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not all canoe paddles are created equal and when it comes to your time on the water, having a paddle that fits your size and paddling style is essential to a comfortable and enjoyable time. Canoe paddles come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, but there are a few common features all paddles share . . . Grip, Shaft Angle, Length, Blade Shape, and Blade design. The best paddle available is the on that is the best fit for you and allows you to paddle longer with less fatigue and pain.

Grip
The style of grip on a canoe paddle is one of the most important features to think about before purchasing a paddle. You will be holding onto this grip all day long, so a grip that fits your hand and paddling style is essential to comfort and reducing the risk of painful blisters and muscle cramps. There are many variations of grips available with some of the most common being T Grip, Asymmetrical Grips, palm Grips, and guide Style Grips. There are also many variations of these that have different names.

Each grip has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, some advantages for the paddle maker (ex. saving time) can be a disadvantage to your comfort. Choose a grip that fits your hand and style of paddling. If you like to have a tight grip, a T Grip may be your best choice. If you like to have a larger, looser grip one of the other styles may be the best choice. Personally, I have found that the T Grip, Front Facing Asymmetrical, and Back Facing Asymmetrical Grips are the most comfortable and ergonomically correct grips.

Shaft Angle
Straight shaft paddles had been the only game in town for a long time, and as the name indicates, it is a straight paddle. This is a very functional paddle, but as techniques advanced, there are now more options in shaft angles. A Bent Shaft Paddle has a slight bend at the throat of the paddle where the blade starts and the shaft ends. With a bend in the paddle, the blade stays perpendicular to the water for a larger portion of the paddle stroke, which makes it a more efficient paddle stroke.

The angle can vary, but most are between 5 & 20 degrees. Basically, the steeper the angle, the more power is transmitted in the paddle stroke. However, shaft angle is greatly dependent on your size and the style of canoe you will be using, along with your stroke preferences. A good fit for most is somewhere in the neighborhood of 14 degrees. There are also double Bend Paddles available. These have the bend at the blade as well as a second, smaller bend in the opposite direction just before the grip. This design brings the grip back in line with the paddle blade and can make for a more comfortable paddling experience.

Length
Paddle length is also a very important factor in having an enjoyable experience. There are many ways to determine the proper length (you can read more in my article Canoe Paddle Length Choosing the Proper Fit). You want to make sure you have a paddle that has a long enough shaft that you can have a comfortable paddling stance, but not too long that it adds extra weight and creates more work. Typically, bent shaft paddles are a few inches shorter than their straight shaft cousins.

Blade Shape
Blade Shape is also directly related to Blade area, which is really the major factor. The larger the blade area, the more difficult each stroke will be, but more power is transmitted. Therefore, it comes down to paddling style. Would you rather paddle fewer times with more effort, or paddle at a faster RPM with each stroke being easier? The Blade Shape often depicts the blade area, but shape can also have other consequences. Rounded edges tend to hold up better than square corners on a paddle that is used often. Also, the smaller the tip of the blade, the quieter it will enter the water which can enhance the paddling experience. Blade Shape also depends on your personal tastes. Pick a shape that you dont mind looking at all day long.

Blade design
This is the one factor that does not affect performance. It is purely aesthetics. There are many designs on the market today. Many are very plain, but some are much more ornate and decorative in nature. With laminate paddles (read Laminate Canoe Paddles Strength and Beauty), different pieces of wood are used to create a beautiful mosaic of a paddle blade that can greatly enhance the look and style of the paddle. It adds a touch of class and shows off your tastes and style.

The best canoe paddle is the one that fits your needs, size, and paddling style. Therefore, the best paddle is not a single paddle, but different for almost anyone. By researching and keeping these factors in mind, you can find and purchase the best fitting paddle for you. Designing your own paddle can also be an excellent way to add your own style and create a paddle that fits you perfectly. Either way you go, having and using a canoe paddle that fits you will make for a much more enjoyable time on the water.

You can design your own paddle at http://www.holzcanoepaddles.com/functional.htm

Joe Holz
Holz Canoe Paddles, Inc.

As founder of Holz Canoe Paddles, Inc., I, Joe Holz, design and create hand crafted, beautiful Straight and Bent Shaft functional canoe paddles as well as decorative or ornamental paddles for home and cabin decor. Customers can easily create and design their own canoe paddle to fit their size, paddling style, and taste on our website at http://www.holzcanoepaddles.com You select the Grip Style, Shaft Angle, Blade Shape, Blade design, and Overall Length to create a one of a kind paddle. With all selections, there are well over 120 possible paddle combinations to fit any size and style. Also adorn your home or cabin with our beautiful decorative paddles that include artwork to add a unique and classy touch to any decor.

All Holz Canoe Paddles are hand made from select Cedar stock and particular attention to detail with style, overall weight, balance, strength, and durability being the main focus. Please contact us for more information at:

Holz Canoe Paddles, Inc.
http://www.holzcanoepaddles.com
618-964-1086

Coming face to face with a ghost can have its benefits. Especially along the South Carolina coast. With the ominous hurricane season upon us, it is no wonder that South Carolinians become nervous when the names Hugo, Hazel, Gracie, and Fran are mentioned. Storms such as these have ravaged the coastal areas of the Carolinas for centuries leaving a wake of destruction in their paths.

Modern technology such as weather satellites have provided weather forecasters with the tools needed to predict the intensity and path of these storms. But there is also a storm warning of the supernatural kind haunting the beaches of South Carolina. As legend has it, prior to devastating storms such as hurricane Hugo, a mysterious figure known as the Gray Man appears on the beach warning of the impending disaster. Those who heed his warnings are spared their homes or even more importantly their lives. Throughout the years, there have been numerous sightings of the Gray Man along the South Carolina coast before every major storm. Locals have talked about this phenomenon for over two centuries and the Gray Man has become known as something of a friendly, life-saving ghost.

Who is the Gray Man and where did he come from? The story of the Gray Man has its roots in the coastal community of Pawleys Island where many of the sightings have occurred. According to local legend, in 1822 a young lad eagerly returning home on horseback from a trip to Europe unsuspectingly encounters a patch of quicksand and quickly sinks to his death. As an unknown storm brews off the coast, his fiance wanders the beach in sorrow when she encounters the ghost of her lover. He attempts to warn her of the approaching hurricane and disappears without a trace. The young lady is so disturbed by the vision of her dead lover that her father decides to move the family back to their inland home. The following day the hurricane strikes with fury but the familys home is spared.

For those who have witnessed the presence of the Gray Man, the ghostly apparition floating in mid-air with no discernable features must be a startling sight. But for those who have not had a spooky encounter with the Gray Man there is one place where tourists and locals are guaranteed to come face to face with this spector who haunts the South Carolina coast. Ghosts and Legends Theatre located in Barefoot Landing, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex in North Myrtle Beach, features a live action hurricane experience every half hour.

In a southern plantation parlor setting, the legendary story of the Gray Man comes to life, complete with slamming shutters, thrashing tree limbs, rain, wind and crashing glass. At the height of the raging storm, the Gray Man comes floating into the room amidst the chaos, to deliver his final message to guests in person (or rather, in spirit!) Although the storm and apparition are all clever simulations, its a haunting encounter not soon forgotten.

John McGuire is the marketing manager for Ghosts and Legends Theatre located in Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, SC. Ghosts and Legends Theatre features three unique attractions including the Ghost Show, the Myrtle Beach Ghost Walk, and the Blackbeard Sance. Tickets for the Ghost Show featuring the Gray Man are only $8.95 for adults and $5.95 for children 12 and younger. The Ghost Show is performed every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m. daily. The theatre can be reached at (843) 361-2700 for more information.

If you are an avid golfer you may want to consider purchasing customized golf balls. golf balls with your name or business on them are a very nice accessory that will make your game more enjoyable. In addition when you are looking for your ball in the rough there will be no question if that Titleist Pro V is yours because your name or logo is right there to see. It will also tell your playing partners that you are really there to play the game of golf. More often than not they will want to see your customized golf balls and will they will know that you are committed to the game of golf.

Customized golf balls can be produced using just about any golf ball on the market today. However if you are spending the money for a customized golf ball then you should consider using only the best golf balls available. Customized golf balls are made from the top brands in golf including Titleist, Calloway, Nike and Pinnacle. Choosing a quality ball will also improve your game performance as well. A long and straight drive that is 20 or more yards further than your playing partners is a great statement that you can play the game. Your top end customized golf balls will not let you down.

When you are playing your customized golf balls you tend to play better knowing that the ball is the best and it has your name on it. This psychological effect will give you confidence and self esteem that will make you play better. If you have been around golf for very long you already know that golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Professional golfers all know that the proper mental attitude will allow you to play the game of golf much better. A good mental approach also allows you to relax and focus on the fun of the game of golf. Playing the game with your customized golf balls can make the game more enjoyable.

Many people spend a lot of time considering what to put on their customized golf balls. They spend hours and sometimes weeks trying to decide a logo design and even how the letters of their name will appear on the golf ball. Most customized golf ball manufactures will gladly assist you in your decision. If you go to their websites you will be able to view many design options. Your design must be able to be fit the golf ball and it must not be so intricate that it will not convey your message correctly. You may even want to copyright your golf ball logo design. Again your dealer or manufacture can assist you in this process. In the end you will have a unique golf ball that you will be proud of. There is nothing better than playing with your own customized golf balls.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.

Nordic Track treadmills are renowned for their comprehensive range of features. Nordic Track treadmills provide a comfortable running surface on which users can either jog, walk or run. Nordic track treadmills are produced by Icon Health and Fitness, Inc..

Nordic Track treadmills range from around $1000 to $4000. The various features of Nordic Track treadmills help during weight loss programs and workouts. Nordic Track treadmills are very comfortable treadmills to run on.

Nordic Track treadmills offer generous sized running deck/belt, good cushioning and well designed console displays. All Nordic Track treadmill models are iFit compatible which enables downloading of new workout programs from the Internet directly to users treadmill via a computer. Nordic Track treadmills consist of electronic consoles which offer lot of preset programs and readouts.

Nordic Track treadmills feature a Reflex Deck Technology that flattens and absorbs the impact when users step down and springs back returning to its original shape.

All Nordic Track treadmill models consist of heart rate monitors which are activated by gripping pulse sensors built into the hand rail. Nordic Track treadmill models come with pulse driven programs that respond to and maintain users target heart rate.

Nordic Track treadmills offer a 3 year warranty for the drive motor, 2 year warranty for other treadmill parts and 1 year warranty on the labor. The warranty duration of Nordic Track treadmills is a good indication of the quality of the treadmill.

There are different models of Nordic Track treadmill available in the market. The Nordic Track C1900 treadmill offers a 1.5HP motor capable of speeds up to 10 mph, incline adjustment up to 10%, a running surface up to 55 x 20, cool air fans and a heart rate monitor. This treadmill model costs about $1000.

The Nordic Track C2300 treadmill offers a 1.75HP motor capable of speeds up to 10 mph, a running surface up to 55 x 20, incline adjustment up to 10%, a heart rate monitor and cool air fans. This treadmill costs about $1300.

The Nordic Track E2500 treadmill offers a 2HP motor capable of speeds up to 12 mph, a running surface up to 55 x 20, incline adjustment up to 10%, adjustable cushioning and a heart rate monitor. This treadmill costs about $1500.

The Nordic Track 7600R treadmill offers a 3HP motor capable of speeds up to 12 mph, a running surface up to 60 x 20, incline adjustment up to 12% and a heart rate monitor.

The Nordic Track E4400 treadmill offers a 3HP motor capable of speeds up to 12 mph, incline adjustment up to 12%, a running surface up to 60 x 20 and a heart rate monitor. This treadmill model costs about $2500.

Nordic Track treadmills are known for their cushion technology, electronic consoles and warranty features. Nordic Track treadmills offer smooth running on the treadmill.

Nordic Track treadmills are popular for the comfortable running surface they provide.

Saurya Ghosal for http://www.treadmill-walking.com Read more about Treadmills http://www.treadmill-walking.com/treadmill-weight-loss.html Copyright 2005 http://www.treadmill-walking.com

A good golf ball will certainly help a good golf swing lower your scores. Question is what is a good golf ball? Many beginning golfers lose so many balls in there quest to play the game that they don not care what golf ball is used. However as we all progress in our skill levels we become aware that some golf balls do work better. The problem is that the many golf ball manufactures provide so many choices that it is hard to make an intelligent selection.

Selecting the best golf ball for your skill level and golf swing can be as important as the selection of golf clubs. golf ball manufactures use many types of compounds to make ball covering and core. In addition there are solid cores, dual cores and multi-cores to add to the confusion. In addition there are a lot of different dimple patterns available each designed to overcome air resistance and influence spin characteristics. For instance a ball with lots of back spin will have more carry. Some balls are designed to be more forgiving when you miss the sweet spot. If you have a good golf swing there are balls designed for the pros that are unforgiving but allow for more control. The biggest problem is that there is no real uniform way to judge one golf ball against another.

Titleist golf balls are rated for use by the skill level of the player. The Titleist Solo NT is their most popular ball and is designed for the recreational golfer. Its two piece construction that includes a cut resistant cover is both forgiving and durable. At the other end of the Titleist golf ball line is the Titleist ProV1 that was just used to win the US Open. This ball is designed for the professional or very serious golfers. It is a three piece ball that has enhanced aerodynamics, softer feel and more controllability. It is also much less forgiving when impact is off the clubs sweet spot. As you can see much of the description provided by Titleist and other golf ball manufactures is relatively subjective.

In addition you will discover that a golf ball that plays great for your golfing partner may not work for you. All this adds to the confusion of selecting a ball. If you have a consistent golf swing you can go the range and try a number of brands to find what works best. This may be expensive but probably the only way to be sure that you have the ball or balls that work best for you. If you undertake such an endeavor make sure you take lots of notes as you proceed through various brands. If you do not have a good consistent golf swing then things get a little more complicated.

A good teaching golf instructor that is or has provided you with golf instruction may be able to assist you in selecting a good golf ball to fit your golf swing and playing style. Each golf instructor has his or her favorite golf balls they use for instruction purposes. More than likely these are the most forgiving golf ball available. If your golf swing is inconsistent or you are relatively new to the game of golf this may be the best choice for you. Continued golf swing instruction and experience will help you develop a good golf swing over time. In time as your skill level increases you will be able to try different brands and judge what golf balls work for you. Selecting a golf ball is important. In the mean time a more forgiving golf ball will make the game of golf more enjoyable and that is really the reason we play.

James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good Golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, golf training aids, golf instruction and the latest and best golf ebooks.