How to Make Simple Wakeboarding Tricks Look Cool

If I had to guess, I’d say I probably work on methods more than I work on any of my hardest tech tricks. It’s not because methods are difficult to master but because it’s a trick that offers unlimited possibilities. Every time I do a method, I can tweak it a different way or poke it a little more. Every single time, I get to make it my own, and, for me, that’s the best part of wakeboarding. I see a lot of young riders who focus on learning the hardest technical tricks but could care less about grabbing their boards. Hey, I get it; we all want to win contests. If you ask me, though, you aren’t doing yourself or the sport any favors by skipping the steps that lead to better style and more diverse riding. I’m not saying you shouldn’t strive for that Moby Dick 5. Keep working on those tech tricks, but take some time every session to see how far you can tweak a method or poke out a stalefish. Your riding will look infinitely better for it. In this wakeboard how to, learn three of my favorite simple-yet-stylish tricks that you can take from basic to badass. Check out the tricks

Words: JD Webb Photos: Ryan Taylor (http://www.wakeboardingmag.com/)

Wakeboarding - 5 Ways to Fix Your Foundation

I was checking out wakeboardingmag.com and saw some really good advice on fixing a lot of common problems that a lot of new wakeboarders face and bad habits that seasoned wakeboarders have.

Keep the handle position consistent

Where you hold the handle is key to having both power and control. Letting the handle rise is a common mistake that will pull your upper body ahead of your lower body. Think of it this way: If you were to tie the rope to your body rather than hold the handle, you would tie it to your hips for the most relaxed ride. Keeping the handle low and close to your hips is the best way to keep the pull coming from the center of your body.

Adam Errington On Handle Position

— “Handle control is still something I stress on. In fact, I think about it every time I ride.”
— “Sometimes it’s awkward finding the perfect handle placement, but if you work at it, though, it will become second nature.”
— “It’s key to keep the handle low and close to your hip. It’s how you generate power, balance and muscle memory.”

To view all 5 tips Click Here

(Tips courtesy of http://www.wakeboardingmag.com/)

Longboarding - Smoothest Standies I've Ever Seen!

This Video speaks for itself. One of the smoothest riders I've ever seen!

Trick Tip: BIG stand up slides by Kyle Chin



Snowboard Jedi Mental Snowboard Training System

“I have trained with many coaches around the world and Matt was by far the best, I learned 14 tricks in just 10 days!”-Emma Bernard, member of the France National Halfpipe Team.

“I wasn’t really believing in that kind of stuff before but I tried it out anyway and It actually does change the way you snowboard or do any other sports…  I  use it all the time now. It’s like my best friend!” – Marie Racine  (pro snowboarder and winner of way too many contests to mention here)

Click Here To Get Started!



Bethany Hamilton - A True "Soul Surfer"

Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions through her story of faith, determination, and hope. Born into a family of surfers on February 8, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany began surfing at a young age. At the age of eight, Bethany entered her first surf competition, the Rell Sun Menehune event on Oahu, where she won both the short and long board divisions. This sparked a love for surf competition within her spirit.

At the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. After losing over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude. Lifeguards and doctors believe her strong water sense and faith in God helped get her through the traumatic ordeal.

Miraculously, just one month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water to continue pursuing her goal to become a professional surfer. In January of 2004, Bethany made her return to surf competition; placing 5th in the Open Women’s division of that contest. With no intention of stopping, Bethany continued to enter and excel in competition. Just over a year after the attack she took 1st place in the Explorer Women’s division of the 2005 NSSA National Championships – winning her first National Title.

In 2007, Bethany realized her dream and turned pro. Bethany has since participated in numerous ASP and World Tour Events with her major highlight being a second place finish in the ASP 2009 World Junior Championships. (See Career Highlights and Surf Related News for more results)
Since losing her arm, Bethany’s story has been told in hundreds of media outlets and she has been recognized with numerous awards, public appearances, and various speaking engagements. (See Awards & Appearances)

In October 2004, Bethany shared her life story in her autobiography entitled Soul Surfer. Seven years later, the book was made into a major motion picture bearing the same title which released theatrically in April, and for home entertainment in August, 2011. Other books Bethany has written include “Devotions for the Soul Surfer,” “Rise Above,” A “Soul Surfer” Bible, “Ask Bethany,” and “Clash,” “Burned,” “Storm,” and “Crunch.” (See Books for publishing information) Further, Bethany was the inspiration behind Becky Baumgartner’s 2007 documentary entitled Heart of a Soul Surfer.
From a young age, Bethany’s parents instilled their faith in Jesus Christ; and at age 5, she made the decision to have a personal relationship with Him. Bethany’s foundation of faith has been her backbone; her source of truth, hope, and strength.
Out of the water, Bethany has grown from a young teenage girl with aspirations of becoming a professional surfer into a twenty-year old professional surfer with aspirations of becoming a beacon of inspiration and hope. Through the platform of professional sport, Bethany has been able to touch a large number of people with her message, charitable efforts, and overall spirit. Bethany just launched her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her life story, and is involved in numerous other charitable efforts. (See Give Back for more charitable partnerships)

Bethany’s story is continually growing as she strives to be the best at whatever God calls her to do. The future is truly wide open for this young soul surfer! (http://bethanyhamilton.com/about/bio/)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Coach Carter~

How to Jump on a Snowboard

At first, it can be pretty tough to learn how to snowboard so before you start trying any snowboarding tricks, learning how to properly jump and land is very fundamental but important.

Step 1

Learn to Ollie. When a snowboarder Ollies, it is when they jump up into the air with their snowboard. Practicing on level surfaces helps to get this technique. Ollies are one of several really good snowboarding tricks for a snowboarding beginner.

Step 2

Find a small jump to start on. A jump that is one or two feet is good to start. Try to find a small jump where you will land on a small decline, as this is easier to land your jump. Trust me, landing on flat land is not fun when you are trying to learn how to land a jump on a snowboard.

Step 3

Crouch down a bit as you reach the jump. This will help you to spring up as you jump. Ollie when you reach the jump to give yourself lift. Be careful with this snowboard trick! If you ollie to much or too soon, you will be eating snow. A snowboarding beginner needs to take it slow. Make a few attempts and just let the jump naturally launch you. Once you're comfortable, you can progress with more speed and power

Step 4

Plan your land. You will have a short time in the air to see where you are going to come down. You want to come down flat on your board. Try to avoid landing on the front or back of the board.

Step 5

Bend your knees as you land. This will help your body absorb the shock of the landing. If you feel like you are going to fall, go forward onto your hands and knees.

Step 6

Practice, Practice, Practice. Snowboading tricks are not easy and will require a lot of time and dedication. Don't worry if you mess up or fail at first, it just takes time. Even snowboarders with years of practice don't land every jump.One last really important tip, be aware of other snowboarders around you. When jumping make sure the landing is clear of other snowboarders to avoid accidents. Once you are hitting your basic jumps, you can start working on snowboard grabs, flat land tricks and other snowboard tricks while getting some big air.

** PROTECT YOUR MELON! ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!**

Click Here for Your Guide to Snowboarding!

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/