Horse racing jockeys are professional athletes who ride racehorses in races of a quarter-mile and longer. They must be strong and fearless to control horses at high speeds. Jockeys are self-employed and specialize in one type of racing. They consult with trainers and develop racing strategies. They are paid a mount fee and a percentage […]
RV trailers are small and compact travel trailers that can be towed by any type of vehicle. They feature a collapsible frame with canvas stretched over it, creating a tent suspended off the ground. They are ideal for short-term camping trips and offer comfort and convenience, including storage space and electrical devices. They are a […]
Snowboard cross, also known as boardercross, is a competitive downhill event where four snowboarders race simultaneously around a course designed to test their control of the board. The winner is the first across the finish line, and style and technique are not judged. Snowboarders must also fight each other, often bumping as they zip around […]
Blood doping, an illegal practice in endurance sports, involves collecting an athlete’s blood, processing it to create a concentration of red blood cells, and transfusing it back into the athlete before competition. This increases the athlete’s endurance by delivering more oxygen to their muscles. While standard blood doping has fallen out of favor, athletes now […]
Contra dance is a traditional style of dance that pairs couples facing each other in long lines. It originated from English country dances and was mixed with French formal dances. It was popular in the US in the 18th and early 19th centuries, especially in New England. It has seen a resurgence in recent years […]
The Ryder Cup is a golf competition between the US and Europe, expanded to include other European nations. Samuel Ryder founded the tournament, and the US won the first one in 1926. The format has changed over time, and the tournament is now held every two years. European teammates are chosen based on their performance […]
Roller Derby is a contact sport played by teams of five skaters on a thin rink. The two positions are blockers and jammers, and the lead jammer has the right to stop the jam. Points are awarded when jammers pass through the group a second time. Roller Derby has its roots in the Transcontinental Roller […]
Jogging strollers allow parents to exercise while spending time with their babies. They have a three-wheeled design with a handrail and canopy. There are heavy-duty and lightweight models for different terrains. Running with a stroller can provide a tougher workout, but it’s not recommended for babies under six to twelve months. They’re not suitable for […]
Electric trains are popular toys and models that run on electric current. The H0 gauge is the most standard size, with more models available, while the 0 scale is recommended for children. Larger scales are used for displays. Clubs and societies exist worldwide for enthusiasts to share tips and work together. An electric train generally […]
“Sabra” can refer to a Jewish person born in Israel, as well as various food and drink recipes from Israel. The term comes from the Hebrew word for a cactus plant native to the area, and is often used to describe the tough exterior and sweet interior of Israeli Jews. Some dishes use the cactus […]
Internal frame backpacks have a lightweight frame made of plastic or aluminum, with fabric straps for support. They lack external attachments but are ideal for long hikes and rough terrain, keeping contents safe and fresh. In an effort to carry everything we need while backpacking, even if we keep the load as light as possible, […]
Birdwatching is a popular recreational activity that involves observing wild birds in their natural habitat. It can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and knowledge of birds. The Audubon Society was founded in honor of John Jacob Audubon, a famous bird watcher who made significant contributions to the identification and description of American […]
Ice fishing involves catching fish from a frozen body of water by cutting a hole in the ice. Anglers can sit outside or inside a heated cabin. Equipment needed includes a saw, ice shovel or auger, fishing rods, and fish lures. Specialized sonar systems and underwater cameras can enhance the experience. Ice fishing is a […]
Ninjutsu is an ancient Japanese practice that combines martial arts with strategy and mental acuity. It was developed in feudal Japan primarily for espionage and intelligence gathering. Practitioners were trained in 18 disciplines, including combat, disguise, and meteorology. The mystique surrounding ninjas has led to misconceptions, including their portrayal as fierce assassins in modern media. […]
The hustle is a dance that originated during the disco era, with two forms: a line dance and a partner dance. The partner dance is a smooth blend of mambo and swing, with intricate footwork and tricks. It can be learned in ballroom dance classes and is often seen on shows like So You Think […]
Jigs are Scottish folk dances characterized by compound metres, with double jigs being the most popular. They can be strung together and danced continuously. The fast-paced dance has found its way into American slang. Jigs can be danced individually or as a team, requiring coordination between partners. Originating as a Scottish folk dance, jigs are […]
An ice ax is a tool used in mountaineering for icy or snowy conditions. It has a metal head with a sharp pickaxe and a shorter axe, and a lightweight handle made of materials like aluminum or Kevlar®. The handle varies in length depending on its intended purpose, and the tool can be used for […]
A triathlon is a sport that combines running, cycling, and swimming. It emerged in California in the 1970s and tests an athlete’s stamina and speed. It is an individualized but not brutally competitive sport, and athletes of all ages and sizes can compete. The length of a triathlon can vary enormously, from a super sprint […]
Equestrian vaulting is a sport that combines dance, gymnastics, and horse riding. Participants perform gymnastic movements on a moving horse individually or in teams. The sport has ancient roots and is still practiced by modern cavalry and law enforcement officers. The horse is controlled by a longeur, and the athlete must be flexible and strong. […]
Sports sociology studies social behavior in relation to sports, examining groups such as athletic teams, enthusiasts, and corporations. It views sports as microcosms of society, analyzing power dynamics and relationships between players, coaches, and fans. It also addresses social issues such as gender equality, race, and physical disability. The sociology of sport is an academic […]
