Snowboarder Fredrik "Shredrik" Austbo has a challenge that might surprise you. The 20-year-old boarder comes from Norway, but there's not as much snow as he would like. Not enough snow in Norway? Well, this is Stavanger in southwest Norway.

Fredrik Austbo says the season is short, and the nearest good mountain is more than two hours away. Therefore, he started out in soccer shoes, hockey skates and with a skateboard. He's also into gymnastics and surfing. So, when he first tried a snowboard at the age of 10, with all of his athletic ability, it felt perfectly natural. Therefore, Fredrik is reminiscent of American Shaun White, with the potential to combine the snowboard with the skateboard in a "free and happy" way. How's this for a good solid day: "I eat a good breakfast and then go up to the mountain and ride the whole day with my friends. Then afterwords, I go skateboarding."

As an adolescent, Fredrik "Shredrik" Austbo says he didn't think of turning pro or making money, even though he was winning loads of medals and trophies in Europe. Only during recent years did he turn truly serious about a pro career. His main influence is his coach and ThirtyTwo team manager, Jan Prokes.

Because of his wide ranging background, Fredrik Austbo is amused at a snowboard.com feature that invites viewers "to watch some footage of ThirtyTwo team rider Fredrik Austbo shredding up the concrete over at etnies. What? You didn't know he could skate? Hell, yeah! Turns out Fred's a full-on tranny dog who loves to grrr-ind coping for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Fredrik Austbo has broken out of the European confines to compete at destinations as distant as the United States and Canada.

Sources:
http://www.groms.tv/ath_f_austbo_skate.htm
http://www.snowboard-mag.com/node/14889

James "Bubba" Stewart may be known as Tiger Woods of motocross, but it might better be said that Tiger Woods is the Bubba Stewart of golf. After all, Bubba Stewart entered 24 outdoor motocross races during the past summer and won all of them. Tiger Woods won consecutive pro golf tournaments back in 2006, but 24 in a row? It boggles the imagination.

Bubba Stewart, as of early February, also was on a winning streak during the winter/spring supercross competition under the auspices of the American Motorcyclist Association, drawing crowds in the 40,000 range at baseball stadiums in places such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Bubba Stewart's only defeat was at the start of the year at Anaheim Stadium, when competitors knocked down his bike not once, but twice.

Speaking of bikes, Bubba Stewart has switched to Yamaha after many years with Kawasaki.

James "Bubba" Stewart and Tiger Woods have many similarities that go beyond their status not only as the first African-American superstars in their respective sports, but also as arguably the best ever in motocross and in golf, respectively. Bubba Stewart pursues Ricky Carmichael, while Tiger Woods pursues Jack Nicklaus.

To start, Bubba Stewart (12/21/85) and Tiger Woods (12/30/75) both were Christmas-time babies.

Both grew up with hyper-involved fathers, James Stewart Sr. and the now-deceased Earl Woods. Golf fans and sports fans in general are acquainted with a film clip of a 2-year-old Tiger Woods appearing on the old Mike Douglas Show and knocking a golf ball into a net with perfect form. Well, James Stewart Sr. reportedly took Bubba on his first dirt bike ride when Bubba was 2 DAYS old! Bubba Stewart entered his first motocross race as a 4-year-old rider and had a sponsor as a 7-year-old competitor.

Eldrick Woods was "Tiger" from birth, but James Stewart Jr. wasn't "Bubba" under the age of 8. His favorite motocross racer was Jeff "Chicken" Matiasevich, and so the younger became "Baby Chicken," which somehow evolved into "Bubba." He admits his nickname may seem odd, explaining, "A typical Bubba looks like an older white gentleman, kind of fat, who lives on a farm, has a toothpick and wears overalls and a straw hat."

Bubba Stewart's parents traveled the country so that Bubba and younger brother Malcolm could follow the junior motocross circuit, and so the two children were homeschooled.

James "Bubba" Stewart, at age 22, hasn't forgotten from whence he came. His home back in Haines City has an outdoor motocross track.

Sources:
http://www.motopress.net/Main/Riders/jamesstewart.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart_Jr.
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3776-james-bubba-stewart-biography
http://www.pgatour.com/2007/tournaments/r473/03/19/tigernotes031907/
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/events/raceresults/1/sc/374/supercross_january_31_2009_san_francisco_ca_results.aspx

The skate item of the week is the Reef Reef Mick Spackler. These versatile men's flip flop thongs are easy to slip on right before you head out the door. If you are looking for a great looking pair of summer shoes that will give you grip when you need it, try these on for size.

Reef Reef Mick Spackler - Product Description
The Reef Reef Mick Spackler is a thong made with a supple leather upper, a midsole made from compressed and molded EVA and a molded rubber sole. The upper is white leather and the midsole and sole are brown with a white side stripe. They are light weight, only weighing in at eight ounces and very comfortable. What is unique about this product is that it has replaceable spikes. These spikes can be inserted to give you traction on the beach or while playing sports on the grass.

Building a Sporty Wardrobe
Building a sports wardrobe is something that a lot of people just don't think about. Instead they pick up items here and there. This creates a sports wardrobe that is full of mismatched items that are hard to coordinate. You can put together a great looking sports wardrobe that is also functional by thinking about the purchases that you make. You will want to pick up a variety of sports shoes, including summer shoes, like the Reef Reef Mick Spackler, wet weather shoes and cold weather shoes. Buy your shoes in neutral colors like browns, blacks and whites. This way they will match all of your other clothing items.

In addition to a selection of sports shoes, you will also want to select shirts, pants and outerwear items to complete your wardrobe. Your shirt collection can include items like tank tops, t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts. When picking out your shirts look for materials that breathe and wick moisture away from your skin. Pant options need to include long pants and shorts. Finally, don't forget about your underwear. Complete your wardrobe with supportive underwear and sports socks that wick away moisture.

Keep your sports wardrobe separate from your work wardrobe and everyday clothing so you can quickly find items to throw together when you are ready to go skateboarding, play a game of basketball or just have a great workout.

If you are in New England and looking for a great place to go skateboarding, the Rye Airfield is the place to go. This skate park is a New Hampshire Mecca for skaters, which offers about 50,000 square feet of skating terrain. It is generally open Tuesday through Sundays, however, if you want, you can rent out the entire complex on Mondays.

Rye Airfield - The Basics
The Rye Airfield can be found at 170 Lafayette Road in Rye, New Hampshire. During the school year this skate park is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. until 8:45 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5:45 p.m. During winter and spring break, Rye Airfield expands its hours so that it is open Monday through Friday from noon until 8:45 p.m., in addition to its normal weekend hours. During the summer months the park is open Monday through Saturday from noon until 8:45 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5:45 p.m.

This is not a free park, so you will have to find a few bucks to get in. Session passes cost between $10 and $14, day passes cost between $25 and $33, and 30-day passes cost between $49 and $75. The price that you are charged will depend on whether you are a member or a non-member of the Rye Airfield.

Rye Airfield - The Features
The Rye Airfield is one of the largest skate parks in New England, so pull on a pair of jeans and grab your board for one of the best skate experiences of your life. There are four different sections to this park. The first section is the Proving Ground. This area includes ledges, gaps, a pyramid, deck-to-deck jumps, a hubbarail and a variety of trannies.

The second section of the park is called the Flow Unit. Here you will find a great ten-foot quarter pipe, an eight-foot bowl and more modest seven-foot bowl. Make sure you have the skills to navigate these features before you set your board in motion.

The third section of the park is the Micro. Here you will find micro ramps, mini box jumps, rails, pyramids and a double many.

The final area in this park is the Gap Ledges. Here you will find three great ledges with deck-to-deck jumps. This is a great area to learn new tricks.

Skateboarder Omar Hassan, 35, is known as one of the best in the world and as one of the smoothest. You wouldn't think a skateboarder as smooth as Omar Hassan would take a bunch of spills, but as Omar describes some of his travails, you can't help but think of Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner.

So, read forward here only if you have a high threshold for pain.

Omar Hassan says, "One of my first injuries came when I was doing a front-side air. I fell in a straight Pete Rose slider position with the board still in hand. I broke my thumb and ripped off the nail, which is insanely painful in itself."

Ow-ooo-ch! (By the way, younger folks, Pete Rose is an old-school baseball player known for sliding head first.)

When Omar Hassan was 17, he says he dislocated his ankle. Not broke, but dislocated. An ankle? That doesn't sound good, Omar. He says he broke BOTH the tibia and fibula bones in his leg, and the medical fix-up included six screws that will remain for life.

Now, consider this one: "In Japan, I fell and slapped my hand so hard on the ground that it blew out my palm. My palm literally burst open. I had to get surgery to close up the pad of my hand."

Does Omar Hassan love skateboarding or what? Consider his handsome mug.

"I was doing a Rocket air off a jump ramp and held on too long," Omar says. "I broke two teeth, and the force of the fall shoved my braces through my lip ... I've busted my chin open about seven times. There are too many different stories that I don't care to elaborate on. Landing chin-first in pools, on ramps, in the street. All the same outcome: a busted chin and a lot of blood."

Omar Hassan even uses his injuries to make impromptu product endorsements: "While jumping off the back of a Dumpster into a bank, my board bounced up and hit me on the back of my head. Because Black Label wood is so strong, my board gashed open the back of my dome, and I had to get 14 stitches."

So, if you ever happen to bump into Omar Hassan, try not to REALLY bump into him!

Sources:
http://skateboardermag.com/skateboarder-news-features/magazine/Skateanatomy/omar-hassan-anatomy/
http://www.grindtv.com/athlete/omar_hassan/1068/bio/
http://expn.go.com/skt/s/010416_omarhassan.html

While classic car enthusiasts are unlikely to race in one of their painstakingly restored automobiles, some motocross riders like putting their classic motorcycles to the ultimate test. The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) sanctions vintage motocross events for riders of all skill levels.

These races truly test a motocross lover's skill at restoring a bike as well as riding it. For competitions, AHRMA separates motorcycles into different categories, with 1965 serving as the dividing line between vintage, classic and contemporary. Different road rules apply for pre-1965 models and those produced from 1975 onward.

AHRMA's National Vintage MX Series for 2009 is shaping up to be one of the best thus far, with a kickoff on February 7 at the Arizona Cycle Park in Phoenix. Each motorcycle class is subdivided into separate skill levels (novice, intermediate and expert); AHRMA also has MX races geared for riders who are over 40, 50, 60 and 70 years of age.

Vintage motocross clubs can be found all across the country, many of which work closely with AHRMA and its regulations. The folks at Florida Vintage Motocross, for instance, also are quite strict about the rules, especially when it comes to insurance. When racing a vintage machine in one of their events, you must secure you own medical, liability and life insurance. Your motorcycle also needs to be in good working order before heading to the starting line.

While training for a vintage MX race, you always need a good watch, which is where a Timex Ironman comes in handy. The Ironman helps you keep track of your speed and performance on the track - and it tells time, too.

Besides racing, MX clubs also offer knowledge and resources that help with the restoration of vintage cycles. Most motocross racing organizations require that a bike be "period ready" (accurately restored to its year of manufacture) before it is allowed to compete. Preserving the past while keeping an eye on the future, vintage MX racing is like getting the best of both motocross worlds.

Resources:
http://www.ahrma.org/
http://www.calvmx.net/
http://www.flvmx.com/rules.html

According to a recent news report, a group of teenagers were eager to enjoy some fun in the sun on the Sunshine Coast of Australia by jumping off the Coolum Beach's Esplanade rooftop - on skateboards.

The teenagers were practicing awe-inspiring leaps, twists and jumps on top of the roof and managed to catch the attention of shoppers and retail store owners over the weekend. The daredevils managed to pull off an impressive lineup of skateboarding tricks including vertical jumps, 360 degree leaps and 180s on top of an uneven rooftop.

Residents and shop owners confirmed that they were dong no harm and were just having some fun. The skateboarders simply enjoyed their practice session and adrenaline rush before heading home for the evening.

Ramping Up Your Skateboarding Skills

Skateboarding tricks and stunts can take months, even years to master, but the gurus of the skateboard have learned how to ride, maneuver and balance properly to avoid serious injuries.

Beginners may need to wear protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, the right shoesand even a helmet to reduce injury from a skateboarding mishap. Getting just the right angles and balancing the body just right before performing a jump or leap can be difficult for the beginning boarder; still, there are some ways to improve your skills.

First, you'll be better off practicing at an actual skate park before venturing onto the rooftops of buildings in the near future. Skate parks are designed with special edges and tracks that cater to the wheels of a skateboard. This will make it easier to practice those ollies, grinds and 180s without running into walls or other skaters. Well, at least for the most part.

You'll also need to practice good form. Keeping your weight balanced by bending your knees slightly and relaxing the body will help you maneuver the board easily and help you execute each move with ease. Keeping your eyes focused on the ground ahead (and not on your feet) will also help you navigate better and plan your next move.

Finally, don't forget to use skateboard wax. You'll need to rub this on the ledge you are working against so that you can ride up to the edge and make your turns with ease. A block of hard wax is fairly cheap and will likely last you through an entire skating season.

While it took a little longer to build this skate park than anticipated, the Ed Austin Skate Park of Jacksonville, Florida, finally opened its skating complex in May of 2008. At a cost of $425,000, this 7,500-square-foot skate park is a welcomed addition to the 141-acre Ed Austin Regional Park.

Ed Austin Skate Park - Unique and Organic
What makes the Ed Austin Skate Park a unique place to skate is that, unlike many skate parks, it was designed to provide skate features that had a natural architectural feel. This means that the features like benches, rails, ledges and planters that are positioned within the skating complex look like real benches, rails, ledges and planters that you would normally find in urban settings.

In addition to a great, realistic street course, the Ed Austin Skate Park also offers vert features. One of the highlights of the vert complex is the wide brick quarter pipe. This park also has concrete bowls of various depths and shapes and a modest selection of ramps and flow elements.

Staying Safe at Ed Austin Skate Park
Just like skateboarding at any skate park in the world, you are responsible for your own safety at the Ed Austin Skate Park. This means that you need to wear the appropriate clothing for the weather and for skating, that you wear a well fitted helmet with a chin strap and elbow and knee pads. You will also want to be aware of your surroundings while in the skating complex. Just because you know how to navigate your skateboard through a maze of people and obstacles without a scratch or how to stop on a dime, doesn't mean that others using the park have the same skills.

Finally, be respectful of the skate park and its features. At a cost of nearly a half million dollars, this community-operated skate park was an expensive investment made for skaters. Don't tag the concrete or wood structures, pick up after yourself and try to keep this park in as good of condition as possible so that it will serve skaters for decades to come and encourage local communities like Jacksonville to continue to invest in skate parks.

Without Andy Irons, pro surfing's nine-time world champ, Kelly Slater would not be such a legend. But then, Andy Irons is a legend of his own with three world titles in the Association of Surfing Professionals.

Andy Irons won a string of three world crowns in 2002, 2003 and 2004. For the final pair, Irons bested the come-back king Kelly Slater. Since 2005, Slater has regained dominance, but Irons has remained to nip at his heels.

Their rivalry is similar to the historic Bill Russell versus Wilt Chamberlain in basketball or Jack Nicklaus versus Arnold Palmer in golf. When Surf Magazine rated pro surfing's all-time rivalries, Andy Irons versus Kelly Slater earned the top spot, even ahead of East Coast versus West Coast and U.S.A. versus Australia.

Andy Irons, at the age of 30, already has gained a place in the Surfing Hall of Fame.

Andy Irons is bigger than the average surfer and in competition sometimes displays a competitive football spirit that caused one analyst to remark, "You might think he's an intense frothing madman." However, his fellow pro surfers say he's really a friendly and fun guy. Andy Irons is even making peace with Kelly Slater after all these years, according to reports.

The size of Andy Irons should not belie his finesse. He grew up on the shores of Kauai, where waves are not always at their peaks. Therefore, he learned to rip and scoot on the two-footers, as well as showcasing on the 12-footers.

Andy Irons is the first to admit that he sold himself short early in his pro career, as a young adult, with too much partying. He was in his early 20s before he finally came into his own.

Big, "frothing" Andy Irons is actually a gentle do-gooder. He joins his surfing brother Bruce Irons each year to throw a free surfing contest for the kids on Kauai called the Irons Brothers Pinetrees Classic.

Still, entering 2009, Andy Irons would like nothing better than to achieve another takedown of Kelly Slater.

Sources:
http://www.redbullsurfing.com/riders/andy-irons/
http://www.lat34.com/surf/andy_irons.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Irons
http://www.worldprosurfers.com/andy-irons/index.htm
http://blogs.zappos.com/blogs/rideshop/2009/01/09/surfer-of-the-week-kelly-slater

Remember that scene near the end of "Better off Dead," where John Cusack tackled a treacherous slope on only one ski? The same thing happens in mountain unicycling (MUni), which is sort of like riding a mountain bike that's missing a wheel. Unlike Cusack's character in the film, however, MUni riders do this intentionally.

Devotees of this extreme sport enjoy heading to mountainous and rocky areas all over the world and riding down on just a single wheel. MUni lovers also prefer a unicycle that has a rugged frame and knobbier tires than the more commonly available unicycle models. A hard head, nerves of steel and a really good sense of balance definitely can come in handy if MUni is your kind of thing.

For this activity that steadily has been growing in popularity over the last several years, rough terrain unicyclers gather together in places like Lake Tahoe and San Diego to try their extreme, one-wheel skills. For any MUni outing, good biking shoes such as the Merrell Moab Ventilators are essential. As the name indicates, a pair of Ventilators will help keep your feet cool and dry while you are unicycling down rocky terrain.

Rough Terrain Unicycling on Mount Everest
Most MUni riders have a good story or two to tell, but precious few can top Steve Colligan, the married father of two in Manchester, England. A self-professed adventure unicyclist, Colligan, 47, rode across approximately 1,100 km of Mount Everest, a mountain that's difficult enough to climb, let alone tackle on one wheel.

In addition to achieving a personal best, Colligan also helped improve conditions in one remote area of the Himalayas. His journey across Everest raised funds for the Hilly Region Development Fund, a non-governmental organization in Nepal. Since its formation in 1998, the fund has, among other projects, helped build a new primary school and health clinic in the Dhading District.

Sources:
http://www.mountainunicycling.net/
http://www.unicycling.com/muni/
http://www.unicyclesteve.com/

Castle Rock is a city between Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. This quaint little urban center has an amazing backdrop to skate against, as well as one of the better skate parks in the state. This skate park is called the Castle Rock Skate Park, and if you enjoy bowls or street courses, you are going to love it.

Castle Rock Skate Park - the Basics
The Castle Rock Skate Park can be found at 4420 Front Street in Castle Rock, Colorado. This park is less than an hour from both Denver and Colorado Springs, so it is the perfect place to go if you are visiting either of these cities. This is a skate-at-your-own-risk park, which means that you are responsible for your own safety. You will want to wear a helmet, padding and the appropriate clothing for the weather. Also, this park has easy transitions and roll-ins into the bowls, which means a lot of people who don't really have the skills to handle bowls will be trying their luck. Keep this is mind as you roll in and be aware of who is skating around you.

Castle Rock Skate Park - The Bowls
The Castle Rock Skate Park has a great collection of bowls. The largest bowl has an estimated depth of 9.5 feet. There is also a tri-bowl with depths of three, four and five feet, a fish bowls, a mogul bowl and a handicap bowl. Most of the bowls in this skate park have roll-ins, and some bowls are connected to one another with spines.

Castle Rock Skate Park - Street Terrain
While the bowls at this park are great they are not the main attraction. The street course at this park is super cool and super big. In fact, the square footage dedicated to the street course is larger than most skate parks in Colorado. The street course is made up of banks, rails, stairs, trannies, curbs, planters, ledges and a great new snake run. Again keep in mind that there are skaters of all skill level using the park and some may not have the skills to maintain control of their boards and bodies. To protect yourself and them from injuries keep your eyes open for other skaters as you navigate your way around the street course.

Persistence paid off for surfboarder Nathaniel Curran, 24, who will join the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour during 2009.

The ASP annually operates the World Qualifying Series, with the top 15 qualifying to join pro surfing's Dream Tour during the following season. This is similar to minor league baseball or golf's Nationwide Tour. Nathaniel Curran is the top qualifier, running up one of the most consistent seasons in the history of the ASP's World Qualifying Series.

Nathaniel Curran faced added pressure, to measure up to accomplishments of two older siblings. Tim Curran, now retired, was among the top performers on pro surfing's Dream Tour, best known for performing a full flip in two-foot surf in 2005, who is now a successful musician. Josh Curran has made some sensational surfing videos, although he is better known for ranking among world leaders in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques.

"Both of my brothers, Josh and Tim, have been a big help, from helping picking contests to videotaping my heats online," Nathaniel Curran says. "They helped me see how bad I was blowing it in heats."

The Currans hail from Oxnard in California's Ventura Beach area. Nathaniel Curran started surfing when he was 5 years old, and turned pro when he was 18. Injuries contributed to his slow development to qualify for the ASP's World Tour. He says he feels "revenge" in overcoming those injuries.

It was a matter of "determination, staying focused and trying to make enough money to keep my house," Curran says.

His success has been hard won.

"I can't wait for all of them," Curran said, referring to events on the ASP's World Tour for 2008. "Surfing at the best spots in the world ... I really just can't wait for the first comp."

Surfers who qualified behind Curran are Chris Davidson of Australia, Michel Bourez of French Polynesia, Gabe Kling of the United States, Jihan Khodr of Brazil, David Weare of South Africa, Josh Kerr of Australia, Nic Muscroft of Australia, Kekoa Bacolso of the United States, Greg Emslie of South Africa, Tim Boal of France, Dustin Barca of the United States, Tiago Pires of Portugal, Phillip MacDonald of Australia and Drew Courtney of Australia.

Sources:
http://www-pulse/catching-up-with-nathaniel-curran-interview-101408/
http://surfactants-up-with-future-asp-world-tour-rookie-nathaniel-curran/
http://ones-curran/
http://denitrified

Ask the best snowboarders, or those most-traveled, to name a world-famous ski resort that has done the most to accommodate snowboarders. A frequent answer will be Tignes in eastern France.

Tignes, at its peak, is more than two miles above sea level. The lift is at 3,350 meters, which translates to about 11,000 feet. This has led Tignes patrons to describe "the closest slopes to the sun. At this height, combined with the effect of the Grande Motte Glacier, the climate remains so cold that there is deep light powder available for virtually the entire year. Another statement that snowboarders use to describe Tignes is as follows: "When it snows elsewhere in the Alps, it dumps on Tignes."

Many top resorts are known to accommodate only the highest caliber snowboarders and skiers. Tignes prides itself on providing vacation opportunities and fun for snowboarders of any level, down to beginners. Lessons for beginners are offered in English.

Still, for the snowboarding maven, Tignes is it. There are more than 180 miles of pistes available at Tignes, and so many off-piste places that Tignes annually hosts the Free Ride World Tour.

The Tignes area is so vast and high that freestyle snowboarders may take a lift and ride straight to a chalet, to the Tignes resort center or to one of 20 mountain restaurants. Runs are as long as 9 miles.

For snowboarders who wish to stay closer together, Tignes offers a pair of pipes and a vast terrain park.

In fact, expect some company regardless. Tignes possesses 47 lifts that are able to handle 75,000 boarders and skiers per hour. Just to make sure the slopes remain lightly powered, more than 200 snow cannons are at work at Tignes.

Tignes is so popular, in fact, that there are daily 85-mile bus runs from Geneva International Airport in Switzerland.

Sources:
http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/France/Tignes.html
http://www.alpineelements.co.uk/snowboarding-holidays/resort/tignes.html
http://www.snowboardingholidays.net/location.php?LocationID=1266
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/4030838/Snowboarding-the-worlds-best-resorts.html

Pala is quaint little town in California found in San Diego County. It is about 404 feet above sea level and is primarily a Native American community. This city is known for its treasures, primarily gold, tourmaline, morganite beryl and kunzite. However, it is also a great spot to test your luck at the local casinos. Finally, if you are a skateboarder, you will enjoy the Pala Skate Park, which is located next door to a great spa and resort.

Pala Skate Park - Pala, California
The Pala Skate Park is one of the city's main attractions. This park can be found at 11154 Highway 76, Pala, California. This is a concrete bowl park that costs less than the price of a movie ticket to skate for the day. If you will be in town for more than the day you can save money by purchasing a weekend or weekly pass. This is a great activity for the kids to do while parents are gambling at the local casinos or taking advantage of the nearby spa treatments.

Pala, California Attractions
There are three other main attractions found in Pala, California. The first attraction, located right next door to the Pala Skate Park, is the Pala Casino Resort Spa. Here you can gamble, go for a swim or sign up for a few spa treatments before heading on your way.

The second attraction is the Pala Casino. The Pala Casino offers a huge selection of games to choose between. There are over 2,000 gaming machines and over 59 table games. The table games offered by this casino include Caribbean Stud Poker, Pai-Gow Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat.

The third attraction is Gems of Pala. Here you can buy specimens of tourmaline jewelry or take a tour of the mine. This is a great stop if you enjoy pink tourmaline or if you are interested in gemology.

Vacationing in Pala, California
When vacationing in Pala, California, it is important that you dress for the weather. With cool winters and hot summers it is a good idea to pack clothing that you can layer. During the warmer months, you will want to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In the cooler months, you will want to pack a windbreaker, a thin long sleeved shirt and long pants.

In Western Europe and northwest of France, some of the best surfing in the world is found in Wales. The temperature in Wales is mild to temperate and is primarily influenced by the drift from the North Atlantic. Though the United Kingdom is known for having rainfall, the majority of the year surfers looking to travel to Wales will find the rainy season is September to January, and the driest season is between March and June, which allows surfers to take advantage of some of the best surfing in the world.

There are quite a few surf spots offering ideal surfing for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. Surfers flocking to Wales have access to a variety of breaks such as; Point Breaks, Beach Breaks, Rivermouth and Reef Breaks, all of which offer an awesome surfing experience.

Beginning surfers will find the best surfing spots for the beginning level including: Porthoer, Harbour Break, Caswell Bay, Manobier, Rest Bay Porthcawl, White Sands, Barry Island, Dalmore, Newgale and others. Dalmore and Newgale are particularly popular.

Tenby South and Black Rock Reef are two of the most popular surf spots for intermediate surfers. Other great choices include Langland, Aberavon, Marloes Sands and definitely Ogmore by the Sea. For experienced and kamikaze surfers there are more challenging waves such as Y Bocs, which is one of the most awesome reef breaks.

Surfers to Wales will fare well to come fully equipped with surfing gear and be prepared for the weather in the United Kingdom. This should not be a problem for water loving surfers, but, depending on the time of year, the areas around the Atlantic are cooler than usual.

For those surfers planning to enjoy some of the best surfing in the world who may also choose to up their game, there is the Gower and Swansea Surf School located in South Wales. The surf school offers a personal level of teaching to all surf students and provides coaching to all levels and ages of surfers. The surf packages include corporate, holiday, activity and holiday packages.

Sources:
www.globalsurfers.com
www.swanseasurfing.com

California is the center of the skateboarding universe. This state has an amazing collection of both free and fee skate parks. If you are looking for a great place for bowl skating, venture to Pala, California. Here you will find the Pala Skate Park.

Pala Skate Park - The Basics
The Pala Skate Park can be found at 11154 Highway 76 in Pala, California. This park is primarily a bowl park, and the bowls are fabulous. This is where you will want to bring your board if you are interested in catching some serious air.

Pala Skate Park - Hours of Operation
Like many skate parks, Pala Skate Park has a seasonal schedule for its hours of operation. The winter schedule is in effect from September until May. During the winter season you can skate at Pala Monday through Friday from two in the afternoon until dark, which is about 6 p.m. and on the weekends from ten in the morning until dark. The summer season runs from June to August. During this season you will be able to skate during the week from nine in the morning until seven in the evening and on the weekends from ten until six.

Pala Skate Park - Cost
Pala Skate Park is a fee park. You can buy a daily, weekend or annual park pass for a reasonable price. Daily rates run about $5 for the general public and $3 a day for local residents with a 92059 zip code. The weekend pass will cost about $5 if you are 12 or younger, $10 for skaters 13 and older and $3 for tribal members with an ID. Annual passes can also be purchased for around $100.

Skating at the Pala Skate Park
The Pala Skate Park is located in an area of California that has a temperate climate. This means that the weather gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Since the park is open year round you will need to dress for the weather. This means wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants when the weather is chilly and wearing breathable clothing when the weather is hot.