Kiteboarding magazines: Great reads for off-line times

Mark Moore    kiteboardingholidays, Our Experts     kiteboarding, kiteboarding magazines, kitesurf, kitesurfing, magazines on kiteboarding

Last week, I was talking to my friend about technological advances and how I was surprised we still even have kiteboarding magazines. Do people even read paper books anymore? In fact, do people even read magazines anymore?

Kiteboarding magazines: keeping you stoked . Image: Flickr/ quadrocopter

He mentioned that keyboards are slowly becoming obsolete. What! That was a crazy thought. But it got me thinking thought more about the transition to all things digital and electronic, and why we still love reading off-line.

If you still enjoy getting your info without a ‘reader’, smartphone or laptop, here’s three top kiteboarding magazines previewed so you can check out what you get for your paper.

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The 10 Best Sailing Apps

Mark Moore    Sailing Gear, sailingbreaks     Sailing, sailing apps, sailing equipment, sailing gear, Sailing Holidays

Mobile applications are freakishly popular these days, and thanks to the technological advances of  smart phones, the best sailing apps are fast becoming the way to stay connected  - all with a device small enough to fit in your pocket!

Windguru Mobile, support for Winduguru Pro accounts and all forecast models: GFS, NAM, HRW, WRF, and NWW3.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than lugging around huge bags, inconvenienced with each and every move. For my own world tour travels this year, I’m already looking at ways to leave my laptop at home…

It’s possible to get a mobile app for almost anything one could fathom. On your next sailing holidays, consider these apps to help smooth out your seas.

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KSP World Tour 2012: Countdown to Portugal

Mark Moore    kiteboardingholidays, Our Experts     kiteboarding, kiteboarding holidays, kitesurfing, kitesurfing holidays, KSP Hawaii, KSP Ireland, KSP Mauritius, KSP Portugal, KSP Tour

In a few short weeks, many of the world’s best kitesurfers will gather on the windy coast of Portugal for the first event of the KSP World Tour 2012.

Mitu Monteiro on the 2011 KSP Tour/ Image: KSP

If you are unfamiliar with the KSP, it is the kitesurf pro world tour for wave riding with a kite. Sanctioned by the IKA (International Kiteboarding Association), this exciting tour is entering its second year of existence.

The mission of the KSP is to plot an international field of the world’s premiere kitesurfers in the best waves, and after a great inaugural year, the KSP is building on its momentum.

Here’s what’s happening in 2012.

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Buying sea sunglasses: What to look for in sailing shades

Mark Moore    Sailing Gear, sailingbreaks     Sailing, sailing gear, Sailing Holidays, sunglasses, sunglasses for sailing

Until very recently, I’ve always worn cheap sea sunglasses – £7 ($10) from your local garage! But this winter I had my first experience with a pair of proper sailing shades.

Choose proper sunglasses, take care of your vision. Image: Flickr/ lytfyre

I now really see the value of buying the quality pair. Who wants to have a wrinkly face from squinting anyway?

Choosing the proper sunglasses for sailing is crucial; with the amount of time you spend on the water, it’s vital to take care of your vision.

Having just got a pair, here’s a few key factors to consider when checking out new pairs of sailing glasses:

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Kiteboarding Tips: How to stay stoked through the years

Mark Moore    kiteboardingholidays, Our Experts     kiteboarding, kiteboarding holidays, kitesurfing

Think of a sport that you’ve done in the past that you became complacent with. Did you hit some sort of plateau in your progression? Did a lack of variety in the sport lose your interest? Even a sport as sick as kiteboarding has the potential to meet the same fate!

Kiteboarding : Airtime! Image: Flickr/ tibchris

After a few years in the sport, I hit a few of these lulls in stoke. Remember in the beginning when you would be maxing on stoke with the slightest bit of wind? What happened to that passion and intensity?

Most riders stick to the same old twin tip board at the same old beach with the same old kite in the same old wind direction. After a few months or years… lame. So change!

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HD cameras for kitesurfing reviewed

Mark Moore    Kite Gear, kiteboardingholidays     Cameras for kitesurfing, digital cameras, HD cameras, kitesurfing, kitesurfing gear, kitesurfing holidays, travel gear, waterproof cameras

In my previous post I went through buying HD cameras for kitesurfing and what you should be looking for in terms of functions and reliability, but without featuring the models that are out there.

HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition

So, to cover all bases, I’ve picked a variety of HD cameras at different prices and specs. Of the four I’ve reviewed here, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs.

There’s ones that fits onto hemets and boards, one that’s more of a happy snapper – but still a solid choice – and a top end model favoured by some of the semi-pros who make kitesurfing vids.

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Sailing Gear: Buying boat shoes

Mark Moore    Sailing Gear, sailingbreaks     Boat shoes, Canary Islands, Deck shoes, Sailing, sailing gear, sailing holiday, sailing shoes

I just spent the past month sailing on a 52-foot luxury catamaran in the Southern Caribbean. It was an epic trip with a great crew of friends and a very lenient captain.

Relaxing on deck. Image: Flickr/ drcuddy.

Besides a few urchin spines and reef kisses, the worst injury that I sustained was from not wearing boat shoes – also sometimes called deck shoes.

Now, while I didn’t go to the Caribbean to wear shoes, there are advantages to having protection and grip on your feet while walking on board.

Based on this, here’s what’s on the market for people looking at buying the right boat shoes to protect their feet.

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