Don't you think it's only fair that Valdez, Alaska should be known for something other than the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill? Well, how about some fantastic snowboarding?

Valdez hosts the King of the Hill Snowboard Championship, along with the World Extreme Skiing Competition. In the 1995 movie "Endless Winter," audiences were thrilled to see a quartet of snowboarders descending the slopes of Valdez. In the 1997 Teton Gravity Research film called "Harvest," Valdez again was the primary location. So it seems that if you liked or flat out loved either or both of those flicks, you might want to head up toward Prince William Sound and see for yourself.

Promoters of Valdez Heli-Camps proclaim that they are "the logical choice for your next snowboarding vacation," featuring the steep lines and dry powder of the Chugach Mountains. The lodge is right in the center of the village, which means you can feast on a home-cooked meal before walking out to enjoy the nearby nightlife.

Valdez has five glaciers. Can you beat that? The mountains get 600 to 900 inches of snow each season. And you can get there by highway, air or cruise ship.

The folks in Valdez are big on history, with several museums to visit. Settled in the late 19th century, it was rooted in fur trading, salmon canning, and gold and copper mining. They didn't quite yet have snowboarding back then, but you get the picture.

Then, of course, came the lower portion of the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline during the early 1970s, and we know what happened in '89. The Valdez Chamber of Commerce advertises that "seawaters abound with sea otters, Dall porpoise, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, & Humpback and Orca whales." The folks of Valdez deserve a break, and so do you. You can e-mail info@valdezhelicamps.com or call (907) 783-3243 to learn more about Valdez Heli-Camps.

Sources:
www.evostc.state.ak.us/History/index.cfm
www.valdezalaska.org
www.valdezhelicamps.com/heli-snowboarding.html

When you think of Las Vegas you naturally think of the Strip, flashy light displays, casinos and world class entertainment. However, Las Vegas also has another side, one that is skater friendly. Las Vegas has one of the largest selections of free skateparks in the United States. It has at least 11 free skateparks that are perfect for beginners, five skateparks that work well for intermediate/advanced skaters, as well as one of the West's largest skateparks.

Beginner/Intermediate Las Vegas Skateparks

Las Vegas is actually a great place to visit with your family or by yourself if you are a skateboarder. In addition to adult only entertainment, the city/county also offers numerous concrete parks where you can skate and develop your boarding skills. Below is a list of 11 free concrete parks that offer a variety of terrains and obstacles for you to practice on.

▪ Cambridge Rec Center, 3930 Cambridge Street

▪ Durango Hills Park, 3521 N. Durango

▪ Garehime Park, 3901 N. Campbell Rd.

▪ Martin Luther King Park, 5439 E. Casey Avenue

▪ Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way

▪ West Flamingo Park, 6255 W. Flamingo

▪ Duck Creek Park, 8650 Pollack Dr.

▪ Freedom Park, 850 Mojave Road

▪ James Gay, III Park, 197 W. Harrison Ave.

▪ Patriot Park, 4050 Thom Blvd.

▪ Winchester Park, 3130 S. McLeod Dr.

Intermediate/Advanced Las Vegas Skateparks

The free skateparks that are best suited for intermediate and advanced skaters include more features than the concrete parks that are advertised for beginners. These parks can have ramps, rails and bowls. There are six skateparks in Las Vegas that work well for experienced skaters and they are:

▪ Desert Breeze Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd.

▪ Silverado Ranch Park, 8650 Pollack Drive

▪ W. Wayne Bunker Family Park, 7351 W. Alexander Rd.

▪ Mountain Ridge, 7151 Oso Blanca Rd.

▪ Sunny Spring Park, 7620 Golden Talon Ave.

▪ Doc Ronco Park, 7400 Peak Dr. (Biggest and best park in Vegas!)

As you can see Las Vegas is a city that is set up for skateboarders. No matter if you are traveling with your parents, or planning your own vacation, Las Vegas is one of the best vacation destinations for skateboarders. So remember to pack your skateboarding shoes and gear before you leave for Sin City!

A review of several of the top spots to surf in Australia.

The best surfing in the world has long been associated with the country of Australia. Known for some of the most incredible waves as well as some of the most talented surfers, Australia, the land down under offers surfers of all levels of surfing skills the sports opportunity of a lifetime. Where surfing definitely looks like a cool sport with the chic shades, and comfy board shorts, deciding to take on the type of waves available in Australia is more than an afterthought.

Australia not only offers some of the best surfing in the world but also some of the most talented surfers in the sport come from Australia. Several of the greats have trained in the more popular spots in Australia. It is here where novice and true talents bring their laid back surfer style to test some of the most incredible waves in the world. In fact, surfers looking for an incredible experience will find just that in Australia.

Known as the Land of Oz, Australia offers an endless coastline with water that offers heavy and hollow waves and awesome barrels. Oz is a great place to plan a surf trip with high season being in August, though most surfers headed to Australia tend to want to take this journey alone, surfing tours are still available for the faint of heart. News of a swell generally draws large crowds though there is certainly adequate coastline for surfers headed west, east, or south. The popular areas in the east include Kirra and Burleah Heads. Those headed towards the western coast of Australia generally surf in the area of the Margaret River and Rottnest Island. The popular spots in along the southern coast include Bells Beach and Torquay. Anyone headed towards the north coast should beware of crocs and jellyfish that dominate the area in the north.

To get to Australia fly a major airline from the west coast with flights generally going out daily from either Los Angeles, San Francisco or even Honolulu. One of the main cities to fly into is Sydney, Australia with surfing opportunities all along the pristine coastline of the Land of Oz. If you are prepared for a real surfing experience, man up or woman up, and then gear up with your beach shoes, board shorts and shades and head to Australia for some of the best surfing in the world.

Anyone been there or no of the best surfing in your opinion? Comment below!

Learn all about the coolest skate park in Moorestown, New Jersey, the Moorestown Vans Skatepark.

Moorestown, New Jersey is known for a couple of things. First of all it is known as being the home of the Perkins Center for the Arts, and secondly it is known for its ghosts. If you live in this city or will be visiting it soon and you are a skater, then you need to visit one of the city's best skateparks, the Moorestown Vans Skatepark. This park has everything you could ever want in an indoor mall based skatepark.

Moorestown Vans Skatepark - What it Has to Offer

The Moorestown Vans Skatepark is know for its well rounded collection of skatepark terrains and features. If you are a fan of street courses then you will have a lot of fun ripping down their finished birch wood street course. This street course not only has straight aways and curves, but it also has obstacles that you would typically see on the street. For example, there are fire hydrants, gaps, wall rides, planters, ledges, stairs and ledges.

In addition to the street course, Moorestown Vans Skatepark also has a great collection of ramps and pipes. They have a vert ramp, a ¼ pipe and a ½ pipe. This skatepark even has a kid's course, however, according to the locals this skatepark is better suited for intermediate and advanced skaters. If you are a beginner/newbie, you are better off developing your skating skills off-site before you attempt the rides and ramps at Vans Skatepark.

Gearing Up for Moorestown Vans Skatepark

Like most other skateparks in the country, Moorestown Vans Skatepark is a skate at your own risk park. This means you are responsible for keeping your body in one piece while skating there. To protect yourself from injuries you need a helmet, pads, a good board and a decent pair of skate shoes. A little common sense is also good to use, especially if you are a novice skateboarder or if there are less experienced skaters running the course when you are there.

Brazilian surfer Raoni Moneiro has the surfing potential to become his country's first world champion.

Brazil is known for producing the world's best soccer players, not the world's best surfers, but Raoni Moneiro breaks the mold.

At 26, the former World Junior Champion hopes he still has his best days ahead with the men. He has a flashy and electric style - think of Pele and all of those other Brazilian soccer greats - but his daring approach has led to some injuries now and then. He also focuses on family life, missing a big World Pro Surfers event in Japan several years ago when his first child was born.

Life in the pro surfer ranks can be difficult, he says, because travel from coastal Brazil requires thousands of miles. Still, he says he is overjoyed with his success, and with the opportunity to make many new friends worldwide.

Moneiro grew up in the small town of Saquarema, about 30 miles from Rio de Janiero. Surfing was not a major part of the city's culture, and so he did not have a whole lot of company as he pursued his childhood dreams.

"At the school, the teachers would ask, 'What do you want to do?' I would tell them that I wanted to become a pro surfer," he recalls. "Anytime I would say that, they would laugh. Every time they laughed. But I decided I want to be someone, and here I am. I just do my job."

Saquarema does not have the highest tides, either. The result is that Moneiro is best known for his work in small, punchy waves. He has devoted himself to catching up on his skills in big-wave surfing. One of his best recent performances was during his freesurfs at Chile's "El Gringo" during the Rip Curl Pro Search in 2007.

He burst onto the pro scene in 2003 with a standout season in the World Qualifying Series, and now he is pushing to regain his peak performance. Many of his fellow competitors are rooting for him. He is among the favorites in the pro ranks, known for his humble and laid-back style. One writeup described him "as relaxed as a hammock."

Still, there is a fire inside. Moneiro's half-circular tattoo across his upper chest rides a wave toward both shoulders. It states: "Think it. Feel it. Do it."

SOURCES:
ripcurl.com/index.php?raonimontiero
worldprosurfers.com/outspoken_surfers_interviews.htm

Enjoy warm water, and awesome ocean breaks year round surfing the Philippine Islands.

Daring and avid surfers looking for one of the best tropical climates and definitely some of the best surfing in the world will find many unique and exotic surfing locations, and warm water year round in the Philippine Islands. Though a controversial location, the Philippine Islands are also one of the most awesome places to surf with surf seasons running from November to March and from July to September. The tropical climate and incredible breaks make the Philippine Islands perfect surfing territory and one of the more desirable destinations for surfers of all levels of expertise.

Located north of San Ferenando La Union, Philippines lays one of the top Surf Resorts. The San Juan Surf Resort caters to surfers and offers a great deal of flexibility regarding accommodations. Surfers can rent anywhere from one night up to a month. The nightly rate for two people ranges from 550.00 for a budget from up to approximately 950.00 pesos. The San Juan Surf Resort also offers premier accommodations from condominiums that accommodate up to four surfers as well as offering a penthouse unit that accommodates up to four people. Fly into Manila, Philippines to get to San Juan Surf Resort and take a bus, taxi, or car to the resort. Vans are also available for surfers arriving with personal surf boards though board sales and rentals are available at the resort at the onsite Surf Shop. Reservations and information for the San Juan Surf Resort can be obtained by emailing landrigan@sflu.com or by calling +63 72 720 0340.

Siargao, which is famous for the Cloud Nine break is another one of the top spots to surf in the Philippines and definitely offering some of the best surfing in the world. From Manila surfers will need to take other transportation including buses and ferries to get to Siargao, which offers some of the best surfing in the world.

Other great locations in the Philippine Islands which offer the best of the best surf breaks include Horseshoes, Pancit Reef, Pilar Point, Ventura, Tuason Point, and Cantanduanes, which is the closet break point to the main city of Manila.

Air service is provided by several major carriers to the main city of Manila, Philippines. Do check the travel advisories into the Philippines prior to travel just as one would for any other international destination.

Sources: www.sanjuansurfresort.com

A review of one of the top surfing spots in the world located in Portugal.

Some of the best surfing in the world is found just west of Spain in the beauty of Southwestern Europe in the country of Portugal. Here surfers have the opportunity to enjoy miles and miles of easily accessible coastline with some of the most remote and private locations just waiting to be conquered. In fact, in some of the best surf spots in Portugal it is not unheard of to expect eight foot waves with at least three barrels on one wave.

As a visiting surfer of Portugal in search of the best surfing in the world, and to take full advantage of the lush hidden bays and ocean beach breaks, of course a rental car or 4 X 4 vehicles is a dire necessity. Traveling the roads of Portugal is fairly simple and locals are always willing to provide information regarding food, lodging, and some of the best spots to surf, though there are many that still have not been surfed considering Portugal offers approximately 1793 kilometers of the most beautiful coastline available.

If looking for surfer friendly accommodations or even surf lessons, one might consider Peniche Surf Camp, located in Peniche, Portugal which offers apartment style living with kitchens, which is great for maintaining a decent budget since all monetary transactions will be done with the Eurodollar. The rooms at the surf camp generally accommodate anywhere from two to three surfers. Peniche Surf Camp offers training for surfers of all levels with surf camps running one week in length with twice daily surfing offered at different locations. For more information on the unique Peniche Surf Camp located in Peniche, Portugal surfers can contact Ricardo Leopolda at +351 96 233 62 95.

Other popular cities in Portugal offering the best surfing in the world include Lisbon, Alentejo, North Porto, Beira, Algarve and Ericeira, which all offering premier surfing locations. Surfers can generally expect excellent swells throughout most of the year, but they are exceptionally awesome during the winter season.

To get to Portugal take a major air carrier that flies to the continent of Europe. If able to get a direct flight into the main hub of Lisbon, Portugal one can drive or take train service to one of the specific cities noted as a popular surf location in Portugal. The best prices for Eurail train tickets are purchased in the United States prior to arrival in Europe.

Visit Omaha, Nebraska's first skate park - Roberts Skate Park.

Finding a skatepark can be a challenge if you live in an area that doesn't have a history of skateboarding fame. Fortunately, however, there has been a dramatic increase in skateboarding popularity across the country and as a result many cities have decided to invest in skateparks. If you live in Omaha, Nebraska then one of your best skatepark options is the Roberts Skate Park. This was the first skatepark opened in Omaha and it offers skaters of all skill levels a great place to practice and grind.

The Basics

The Roberts Skate Park can be found at 730 N. 78thStreet, Omaha, Nebraska. If you don't know where this is, it is basically a block north of Cass. This park was opened right before Halloween in 1999 and today it offers about 14,000 square feet of skating fun and is 100 percent free to use.

This park is only open to skaters and skateboarders. BMX bikes and scooters are not allowed in the park. The park is open daily from five in the morning until 11 at night. To use the park you will need to follow the park's rules. The rules include: no glass containers, no waxing of park surfaces, you can't skate against traffic, you need to be considerate of other skaters and you need to skate at your own risk. There are special rules for using the ramps in the park, for example the ramp has to be clear before the next skater can use it. It is important that you familiarize yourself with these rules.

Skate Park Features

For the city's first skate park, Roberts offers a lot of great features. If you are interested in urban elements then you will be happy to hear that this park has ramps, quarter pipes, a fun box, stairs and grinding blocks. This park also offers a great transition area with a Snake Run. The Snake Run will bring you into two different bowls, the most challenging is the seven foot bowl and the other bowl is about four feet deep. As you explore this park keep your eyes open for special skater artwork including skater silhouettes made from galvanized steel.

Some professional female skateboarders opt to abandon the sport before they even finish their teen years. Not Vanessa Torres, who still is going strong at age 22.

Young female pro skateboarders get less publicity and less money than the fellows. They also are more likely as young adults to hang it up and roll elsewhere in life ... Not Vanessa Torres. At 22 years old (born 7/17/86), she still says her favorite skate place is "anywhere with the crew" and that her place of residence is "anywhere on the road." (By the way, her birthplace is Anaheim, California.)

As far as winning in competition, Vanessa's glory days were as a teen. She was all of 15 years old, a rookie, when she wrapped up the 2001 World Cup Skateboarding points championship. She continued her string of victories during 2002, and a year later she became the first female skateboarder to win a gold medal at the X Games.

Also in 2003, the young lady known as "V" or "Ness" was part of a landmark documentary, "AKA: Girl Skater." Filmmakers followed Torres, Amy Caron, Monica Shawn and Jaime Reyes on a tour of Australia. The half-hour flick shows the women doing demos and signing autographs, but it also explores their skateboarding culture. Amy Caron eventually won a new car in Melbourne, which at the time was the biggest prize in women's pro boarding history. Vanessa placed third. Some observers remarked that the women seemed to have smaller egos, but more fun, than their male peers.

"I'm a girl who lives and believes in what I do with a natural passion," Vanessa Torres says. "I am so determined to do my best, and my best is performing tricks on my skateboard that would be difficult for boys to accomplish. Most of all, I love doing my very best for me, and to encourage other girls."

She doesn't win as often nowadays, but she still is a good bet for the top five. She's a team player to promote skateboarding, but she also maintains her independence. For example, when recently asked whether she prefers cookies or ice cream, her "neither" response was truffles. Her primary sponsor is Element Skateboards and her primary tattoo is a big albino tiger on the left side of her back. Vanessa Torres, the former young tiger on the 2001 circuit, now is a seasoned pro. Still, she knows how to maintain her youthful brand of enthusiasm.

Sources:
maloofmoneycup.com/bios/bios.php?name=Vanessa+Torres<p>skatelog.com/skaters/vanessa-torres/
skateboarddirectory.com
skateamerica.com/sitemap/content,pages/Pro-skate-Vanessa-Torres-1216.html

In southern Switzerland, Saas-Fee is the "Pearl of the Alps" and snowboarders can join the tradition.

What's a good way to enjoy the finest dry snowboarding powder without spending all of your time in frigid conditions?

Try finding a spot next to some glaciers

Saas-Fee is "Die Perle der Alpen," or "The Pearl of the Alps." It is found in the southern portion of Switzerland near the border with Italy, so this is not exactly a Nordic locale, evidenced by an unusually high tree line. But the highest Swiss Alps runs have elevations of more than 11,500 feet, and chill air comes from the glaciers of the Dom and the Allalinhorn. So, you can have your snow and sweat a little, too!

The main village of Saas-Fee has a population of 1,700, plus maybe three times as many ski visitors and tourists. You will have to stop at a car park outside of town, because motor vehicles are not allowed inside the limits, but an electric bus or cable car will greet you post-haste.

There's a halfpipe and a park for snowboarding, and the top European pros like to congregate here, especially during summer. Other stuff to try? There's snowshoe trekking, tobogganing, canyon climbing, ice climbing, paragliding and hang gliding.

An especially cool feature is the world's highest underground railway, which climbs to the top of the ski and snowboard area. Also at the top is a restaurant that revolves; therefore, this is the world's highest revolving restaurant as well. Only goes to figure! After your meal, you can head inside a glacier, witnessing natural crevasses amidst changing colors of the ice formation.

On a clear day, you have a spectacular view toward some of the Alps' other most fantastic peaks. And most days are clear, an average of about 300 days per year. Saas-Fee advertises that the village "enjoys a dry climate with few allergens, which is of benefit to people who suffer from allergies and asthma."

Hotel rooms are available, of course, but many visitors opt for village apartments. Homes are required to be constructed of at least 40 percent wood, maintaining Swiss tradition and character.

In the category of "gastronomy" (???) Saas-Fee advertises more than 100 restaurants in the region. Regional Valais cuisine makes generous use of mountain herbs. And if you need ask about the wine and cheese, you shouldn't be heading for Switzerland!

SOURCES:

saas-fee.ch<p>en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saas-Fee<p>saas.fee.ski.com

Learn about skateboard attractions in Portland, Oregon

The popularity of skateboarding is spreading around the globe and this means that there is a growing list of great cities to vacation in as an avid skateboarder. One of the best vacation destinations right now for skaters and skateboarders is Portland, Oregon. This city not only has a great selection of skateparks to choose from, but it also has skate shops and events to add to your vacation itinerary.

Skateparks in Portland, Oregon

There are at least five good skateparks in Portland, Oregon. The Department of Skateboarding is one of the parks you need to visit if you are planning a visit to Portland. This is the city's only indoor wooden skatepark. It can be found at 15 NE Hancock Street, Portland, Oregon, which is near the Hancock Williams intersection. This park is extra fun because it has theme nights and special contests that you can enter.

The smallest outdoor skatepark is Holly Farm. This skatepark can be found at the corner of Comus Street and SW Capitol Highway. This park only has about 2,800 square feet of skating space.

Glenhaven and Pier Park are two other skateparks in Portland that you can visit. Each of these parks offers about 11,000 square feet of terrain. Pier Park can be found at the corner of Bruce Avenue and N. Hudson Street, and Glenhaven can be found at the corner of Siskiyou Street and NE 82nd Street.

The final skatepark that you can use while in Portland is Burnside. This park is found under the Burnside Bridge on the east side. It offer about 10,000 square feet of skating terrain including several bowls.

Skating Events

If you are interested in skateboard events then Portland is a great city to visit. Some of the events you can join in include: the Wendy's Invitational, the Action Sport Tour and the Portland Action Sports Film Contest. Advertisements for these events can be found on many different Portland city websites.

Skate Shops

While in Portland don't forget to get in a little shopping. Below is a list of skate shops you will want to browse through:

• Daddies Board Shop, 7126 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
• Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., Portland
• Department of Skateboarding, 15 NE Hancock St., Portland
• Shrunken Head Skateboards, 531 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR

A Review of surfing in Uruguay and some of the hottest surf spots.

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, along the Atlantic Ocean is a beautiful coastline which offers the best surfing in the world. In the country of Uruguay, located in the southern most regions of South America, surfers can enjoy the natural beauty of pristine beaches, incredibly clear sea water and ocean breaks ideal for surfers of all levels.

As one of the most unspoiled locations offering the best surfing in the world, there are a number of choice spots for surfers to check out simply depending on what one is looking for. Great point breaks can be found in spots such as Santa Lucia del Este, Jose Ignacio, and La Moza. For great intermediate reef breaks, surfers should check out the spots around Zanja Honda in Rocha, Uruguay. The popular beach breaks that are ideal for surfers of all levels can be found at Cabo Polonia, El Mir, El Barco, La Aguada, El Rivero and Montoya. There are two awesome locations for river mouth breaks including Arroyo in Canelones and La Barra in Maldonado.

Offering some of the most unspoiled beaches and unchartered surf territory, Uruguay has dynamic waves and great swells without the usual competition of the crowds at most other popular locations, though Punta is definitely a hot spot. This factor of course is somewhat dependent on the time of year one visits Uruguay. The high season for surfing in Uruguay is in January and February. Another great perk that makes this location ideal for the best surfing in the world is the climate, which is fairly temperate year round. The climate in Uruguay is opposite of the United States, with the warmer season being in January and the colder weather in June, though the winters are very mild.

The costs for accommodations in Uruguay for the most part are very affordable. Surfers can rent modest rooms, private bungalows or book high-end resorts such as Punta del Este, or Posado y Parador La Canada, again dependent upon taste and budget.

To reach Uruguay, take a major air carrier into Montevideo, Uruguay or fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina and take a boat ride over to Uruguay. The airfare has traditionally been lower arriving in Buenos Aires than it was flying to Montevideo, barring any recent fare increases. Contact the tourist bureau for more information.

Young Shayne Pospisil is a rising snowboard star who earned his way across the Atlantic for Norway's Oakley Arctic Challenge.

Shayne Pospisil says he does not know why Japan is the only nation on the face of the earth to have a snowboarding trick in its name. The 23-year-old emerging star only knows that it works for him, such as to the tune of a $5,000 first prize during the recent Paul Mitchell Progression Sessions at Breckenridge, Colo.

"I did a lot of Japans, and especially on one I went as high as I could," he told an interviewer.

Nearly eight meters, in fact, in his most explosive Japan Air launch.

"You do a grab between your legs around your knees, fully tweaked," he explained. "You want the board to hit you in the back of your head."

If this sounds as though Shayne Pospisil is in a world of his own up there, well, he really is. Other boarders describe him as the best athlete, the highest flyer.

The Paul Mitchell triumph is only one on his list. He also captured the top prize at the inaugural King of Quarters on Aspen Mountain, netting him not only a cool nine grand, but also a free air lift across the Atlantic to the Oakley Arctic Challenge in Norway.

With his curly blonde locks, Pospisil has the look of a California surfer who never or rarely tasted snow as a little kid. Indeed, he didn't start riding until he was 14 and he now calls Mammoth Mountain home. But actually he is among the East Coast's Jersey products who learned to cope with what one writer described as "the savage icy pipes of Vermont." He honed his all-around skills at Okemo Mountain Resort's school under Coach Ian Kirk.

When not out on the circuit, he hangs out at Mammoth with Cody Rosenthal, Scuba, Alex Serokin, Joe Eddy and Nate Ferrell. This is all cool, although he may want to consider whether he really wants the closing portion of that live interview with Nate to be floating all across the 'Net.

Pospisil has been sponsored for five years and he opts for a Venue Remove 156 board. He describes his stance as "regular" with a width of 22.5 inches.

Shayne Pospisil's nickname reportedly is "Pizzle." If this is true, he would stand fully within his rights if he simply prefers plain old Shayne. Regardless, his thrilling style is anything but plain.

SOURCES:

snowboardermag.com/magazine/departments/od-shayne

oakley.com/sports/ski/posts/617<p>radio.weblogs.com/0108026/2007/12/22.html

Learn about skateparks, shops and events in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Skateboarding is spreading around the globe. However, some major cities are taking a little longer to catch up with this trend then others. Atlanta, Georgia is one major city that is starting to build a better repertoire of skateparks, skateboarding events and skateboard shops. If you are visiting this city and are a skateboarder, then you will be glad to learn that there are some great events to participate in, and some fun skateparks to visit in the surrounding communities.

Atlanta Area Skateparks

While there are several Atlanta city skateparks currently being developed, right now your best option for finding one is to search the surrounding communities. The first park that you can visit is the Front Side Skatepark. It is located at 850 Jamerson Road in Marietta, Georgia 30066. If you will be staying near Kennesaw, Georgia then you can stop by the NorthWest YMCA Skate Park, which can be found at 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, Georgia 30152.

Other parks that are located close to Atlanta, Georgia include Pinckneyville Park, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross, Georgia; Progressive Skatepark, 1153 Marietta Highway, Canton, Georgia; Skatelife Skatepark, 114 Woodward Street, Rome, Georgia; SPOA Skatepark of Athens, 4440 Lexington Road, Athens, Georgia; the Infinity Skatepark, Rivers Road, NW., Buckhead, Georgia; and Waller Skatepark, 250 Oak Street, Roswell, Georgia.

Atlanta Skate Shops and Events

Atlanta is the home to several annual skateboarding events. One of the most popular is the Woodward Skatepark Contest Series. This contest runs in February and March, and skaters of all ages can win prizes and free skating rights for a full year. Other Atlanta skateboarding events include the SK8 or Die skateboarding art event in May and the Go Skateboarding Day in June.

While visiting the city and surrounding areas, don't forget to get a little shopping in. In Atlanta you can by gear at Stratosphere Skateboards located at 1141 Euclid Avenue N.E. as well as at Ruin, located at 6125 Roswell Rd, N.E. If you will be near Athens then you can stop by the Feral Skate Shop on 190 Park Avenue. Marietta and Kennesaw are also two nearby towns that have a couple of skate shops.

Several of the best surfing spots in the world.

The best surfing in the world spans from one end of the world to the other, however Fiji is definitely one of the top spots to hit. Located on the beautiful island of Fiji is Matanivusi Surf Resort in Viti Levu, one of the world's best.

A visit to Matanivusi Surf Resort provides the opportunity to enjoy a vacation specifically designed around the sport of surfing. The resort not only provides some of the best surfing in the world, but also privacy; as the location of the surf resort is strategically built between the beach and a creek. Guests can comfortably surf the Frigate pass and local breaks in an environment specifically geared for surfing.

If one of your life quests is to enjoy the best surfing in the world, put Fiji at the top of your bucket list. For more information on Matanivusi Surf Resort located in the Fiji Island visit http://www.surfingfiji.com. Inquiries can also be made by emailing info@surfingfiji.com.

Those familiar with this area know that some of the best surfing in the world is also located at Cloudbreak in Mamanucas, Fiji. This particular location requires surfers reside at Tavarua in order to surf. Getting to Cloudbreak is a small feat in and of itself, as surfers must take a boat or helicopter to Tavarua Resort. Upon arrival at the Tavarua Resort, surfers have the option to either paddle out to Cloudbreak or take a boat to enjoy the momentous experience of the best breaks in the world.

Cloudbreak offers a left-breaking reef and is known to offer the most powerful and hollow waves in the world. This location is recommended for extremely experienced surfers only. Because Cloudbreak is located in a sheltered area it is very much in demand because of the lack of crowds.

One might ask: so, what is the downside to the glory of surfing at Cloudbreak? To start with, the Tavraua Resort is very expensive. In terms of nature, surfers basically have to be environmentally aware of their surroundings as always and looking out for the usual rips, rocks and sea urchins.

For more information on surfing at Cloudbreak, call 805-686-4551. Quotes are available upon request.

Learn about one of the biggest skateparks in the American Southwest, Los Altos Skate Park found in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is known for its art and cuisine, however, it is also the home of one of the biggest skateparks in the Southwest. Los Altos Skate Park can be found at 10140 ½ Lomas, Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a free Skatepark that has a lot to offer.

Basics

The Los Altos Skate Park offers about 35,000 square feet of skating terrain. Within all of this square footage are three distinct zones, a street course and two combination bowls. The first combination bowl is made up of three bowls of varying depths. The second combination bowl is made up of four bowls, each having its own shape. Here you will find a rectangular bowl, a round bowl, an angular bowl and a tear-drop bowl. In addition to the bowls and street course you will also find a variety of structures and textures to grind such as rails, benches and ridges, not to mention a scoot and ride and a pyramid.

Hours of Operation

Between May and August the Los Altos Skate Park will be on its summer hours. This means that the park will be open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Between September and April the park's winter hours will be in effect. Winter hours are seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The park managers will cue you when the park is about to close by turning off the north lights. Five minutes after closing, the south lights will be turned off. The parking lot lights will be turned off a half hour after closing.

Rules of the Park

To use this park you will need to wear a helmet if you are under 18. Other safety equipment is not required, but heavily recommended. Since this is a skate-at-your-own-risk park you will want to make sure you protect your assets. Next, keep in mind that that if it rains you will not be able to use the park. Finally, alcohol is not allowed.

Not every individual or family has an unlimited budget for snowboarding. Glacier Snowboard Camp in Whistler, British Columbia advertises lower rates and smaller session sizes.

Glacier Snowboard Camp in Whistler, British Columbia has second-tier prices but maintains first-rate standards, insists Ben Wainwright, the owner and a member of the Canadian National Team.

"We pride ourselves on being a smaller, much more personalized snowboard camp," Wainwright writes on the Website, www.glaciersnowboardcamp.com.

Enrollment is limited to 40 snowboarders per session, while some larger facilities accept more than 200. This creates a ratio of one professional instructor for every five campers. The price is in the range of $1,495 for a weeklong session or $1,995 with accommodations. Campers and their families who want more instruction and fun, and who can afford the cost, may opt to stay for multiple weeks.

Glacier provides an array of jumps, hips, rails and boxes, along with a private half pipe cut by a 17-foot snow dragon.

"We offer the best coaching at the best price," Wainwright asserts. "In fact, you won't be able to find a less expensive snowboard camp in North America or a better one, no matter what you pay. Our goal is to improve your snowboarding and make sure you have the most possible fun."

A typical day focuses on instruction in the morning, and then mixes more time to experiment in the afternoon, including tips on the latest tricks. After-snowboarding activities include a bungee trampoline, skateboarding and paint ball. During summer camps, features include mountain biking, rock climbing and swimming.

Campers may choose to focus on freeride, which concentrates on core riding skills through powder, steeps and trees. Another option is freestyle, featuring tricks and the half pipe.

Pro Ride is the company that provides the format and staffing for Glacier.

"We will improve your riding in a fun, skill-based progression based on a foundation of all mountain discovery," says Anthony Crute, Pro Ride director, owner and lead guide. "Your program will be focused on what you really enjoy doing, and you have the flexibility to change your riding goals as it suits you.

"We live, eat and breathe snowboarding. We know Whistler inside out and enjoy sharing our vast snowboarding experience with people of like mind. This is our 11th year running snowboard camps specifically for snowboarders from all over the world. Come join us for one epic day after another!"

SOURCES:
glaciersnowboardcamp.com
proride.com/summercamp/index.cfm
snowboardcolonies.com/glaciercamp/friends

Learn all about skateparks, events and shops to visit while touring the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is known for its history, its sports and now its X-sports. If you are a skateboarder and are looking for a destination vacation, then consider Philadelphia. After seeing the normal tourist attractions that this city has to offer, you can grind some concrete at one of the many city skateparks or take part in one of the many annual events.

Skateparks in Philadelphia

When you travel to Philadelphia don't forget to bring your skateboard and gear. This city has several great parks including an X-Game park located in the Franklin Mall. In addition to the X Games Skate Park, you will also find the United Skate Park of Philadelphia at the Franklin Mall, located at 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Suite 100. Your other Skatepark options include the Title 10 Skatepark, located at 901 N. Delaware Avenue; the Whitehall Skatepark, located at 5000 Tulip Street; and the Woodward Skatepark, located at 1943 Franklin Mills Circle.

Philadelphia Skate Events

Philadelphia has been slated as one of the best skateboarder vacation destinations since the turn of the century when the city hosted the X-Games. Now the city is home to several annual skateboard-friendly events. For example, to kick off the summer you can participate in the Go Skateboarding Day events. If you are looking for the best time of year to visit Philadelphia then think about the fall. November in particular is a great month for Philadelphia skateboard events. During this month you can participate in events like the Boom Boom Huck Jam or the Philadelphia International Championship Down Hill Race

Philadelphia Skate Shops

If shopping is your thing then Philadelphia will not disappoint. You will find the best selection of board shops around the city's skatepark. Some of your options include:

▪ Elite Sports, Inc., 611 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Subzero, 520 S. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Bainbridge Skateboard Shop, 700 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Nocturnal Skate Shop, 610 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Slave Skateboard Shop, 3601 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Exit Skate Shop, 440 E. Grand Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
▪ Spectrum Board Shop, 24 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and to avid surfers of all levels it offers some of the most memorable surf encounters.

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and to avid surfers of all levels it offers some of the most memorable surf encounters. Known as one of the top surf destinations for many reasons, one of the most appealing characteristics (other than the incredible breaks) is the warm, inviting waters. Where this beautifully rich and lush country offers a wide array of the most incredible nature experiences to be had, one of the most appealing things about surfing in Costa Rica, in addition to the warm water, is the beautiful and expansive coastline, which offers approximately 700 miles of pristine beaches with an awesome opportunity to catch breaks year round.

Unlike many surf resorts, Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive and offers a wide array of surf packages from which to select in some of the most popular regions. Among the top locations to surf in Costa Rica for surfers of all levels of expertise is the region of Hermosa Beach and Jaco which is famous for breaks such as Terrazo, Backyard, Almendro, Tulin, Corners, Bejuco, Esterillos, Playa Escadilla, Playa Tivives, Playa Valor, Caldera, Boca Barranca and more.

Make it a surf vacation and take advantage of the many packages that are offered to surfers. Choose from anywhere from a seven day package up to a 15-day surf package, which includes accommodations, limited meals, car rental or 4 X 4 rentals, side trips (depending on the package) and more. Package prices range anywhere from $1,087 up to approximately $2,000 per person based on double occupancy and including locations such as Puerto Viejo East, Matapalo, Domical, Nosara, Avellanes/ Negra, Pavones, Manuel Antonio, Playa Hermosa/Jaco, Mal Pais, Tamarindo, Arenal, San Jose, Monteverde and more .

Surfers planning a surf vacation to Costa Rica can expect to take a major air carrier for travel directly into the major city of San Jose, which is where the one and only international airport is located in the country. For more information on experiencing the best surfing in the world available in Costa Rica visit the Website for Surf Costa Rica today.

Discover what skateboarders can do in Orlando, Fla.

Orlando, Fla. is a top vacation destination for people of all ages. If you are planning a family vacation and have older kids, or if you are a skater and in need of a boarding adventure, then Orlando is still a top vacation destination. Here you will find skate parks, skateboarding events and a great selection of board shops.

Orlando, Florida Skateparks

The first thing that you will want to do when planning a vacation to Orlando is to locate skateparks that are nearest to your hotel. Your first skatepark option is the Orlando Skatepark, which is located at 400 Festival Way. This is one of the city's best parks. Your other options include: Skate World Skatepark; the Skate Pit Skatepark, 11100 East Colonial Drive; and Vans Skate Park, 5220 International Drive.

Skateboarding Events

If you are interested in skateboarding events then Orlando, Fla. is the city to be in. There are several skateboarding events held throughout the year. The first event that you can attend or participate in is the Free Flow Skateboard Tour, which is held in May. The Vans Triple Crown Skateboard Series, held in November, is another option. The Skateboard Club at UCF is a great resource for boarding events and activities. Make sure you talk to them while planning your Orlando vacation.

Skate Shops

Orlando has a great selection of skateboard shops that you can browse through. Your first option, The Skate Shack, is close to the city's center and is located at 1227 W. Jefferson Street. Your other options include: Boardwalk Surf and Sport, located at 9101 International Drive; Covert Skate Shop, located at 2428 E. Robinson Street; and Galactic G, located at 334 E. Harvard Street; RC Sk8boards, L IC, located at 421 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs; University Surf & Skate, located at 5439 International Drive; XLR8, located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail; and Inland Ocean Surfshop, located at 3201 E. Colonial Drive. If you aren't familiar with Orlando, then simply look at the area around your skatepark and you will undoubtedly find a great skate shop.