Longboarding USA - Raising Awareness

I've been in touch with Caleb and Tanner Childs and had to spread the stoke on the longboarding trek that they are planning on making. He's their story:

On May 14, 2012, two brothers from Concord, NC plan to take off on a trip of a lifetime. Caleb and Tanner Childs are leaving from Wilmington, NC and are walking/longoarding to San Francisco, CA. The brothers’ main goal for the walk is to raise awareness and funds for three charities of their choosing and, of course, for the adventure aspect of it all.

Tanner Childs just turned 22 years old and is in his final year at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, finishing up a degree in Criminal Justice. Caleb, the older of the two, just turned 26 and graduated from North Carolina State University in 2008 with a degree in Turfgrass Management of all things. The idea of walking/longboarding across the country came from Tanner, apparently the dreamer of the two brothers. Caleb, who just recently spent some time living in the mountains of North Carolina, which kindled his love for the outdoors, stated that he would accompany Tanner but that they should do it for a good cause of some kind. The good cause turned out to be the three charities they chose to support.

The three charities consist of The Semper Fi Fund, The Vickie S. Honeycutt Foundation, and the North Toxaway Food Bank. The Semper Fi Fund helps ease financial burdens for hospitalized or wounded marines and other military personnel who support the marines. Both brothers believe this to be an important charity to raise awareness for, as many of the wounded soldiers are overlooked upon returning back to the U.S. The Vickie S. Honeycutt Foundation is a charity that was started to honor Mrs. Honeycutt, and gives financial aid to teachers, and their family members, who are battling cancer. Lastly, the North Toxaway Food Bank is an organization that helps families meet their basic needs on a week to week basis in an area that is greatly affected by the economic downturn. 

The brothers plan on having an amazing journey, but are still lacking in a few areas. They are still looking for as much publicity as possible, and could still use some help in raising money or supplies/gear to help them with their budget. If you would be willing to donate, you can contact them at tanner@longboardingusa.com, or caleb@longboardingusa.com. The main thing to keep in mind is the charities though, because that's what it’s all about. Don't forget to check out their website at http://www.longboardingusa.com/, and "like" their facebook page, longboardingusa. They are shooting for 1,000 likes before they leave!!!

Liquid Force Wakeboards

Grab all your Liquid Force Gear! Spread the Stoke! Click Here

About Liquid Force Wakeboards:

Liquid Force has worked super hard at building season upon season to bring you new lineups. The results of the relentless efforts of their stoked and committed team is simply THE BEST PRODUCT LINE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SPORT!!

Liquid Force is proud and inspired by their aggressive team of pro and amateur riders who come up with amazing ideas on how to make the sport more fun. They challenged Liquid Force to make their dreams a reality. From Shane's idea of a closed toe boot that gives unbelievable control to Shawn's idea for bindings that you can put on like your favorite pair of skate shoes, to Phil's idea for a board that pops like a MUTHA but lands as soft as your favorite down pillow - Liquid Force put their more than 100 years of combined wake experience together- and pulled it off!

Get out on the water and ride some LF Gear! Whether you are a young girl just getting started or an experience rider looking to land your first 720, Liquid Force has made something for you that you will love. One your ride Liquid Force, we know you will share the same relentless passion for the sport they created.(Courtesy of http://www.the-house.com/)

100% Committment Equals Success

Every single day we set attempt to set goals for ourselves, special those involved in sports.  Let's take a look at what you're up against.  It’s crucial that as you prepare to actually set your goals that you understand what we’re up against. I quote from Keith Shaw:

“There are numerous studies that prove the value of writing down and keep track of your thoughts and goals. A research study sponsored by the Ford Foundation discovered that:

- 23 percent of the population has no idea what they want from life, and as a result, they do not have much.

- 67 percent of the population has a general idea of what they want, but they do not have any plans for how to get it.

- Only 10 percent of the population has specific, well-defined goals, but even then, seven out of the ten of those people reach their goals only half the time.

- The top 3 percent, however, achieved their goals 89 percent of the time.

Wow, an astonishing 90 percent of the population has no ideas or plans for what they want out of life! Without a solid life plan to take a hold of, these "drifters" will not have direction or the peace of mind to maximize their lives.

When you have no goals and plans in your life, you fall victim to petty worries, stress, anxiety, fears, troubles, and self-pity. You become just like the proverbial driftwood cast about by the crashing waves on the sea. All of these are indications of a lack of strength in your life, which leads to failure, unhappiness, and loss. Without strength, you cannot persevere.”

Like I mentioned earlier, "the purpose of understanding this research is that you have to decide whether or not you are ready and willing to commitment 100%."

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. (Author Unknown”)

3 Ways People Deal With Failure

Let's face it, failure is part of life especially in sports. As an athlete, it's important that you take the time to look at these patterns to see which one you are following. These patterns could be the very reason why you are not moving forward as an athlete or the lack of success that you may be experiencing.

What separates people who enjoy success from the majority who end up never getting what they want is how we respond to failure. It is what we do about failure that makes a big difference.

There are three ways in which people respond to failure.

Pattern 1: Give Excuses, Lay Blame & Give up

What do some people do when they don't get what they want? They will start giving themselves lots of excuses and blame everything and everyone around them. They say things like, 'it's not fair', 'I'm just not smart enough' 'It's just too difficult', 'I'm too young' or 'I'm too old', 'I just didn't have the luck', 'the depressed economy affected me'.

Feeling helpless and frustrated, this first group will stop taking action and give up! They will resign themselves to their goal being out of reach and live a life of mediocrity.

Pattern 2: Keep Trying the Same thing Over and Over Again
These are the people who have a lot more determination than the first. When they don't get their outcome, they will not quit. They will get themselves to take action again. The motto of this group is, 'I failed because I did not try hard enough' 'If I keep trying, I will eventually succeed'. So they keep taking action, putting in more time, energy and effort. No matter how many times they fail, they just keep trying harder and harder.
Will they eventually achieve their goals? It depends. If they set small, incremental goals, they may, with enough time and effort eventually succeed. However, if they set big and exceptional goals, like becoming the top in their field, they will never be successful by just trying again and again. They may experience a better result, but they won't reach the goals they desire. Why?

Because, although they keep taking action, they do not change their strategy. If you keep using the same approach, you are going to keep getting the same result. I have seen so many professionals and businessmen repeat this limiting pattern.

I know many businessmen who fail in their business only to start again and do the same thing. They keep putting in ads that don't work, they hire ineffective people or they use the same business model.

Pattern 3: Get Feedback, Change Strategy and Take Action until you Succeed.

So what is the pattern that all successful individuals exhibit? When they don't achieve their goals, they don't think of it as failure. Instead, they perceive it as feedback. Either feedback that the strategy they used was ineffective or that they did not take enough action. They then use this feedback to immediately change their strategy and take action again.

If they still don't succeed, they will get more feedback, change their strategy and take action again. They keep repeating this process until they get what they want. They do whatever it takes. So, remember, every time you don't get what you want, it is life giving you feedback. It is this continuous feedback you need to help you adjust your approach until you hit your target.

Thomas Edison took almost 10,000 attempts before inventing the light bulb. When asked how he did it, he said that he had to first find 9,999 strategies of how not to invent the light bulb. He then used this feedback to change his strategy until he got what he wanted.

Successful people re-look and change their strategy whenever they encounter 'failure'. They understand that failure is feedback. Understand this principle and you will overcome failure and achieve success in no time at all.

(Portions of article courtesy of Author: Adam Khoo)

Go Pro HD - Ride the Wake

There is no way that I couldn't post this footy with the new Go Pro HD! So Sick!

Powell Peralta

Such an amazing quote by Stacey Peralta:

"I cannot overstate how important it is to learn how to get up off the floor when you’ve been knocked down. .. But if you come to realize how connected failure is to success then it eases the blows and you begin to realize it’s normal to fail. " 

                                                            

 – Stacy Peralta

Wakeboard Essentials - Beginner's Tips

For those of you who love to be outdoors and more importantly on the water, then wakeboarding is a sport you should look into. All that is needed to wakeboard is a wakeboard, rope and boat. The boat will tow you across the water and you use the wake that the boat provides to launch yourself into the air and make down to the water. This looks easy but for first timers it can get tricky but once you get the hang of it, you'll never want to stop. As riders progress there are all sorts of tricks and flips you can do.

If you don't have access to a boat there are quite a few wakeboard parks that are becoming very popular. Basically, the wakeboard park allows you to hook up to a cable and it pulls you around and simulates the boat and you can practice and do tricks and do the whole thing. They are becoming increasingly popular as wakeboarding is getting super popular but not everyone has access to a boat.

Some essentials for wakeboarding are the obvious, a wakeboard, rope and boat. If you are a beginning wakeboarder try going with a longer rounded board so that you can better learn to be stable and get the hang of this great water sport. The rounded edges allow boards to gain speed and get in the air, they also make for more stable landings. As one becomes more experienced you will also need to take into consideration bindings or boots as some call them as they help in the wakeboard experience.

As for the wakeboard ropes they vary in elasticity and length. The length of a rope is normally between 60 and 70 feet. They also come with adjustments that allow for the rope to be shortened as one progresses so that they can be closer to the boat.

If one is lucky enough to own a wake boat you can add a wakeboard tower. It allows you to mount the rope on the tower which gives riders a better pull which in turn creates more air to allow one to try some sick tricks

Wakeboard accessories add spice and flavor to the sport. You need a handle and helmet which allows you to pick some outrageous colors to fit one's personality. If you do own a boat wakeboard speakers are also nice. They attach to the wakeboard tower and you can play your favorite jams or for beginners it can be used to relay tips and ideas.

Hurry up summer and get here, I can't wait to get back out on my wakeboard. Author: Kevin

Longboard your way to Success

I had to throw up another video of the WCS Crew bombin hills here in AZ. This is our playground... Enjoy!

"So basically it's up to you mentally whether or not you are going to up your game. If you want to land that trick  on your longboard or win more games, think it out and visualize every aspect from the approach, the takeoff, movements necessary during the trick or game and a perfect execution. It doesn't matter whether you compete in action sports or mainstream sports, mental imagery will increase your chances of success." ~Kyle Bingham~

And most importantly, remember:

"From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, I survived."

- Fr. Craig Scott

How to get motivated - Go For It!

/mo·ti·va·tion/

1. The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

2. The general desire or willingness of someone to do something

3. *My own definition: the art of getting off your butt and getting stuff done

Because here is the thing: you may have a burning desire to do something, you may have the best will in the world, you may even know all the reasons why you should do it… but if you haven't done it yet, don't be surprised.

Getting motivated doesn't happen by coincidence or by miracle. Motivation is not something that some people have and others don't either. It is something we all do, consciously or unconsciously, everyday!

Motivation is not something you have or don't have; it is something you do

Take training, for example, notice I say training, and not exercising! We want to do it, we know it is good for us, we know it is going to make us look better and feel better… but after a hard day's work, when tiredness sets in, who would blame us for wanting to slouch on the couch and watch some TV while eating our favourite treat?

Well, think of taking a shower for a moment. Most of us do it every day. We don't wait until we are all stinky to clean ourselves. We do it because it is the right thing to do; it is time to take a shower.
We are able to do this because we have built up this good habit over the years through repetition. We do it at the same time, in the same place, following the same routine, which is so ingrained in our unconscious that we are barely aware of the process.

If you want to get to the point where your training routine goes as smoothly as your shower routine, start following the following NLP rules:

1# IDENTIFY EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
Answer these questions:
What do you want specifically? When do you want it by? Where? With whom? What for? What will happen if you achieve that? What if you don't achieve that? Is it under your control? Is it worth it?
You see, when setting up goals, a lot of people do it wrong. They state what they want to have, not what they want to do; things like "I want to be slim", "I want a six pack" or "I want to have toned arms"… But, what do you want to do? Because it is as a result of you doing what you need to do that you will get to have what you want.

Your objective needs to be stated in a way that your brain understands it. And just like your computer, your brain needs 3 things: affirmative statements that are direct and very specific.
If you are just thinking it then it is not an objective, it is just a thought. So, put pen to paper and write your answers to the questions above.
If you don't know what you want, how will you know when you've got there?


2# MAKE A PLAN
Again, if you don't have a plan, all you have is a lovely thought. I suggest you get yourself a diary, an excel sheet, a calendar, whatever works for you, and devise your personal strategy. A strategy to suit your lifestyle, your working schedule, etc…

Keeping the end result in mind, what is the first step you need to take in order for you to do what you need to do? And after that? What's next? Do you have all the resources you need (resources are materials, books, money, people…), or do you need help?

If it's going to take you 12 weeks to get a six pack, set a date and work backwards from there. If you want to lose a stone in 3 weeks, do the same. Break your objective into smaller, more achievable chunks, so that this week you know exactly what you are doing with regards to training and nutrition, and you can focus on just that. As I tell my clients, it's one week at a time, one day at a time.

You see, now you have more than just a nice thought; now you have a plan of action. And believe it or not, this is what most people lack. It's hard to get motivated if you don't know what you want to get motivated for!
And what are you going to do when you are tired, sad, in a mad mood, frustrated…? You must put strategies in place, so when that happens, and it will, you know exactly what to do. You have to become a bit of a ninja!

3# FIND OUT WHAT FIRES YOU UP
There are a lot of things that we need to or should do, but that doesn't mean we do them. So I want you to try on the following sentences, simply add what you want to be able to do at the end.

For example, if you want to go to the gym every day at 6pm for an hour, try these on. Say them out loud:
I should go to the gym – I need to go to the gym – I have to go to the gym – I'd better go to the gym -
I could go to the gym – I can go to the gym – I will go to the gym – I'm going to the gym
Do this a few times and notice which one creates the strongest feeling within you, like you want to go do it. You've just unlocked your personal motivational language. Make sure you use it from now on!

4# IMAGINE YOURSELF SUCCEEDING
One of the main functions of the brain is to prove itself right. So, whatever you focus on is magnified, as the brain thinks it is an objective of yours. Also, the brain doesn't know the difference between a vividly imagined memory and reality. This is why if you want to do something, it's vital you imagine yourself doing it like this (read this NLP resource fully before you do it):

Think of yourself doing the thing you want to do, training in the gym, or whatever. When you think about it you may notice the thought to be at a certain distance from you, a certain size, and in a certain place. Just make sure you see yourself in it, looking happy, positive and really enjoying what you are doing.

Now, imagine the thought getting bigger and bigger until it's almost panoramic. Make sure it's big, bold and colourful, maybe add some sound to it, and notice how good you feel.

Now, imagine you can float outside of your body and into yourself in the image, so you can see through your eyes, hear through your ears and feel how good it feels to be doing what you are doing and loving it too! Intensify everything even more, so the colours are brighter, the sounds louder and the feelings stronger.

Now, tell yourself in your most motivating voice "Go For It!"

Now, take a deep breath through the nose and magnify the feelings so you feel even more motivated!

Repeat 3 times, first sitting down, and then standing up, and notice how you feel even more motivated!

It's vital that you build a propulsion system that makes you feel good and look forward to doing the things you want to do, so that you want to do them more and more. This is how you get to build up new more useful habits to last you a lifetime.

I've just shared 4 motivational strategies with you, that when you use them, they will help you get more stuff done and achieve more, faster. They can be applied in any area of your life. These strategies have helped transform some of my clients from couch potatoes into fitness freaks, so good luck to you!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motivational-articles/how-to-get-motivated-4-nlp-strategies-that-work-5109860.html

About the Author

Anna Aparicio is regarded as Ireland's top female NLP/Hypnosis Life Coach. A Self-esteem and Confidence Expert, she has helped hundreds of women all around the world feel empowered, super confident, and lead happier more succesful lives. With a unique blend of Neuro-linguistic Programming, cutting edge personal development tools, and a contagious sense of humour and zest for life, Anna is renowned for getting results fast. Now you can get her free report WHY YOU'LL NEVER GET WHAT YOU WANT UNLESS YOU DO THIS at http://www.delite.ie/

Snowboard Workout for Summer!

I came accross this article today and with summer just around the corner I thought that this might help all us snowboarders out there to keep in shape.

Nowadays it's really hard to lump snowboarders into a group of "athletes" that spend their days training hard and staying in shape for competition. There are probably hundreds of different kinds of snowboarders from the kids who can't ride with out being intoxicated to the kids who go snowboarding and then straight to the gym to hit the heavy iron. This article is for those of you who want to stay in some sort of shape for snowboarding this summer, and I'm happy to report that it really IS a thirty minute workout at most!

Lose the Iron

You can absolutely forget about lifting any weights. I know a guy who was a bodybuilder and once he was hired to a local landscaping crew. You figure that with all that strength he would have no problem digging and lifting all day. By the end of his first day he couldn't really do much work. He could barely even pick up his shovel. Why, with countless hours a day at the gym did this happen? Lifting weights might build muscle, but it is a completely useless kind of muscle… slow twitch. Slow twitch muscles are built due to continuous expansion and contraction of the muscle throughout the day… i.e. slow, controlled, repetitive motions. Slow repetitive movements have no place in landscaping and absolutely no place in snowboarding.

You are a snowboarder… you aren't looking to be moving nice and slow and controlled. You want to build up the fast twitch muscles. Fast twitch muscles contract quickly and explosively. They are there when you make a quick switch from your snowboards heel edge to your toe edge. They are helping out when you get to the lip and do that explosive pop into the sky! They are especially there when you mess up and have to rely on quick reflexes to either fix your situation or brace for impact.

Snowboard Workout Routine

Absolutely no gym membership required folks! Besides, chances are you guys are at this snowboarding site because you snowboard, which also means you are probably broke like me and can't afford a gym membership anyway. So on to the workout. It takes like I said less than thirty minutes and you can do it pretty much anywhere. Do it every day cause it's really not that hard. You won't need rest,

Pushups

I try and go for around about 100 a day. You don't have to do it all at once but shoot for finishing it up in three sets… so if you do three sets of 30 pushups a day then you should be in pretty good shape!

Pushups serve two purposes in snowboarding. One is to keep your upper body and wrists loose and limber. The other is to brace you for impact. I don't know about you guys but when I fall snowboarding its usually towards my stomach and it's nice to have a little bit of muscle built up to catch yourself. Plus doing lots of pushups makes you look so Hott (with two ‘t's).

Sit-ups/Crunches

It's all in the core. Again shoot for around 100 per day. If you been snowboarding a lot before you found this guide, then doing three sets of 30 sit-ups will seem like bitch work.

One thing I want to say about sit-ups is that this is really about your spins and general movements. Everything you do in snowboarding will be initiated from your core, so strengthening it up may produce a drastic difference in your riding.

If basic sit-ups are lame to you then put a twist in them at the end. Now you are really working the muscles that are going to literally spin you in circles next season!

Standing 360s

Way better than squat jumps although those work too. I would say 4 sets of 10 alternating frontside and backside. You want to stand similar to your stance on your snowboard and concentrate on exploding high and fast. The 360 should be done in the image of what you want them to look like on the snowboard slope. In other words they should be really nice, floaty jumps with the full 360 degrees of rotation completed.

The benefits of this exercise should be pretty obvious. It trains your quads for jumping nice and high and your core for quick, controlled rotations. Not only that, it might help you out if you are having trouble getting yourself oriented during your spins (Where is the board? For that matter where is the landing? Well hopefully after this exercise you'll be able to figure it out better).

Think Snowboarding!

Snowboarding is so much more mental though than it is physical. That is why these exercises are for the most part quick and painless. Sure they will get you up to speed physically, but the mental aspects of the sport of snowboarding may still hold you back.

Since it is summer, now is the time to start putting last seasons' hit videos on repeat in your DVD player. Absorb every aspect of the tricks you see pro snowboarders do. From how they prepare, to their drop, the set up, the pop, the rotation… it all matters. Once you can practically replay these tricks in your head just replace that pro snowboarder with an image of you. Really take the time to imagine how you would look making those same movements and trying that same trick.

If you see a nice, high ledge don't be embarrassed to pretend you have a snowboard strapped to you and try a 270 or two. Get on a trampoline and imagine you are staring at the transition to a jump, and then hit it! The more you repeat and attempt these motions the more familiar they will become
The 08/09 season is just around the corner so get to work guys! See you on the slopes.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/snowboard-workout-for-summer-433122.html
About the Author
Visit my site for snowboarding articles, trick tips, videos, and more!
http://www.desertsdontsnow.com/

Mental Toughness in Sports - Up Your Game with Mental Imagery

How Mental Imagery Works

When an athlete imagines himself performing to perfection, he is physiologically creating neutral brain patterns that are similar to small tracks engraved in the brain cells. This enables the athlete to perform certain stratgies, moves, tricks, etc. by mentally practicing those tasks first in his mind. Mental imagery is intended to train the athlete's mind, thus showing the body exactly how to react or perform when during practice or competition

.

Practical Application of Mental Imagery

It’s true that we move closer to what we focus on. If an athlete imagines missing a shot, or how good the other team is, or even fears injury, it harms his game concentration and affects the outcome. It’s absolutely essential that athletes visualize success and victory.  Steven Balzac, a psychology professor and former nationally ranked fencer says, “If we imagine success, we prepare ourselves for success because that’s what’s in our heads.” Remember that we if don't beleive in ourself and our abilities, no on else will for us.

It’s important to remember that athletes use imagery in different ways. Their imagery may not involve just visual images, but sounds, smells or touch. It really depends on the person. Another important aspect of mental imagery is for the athlete to watch and study his sports heroes and imagine that he is making those same shots with precision. Does this mean the athlete will always perform at top level? No…we’re human and we all have bad days on occasion. But visualization and mental imagery increases the chance of increased and sustained success.

Results of Mental Imagery

Of course physical practice is always the best way for an athlete to improve his skill level and race to the top of his game. However, mental imagery is better than no practice at all and, incorporated with physical practice, is the best way to see optimal results. Continuous studies are always being conducted to determine just how much mental imagery plays into the increased success of athletes. And, for the rest of us, imagining ourselves more successful is never a waste of time if we are also spending equal or more time physically developing our skill set. The time spent in mental imagery is beneficial not only to the athlete but to the business person, the student, the entrepreneur, and anyone else who desires to develop and increase their level of play. The more mental imagery is studied; more effective techniques can be developed and adapted by athletes…and the rest of us.

 

"So basically it's up to you mentally whether or not you are going to up your game. If you want to land that 1080 on your snowboard, think it out and visualize every aspect from the approach, the takeoff, movements while in the air and a perfect landing. It doesn't matter whether you compete in action sports or mainstream sports, mental imagery will increase your chances of success." ~Kyle Bingham~
 
(Portions of article courtesy of Michelle Hill http://www.winningproof.com/)

Learn to Wakesurf - Part 2

Wakesurf Tips Part 1

The Takeoff

So where do I begin if you have never tried wakesurfing? Well, if you have ever participated in other board sports, chances are you are going to be able to pick up this sport fairly quickly. As with any board sport, it is going to take some practice before you start rippin' it up in the water. In any case, here are a few tips that might help.

1. First you need to know whether your stance is goofy or regular. Goofy is right foot forward and regular is left foot forward. This is very important because determining your stance is going to determine which side of the boat you are going to be riding on. Riding toe side (aka your toes are facing toward the wake) is the easiest way to start learning. Later on down the road you can switch to riding heelside (aka your heels are facing toward the wake). So if you are goofy footed then you want to start towards the right side of the boat. If you are regular footed, then you are going to want to start towards the left side of the boat. Now that you have your stance figured out and you know which side of the boat you are going to be riding on, you are ready for the next step.

2. The next thing that we are going to look at is the takeoff. I recommend starting about 5 to 10 feet away from the platform. You want the rope to be tight by the time you in this position. If you still have a lot of slack in the rope in this position, you are going to find yourself too far back from where you need to be on the wake. The takeoff itself is very similar to that of wakeboarding. Position your feet in a comfortable position on the board. You want your heels to be resting near the edge of the board and your toes pointed up. When the boat begins to pull you up, you want to put pressure on the board with your heels to bring the board to your feet. As the board flips to the bottoms of your feet, point the nose of your board towards the boat. Staying on your back edge will only cause you to wipe out. Now that you are facing forward on the board being pulled by the rope, edge out into the flats (away from the wake) to get your feet in a comfortable position. Once you are comfortable, begin edging in towards the wake by putting pressure on the board with your toes. As I mentioned earlier, most people have any easier time learning when riding toeside. Once you get the takeoff down, now the fun begins. It's time to find the "SWEET SPOT".

Wakesurf Tips Part 2

Finding the Sweet Spot

The first thing that you have to get used to is the power of the wake. During your first couple of runs you might feel that the board is a little bit unsteady. That feeling will start to go away after you work on your balance and weight distribution on the board.

1. While continuing to hold onto the rope, start to get a better feel for the wake by doing some little carves up and down on the wake. You will notice that as you edge up onto the wake that it will start to push you towards the platform and then as you shift your weight to avoid hitting the platform, you will then notice that you end up on top of the wake or even behind it. Finding the balance in between these points is key. Use the rope to help to pull you into the position where you feel the push from the wake. Ultimately, you want to be able to ride without using the rope but the rope is very helpful when you are first learning to ride on the wake. Once you have a good feel for the power of the wake and the responsiveness of your board, you are probably ready to start working on finding the "Sweet Spot."

2. Pull yourself back in close to the wake where you begin to feel that push forward. Keep in mind that you are only about 5 feet or so away from the platform of your boat. Now is probably a good time to emphasize that wakesurfing should NEVER be done with an outboard motor, only inboard boats specifically designed for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. As you place the board in that spot where you notice that the rope gets some slack in it and you begin to feel that push forward from the wake, you have found the sweet spot. As I said earlier, this is where you want to practice riding while continuing to hold onto the rope. Once you are able to ride for a little while without any help from the rope, throw the rope into the boat and let your endless wave riding experience begin. This is where practice makes perfect. Balance and weight distribution are everything when learning to ride in the sweet spot. If you are constantly blasting towards the platform, put more weight onto your back foot. On the contrary, if you are finding yourself getting pulled to far back on the wake, put more weight onto your front foot. It is a game of balance and is just going to take some time to get it right.

Wakesurf Tips Part 3

Learnin to Shred Like the Pros

Well, my little grommet you have progressed quite well. My only remaining bit of advice that I have for you is Go Shred!!!! I can't tell you enough how great it is to have my own endless wave right here in AZ. Every single person that I have ever taken out on our Malibu becomes instantly addicted to this sport. Give it a try and I'm sure that you too will know exactly why this sport is here to stay! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Here's a quick video to take a look at as well:

Learn to Wakesurf - Part 1

Finding the Right Board

Well, when you are first starting out don't worry too much about the board. Howtowakesurf.com does a great job of describing the different types of boards. There are 2 basic styles of wakesurfboards, skim board style and conventional style.

Skimboard style wakesurfboards are thinner and smaller than surfboard styles.

Advantages: Easier for a beginner to get up on. Easier to spin (180s, 360s etc.). Easier to do shuvits. Easier to stow on the boat. More likely to fit into a wakeboard rack. Less tendency to roll and nose dive.

Disadvantages: More difficult to learn to freeride. Boat typically has to go back to get a fallen rider.

Conventional style wakesurfboards are thicker than skimboard styles and have greater buoyancy.

Advantages: Easier to freeride. Will freeride in a smaller wave than a skimboard style. Easier to recover from far back on the wave. More adept at classic surf moves that require bigger turns and cutbacks. Fallen rider can paddle quickly back to the boat (assuming the driver stopped soon after the rider fell).

Disadvantages: More difficult for a beginner to get up on. More difficult to spin. May not be able to do shuvits. Requires special racks to stow on the tower. More difficult to stow in your car without surfboard racks. Some have a significant tendency to roll and nose dive (not all). Shred Stixx boards (for example) do not have this roll and nose dive tendency.

A beginner may have difficulty getting started and standing up upon a conventional style surfboard. The same person may just pop up on the skim board style. They may not freeride as quickly, but they can still have lots of fun lineriding.

There are a lot of great wakesurfboard manufacturers out there. As I said earlier, don't worry too much about the brand of board that you are riding. The most important thing to do at this point is determine what style of riding you are going to focus on and then try out both the skim and conventional style boards. Once you have got your riding style down and have gotten comfortable with a certain style of board, then take a look at which brand caters most to your style.

3 Keys to Success in Sports

The three (must have) important factors to achievements in any type of sport or activity are excellent instructions, practice and repetition, and most of all – belief in in your abilities.

You must have a good instructor or coach. Many people have a incorrect outlook about teaching a new strategy and setting unrealistic expectations for that athlete. Some coaches think that once they show an athlete a new strategy the person should be able to utilize it right away. Furthermore, some athletes believe that they should be able to make improvements in their activity, and have it pay off right away. Change does not occur instantaneously.

Practice makes perfect. Athletes must practice what they have been taught to be able to put it into into practice. Why? Old routines are hard to alter. So any time you learn something new (or shown something new), it requires a lot of repeating to alter or change.

Learning, practice, and repeating alone sometimes are unsuccessful. The third and most important key to achievements (which is more about the psychological game) is when an athletes truly believes in and understands their abilities and what they have learned. You or your teammates might have excellent skill or strategy, but you must believe in what you have learned in practice through repetition to be able to utilize it against competitors. A deficit of belief in in one's abilities is the top reason athletes cannot do it again during a game, like they do during practice.

What’s the cause for lack of mental toughness and awareness? Several psychological activity limitations can get in the way:

•Fear of failure
•Perfectionism
•Unrealistic expectations
•Focusing on outcomes, rather than the process
•Pressure of being in the big game

So get out of your own way and quit over controlling your body or over-coaching yourself! Keep in mind that change does not occur instantaneously. It requires excellent instructions, exercise and repetition, and belief in in your abilities to have success in sports. Give it time and you will have the ability to reach your goals. This quote by Michael Jordan puts this all into perspective:

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." ~Michael Jordan~

"Winners do what Losers won't!"

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."
Muhammad Ali

Anthony Robles - Unstoppable

When I think about sports and motivation, without a doubt I can't take some time to discuss my fellow Arizona State University Alumni Anthony Robles. For those of you that my not be familiar with him, Anthony was born with one leg however despite this obstacle became a wrestler in junior high in Mesa, Arizona. Anthony's accomplishments in wrestling are many with his crowning achievements including 2011 NCAA National Wrestling Champion and 2011 NCAA Best Wrestler of the National Tournament Award! If you'd like to learn more about Anthony Roble's amazing life and career, visit his website at http://www.anthonyrobles.com/

"Every soul who comes to earth with a leg or two at birth must wrestle his opponents knowing its not what is, but what can be that measures worth. Make it hard, just make it possible and through pain, I wont complain. My spirit is unconquerable. Fearless I will face each foe for I know I am capable. I don't care whats probable, through blood sweat and tears I am unstoppable."- Anthony Robles

Support Your College Team and their Athletes!
Ticketamerica.com has some of the best seats for the hottest college teams including the Houston Cougars and the Howard Bison and the heart of the mid west the Illinois Fighting Illini sports teams home and away.
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DogFunk - The Dump

I gotta give a shout out to the crew at DogFunk. I've been snowboarding "the greatest snow on Earth" for years and have always looked to them for advice for all my snowboard gear. And most importantly, DogFunk helps to support the underground brands. I remember the first time that I started my first action sports company and rarely do you see retailers even talk with underground brands. Fellas keep up the good work and thanks for the continual supply of the best action sports gear out there! Go check em out!

SMP Skatepark - Insanity

Despite my years of skateboarding and longboarding I had never come across the SMP Skatepark.

SMP Skate Park is an enormous outdoor park spanning 44,936 square feet and represents China’s largest skate park. Each year SMP holds an international skate competition known as “The Showdown.” If you’re a skater, its hard to think of a more fitting place to compete. Not a skater, not a problem! Enjoy the activities from a 12,300 square foot viewing deck and plaza!

SKLZ - Your Performance Training Tools Resource

SKLZ is the innovator in athletic training, and is the premier developer and marketer of athletic performance and skill development training products for serious athletes of all ages. The flagship brand of Pro Performance Sports, SKLZ delivers broad lines of training products across a variety of sports, including baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse and more. SKLZ focuses on transforming innovative concepts into effective sports training products that help athletes reach their full potential. With international headquarters in San Diego, California, the company delivers durable, high-performance trainers that can be found internationally at major sporting goods retailers, specialty shops, and mass merchants. (courtesy of http://www.sklz.com/)

SKLZ basically offers 2 different ways to train:

1. Skill - Get better at your sport.

• - Skill Training includes: Baseball, Golf. Fastpitch, Soccer, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Racquet and Volleyball.

2. Performance - Be more athletic.

• - Performance Training includes: Speed, Agility, Quickness, Power, Acceleration, Strength, Lateral Movement, Vertical Leap, Balance and Core Strength.

So when you are ready to take your game to the next level, SKLZ is your answer!

New Baseball Training System includes 5 tools to enhance speed, quickness, strength and reaction time.

Attitude Reflects Leadership

I had  request from a follower to post this clips for Remember the Titans. This interaction between these two players without a doubt quotes one of the most powerful statements about leadership in sports that I have ever heard.

Julius: "Nobody plays! Yourself included! I’m supposed to wear myself out for the team? What team?! No, No. What I’m gonna do is, I’m gonna look out for myself, and I’m gonna get mine."
Gerry: "See, man? That’s the worst attitude I ever heard."
Julius: "Attitude reflects leadership, Captain."

Next time you step on to that football field, soccer field, basketball court or any other sport for that matter ask your, Am I a leader on this team? If so, are you effective? Are you a good example for those that may be watching on or off the field?

Get Seen by potential Sponsors or Recruiters

Let's face it, getting sponsored in the world of actions sports is by no means an easy task. There are so many legit local riders out there but just can't get the exposure that they need. I want to introduce to you a website called http://www.kwiklike.com/. They are fellow sports enthusiasts just as I am and promote and believe in helping people to get exposure on the Internet without having to pay for it. It doesn't make whether you skateboard, ride BMX, surf or play basketball, baseball, soccer, etc you need to be seen by potential recruiters and/or sponsors. Check this site out and it will help to get your name out there and people watching!

Get Seen Here!

Tony Hawk - Definition of Skateboarding

"I consider skateboarding an art form, a lifestyle and a sport." ~Tony Hawk~

Image courtesy of http://www.tonyhawk.com/

                             

Great Moments are Born from Great Opportunity

”How can you say that the door cannot be opened until your knuckles are bloody, till your head is bruised, till your muscles are sore. It can be done.”

Go Big or Go Home

There's no doubt that some people are just born with the natural ability to excel at sports more than the average individual. However, most of us have to work at it each and every day if we want to reach our highest potential possible. I was reading through some sports psychology blogs and came across a theme of three main components that seem most important.

• Analytic and Tactical Ability — the ability of the mental system to evaluate and react to strategic situations (tactical ability).
• Motivation and Self Confidence — a motivated and focused athlete, with a level of belief in themselves, often seen as arrogance in athletes.
• Coping with Pressure — the ability to stay focused and perform up to expectations while under increasing pressure, and under changing conditions. (http://www.topendsports.com/)

So when we break it down to more simpler terms, we have to know how to react to a given situation, we must be self motivated and 100% committed and mentally tough. Think about if for a minute. If you are an action sports athlete (snowboarder, wakeboarder, skateboarder), how many times did you attempt that trick before it was perfected? For some, after a few hard falls they gave up. For others, they practiced their technique every day, never gave up and were obviously mentally tough. These are the individuals that have shaped the action sports industry into what it is today. And I'm not talking only about the big name pros, I'm also giving a huge shout out to of those locals out their applying these same principles and shredding as hard as anyone!

“Are you more focused on achieving success or avoiding failure?”

One of the characteristics that separates elite athletes from their less successful counterparts is their extraordinary aversion to losing or will to succeed.  In Sport Psychology we often talk to athletes about the Need Achievement Theory.  This refers to whether an individual is focusing on approaching success or avoiding failure.  I often use the terms “achieve” and “avoid,” as I ask athletes “Are you more focused on achieving success or avoiding failure?”  "Do you know how to achieve your goals?''

 In simpler terms we’re really talking about whether a person likes winning more than he hates losing or wants to change success to failure or failure to success.  Traditionally we have focused on developing athletes who fall into the “achieve” category and really want to win.  However, I have found that many pro athletes even when they have the will to succeed they truly hate losing more than they love winning.  Sure, they like the feeling of winning but nothing is worse than that feeling right after a loss.  Elite athletes have an almost unimaginable aversion to that feeling; they never learn to accept it. 

It’s almost a prerequisite to being great, “Those who can accept losing need not apply.”  Russell, MJ, Magic, Bird, they all HATED losing.  Remember how LeBron James reacted after losing to the Magic last year?  (He refused to shake hands).  How about Tiger after the Master’s…did he look happy?  Compare that to Carmelo Anthony laughing in his postgame interview after getting ousted by the Jazz on Friday.  I love Carmelo but that reaction showed me that he doesn’t hate losing enough to be great yet.  You can learn a lot about an athlete by watching his/her response to losing.  Do they look like they REALLY hate it? In the end, you may know how to achieve your goals and have probably even reached many goals to be successful in your life, but is it the achievement of the goal or avoiding failure that actually drives you and gives you the will to succeed?

(Portions of article courtesy of Noah Gentner PhD)