2 Posts are tagged with: outdoor_summer_activities

Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids: Crab Soccer

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Jul 3, 2009 by Lyn Lomasi

Summer sports and outdoor activities are a great way to keep the kids busy during the summer. Crab soccer is a fun twist to a popular sport. Not only is it a great workout, but it's a versatile sport and activity. Parents may choose to use crab soccer as a tournament event between family and friends. It also can be used as a birthday party game or even a way to entertain the kids during barbecues, family reunions, or other events. Some schools use this in gyms instead of on traditional soccer fields.

Crab soccer follows all the rules of traditional soccer, but there's a few exceptions. First, the kids cannot stand. In some versions, if a player stands, that causes their team to lose a point. "How are they going to play soccer without standing" is likely your question. Crab soccer is played in the crab walking position.

For those who don't know, here's how to do the crab walk. First, lie flat on your back with palms down. Now, use both the arms and the legs to hold up the body, so that you'll be up on all fours, but with the stomach facing up. When you move around like this, you'll look similar to a crab, which is where the name came from.

Back to crab soccer, in addition to not being able to stand, there are a few more things that differentiate crab soccer from traditional soccer. The entire game must be played in the crab position by everyone except the goalies. In some versions, the goalies also are in crab position, but for safety, since kids are playing here, the crab soccer goalies probably should stand. Be sure the kids have appropriate footwear to wear during crab soccer.

Because the kids will have to move around in a different way than they're used to, they will be working muscles that they may not have worked before. This can help increase strength. But to the kids it will be fun, so they probably won't look at it as exercise, but instead as a fun summer outdoor game. For rainy days, a slightly varied version can be played in a gymnasium, using gym scooters to maneuver in the game.

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Outdoor Summer Activities: Windsurfing and Kiteboarding in South Padre Island, TX

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Jun 24, 2009 by Lyn Lomasi

South Padre Island, Texas has a large variety of outdoor events and activities to participate in. One of the most popular is windsurfing. Kiteboarding is common as well. Located in the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island catches the perfect wind and waves for both windsurfing and kiteboarding. Perhaps you would like to (or have always wanted to) view the shoreline from the ocean, instead of the other way around. This is a unique way to do so, while also getting in some fun and exercise.

From novice to expert, windsurfing and kiteboarding events and activities can be enjoyed by all. Some locations rent equipment, but others require that you bring your own. Novices may prefer to take instructional classes on their activity of choice before braving the waves. While many can easily learn this water sport, it's wise to learn proper safety procedures and knowledge from expert windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Surfing and kiteboarding can be quite fun, but they can also be dangerous. It's easy to drift away. Just like boating and other water activities, this is not a solo activity. Safety comes in numbers. This is by no means a complete safety guide. Always be sure to abide by local rules and guidelines. Each area has a set of safety guidelines that apply, so be sure to check before heading out into the surf.

Some gear that is required for safety and use of windsurfing and kiteboarding equipment includes a wetsuit, a VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard if needed, flares, and a plastic whistle. Also essential are a towcord, uphaul, board or mast leash, properly-sized floatation device for each person, and a strobe light. These items will not only help in navigation, but some will aid in the case of an emergency.

Don't forget to also check the weather. This area of Texas stays fairly warm most of the time, but is also prone to high winds, thunderstorms, and even hurricanes. When the weather is right, you can get the chance to feel that warm Texas breeze across your face in a whole new way. The spray and smell of the ocean surf adds to the beautiful scenery and excitement.

Sources:
http://www.sfba.org/safety.html
http://www.sfba.org/kitesafety.html

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