Logrolling is a water sport where two people balance on a log and one rolls it while the other tries to keep up. It originated in North America in the lumber community and is now standardized for safety and fairness. Women also compete and it celebrates aspects of the logging industry. Logrolling is a water […]
Epee is a type of fencing sword used in sport fencing, descended from the rapier. It has a fluted blade and a large guard. In epee fencing, the whole body is a valid target and there is no specific right of way. Fencers usually start with foil before advancing to epee or saber. Electrified blades […]
Icebike refers to winter cycling on roads or trails, with special equipment available for extreme versions. Cyclists ride for commuting, exercise, or fun, with equipment varying based on weather conditions. Proper clothing and equipment, including studded tires, fenders, and lights, are necessary. Ice bike racing is a special category with winding paths carved out of […]
Jackstraws is a game played with carved wooden pieces that are more challenging than traditional pick up sticks. The game has origins in ancient cultures and has been used for gambling and divination in China. Jackstraws became popular in Victorian England and crossed the pond to the United States. The game includes thematically related pieces […]
Square dancing originated from the quadrille and Morris Dance in the 17th century. Western square dance uses a caller and is popular in the US. Traditional square dance involves clogging and is performed to Irish or Scottish music. The popularity of square dancing peaked in the 1950s-70s and is now governed by CALLERLAB. It emphasizes […]
The Triple Crown is awarded to a horse that wins the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year. Only 12 horses have won since 1919. The races are open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, and the winner is awarded a prize of five million US dollars. The Kentucky Derby is the first […]
A pickup camper is a compact camping unit that fits in and over the bed of a pickup truck. It is less bulky than a full-sized RV and requires minimal effort to slide into place. It provides a comfortable and safe place to sleep and costs less than other types of motorhomes. It is possible […]
Biomechanics studies the human body in a physical way similar to a mechanic studying a vehicle. Sports biomechanics analyzes body movement during sports to improve performance or prevent injury. It encompasses physics, anatomy, and physiology and can be applied to healthcare and sports. Sports biomechanics professionals focus on injury prevention and performance, analyzing physical actions […]
Belaying in rock climbing involves securing the climber to a rope using a belay device, which is attached to the climbing rope and controlled by the belayer. Belaying is usually done in pairs, and self-belaying is possible but only for experienced climbers. Belay systems come in various sizes and designs, with self-locking devices being the […]
Cigarillos are small cigars, about 3 inches long and 0.25 inches in diameter, often marketed as a tastier alternative to cigarettes and come in various flavors. They contain about three times the tobacco content of cigarettes and may be sold in small packages. Warning labels are required on all tobacco products. Cigarillo is a Spanish […]
The Aqua Lung® is a device for breathing underwater invented by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan in the 1930s. It uses open-loop technology and is still used in the military and diving communities. After the patent expired, US Divers purchased and trademarked the device. The United States Army has used Aqua Lung® technology for nearly […]
Horse riding lessons focus on the rider’s skills, with judges observing form and communication between horse and rider. Calm, well-trained horses are preferred, and riders can use English or Western tack. Equestrian training builds a relationship between horse and rider, encouraging good manners and responsiveness. Horse riding is the art of riding a horse. In […]
A wax comb is a tool used to texturize or remove wax from a surfboard. It has teeth on one edge and a flat surface on the other. It can be used to scrape long lines into the wax or remove wax from the board. Multifunctional wax combs may have additional tools like a wrench […]
Varsity teams are made up of the strongest players in college and high school, while junior varsity consists of less experienced players. Some schools hold sporting events for both levels, while others have junior college players as backups. Some students are immediately good enough for varsity, while others use junior college as a proving ground. […]
The playoff beard is a tradition among North American sports teams, especially in the NHL, where players don’t shave during postseason contests for good luck. It started with the 1980 New York Islanders and has become a ritual among most NHL teams. Fans also grow playoff beards to show support and sometimes for charity fundraising. […]
Paintball is a game where people shoot each other with guns that shoot paintballs. It began in the 1980s and quickly became a legitimate sport. Players use specially set up fields and equipment, and referees ensure safety. It is now a popular sport with equipment available at most sporting goods stores. Paintball is a combo […]
Hydrogen rockets use hydrogen and oxygen as propellant, releasing energy when ignited. The reaction is efficient and used in space launches, but hydrogen must be kept in liquid form. Model rockets on Earth use the same concept, but don’t need to carry oxygen. Simple experiments can illustrate the power of the reaction. A hydrogen rocket […]
Tai Chi walking is a gentle exercise that improves posture and gait while focusing on the act. It can be practiced alone or combined with other aspects of Tai Chi practice. It requires no additional equipment and is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical ability. The gait is slow, flowing and […]
Bird calls are vocalizations used by birds to identify themselves and communicate with others. They can be formed by the syrinx or mechanically, and can be used for mating, warning, or maintaining contact. Bird calls are used for identification and research, and some birds can mimic other species’ calls. Hunters use bird calls to lure […]
Sun Salutation is a series of yoga poses that warm up the body and increase muscle flexibility. It’s used to honor the sun and bring its power into the heart. Pregnant women, those with hernias, and acute back problems should consult a doctor before attempting it. The goal is to move between each pose with […]
