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Windsurfing Gear That Every Beginner Must Have

Windsurf Board

When you are keen on learning windsurfing, you may need to enroll in one of its training schools. Such training centers will have almost everything required to learn this adventurous water sport. When you’re learning windsurfing, you may not need any gear or equipment. 

Once you begin to start taking this water sport seriously, you’d want to have your own gear. However, being a beginner, you might find it difficult to determine the things that are really needed. Given below are all the essential gear you must have before you begin playing with the waves:

1. A windsurfing board

Earlier, the beginners practiced with heavier boards that gave them lesser freedom of movement, but were good for balance. Today, the beginners can use boards that are almost the same size but are lighter and allow easy movement. If you are a novice, such boards will build some confidence in you while providing a wonderful windsurfing experience.

Later, you can go for the smaller boards. You can also choose to have a retractable daggerboard. Such boards have a fin that’s fixed at the center and can be removed using a screwdriver. Retractable boards offer greater convenience during inland sailing.

2. Mast base

It is the base for connecting the sail and mast to the windsurfing board. The mast base is like a flexible joint, which keeps the sail fixed to the board. At the same time, it also allows plenty of movements for angling the sail in appropriate directions. It is usually positioned under 150 centimeters from the tail.

3. Mast

Together with the mast base and sail, this is an integral part of your windsurfing equipment’s rig section. The mast is the central pole that holds the sail. Most of the masts of today are made using carbon and are easier to handle while on water. Owing to their lighter weight, they are easier to carry as well.

4. Sail

It is quite obvious that the sail is an essential part of the windsurfing equipment. Imagine if you’re left on the board without a sail! You’ll get nowhere. The sails are created with a clear monofilm. They are measured in square meters and are lighter. 

Sails for beginners fall within a bracket of 2.5 to 4.5 square meters. As you get better at achieving faster speeds, they are increased in size between 5 and 8 square meters. Smaller sails of 4 to 6 square meters are used by many windsurfers during stronger winds.

5. Boom

It is essentially a hand rail with an oval shape attached to the ends of the mast. It keeps the sail tight. Riders can direct the sail and steer by holding the boom. It is ideally set at shoulder to chin height when you stand on the board. Different types of booms are used for sails and masts of varying sizes. An affordable basic model of boom is recommended for the windsurfing gear of beginners.

6. Buoyancy aid

There are always certain risks associated with water sports. It is, therefore, essential to have some sort of buoyancy aid to mitigate such risks. The most popular example of buoyancy aid is a life-jacket.

7. Wetsuit

Wetsuits may not be necessary if you are windsurfing just for fun while vacationing in destinations like the Caribbean. However, if you’re heading out into the waters of a colder destination, a wetsuit can offer strong protection. You can choose a wetsuit according to your preferences and the climate of the destination you are in.

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3 Best Windsurfing Boards of 2021

Kona Windsurfing bic

One of the most essential aspects of windsurfing is utilizing the power of wind to one’s advantage. It is also important for the windsurfer to maintain balance while riding the waves. So, if you are a windsurfer, it is absolutely necessary that you have the right windsurfing board. 

Many of the windsurfers won’t be able to perform to their full potential if their boards are not appropriate. When you realize you’ve picked the wrong board, it must be replaced immediately to avoid an unpleasant situation. 

There are so many brands making windsurfing boards today that you’ll find it hard to pick the best one. So, we’ve made things easier for you. Here are the best 3 windsurfing boards that make your experience of riding the waves truly exciting and memorable:

1. 2020 Kona One Windsurfing Board

This top-notch board has a high versatility and has been constructed according to the needs of the windsurfer. It is not only great for the beginners, but also offers experts the necessary ease of handling. The board features a rocker rope of the appropriate length and has a good tail construction. 

It has a fascinating carving and is ideal for smooth riding, sub-planning, and a high-speed performance. This board won’t let you down during strong winds as it is easier to control in such situations. Along with this board having a length of 138 inches, you’ll get 16-inch fiberglass paddles. You’ll also get a fin box and a 15-inch fin. 

Among the board’s biggest advantages is that it is easier to control and maneuver. It also offers great stability and improves speed. The only disappointment is that the board doesn’t come with a warranty.

2. Z-Ray Inflatable SUP Windsurfing Board

It has become a favorite among many windsurfers who like to have an inflatable board for their vacations. It offers great portability. As a result, the windsurfing enthusiasts can carry these boards with them wherever they go. You’ll have to use the pump provided with the board to get it inflated.

Upon full inflation, the board’s length, thickness, and width reaches 10 feet, 6 inches, and 30 inches respectively. When fully inflated, this board can withstand a weight of 264 pounds and still offer great performance and stability. It is easier to control and offers excellent performance on small waves despite being lightweight and smaller in size. 

This windsurfing board is made from PVC and is scratch-resistant and dent-proof. You’ll also get a repair kit, instruction manual, pump, sail, paddle, and a backpack along with the board. The negatives of Z-Ray board are its susceptibility to punctures and always having to inflate it before using.  

3. The BIC Sport Techno 293 DTT Windsurfing Board

This board suits professional windsurfers as well as those who indulge in this activity for leisure. It offers you the required convenience for fast and easy maneuvers as it is lightweight and built rigidly. The board is 114 inches long and 30 inches wide. It can withstand a weight of 240 pounds. You don’t have to worry about your comfort and safety while using this board. 

The reason for this is its thick feet pads and excellent foot straps. It offers a high degree of stability and facilitates smooth movements. The only problem is that you’ll have to buy the rig and sail separately.

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Try These 5 Outdoor Activities

Fishing

Sweden is, without any doubt, a fascinating country with charming places that have remained unspoiled even today. So, when you’re in this part of the world, you can expect some incredible spots for pleasant outdoor activities. 

There are many things to do in Sweden and some of them are extremely popular with tourists. As the country has many national parks, archipelagoes, and mountains, you won’t be able to stay indoors for long. Here are some of the exciting outdoor activities you can try while exploring Sweden:

1. Hiking

You’ll find hundreds of hiking trails in this mesmerizing country. They have been clearly marked for the convenience of hikers. You’ll also come across many huts, hostels, and mountain stations while exploring some of these trails. 

Most of the trails developed as walking routes over a few decades. In recent times, they give hikers the chance to witness some incredible sights of the country. The Swedish people have a natural liking for walking their beautiful countryside during summers. You can join the locals in exploring some pleasing smells, colors, flora, and fauna when you go hiking.

2. Biking

There are well-marked bicycle routes throughout the countryside and in cities. The green color is used for national signs, black for district signs, and blue is used for local signs. You can get maps and some valuable tips from the local tourism centers on places to explore. These centers will also suggest some fascinating attractions to visit when you go biking. 

You can combine your biking tour with camping for a memorable experience outdoors. Sweden has many campsites, where you can rent a cottage or set up your tent. You’ll also find ski resorts in this country that have excellent biking trails.

3. Fishing

This can be a wonderful outdoor activity while touring Sweden. Right in the center of the Swedish capital city, salmons are caught regularly. Water is crystal-clear and is favorable for fishing. Some of the larger lakes in Sweden are particularly good for catching char and salmon. You can choose to visit Tarnaby for an unforgettable mountain fishing experience. 

The nearby Sorsele can be an ideal place to try fly-fishing. This is where you can find chars, trout, and graylings in abundance. In most of the places you’ll need permit for freshwater fishing. You can get the necessary assistance for such permits at any of the local tourist offices.

4. Kayaking

On the east coast of Sweden lies the Saint Anna archipelago, which is made up of many beautiful islands. These are the places where one can find different kinds of birds. Camping is also allowed on the islands. You can go kayaking through the waters of the country’s east coast. 

As you move past the wildlife sanctuaries, you can witness different species of flora and fauna. Such kayaking tours are led by professional guides. You’ll enjoy being a part of their team as they plan out many activities. Camping, preparing meals, and planning the route are included in such tours.

5. Winter Wildlife Tracking

This involves traveling to various hotspots in a van, looking out for the wild animals. You also need to venture out on foot wearing snowshoes or skis. Beaver, deer, mountain hare, wolf, and lynx are the animal species you’ll get to observe. 

You’ll be taken to dense forests by experienced guides to spot these animals. Such tours are usually planned for about four days and include camping and accommodation.  

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4 Unique Hotels in Sweden for Unforgettable Stays

TreeHotel

You might think that Sweden is a small country and won’t offer something unusual with regards to accommodations. Well, you’ll be amazed to know that the country has some awe-inspiring places that offer truly memorable stays. You’ll come to know about this when you begin traveling around in the country. There are some quirky hotels that will leave you stunned! 

However, you must know that they are certainly not the low-cost options. You’ll be able to book an accommodation in them only if you’re ready for the splurge. So, here we present the most extraordinary hotels in this charming European country:

1. Steam Hotel

On the shores of Lake Malaren is this fascinating 100-year-old hotel. It was earlier an 18-story steam plant, which later got converted into this unbelievably stylish hotel. You’ll get the vibes of pure luxury when you step inside this hotel and find a unique decor. 

Steam Hotel’s rooms provide wonderful views of the lake. In fact, it has an outdoor rooftop pool that overlooks the lake. You’ll be in for some pampering in its upmarket spa. Giant wooden beams, exposed pipes, and brickwork are all a part of this hotel. Of course, you’ll need a big budget to stay in it.

2. Treehotel

At a distance of 90 kilometers northwest of the city of Lulea is this incredible hotel. It is located in Harads, which is a remote northern village. The Treehotel has seven rooms near the Lule River, suspended among pine trees. 

All these rooms have been given pretty strange names. Dragonfly, UFO, Bird’s Nest, Cabin, Blue Cone, and Mirrorcube are the names of the hotel’s six rooms. The last one is the most luxurious. It is called the Seventh Room and has been built around a tree. 

All of these rooms have their own unique personalities. You have to be someone wealthy in order to stay in any of these rooms, particularly the Seventh Room. For those who can’t afford the stays, a guided tour of the Treehotel is available for an affordable fee.

3. Af Chapman

When you’re exploring the capital city of Sweden, you might get a glimpse of a large, white sailboat. You’ll be astonished to know that it is the most iconic of all floating hotels in Stockholm. The name of this magnificent hotel is Af Chapman. 

It had sailed the seven seas between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Later, it was used to provide accommodation to members of the Swedish navy. Today, it boasts of 77 rooms, which offer comfortable stays with a historic feel. The hotel also provides mesmerizing views of Gamla Stan and offers convenient access to central Stockholm.

4. Jumbo Stay

To get a good night’s sleep in a Boeing 747 is a rare happening. Now, you can live this experience by booking your accommodation in Jumbo Stay. A Boeing 747 was converted into this hotel and opened to guests in 2009. 

As expected, the hotel became an instant hit upon its opening. A double room has been housed on the flight deck. It has also been provided with an en-suite bathroom. The hotel also offers a wing-top observation deck for those who wish to enjoy some jaw-dropping views.

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Planning Your Tour of Sweden

stockholm

What was once a land of the Vikings is now a modern and prosperous nation. Sweden never fails to delight you with its magnificent Romanesque churches and other historic structures. During your visit to this beautiful country, you’ll get some interesting insights into the lives of its locals. 

They seem to lead a peaceful life, occasionally gathering around a traditional coffee called ‘fika’ with their loved ones. The Swedish people also love to dine on meatballs, potatoes, and herring. You’ll also get to explore some enchanting forests and trails during your time spent in this country. There are certain things you must consider while planning your trip to this fascinating nation:

Best time to visit Sweden

There are four distinct seasons in this part of the world. Some are characterized by ice-cold temperatures and some by a balmy climate. The best time to visit Sweden would depend on what you want from your tour. Everything depends on whether you’re looking forward to spending pleasant summer nights or snowy evenings. 

One of the unique experiences you’ll get to witness in the country is the midnight sun. For this phenomenon, the ideal time to visit would be the peak of summer in June and July. If you wish to enjoy the snow, plan your tour between late November and March. If you’re looking for sunshine and a warm weather, the best time would be between May and September.

Finding cheaper accommodation in the Swedish capital

The rates charged by the hostels and hotels in Stockholm might be a concern, but there’s a way out. Even though the city is expensive, you can still manage to find a cheaper and comfortable accommodation. 

If you just want to spend a couple of nights, you can consider the city’s budget hotels. Almost all of them are clean and cosy. The only compromise you’ll have to make would be on coffee machines and widescreen televisions. 

You can save even more if you’re willing to share a single bathroom with other guests. Another way to save more is to find better deals in places away from the main tourist area. You can try looking for budget hotels or hostels in Sodermalm, Norrmalm, or Kungsholmen.

Renting a car while exploring Sweden

Some of the world’s safest roads are found in Sweden. This makes it a great country to enjoy driving. You’ll surely have a pleasant driving experience as you’d get to enjoy endless views of forests and lakes. Renting a car can be an expensive affair in this European country, but you don’t need to worry. 

There’s a way to bring down your cost of renting a car. Instead of hiring cars from international companies like Avis, you can go for the local car rentals. There are service providers that would give you used cars on hire. You’ll just have to confirm the rates they charge.

Options in entertainment

You can plan your visit to some popular places of entertainment in this country for having loads of fun. Among them are live music venues that have become extremely popular in recent times. Some of the best live music venues are Debaser Medis located in central Sodermalm and Fasching near Stockholm’s Central Station. 

They’ve hosted some of the famous local and international talents over the years. Another great entertainment option to consider is casinos. Sweden is home to a few elegant casinos owned by a state-run establishment called Casino Cosmopol. They host regular poker tournaments and also have classic games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Slots.