you get. No false hopes here, the programs only give advice derived from mathematical calculation, and you get to decide what to do. The best ones in the market are: a) Texas Calculatem and Texas Calculatem Pro: the programs sit by the side of your online poker table, give you advice for your next action, and show the percentages and odds. The difference between them is that the "Pro" version gives you more statistical information, but they are very similar. I personally use Calculatem Pro, and find it very effective. It helped me the most when I was a beginner, but I still use it. b) Sit 'N Go Shark: this one gives strategic advice in small text boxes for Sit 'N Go tournaments. It has powerful advice, with a good sense of humor, which is great for the boring times when you are folding bad hand after bad hand. For more information on poker softwares and poker strategy, check our website TheOnlinePokerLife - Have fun!

Coin collecting auctions are they really worth it

Coin auction or bidding comes in handy if you are a coin collector intending to buy or sell coins. You can obtain coins of remarkable worth in the best possible manner through coin auctions. The primary source for procuring rare coins is a coin auction. This is because majority of the rare coin collectors sell off their treasure to the highest bidder. Both the bidder and the seller, in a coin auction, need to adhere to a number of rules and regulations, which is quite unlike the typical way of selling and buying coins. Coin collecting auctions are basically of 3 types, which are as follows: 1. Auctioning with the help of mail bidding: The seller advertises and publishes coin auctions by using the mail, in this type of auction. Those who wish to participate in the auction but cannot personally attend the event will find it to be extremely advantageous. In most cases the seller uses his mailing list to send catalogs containing the pictures and descriptions of the item(s) on sale. Sometimes the starting bid amount and other relevant information are included in it. The brochures or catalogs and the seller’s mailing list are dispatched to potential bidders and previous customers. 2. Auctions through phone: As the name suggests, phones are used to conduct this type of auction. Rules and regulations must be adhered to, as is the case with mail bidding. The item goes to the highest bidder/winner once he is identified. There are instances when prospective customers request the seller to disclose an approximate selling price. But as a rule, previous bids are again not disclosed. 3. Coin auctions online: Online auction owes its popularity to the fact that bidders are able to check out the coins visually while bidding for a particular coin. Since the seller can contact the bidder instantly for important information, there is greater interaction between the buyer and the seller. However internet auction has its shortcoming as well. A coin collector can be deceived into believing that he is bidding for exactly the same item that he gets to see on the screen. If you follow these, you can easily obtain the best coins available in the market. To conclude with a precaution, don’t go overboard on your biddin

How to make a rope hammock

Most people know that a hammock is a comfortable place to relax, read a book or sleep. Sure, you could simply go to a hammock store and buy one, but would it be great to know how to make your own rope hammock? Making your own rope hammock can be a fun how-to project to work on with your children, or just as a nice project to work on by yourself. Learning to build a hammock isn’t as difficult as you probably think, and by following the directions we have here for you, you’ll be resting on your new hammock in no time. These directions are for making a one person hammock. Here are the materials you’ll need to have: - About 740 feet of hammock cord - 2 rings that are between 2"-3" in diameter - An electric drill and the following bits: 1/4", 5/16", rose bit - Giant netting shuttle 8" x 1 1/8" X 3/16" thick - Gauge stick, Cut a piece of wood 2" wide, 6" long and 1/8 thick. - Hardwood bars (2) 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" and 33" long To start out, you need to cut a three foot piece of twine and put square knots in the end. Using a nail or hook, hang the loop. Next, load the shuttle with hammock cord. You do not want the first row to be too full. Then, tie the free end to the loop. While holding the gauge stick in your left hand, simply wrap the cord only one time around the stick. First go down the front of the stick and then up in the back. Pull the shuttle through the starting loop. Hold the shuttle cord loop tight around the gauge stick and half hitch around the starting cord on both sides. Repeat this process until you have made 20 loops around the stick. Be sure to keep it tight, but not too tight, and even. Next, remove the gauge stick by pulling it out. Rotate it, so the shuttle is on the left side. Hold the gauge stick, just under the work. Bring the shuttle cord down and up, down the front and up the back, then through the first loop and around the loop with a 1/2 hitch. Repeat through each loop, keeping it even. Before long, your shuttle will be almost gone. Reload it by adding as much cord as the shuttle will hold. Knot the free end to the end of the old cord using a secure square knot. The next step is to turn it around so you can work with the shuttle cord on the left. All you have to do now is to repeat what you did for the first row and repeat all the same steps until it's completed. Fifty-five rows should come out to about six or seven feet. After you are finished with the second row, you can now cut the starting cord and pull it free from the first row of loops. While adding rows, you will need to support it and keep it even. Next, drill twenty holes through each of the hardwood bars. Starting from the center of the bars, the holes need to be about 1 1/2" apart and should stop about 2 1/4" from the ends. Then, you will need 40 50" long cords. Loop the first through one of your rings, thread each end through the left hand hold in the bar. Knot through the top left hand loop in the hammock net. Secure each cord through the bar to the loops in the net. Repeat for other end. Because the hammock needs to sag in the middle in order to support your body comfortably, you will need to add side braids. It's not difficult to do. First we need to make two 3-cord braids from the cord. Thread one end through the outermost hole in the support bar and tie an overhand knot to secure. Continue by weaving in and out of the outside mesh. Thread through the bar at each end using the outside hole and an overhand knot. Like all hammocks, your's will most likely stretch over time and you will need to adjust the length of the cords to make up for the stretching. That's really all there is to making your very own hammock.