May 17, 2012

Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for Skiiing

Careers in the Water

From surfing to kayaking to boating there are many different sports done out on the water. Feeling the splash of a wave or the calm ocean breeze there is a water sport for everyone. But have you ever stopped to consider a job in water sports? How many jobs could there really be out there? There are many different careers dealing with water sports. Some of these jobs are listed below:

· Sailing Instructor
· Kayak Coach
· Windsurfing Instructor
· Yacht Skippers
· Scuba Instructor
· Swimming Coach
· Rafting Guide

Each and every one of these jobs is just as rewarding as the next. Not only do the participants have fun and excitement, but also the instructors and coaches gain a thrill out of being on the water every day.

Sailing instructors usually have to have three years of sailing before they can qualify to become an instructor. The American Sailing Association then offers an instructor certificate that the potential instructor has to enroll in an instructor clinic to achieve.

A yacht captain you must first decide where you want to sail. For example, if you wanted to sail on one of the great lakes it would be under much different rules than sailing in international waters. Next apply for an MMD (Merchant Mariner Document).

Though there are no educational requirements for becoming a scuba instructor, it is helpful to have taken courses in environmental science and marine biology. To become a scuba instructor you must have passed a physical exam and become CPR certified. Next you must learn about scuba gear. An instructor needs to know all the components of how their gear works in order to ensure safety. Recognizing defective equipment could possibly save someones life in extreme situations. Next you must receive certification from either PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors.

Filed Under: Skiiing, Water Sports Tagged With: , , ,

Barefooting Equipment

Barefoot Jumping
Image via Wikipedia

Barefooting, or barefoot water skiing, began back in 1947 when A. G. Hancock, a 17-year-old, decided to try water skiing without his skis. Later, in 1950, Richard Downing Pope and Emilio Zamudio held the first Barefooting competition in Cypress Gardens. At this time, these were the only two barefooters in the world. 13 years later, in 1963, 38 competitors participated in the first national competition.

Though there are many optional pieces of equipment that you can use while barefooting, there are three main things that are required. A boat, rope with a handle, and a PDF (personal flotation device) are suggested to always have when barefooting. The boat is for towing the rider usually at speeds of around 30-45 miles an hour. Some boats are even specially made just for barefooting that can travel at higher speeds. The rope and handle come in many different types. Some may detach easily from the boat or other towing device in the case that the rider becomes entangled in the rope. Barefoot handles are made special as to not produce rope burn. It is made with plastic tubing for when the barefooter wraps his or her feet around it. As for the PDF many barefooting or skiing wetsuits now come with a PDF already installed so as to reduce the bulkiness that the rider has to carry with him or her.

Other optional equipment for barefooting include a barefoot wetsuit, booms, padded shorts and shoe skis. The neoprene barefoot wetsuit comes with a personal flotation device already installed. Many barefooters wear neoprene shorts as well. This is to protect his or her buttocks when either starting in deep water or in case of a tumble. Booms and shoe skis are both used in order to help train new barefooters.

Filed Under: Skiiing Tagged With: , , ,