Introduction to chart plotters
Chart plotters give a visual chart display, and when linked to a GPS will show your position. They can also be used to create waypoints and can be part of an integrated system that will show other data.
How they work
For yachtsmen with an extensive range of paper charts, the original chart plotter which started the navigation revolution – the Yeoman – might be ideal.
It uses paper charts fixed to an electronic board, and as you move the cursor around the board the changing lat and long is displayed on a screen. Plotters with charts stored on cartridges work on the same principle.
To create waypoints all you do is zoom in and click the cursor and the lat and long is stored. So to make a route you just drag and click across the chart. This saves all the mistakes of transferring positions from a paper chart into a GPS memory.
What to look out for
No display is as big as a paper chart and big screens cost more money. For sailors who navigate on paper charts and just use a chart plotter as a ‘visual position reminder’, then a small screen is fine – as long as you are happy zooming in and out. Mono screens used to be easier to read in direct sunlight, but colour screens have improved and make details much clearer. However, do check that small details on the chart are clear, as some screens are quite pixelated.
Also check that the symbols are to your liking, because the same chart cartridge in two different makes of chart plotter can create different symbols. The rate at which the charts redraw is worth checking, by scrolling north/south and east/west. Also try zooming in and out quickly.
Charts
These come in two formats, raster and vector. Raster charts are electronic copies of a paper chart but vector charts are made up of layers which can be turned on and off to make things clearer. If you are not sailing at night, for example, you can switch off all the light symbols for clarity. On some sets the lights that are within range of your position at night will start to flash with the correct characteristics. And if you are using the chart plotter combined with a radar overlay, it is often clearer if the main chart is under the radar image and then there is another layer on top of that, showing just a black coast outline with the navigation marks.
Graphics
More information is being added to electronic charts all the time – many now have satellite images that can be overlaid on the chart, aerial photographs, 3D displays of land contours that can be viewed from different angles and also 3D views of the sea bed.
Obviously the basic charts don’t have all these ‘bells and whistles’ but it is worth comparing the different graphical styles of each cartography manufacturer. Most will only work with one type of cartography and this might influence which plotter you buy. Also check the areas covered by each chart cartridge – some makes might cover your cruising area more economically than others.
GPS – What are all these acronyms EGNOS, MSAS and WAAS?
They refer to a capability found on higher specification GPS chartplotter units, with each of the three effectively offering the same service in different parts of the world.
EGNOS – European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (Western Europe)
MSAS – Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (Japan and East Asia)
WAAS – Wide Area Satellite Augmentation System (North and Central America)
These services augment the GPS service in their respective areas by reporting on the accuracy and reliability of the GPS signals and as a result increase the accuracy of compatible receivers from around 15 metres to on average 1 to 2 metres. Each system is made up of a combination of geostationary satellites and ground stations, and transmits a signal containing information on the reliability and accuracy of the positioning signals sent out by GPS. These are in turn transmitted to suitably equipped GPS receivers thereby enabling them to display the updated position information.
More on chartplotters at www.marinechandlery.com
French Cycling – The Nuts N’ Bolts
GETTING STARTED
There are exceptions to the truism “you get what you pay for.” Buying a French Cycling bike is not one of them. This is not a cost. This is an investment. A chocolate bar is a cost. Once it’s gone – end o’ story. A good touring bike is an investment. A continuing story. More than simply reliable transportation. It’s also your confidante, dream facilitator, passport to adventure and your best travellin’ pal. So – ya need to find the best travelling pal possible. N’est ce pas?
Here are the “Friendship Qualities” to look for:
THE FRAME.
Light n’ strong. Here’s where “more”(dollars) is,most often, mo’ beddah.$400-800 should getcha 90% of the cycling enchilada. In this price range the frame will likely be “cromoly” – a tasty blend of chrome and aluminium.
The more pictures of dead presidents you have to play with – the lighter the frame. The nth degree being carbon fibre. After that, it’s “the sky’s the limit price club.” Frames built with stuff NASA is only dreaming about!
TIRES.
Don’t, repeat don’t economize here. This is what “floats yer boat.” So invest in the best. $25 to $45 per tire is the range. I use, and recommend, the “Dutch perfect” brand.(Even tho’ they’re not paying me for this. Hint-hint!) This tire has an interior layer that traps tire-puncturin’ nasties. Preventin’ ‘em from doin’ in the rubber you float on.
The “Dutch Perfect’s” come with a one year guarantee. (in normal use) I’ve used them abnormally (what else?) six months with no punctures…… but two (one front, one rear) “tube failures” due to heat and weight. Sadly, there are no “quality options” for tubes.
Should ya carry a spare? This is a “should I wear a helmet?” question. Depends on yer comfort zone /weight preferences. But, in a zillion and a half years of cycling, I’ve only had a tire explode on me once. (Front one, at that!)
TUBES.
ALWAYS a minimum of two spares. I used to repair tubes. But(again, “too soon old -too late smart”) all the hassle/time/aggro of finding the puncture, marking it applying the glue, waiting for it to set, applying the patch, “proving” the patch..etc (getting tired already are’nt ya?) Finally burned the truth into my tiny brain. This is a classic definition of false economy. Ok – I’m not a zillionaire yet but $5(or less)to avoid this dance? – sign me up!
SADDLE.
What non-bike folks call “the seat.” Like a good mattress it should be firm.(ie-support not surround) Softy/foamy saddles are for “girly men” and Sunday cyclists who’s idea of adventure is a 10 mile(return) expedition to “Lattes ‘r Us.”
DA BG recommends an all leather saddle. England’s “Brooks” makes one of the best. Several models, Again, they’re not paying me for this glowing endorsement.
The reason a leather saddle is the “bee’s knee’s”,”the cat’s pyjamas”, and the greatest thing since all night pizza, is that it morphs, ab/fab and uniquely to fit yer rear. The bad news is that the morphing process is two weeks of “I’m sitting on a concrete block” hell! But -hang in(actually hang on) there. Cus’ after that….you’ll be ridin’ with a happy butt.
ACCESSORIES.
Panniers.
Technically an accessory. But, practically, a necessity!
Mimimum two decent sized(ie -not “Sunday cyclist” size) on the back. Ideally, also,”low riders” – frames that attach to yer front forks supporting two smaller(but not tiny) cheap panniers. These “friends on the front” will not only give you a better balanced “unit”, but are essential to carry all the goodies those friendly foreign folks are gonna be tryin’ to weigh ya down with.
My M.O. is to put all the stuff I don’t use during the day in the front – leaving at last half vacant for the swag! (”Build it, and it will come.”)
Water.
Mimimum of two one litre bottles. Or the “camel style” back paks, with “tube feeding” for hand free guzzlin’.
Should ya buy the super spendy insulated bottles? Depends, as always on yer wallet. My experience is that they’re great, for about an hour. (Keep in mind I’m usually in 35-40° celsius heat, every day) Being the boy scout I am, my solution is to freeze the standard (non-insulated) plastic bottles, then tape ‘em with aluminium foil in the a.m.
They’ll defrost slowly, keeping ya cool through most o’ the day. However, as your Nutritionist/Doctor has probably told you, as good as that cold aqua goes down on a boiling day, water does ya the most good at room temperature. (No happy medium here.)
Lights.
Really jonesin’ to barrel down those country roads in da pitch black? Then lights will definitely decrease yer chances of an unexpected meeting with a Sanglier. (The French wild boar. Think small,hairy Rhinoceros.)
Reflectors.
On the bike. And/or around yer ankles. Why not? Inexpensive and practical. (Now there’s a combo ya don’t see often!) And, chances of you cycling in twilight, are much greater than those of “Sanglier surfing.”
GPS.
Since I’m from the “getting-lost-is-part-of-the-adventure” school, I can’t give ay any….ahem……”guidance” here. A map, a mouth, and half a brain(on a good day,bien sur) usually saves my bacon.
Counters.
If you’ll be countin’ sheep all night cus’ you don’t know how many kms of adventure you did…….get one. Personally, I could give a rat’s ass. But it is the logical question everyone you meet is gonna ask. I just tell my friendly froggies where I started – and let them do the math!
Parts.
Unlike those four wheeled metal monsters who offer you the unrivalled thrill of waiting for you part to arrive; or even better, waiting to see if your part even exists, and if so, can be ordered – bike parts are bike parts. A brake cable is a brake cable. In the mall super store, or the back o’ beyond.
That should get ya started on your French Cycling adventure.
Anything I missed?
Risky Business
With this year’s NFL draft seeing a number of players either recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery in 2009 or recently tearing the ligament in the few months preceding the draft, teams are evaluating the ability for these athletes to rehabilitate before the start of the 2010 season.
Wisconsin Badger O’Brien Schofield suffered the injury to his left knee during Senior Bowl practice in Mobile Alabama at the end of January. Projected to be a third or fourth round pick in April, Schofield’s agent admits that his stock may have fallen to a prospective free agent although the Green Bay Packers indicate that they haven’t given up on the DE just yet. The Packers, who lost leading pass rusher Aaron Kampman this week after he signed with the Jaguars, have kept in touch with the home state prospect since his recovery began. Winston Moss, the Linebacker Coach for the team sat down with him at the end of February.
“We had a real intense conversation,” Schofield said. “I like him. We have the same mentality. I think I could play for him. Getting a shot basically in my home state would be great.”
Corey Wootton, another Big Ten defensive end from Northwestern University, enters the draft after undergoing reconstructive surgery at the beginning of 2009. Wootton, who tore his ACL in the Alamo Bowl, was able to play the entire season with the Wildcats just eight months after his surgery. The 6′6″ DE, before sustaining the injury, was touted as a top 10 draft pick is now on track to go late in the first round at best and is ranked 6th of all the defensive ends entering the draft.
The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly referred to as the ACL, is one of four major knee ligaments and is critical to knee stability and prevents excessive movement of the knee joint. This fibrous tissue runs from the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) below.
As the ability to step off, plant and change direction on one leg are key to playing most sports, the lack of stability in the knee after a tear means the athlete will feel like his leg is “giving out” on him when executing these moves.
Reconstruction commonly entails taking a graft from a tendon, such as the hamstring at the back of the thigh, which is then used to repair the ACL as the ligament itself cannot be sewn back together.
Rehabilitation of a reconstructed ACL is usually a lengthy process, but with the technology available to college and pro athletes many of them can come back to their sports faster than the average individual.
For these injured defensive ends, especially Schofield who has only a month of rehab under his belt, the draft it not a lost cause. In the 2009 NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles picked up Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram even though he missed the 2008 season with an ACL tear. His reconstruction by renowned surgeon Dr James Andrews and subsequent rehabilitation at the Andrews Institute was aided by the use of an underwater treadmill and therapy pool at the facility. After the Eagles signed Ingram he continued his rehabilitation at their NovaCare training complex in a similar therapy pool.
The advanced training facilities offered by professional sports teams, such as the Eagles, means they can take a gamble on an injured athlete and their rehabilitation prospects when considering who will be the best fit for the team.
Natural weight loss through sports and exercise
People all over the world share the common desire to understand how to lose weight. Although there is a lot of information about weight loss several billion people remain obese or morbidly obese. Some people simply do not have the desire to lose the harmful fatty tissue, but by simply knowing how to lose weight, one can easily achieve a slimmer, more toned and healthy figure overall. Weight loss can be a completely natural process achieved through hard work, which may include exercise, sports, proper supplementation, and diet. Other methods include major surgeries or the use of harmful products such as steroids or extremely potent supplements that may harm other parts of the human anatomy. Being overweight remains endangering to the human body, but by trying to lose weight through unhealthy methods, one can damage the body even more. Knowing how to lose weight naturally is simple, straight forward, but requires hard work.
Ultimately, the natural process of weight loss occurs when the human body stores less calories; more calories must be burned or shed than the amount of calories consumed by the human body. In order to make this process occur naturally, one can practice a proper diet; sticking with low calorie options such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources through animal meats or supplementation, one can achieve a low calorie diet. However, without the implementation of physical activities such as sports and exercise, the goal of weight loss commonly goes underachieved. A proper diet will only provide the body with so much ability to lose weight before the mark cuts off. Exercises that target muscle groups, called anaerobic exercises, work well for building lean muscle. Cardiovascular exercises target heart health and shed calories and pounds fast. The combination of a rigid exercise schedule along with a healthy, nutritious, and low calorie diet can provide the best weight loss results possible.
Knowing how to lose weight through the use of surgical processes has led some to believe that technological advancements in the field provide the best option for weight loss. Major surgeries performed to help patients lose weight are often risky and many end in undesirable results. However, some people go through surgery and come out feeling and looking better. This option often involves a large financial deposit or investment, which could turn many people away. Another option for weight loss involves using supplements and medications to assist in the process. Several leading companies in the health and fitness industry have combined popular food sources into powder or pill form, providing individuals with potent weight loss helpers. Many work with the body in the calorie burning process, while others help digest food types that cause the most weight gain.
Bodybuilding Tips, How To Keep You Motivated & Succeed
Success in the world of fitness is resultant of a variety of many different factors all of which depend on specific individuals. Each and every person will need to possess their own methods for focusing on their goals and that is fine. Some methods are consistently helpful from individual to individual. Following the basics of these concepts will definitely prove helpful to those that understand them. Here is a look at some of the top methods that will yield success.
Self-Efficacy. This has been shown to be one of the most important factors contributing to success in a workout program. Self-efficacy can be defined as your personal belief that you are in fact capable of performing the behavior or achieving your goal.
Family & Friend Support. When you take up a new exercise program your daily schedule will require a great many changes. This means you will need to alter some of the responsibilities of your time so that you can definitely find the time needed to commit to exercise sessions. With the help of a supportive family, your fitness goals will be much easier to achieve.
Perhaps one of your family members will need to take over the goal of cooking meals on specific nights of the week which will allow you to visit the gym. You may even have to alter your social circles with your friends to make your fitness sessions and, hopefully, they will be understanding.
A Positive Attitude. It is definitely helpful to maintain a proper workout program so as to go along with the plan and stay motivated and committed to your program and goals. Those that have the proper positive thoughts towards their dire need for exercise will find it helpful. Those that remain positive at all times will be able to stay focused on their goals in order to deliver the intended results.
An Action Plan. An action plan remains one of the most important aspects of any workout program or goal. An effective action plan aids in delivering results. It is as simple as that. You need a means of reaching your goals and do so and without any detailed account on how to actually achieve the plan, you will discover your goals next to impossible to meet. That is just the way things go!
Intrinsic Motivation. Intrinsic motivation is often quite misunderstood which is a shame considering how valuable and important it is in regards to boosting once chances of succeeding with fitness goals. Basically, what this type of motivation refers to is the act of performing something based solely on the notion that it is something that you love to do. This is a form of motivation that is quite common among athletes and those that take part in a hobby that they truly love to lose themselves in.
A Role Model. Role models are known to be extremely helpful in the process of achieving a goal. Through looking up to someone based on their performance, you will deliver a measuring stick that you can apply to your own goals and achievements.
Knowledge. Having a solid knowledge base is highly necessary when putting together a workout program of any variety. Those that may lack a strong knowledge base in fitness and weight training, could seek to consult a fitness trainer, physical education instructor, or anyone that has solid knowledge on the subject of working out. Such people’s experience can prove quite helpful and aid in delivering the much needed help you require. Those that are self-motivated could also explore magazines, books, or DVDs on the subject so as to gain a greater familiarity with the issue. Just be selective in your choice material to be sure you get the right items to review.
Through taking the proper time to ensure you incorporate each of these factors into your life before you launch an exercise program, you will discover that the odds of increasing your success are vast. So, why not follow these tips for success? They will help you out a lot!
Plus Sports Bra Shopping Tips
Plus sized women face many problems when it comes to clothing shopping. You are faced with awful looking moo-moo fashions or clothing that is to risque or too trendy. Now imagine when a plus sized woman wants to start shopping for workout clothing but finds it challenging because even the specialty plus sized clothing shops do not offer many options.
I can totally understand and relate with why larger women are upset at their limited choices. Especially when the stores that are designed for larger women do not even offer athletic clothing, such as Lane Bryant or Torrid. It’s as though they never even thought that larger women wouldn’t be interested in getting healthy. It’s more frustrating to be in between the womens and plus sized sizes. I am a size– but am able to wear womens size large and extra large tops but yet I can only fit in a handful of athletic tops in sporting goods stores like the Nike store and Sportsmart.
Just speaking about this makes me angry. It leaves larger women with no choice than to have to purchase large over sized t-shirts. Then is the next more frustrating thing for them; shopping for a sports bra. now if they don’t even make athletic wear available, do you honestly think plus sized women are going to find many options for plus sized sports bras to work out with? I didn’t think so. If anyone needs the support, it’s plus sized women too!
I have found that when I look good in my workout clothing then I feel good about actually working out at the gym. I suddenly don’t think people are just staring at the size of my belly. Proper fitting workout gear is an instant confidence booster. So if a larger woman wants to get serious about her efforts to get in shape, she is going to need some awesome spirit lifting workout gear and most importantly a good sports bra!
Ok so now that we have an understanding of why a plus sized bra is important for working out, just where can you buy them? I already made it pretty obvious that plus sized stores have a disappointing selection IF they even offer workout clothing. I have seen Target offers Champion sports bras up to size XXL but unfortunately you had better expect to double up your sports bras in order to get just half way decent support.
That was about 10 years ago before there were any online buying options. Lucky for plus sized women of today, they can buy plus sized bras online through companies such as Moving Comfort, Enell and Shock Absorber. Many of these brands are available on amazon and roadrunners ports.
Ironman Lanzarote Training
Okay guys I have done the triathlon thing, I have done adventure racing and next on my list is to do an Ironman Triathlon and honestly I am scared out of my mind.
You see I have never been the worlds strongest swimmer and the Ironman swim is a pretty long way, especially when you factor in the choppy sea and around 1000 other athletes all thrashing about in their triathlon wetsuits. Yeah it doesn’t make for a nice dip in the sea and it’s about a million miles away from swimming in your local pool where the only danger is some old dear cutting across you (or overtaking you).
So what have I been doing to get my swimming back on track and boost my confidence in the water? Well I have joined the local masters swimming club, I have bought myself a new orca wetsuit and have a new mantra; to be a quick swimmer you need to swim with swimmers, to ride fast you need to train with cyclists and to run like a cheater you need to train with runners.
Already I am noticing an improvement in my swim, where as the tri club swimming was a lot of plodding, the swimmers seem to have focused sets working on endurance, power and technique and I am really impressed by them. last night we were doing 20 * 100m on 1:45 and expecting to come in on sub 1:20 needless to say I am having to work hard to lift my arms to be able to type today. The big question is will I be back to train with them again? Well of course I will. If I can knock 10 – 20 minutes off my predicted Ironman time and still fly on the bike and the run then it’s really worth killing myself once a week in the swimming pool.
Kawarua Bridge Bungee Jump
I was watching that Jack Osbourne extreme adrenaline junky show last night and it showed a bungee jump from the Kawarua bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand and in an instant I was transported back to my gap year working over there where we basically worked in bars, snowboarded in the winter and life was one big extreme sports party.
I never got chance to do the Kawarua Bridge but I have spoke to a couple of guys who have done it and they said even though it wasn’t the highest bungee jump in town, it ranked up there with the rush factor.
Let me start by saying that I have never been a big fan of bungee jumping, I do like the leaping out part but the rest seems too much like a synthetic thrill. You know deep down that they have calculated your weight and put you on the right line and for me it’s like sex that is over too quickly. You enjoy it but roll off feeling like there should be a better, more intense rush, however much like a quickie – bungee jumping is fun and something everyone should do once in a while.
Anyway back to the Kawarua bridge bungee jump. It seems like they have the option for a special splashdown jump, where they let you go a little further and dunk your head in the water and I think that if I ever get round to doing this jump I will be getting wet.
Are Weird Sports Extreme Sports?
It’s Friday and I can’t wait for the weekend to begin. I am hung over after a fun Thursday night and all I can think about is a conversation we were having in the pub last night. The hot question was Are Weird Sports Extreme Sports? By this I am talking about those rather random (and normally British) sports like Tough Guy, Nettle Warrior and Wife Carrying.
Pro Weird Being Extreme Argument
People jump out of airplanes because there is a chance that the parachute wont open or it will get tangled, people bungie jump because there is a thrill that comes with the risk of the rope being too long or not being tied on properly and people take part in the Cheese rolling festival because there is a risk that they will fall and break their neck, they take part in Tough Guy because there is a risk again of death and serious injury, they push their body to the limit in order to get through.
Cons Weird Being Extreme Argument
Okay this could turn into a rant (like it did last night) so here goes – weird sports aren’t extreme in the sense that sky diving, B.A.S.E jumping and free climbing are extreme. With these sports when you are committed, you are fully committed and you need to be both brave and skilled to survive.
Cheese rolling is more of a race than an extreme actvity, granted that by being a race it falls into the category of being a sport but it is not extreme.
I might be being an extreme sports snob here but once there is an aspect of mass organisation involved this seems to take away part of the risk so what you are left with is a kind of synthetic version of an extreme sport. When I started snowboarding it was pretty new, you were different when you were on the slopes with a board rather than skis. There were no lessons – you just had to kind of learn yourself.
Another example is bungee jumping; and I will admit I didn’t try this until a couple of years ago but there is no sense of death, you know that you are safe, that you will be 6 feet from the ground and everything is rather safe. The thrill is only from the jump where you leap out which goes against everything our body stands for.
I think that weird sports are just that – they are sports that are weird and because most have an element of competition involved in them then they are sports.