Free Article Database

Paintball which originated back in 1976, has had a steady increase in popularity. The primary strategy behind paintball is to shoot your opponent with a ball of paint that is traveling at excessively high speeds, hence “killing” him and bringing your team one step closer to another victory.

The rate of acceleration that a person’s paintball travels is a very critical factor for this type of sport, as the slower moving paintballs can be dodged more easily by your opponents. There are basically two types of propellant tanks that are used; High Pressure Air / Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen.

Type 1 - Carbon Dioxide Paintball Tanks

Carbon dioxide tanks utilize what is known as a liquid CO2 which then expands itself into a gas which then takes the paintball and propels it out the barrel. One of the side effects of using a carbon dioxide tank for extended periods of time is that crystals of ice can form on the tank itself. The primary cause of this is because the liquid CO2 expansion turning from a liquid to a gas requires heat energy, eventually this can result in the counter effect of the propellant tank becoming very cold. Combine this with long periods of use and you get the creation of ice.

When these carbon dioxide paintball tanks are used in a rapid fashion they can become unreliable for both distance and accuracy. This is mainly because the carbon dioxide requires time to expand out to a form that is gaseous and when your trigger pulls are too rapid the inner pressure might not form fully.

Tanks such as these can also have the tendency to leak because of erosion of the seals and o-rings, yet with some maintenance and care this typically can be prevented. Carbon dioxide paintball tanks should not be directly left in the rays of the sun for too long as there is some risk of the internal gas expanding to a level that would be unsafe.

Type 2 - High Pressure Air and Nitrogen Paintball Tanks

Nitrogen tanks and high pressure air function in a different manner compared to carbon dioxide tanks since they don’t have to expand a liquid into a gas to result in the propellant effect; this is because the material is already formed in a gaseous state. Because of this process it augments both of the distance and accuracy over carbon dioxide paintball tank. These type of tanks will have a tendency to grow colder when used, nevertheless the overall effect is much less compared to carbon dioxide tanks.

Even though they are generally preferred over carbon dioxide paintball tanks, the nitrogen and high pressure types of air tanks do have some disadvantages. The weight of nitrogen and high pressure tanks are higher and they are also larger compared to CO2 tanks, since the propellant is already in a form that is gaseous. There are smaller tanks that are produced but will typically not have enough gas to last out a long game. Nitrogen and high pressure paintball tank also are more expensive to buy, yet refilling them is much less costly then having to refill tanks

Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of recreation sports. If you would like to learn more go to Paintball advice and at Indoor Paintball tips.

UFC and MMA are exciting acronyms for Ultimate Fighting Championship and Mixed martial Arts. UFC is a part of MMA. Currently the UFC is recognized as the largest MMA promotion around the entire world. The UFC is owned and operated by Zuffa LLC and their HQ is in Las Vegas Nevada. The UFC involves mixed martial arts which was based on Brazilian vale tudo.

When UFC first started out there were just a few limited amount of rules and most all of the fights were brutal and violent. Some even ended in death. It was more or less known as a “no holds barred” competition, but after a lot of flack from the press the UFC had to change and slowly started embracing stricter rules, also marketing themselves as a legit sporting event. Techniques like biting, eye gouging, hair pulling are frowned up on in the world of UFC but are still allowed.

Over the years the UFC has become more socially acceptable and has gained popularity from people around the world. UFC fights on television can be seen on SpikeTv in the US and 35 other countries. The UFC can also be seen on pay-per-view which wildly enough has broken every single record ever dated, as making well over $222,766,000 in one year alone in the year 2006. This surpasses that of WWE and boxing! The UFC has also decided in 2008 to go more mainstream and has announced two major exclusive sponsors, that of Harley Davidson and Anheuser-Busch, making Bud Light the official beer sponsor of the UFC. This was an incredible feat for both Harley and Anheuser-Busch. The UFC continues to rise to a searing popularity, gracing the covers of several very well known magazines such as Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine.

Title matches in the UFC are 5×5 meaning there are five rounds with 5 minutes each. In non title matches however there are three five minute rounds, in both instances there is a one minute rest period between rounds. Which is about the time the official UFC ring girls comes into play! Alright lets get on with more of the rules and regulations for this sport. As of now the UFC currently uses five weight classes, they are:

Lightweight: 146 to 155lbs
Welterweight 156 to 170lbs
Middleweight: 171 to 185lbs
Light Heavyweight: 186 to 205lbs
Heavyweight 206 to 265lbs

In addition to these weight classes there are also four classes specified in the UR (Unified Rules) which the UFC does NOT use, they are:

Flyweight: Under 125lbs
Bantamweight: 126 to 135lbs
Featherweight: 136 to 145lbs
Super Heavyweight: Above 265lbs

The UFC stages all of its fights appropriately enough in an octagon caged enclosure called “The Octagon.” The cage is eight-sided with walls made out of metal chain-link fence and is coated with black vinyl. The cage is 32ft in diameter and the fence is 5′6 to 5′8 high. The cage sits on a platform raising it 4ft (plus) off the ground. The attire for the UFC is pretty simple. The fighter must fight in approved shorts, no shoes, and approved light gloves. Fighters do NOT wear helmets of any sort.

Matches usually end in the following instances in the UFC; Submission, Knockout, Technical Knockout (TKO), Judges Decision, Technical Decision, Disqualification, Forfeit, Draw or No Contest. Some of the fouls are already listed in the beginning of this article but heres a few more; Groin attacks, Fish Hooking, Strikes to the spine or back of the head, throwing an opponent out of the ring, abusive language, faking an injury, and throwing in the towel during competition.

The UFC has a large amount of Accomplished UFC fighters. Such as Mark Coleman, Randy Couture, Frank Shamrock, Tito Ortiz, Royce Gracie, and Matt Hughes just to name a few. All in all there has been a count of 108 UFC events held in six countries and 18 US states. 84 of the events thus far have been available via per per view, while only 23 have been shown on cable t.v.

This author is the proud owner of http://www.pancrase.org

As the paddling season approaches many of you are probably hitting the pool to practice some rolls and get back in the groove before venturing out on the chillier rivers. Pool sessions are a great opportunity to practice your basic strokes. Even though it seems more fun to practice rolls and flatwater moves, basic strokes are the foundation of your paddling technique and your confidence building.

It’s important to practice draw strokes, sweep strokes, stern draws, the forward and the back stroke in flatwater where it’s peaceful and comfortable. That way you can focus your attention on developing powerful, efficient strokes that will put you exactly where you need to be in the rapids or give you a really good workout in flatwater.

Here are three quick tips to improving your basic stroke technique:

1. Sit up straight. If you feel like you’re sliding down in your seat put each hand on either side of your boat behind your hips, press down with your hands and lift your butt out of the seat. Tilt the bottom of your sit bones back so that you feel like you’re sitting up nice and straight and sit back down. This little adjustment is great for re-aligning your posture in your kayak after an hour or so of paddling. Sitting up straight will give you more reach with your forward stroke and more power.

2. Rotate from the core. Those of you who have taken instruction from me have heard this a million times! Torso rotation is the most important component of strong, efficient strokes. If you use your torso instead of your arms as your main source of power your strokes will feel effortless. To start cultivating torso rotation sit in your boat or on the floor in the same position that you would be in your kayak. Place your hands on your belly button and visualize a line going up your body from your belly button. Imagine that your head is fused to that line and can’t move independently. From here rotate to the right starting from your belly button and then to the left. This only works if you concentrate on moving from your belly button. This quick exercise will help you feel what strong torso rotation feels like and where it starts.

3. Watch your shaft angle. When you’re paddling forward your shaft angle should be almost vertical so that your blades are traveling right alongside your boat creating efficient forward momentum. The verticality also allows you to reach forward to get more length and purchase on the water. For turning strokes such as the stern draw and sweep your shaft angle should be horizontal and close to parallel with the water. Being mindful of your shaft angle can make a big difference in stroke performance and efficiency.

Anna Levesque was the 2001 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship Bronze Medalist and is a motivational keynote speaker. Her company Girls At Play, LLC offers white water kayaking tours, trips and classes for women.

During a recent visit to a college where I was a keynote motivational speaker one of the students made a comment about whitewater that I had never heard before. She was a sea kayaker and climber who was interested in trying whitewater kayaking, but was very apprehensive about the sport.

She explained her uneasiness was due to the fact that there is a lot less perceived control about whitewater. The environments of climbing (on a wall or rock face) and sea kayaking (in protected shorelines and flatwater) gave her a sense of being able to have more control over her skills and over whatever situation may arise.

She mentioned that if she were climbing a wall and she wanted to stop she could stop halfway up, but in moving water you can’t just stop because you can’t stop the flow of the water, and that scared her.

I had never thought of that aspect of whitewater before because I had never felt that apprehension myself as a beginner and it was eye opening. Not only is that a great explanation for why some people are so fearful about trying whitewater kayaking, but it’s also a good insight into what I encounter in a lot of women kayakers: The feeling of not having any control over what they’re doing when they’re paddling down a rapid.

I’ve taught quite a few women who get so scared that they stop paddling and just freeze up. Most of them tell me they don’t feel like they’re in control of their boat in rapids and they’re right!

These women aren’t in control, not because the water is too powerful, but because they’re not taking action to be in control. They could choose to focus on paddling, reading the water and getting their kayaks where they need to go. They don’t have to cling to the attitude that they have no control.

Let me say that I do not approach kayaking thinking that I can control or conquer the river, but I do approach it with an attitude that I can work with the water and paddle aggressively and positively to maneuver rapids successfully. Any time I have given up my power, lost confidence and felt out of control I didn’t have a very good day!

It’s important for all of us to remember that we have a choice on what attitude to take when approaching kayaking, or any other situation in life. Making good choices like taking kayaking classes, staying within our skill level, learning about safety and paddling with people we trust can lead to really positive, safe and fun kayaking trips. We have a lot more control than we think, maybe not control over the water, but control over our minds, our attitudes and our actions.

Anna Levesque was the 2001 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship Bronze Medalist and is a motivational keynote speaker. Her company Girls At Play, LLC offers white water kayaking tours, trips and classes for women.

Mountain biking has taken the cycling world by storm. It wasn’t all that long ago when the phrase “mountain bike” would’ve elicited blank stares. Now you see them everywhere. Mountain bikes are made to handle almost every terrain imaginable, and that’s why they’ve become so popular. Just like SUV’s, most people who use them don’t have a need for their full range of functions, but it’s good to no the capability is there “just in case”.

Mountain bikes are nice even for the urban rider because they eliminate the worries one might have when encountering potholes, gravel, and bad road conditions. Mountain bike riders utilize their bikes for a wide range of activities and competitions. A number of races and competitions have sprung up to make use of the mountain bike’s many capabilities.

One such extreme mountain bike competition is known as cross-country (or XC) races. Cross-country mountain bike races usually cover about 30 miles and cover a variety of terrains. These races feature a mass start with all the riders taking off at the same time much like a marathon.

If cross-country races are too short for you, there’s always endurance (or enduro) racing. These races cover in excess of 70 miles and climb to elevations of 8000 feet and more.

For the real maniacs out there, the only way to go is downhill racing. Downhill races typically have staggered starts to try to minimize crashing, but as you can imagine, crashes are a regular part of such events. The racers fly down the hill at breakneck speeds, the key being to have the fastest time down the slope. Many of these races are held on ski slopes during the warmer months. Such competitions demand that the riders have the utmost skill and experience as it can be an extremely dangerous endeavor. These races aren’t for novices.

A competition rapidly growing in popularity is dirt jumping. This will be familiar to BMX enthusiasts as it’s essentially the same sort of competition. Such events aren’t races, of course. They’re judged events wherein riders compete to accomplish the biggest, most amazing jumps involving spinning the bike in the air, doing flips, and even completely letting go of the bike and getting back on before it lands.

Another form of extreme mountain bike competition is bike trials. These events involve navigating unbelievable difficult terrain without touching your feet to the ground. Bike trials require riders to balance their mountain bikes on rails, boulders, posts, tree stumps, and any number of seemingly impossible obstacles. The goal is to finish the course quickly and without having to put your feet down.

If any of these extreme mountain biking competitions appeal to you, start practicing and getting into shape. These events are for skilled and experienced riders only. They’re physically demanding and fairly dangerous. They are not for novices. Remember to wear a helmet and pads when attempting crazy stunts on your bike, and take care of yourself if you’re going to attempt extremely arduous long-distance rides.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as cycling training at http://www.cyclinggearplus.com

The fans of other similar sports often appreciate freestyle snowboarding too, and that might by why the sport is so popular. It is a sport for people who love the excitement, and the pleasure of speeds and flying through the air.

The following is an alphabetized list of some of the key terms that you might hear if you listen to fans talking about snowboarding, or if you watch an event on television:

Air refers to the length of time, and the distance off the ground. Most times this is associated with the number of stunts that are performed while off the ground.

Bonk refers to when you slide over some object and slap it with your hand. There is usually a little air involved in this. Most likely the name comes from the sound made by the board hitting the bump, or by the slap.

Duck stance refers to the position with both feet on the board at once. This is the regular position of just standing up, but it is a little difficult while in the air, or while sliding down a hill.

Edges are the strips of metal that run along the edges of the board. Snowboarders use this part of the board to change direction, or to apply brake, or to make a pattern in the snow. The edges are what you use to maneuver the board in the desired direction. This is done by shifting one’s weight to the toes or heels.

A fall line is a straight line down the mountain. This is the line where the snowboard would travel fastest, since the force of gravity acts directly and the force of friction is lowest. The concept behind this name is that going straight down the mountain this way feels so fast it’s like free fall.

A garland means that the boarder is going across the slope. They need to build up speed going down, and then shift direction suddenly.

A half pipe is used for stunts. They go from one side to the other, in a funnel shaped area that is specially built for doing fancy stunts.

A kicker is a little jump that helps snowboarders to get as much air as possible, which allows them to perform many tricks in the air. The lip is the edge of a pipe, or some other area where you can take off into the air to begin a stunt.

When a rider turns, he may create a bump called a mogul. When you watch snowboarding events on television, or out in the real world, there are several events. There is the half pipe, where pros compete to see who can do the best stunts while in the air over a pipe. In a jump contest pros speed down the free line of a hill, to gather up as much momentum as possible.

They then hurl themselves off a lip at the end of the line, and into the air. The object is to do as many difficult tricks as possible while in the air. In power snow driving you start at the top of a hill and go straight down to the bottom, making as many fancy turns and tricks and small jumps as you can in between. This is a great favorite among freestyle fans.

Boarder Cross has several boarders who go down a hill together, navigating a series of jumps, twists, and obstacles in a race to the bottom. This is a great and wonderful sport that is worth the time to learn about, even if you just want to watch.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as snowboard boots and binding at http://www.mountainboardgear.com

Some people who come into the sport buy their snowboards; others get theirs as gifts after much pleading and patient waiting. That is a start, but now you have to figure out the hardest part, which is learning how to become a real snowboarder. In this article we’re going to talk about some of the fundamental strategies of snowboarding, and some of the main things you’re going to need to learn, and the equipment you’re going to need to get started.
As with any sport, the right equipment is vital if you want to perform properly, and you need to know how the equipment works as well. A general guide to the basics of snowboarding should include and outline of this information.

You need a board that fits you right. Boards come in all sizes, for adults and children of all ages and sizes so when you get your board, make sure it is a good fit. This way learning how to snowboard is going to be much easier.

Snowboarding works in much the same way as skiing, and the board is shaped in much the same way as a ski. For those with experience in skiing the transition should be much easier than for someone who is altogether new to the snow.

There are many types of snowboards, including freestyle boards, free ride boards and alpine or race boards. Beginners like them because they are easier to use than the other types of board. The two ends of the freestyle board are the same, so there is no front and back. This type of board is good for learning to snowboard, and for learning new tricks. Use a soft, short shoe for this type of board.
The free ride board is very versatile in terms of the kinds of conditions it can handle. Of course, an amateur or beginner wouldn’t have much use for this facility. Many different kinds of snow and ground quality are within your reach with this type of board. It is not as short or wide as the freestyle board and it is less flexible. The free ride board goes well with soft, tall shoes that have soft bindings.

Race or alpine boards are the kind of boards you will see being used in major competitions, or by professionals. Its thinness increases stability and makes the board pick up speed more easily, and make sharp, fast turns more easily. The shoe that goes with a race or alpine board resembles a ski shoe, for support and control.

Be sure to keep your legs and your whole body relaxed. If you tense up it is going to be hard going, and you run the risk of experiencing a dangerous fall. Keep your knees bent a little, but don’t lock them. Instead, focus on keeping your legs loose to absorb the pressure of any bumps you encounter.

That way, the ride will be smooth and easy and it will not be difficult to keep your balance. Avoid the urge to tense up your legs, or you won’t get that smooth ride and you are very likely to end up on the ground, which is not a good place to be. Look at the pros and see the way they do it, and you’ll get a feel for the sport. This is a good way to avoid having to learn by trial and error, which can be a very painful process.

Strap one foot onto the board and see how you feel going across the hill, just to get a feel for it. When you think you are ready, strap in the other foot and try going down the hill for the first time.
You steer with the leg that is in front. Use your front leg to guide the board, and use your hips to maintain balance. Don’t forget to keep your knees bent to absorb the shocks of any bumps on the hill. You are now snowboarding. When you want to stop just turn sideways so that the board is heading perpendicular to the hill, and you are facing up. That way the board will stop moving. To start again, point your snowboard down and it will start sliding.
You might want to borrow equipment the first few times to get a feel for the sport before getting your own personal shoes and board. You will also have a better idea about what kind is right for you.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as snowboard gear at http://www.mountainboardgear.com

Airsoft magazines are designed to look and operate as closely to the real thing as possible. They are typically made of high impact plastic or full metal, depending on the quality of the airsoft gun. They usually feature a depressible spring to help you feed the BBs into the magazine. Also, they may include markings or engravings that are the same or similar to the real guns that inspired them.

For gas airsoft pistols, the clips are typically made of full metal, and are thick, because the gas chamber is located inside the magazine, with a valve at the bottom for reloading green (or other types of) gas.

Airsoft magazines can be further categorized by the number of BBs they can hold.

Real Capacity (Real-Cap) Airsoft Clips

Real-cap clips are designed to operate in the exact same way as the real weapon. The will hold exactly the same amount of BBs as the real life cousins will hold. Only the most serious airsoft players looking for military simulation and authenticity need this kind of clip.

Low Capacity (Low-Cap) Airsoft Clips

As the name states, these clips are designed to carry less ammunition, and are intended for the relatively serious airsoft player who wishes to be in life like situation, in which the airsoft gun will not have many rounds. For automatic electric guns (AEGs), these clips will generally not hold more than about 100 rounds.

Medium Capacity (Mid-Cap) Airsoft Clips

Without the need for extra moving parts, as in the case of high capacity clips, the mid-cap clip still enjoys the advantage of quietness, like the low-cap magazine. In the case of the mid-cap airsoft clip, you will generally be looking at somewhere between 100 - 200 rounds.

High Capacity (High-Cap) Airsoft Clips

To get the extra advantage of being able to pummel your opponents with a rain of fire, or to be able to cover a teammate well, the high capacity magazine will be your choice. A rotating toothed wheel may be used to transfer the BBs from a reservoir to the chamber, else a battery operated, pressure sensitive pad may be used to feed a BB into the chamber of the gun.

Although this type of magazine is great for automatic firing and suppression of the enemy, the high capacity magazine may have a tendency to rattle, as loose pellets roll around in the clip. This could be the disadvantage that allows the enemy to locate you, and thus you may be taken by surprise.

Like most everything, the different airsoft clips out there have advantages and disadvantages. So make sure that you know how you want to use the clip, before you go out there and get one of your own.

Jeffry Evans knows that you want to get the best airsoft accessories, like airsoft magazines, in addition to getting information on airsoft guns.

If you thought that 6mm BBs were all there is in airsoft, you are wrong. Depending on your level of airsoft sophistication, you may require .20 BBs, or perhaps you may even want to use 6mm paintballs. That’s right, using 6mm paintballs instead of typical airsoft ammunition can really enhance your next military or police simulation. Think about it, you get the splat of the paintball arena, combined with the accuracy and authentication of airsoft. It’s kind of like the perfect combination.

Be careful with the Lower End Airsoft Weapons

Spring action pistols and rifles can present a problem when it comes to achieving the higher levels of play, and using the higher quality airsoft BBs. Spring action airsoft pistols and rifles tend to have less power than their electric and gas counterparts, and therefore may have trouble handling the heavier airsoft BBs. Typically, the spring airsoft guns are made for .12 standard 6mm airsoft BBs, normally the cheapest of the available ammo, and often known by simply “airsoft BBs” or “seamless airsoft BBs”. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the quality of these BBs, however for long range fire and accuracy, they simply don’t compete with the heavier, higher quality BBs.

For Electric and Gas Power Players

For the serious airsoft enthusiast, they should be looking at airsoft guns that can easily handle .20 and greater airsoft BBs. A gun that fires at 300 feet per second or higher is a good choice, and will allow you to hit targets with accuracy at 50 feet and greater. If you really want to pack the punch, try a .23 or .25 BB. Of course, these BBs are not going to have the range of .20 BB, but they will be accurate, and sting more than the lighter BBs. Where price is a factor, the .20 BB is definitely cheaper and more widely distributed than .23 or .25 BBs.

Don’t Reuse Your Airsoft Ammo

Especially for the higher end airsoft guns, reusing ammo just doesn’t make sense. Imagine what the impact does to a BB at 300+ feet per second. Deformities, dirt, etc. can really hurt the lifespan of your high dollar airsoft pistol or rifle. So just bite the bullet when comes to airsoft BBs, don’t pinch the pennies, because you might regret it later. Even with the cheaper spring powered airsoft guns, it is better to just use new BBs, unless you are already planning to replace the gun.

So we have seen how getting the right airsoft BBs, and always using new ammo in your airsoft guns is the right way to go for long term enjoyment of the sport. So go out there, have a great time, and make sure you have your protective gear on before engaging in airsoft play.

Jeffry Evans, knows that you are looking for high quality, cheap airsoft guns, and has the tools and knowledge to help you succeed in airsoft.

Before going on any climb, you’ll need to access what kinds of equipment you’ll need for your trip and be able to pack your necessary gear accordingly. There are several different types of carabiners that you can choose from that vary according to size, shape and gate size. Having the right carabiners for your trip and understanding how to use them are very important, as your life may be depending on them. Here are some quick tips for choosing the right carabiners for your climb.

Consider Your Needs

Before choosing any kind of carabiner for your trip, you need to consider what you will be using them for. Different styles of carabiners are designed for different tasks, so you’ll want to ask yourself what kinds of climbing you’ll be doing, as well as the kinds of protections you’ll be clipping into. If you’re just starting out climbing, you may want to get the assistance of an expert or experienced salesman for some help.

Explore Your Options

Once you know what kinds of carabiners will be best for your trip, take a trip to the store and look at some examples of carabiners they have there. Try to get a feel for how they work, how easy they are to clip into, and how smoothly the gates work. If you’re looking at getting some locking carabiners, try to get comfortable with locking and unlocking the gate with one hand. You’ll find that different people prefer different models, so choose some that are easy for you to use and operate smoothly.

Does Weight/Size of the Carabiner Matter?

While it’s always best to climb light, be sure to consider the weight of your carabiner as well, as light weight carabiners aren’t always the way to go. Super light carabiners can result in lower gate-opening strengths and eventually a lower life span for your carabiner. Plus, narrow carabiners can harm your ropes as well. The size of your carabiners should really be based off yoru personal preferences. Larger shaped carabiners can be easier to handle and hold a lot of gear, but take up a lot of space and add extra weight to your gear.

Check Your Carabiners

It’s always important to continually monitor your climbing gear to watch out for cracks, sharp edges, corrosion, and other signs of excessive wear and tear. Even a small hairline crack in your carabiner makes them extremely dangerous and should be trashed. If one of your carabiners has a fall greater than 20 feet, it should also not be used.

Climbing is unique from many other sports in that a fall may severely injure or kill the climber. If you have any questions or are unsure about a piece of equipment, be sure to consult with an expert.

Jeffry Evans, founder and retailer of top notch rock climbing gear, here to give you the information you need to conquer the mountain.