Shade sails are unique products, designed to provide respite from the hot sun; they come in various cuts and sizes. Shade sails are single pieces of specialized fabric that can be spread over driveways, sports courts, yards or between trailers and buildings. Shade sails are reminiscent of the work of artist Christo, as they blanket and cover unique spaces. Hanging shade sails requires a bit of hardware and technique. Measure and Find a Suitable Location Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Determine where you want the shade sail to go. Take into account the fact that the shade sail will only…
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The throw rope is a fundamental tool for rescue in water sports and is carried by all responsible river guides. It provides a lifeline for white water rafters and kayakers who have unintentionally become swimmers. Throw ropes usually have a clip or carabiner on one end and are stuffed into small bags, which are more easily thrown than loops of rope. Throwing a bag seems a bit unnatural at first and should be practiced by anyone who might need to rely on the skill in an emergency. Things You’ll Need: Instructions Step 1 Attach one end of the throw rope…
Rivers differ in such categories as gradient, shape, rockiness, hazards, thrills, temperature, seasonal changes and scenery. Outfitters vary somewhat less, but are not completely equal in emphasis on safety, experience and overall excursion quality. Most responsible river guides belong to at least one professional organization in order to keep up with current safety procedures and equipment. The U.S. Forest and Park Services and the Bureau of Land Management, which are the usual source of permits for rivers, can be contacted for information about outfitters. Company websites may answer a number of your questions. Safety How’s your safety record? What kind…
A sun shade sail made from used boat sails provides a versatile alternative to an expensive, fixed patio cover. This shade sail serves to protect and shade outdoor areas while also adding style and coziness to a backyard, patio or other outdoor spaces. Also versatile, you can attach it anywhere and it can be just as easily taken down when the season changes. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Clean your used sail with water and mild soap. Ensure that the fabric is still usable and no holes or any tears are present. Wipe with a towel and…
Whitewater rafting may be dangerous for a novice who is not fully trained in navigating the inflatable boat over the currents. And if you are a guide, you know that there is more to working with passengers during a rafting trip than merely paddling on a river. There are a number of insider tips you will do well to observe, as well as some obvious industry specific advice that is certain to make your business more lucrative and your career safer. Meet Minimum Industry Standards The International Rafting Federation put in place a number of minimum standards that commercial whitewater…
The Colorado Rockies is the starting point for many of the nation’s biggest river systems including the Colorado and the Rio Grande. For the intrepid adventurer Colorado’s rivers offer a plethora of rafting and kayaking opportunities from mild beginner paddles to edge-of-your-seat adrenaline rushes, from grade I (easy) to grade V (expert). The whitewater season in Colorado lasts from May, when the snows in the mountains begin to melt, to August. Clear Creek Conveniently close to Denver and running along I-70 in the mountains before heading down Clear Creek Canyon, Clear Creek offers excellent whitewater potential and several big river…
Part of the fun of making a raft is using the materials you have at hand in a creative way. A raft can be made of anything that is strong enough to hold it together and light enough to float. If you have a platform and a few buoyant floats, you have all you need to enjoy a lazy afternoon of floating around. Things You’ll Need: Instructions Step 1 Find or assemble a platform. One of the simplest raft platforms is a sheet of 3/4 inch plywood, about 4×8 feet in size. For a more primitive approach, lay a bunch…
If you are a whitewater paddler living in North Georgia then you’re lucky enough to have several excellent spots for kayaking that are close by. Chattooga River has a variety of rapids for the intermediate and expert kayakers while Cartecay River in Ellijay offers great practice for the novice or intermediate paddler. Whether this is your first time in a kayak or you’re an expert paddler, there are plenty of opportunities in North Georgia. Chattooga River Running along the border of South Carolina and Georgia, the Chattooga River offers up some excellent class III and class IV rapids. Consider putting…
Most serious kayakers don’t have just one boat. Different boats fit different paddling styles, and your mood may dictate a different boating experience. Once you own multiple boats, you need a way to store them. Anyone with basic carpentry skills and a few tools can build a kayak rack, and the project takes only a few hours. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Instructions Step 1 Measure the lengths of 4-by-4 needed for the frame of your rack. Racks for whitewater boats will be shorter than those for touring kayaks. If you have many boats, the width will be greater. Height…
Kayaks take up lots of space, and when they’re on the floor they make it inconvenient to move around in your garage. Making your own kayak rack is an easy and inexpensive project that will get your kayak off the ground, out of the way and make room for other toys. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Measure the distance between your kayak’s bulkheads. The stiffest part of a kayak’s hull is where the bulkheads are attached, and this is where the kayak should rest while being stored. Failure to rest the kayak on or near the bulkheads could…