Devon Surfer Andrew Cotton was key in wave record

Devon surfer Andrew Cotton was key in helping American Garrett McNamara attempt to ride the world's biggest wave yet. The feat, using a powered personal watercraft, earned Cotty a half share of the $15,000 (£9,300) prize money at the 2012 Billabong XXL Awards for big wave surfers.


Cotty, who has been surfing since a childs, did not begin his wave hunting odysseys until 2005 when Al Mennie, a friend from Northern Ireland, invited him over.
"I had always believed as much as anyone really that if you want good, big surf you don't go to England or Ireland, you have to go further afield.

"But it opened my eyes that you could get bigger waves than anywhere in the world, in Ireland."

Keeping fit with your dog

We’re a nation of dog lovers – but surveys reveal that Brits aren’t always so keen to exercise their dogs outdoors. This is bad news for dogs – and not encouraging news for our own fitness levels. There are several reasons why people say they are a bit slack on the dog walking, and one of them is the wet.

Yet, even the most budget-conscious dog owner should be able to afford a waterproof jacket and trousers for themselves, and a jacket to protect their dogs, too.

Another excuse given for limiting dog walking activities is that it’s “boring”. People complain that they walk the same old route every day and they simply can’t be bothered. Which is why we’re excited about a fast-growing trend for the dog and human pursuit of Cani-cross. By joining a cani-cross group you’ll discover a while new world of dog exercising.

What is cani-cross

This is a sport that sees dogs and their human owners running cross-country. This doesn’t have to be long-distance and could simply be a few miles each day, but it does offer a greater breadth of dog exercising opportunities.

Cani-cross is a great activity for improving dog and owner fitness. It’s a brilliant way to meet new dog-focused people and to become fitter yourself. If you so fancy, you and your dog can also part in a rising number of Cani-Cross events, from 2.5ks to 10ks to off-road marathon that place across the UK.

One enthusiastic Cani-Cross trainer and runner is Lindsay, of Glasgow-based Cani-Fit. She offers a number of cani-cross training sessions for all abilities, from new-comers to more experienced runners, in and around the Scottish city. She runs with her own dog Suko, a large malamute.

Lindsay has been interested in Cani-Cross as a way to keep her dog fit and happy, and because she loves running in the great outdoors. She prefers longer distance runs - "I like slower and longer runs," she says.

Thanks to the use of a special dog harness that fits comfortably around the dog and keeps the lead from becoming entangled in their legs, and a padded waist harness, dog and owners can run in unison. An elasticated lead means that if dog or owner need to stop suddenly, neither one is jolted uncomfortably.

Most dog breeds are suitable for Cani-Cross although it can require some training to ensure that dog and human run along happily together. The running distance of each dog will vary but many dogs love being able to lead their owners along countryside trails.

Lindsay says: “Cani-Cross is really taking off in the UK now, having come from Canada where it’s a huge sport. I have been taken aback by the interest in my cani-cross running sessions and many more people are asking about harnesses and training their dogs.

“This is such a great way to get fit, and it is also a fantastic workout for the dog.

Apart from the dog and owner harnesses, little else is required in the way of equipment. People dress in their normal running clothing, and most wear off-road running shoes. During winter months it’s a good idea to wear a waterproof jacket and long tights. If you’re running in a dimly lit area then brighter clothing is recommended. You dog might also value a waterproof dog jacket in poorer weather.

London 2012 Olympic Song - Muse

Osprey Wetsuits - Adults & Childs Wetsuits

Check out these wetsuits from Osprey. They start at only £19.99 for the childs wetsuits and £29.99 for the adults osprey wetsuit.



  

A great value entry level wetsuit, perfect for for surfing and bodyboarding.

London 2012 Olympics - one month to go

With only one month to go until the games we take a look at the British Medal Hopefuls

http://www.chelstondirect.com/info-hub/london-2012-olympics-british-medal-hopefuls.html

The beauty of outdoors gear for women

So many more women are taking to the great outdoors looking for an adventure, whether it’s walking, cycling, running, surfing, mountain biking, climbing or kayaking. And the demands of trying these new pursuits are tough enough without being restricted by kit.

Not so long ago, the only outdoor gear for women was a scaled-down men’s version. These badly fitting items were also likely to come in less-than-flattering male colours, such a khaki green or brown.

Thank goodness then that the major gear and clothing companies have wised up to the needs of women – and are now producing ever-growing ranges of female-specific kit. The 21^st century outdoors woman has a wealth of choice of clothing tailored to perfectly fit the female physique – and in many funky and ladylike colours and patterns.

The size range for women’s outdoor clothing is also pretty impressive, from size XS to XL or UK size 8 to 20. Admittedly, not all companies have the same extent of sizes but with a wee bit of shopping around it is usually possible to find something you’ll like in a size that fits nicely.

There are also feminine versions of a host of other outdoor kit items, including rucksacks, sleeping bags, mountain bikes, helmets and even Swiss Army knives (with a Breast Cancer campaign message).

Just because you’re women adventurer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look good. And if you feel good about how you look, we’ll bet you’ll perform even better!

Clever design details of women’s outdoor clothing

• Waterproof walking jackets and fitness tops tailored fit to suit smaller waist and fuller chests.
• Shorter overall jacket length and arm lengths that are longer, because women generally have longer arms.
• Smaller female-fit hoods on walking jackets.
• Higher waist and fuller hips on walking trousers and waterproof over-trousers.
• Narrower fit walking boots, especially in the heel area.
• Narrower fit gloves with adjustable wrist straps to suit slimmer arms.

Women specific details in other outdoor kit

*Sleeping bags come tailored to fit women and girls at the shoulders, hips and overall length.

* Many sleeping bags have extra padding where women feel the cold more, such as at your feet.

* Some sleeping bags even have a forehead comfort tube and internal hand warmer pockets.

* Most tents are perfect for men and women but if you’re a girl in the mood for a bit of cheery fun choose a tent in a bright and flowery design! No one said the guys can’t buy this tent, too, but we bet they don’t!

* Women’s rucksacks and hydration packs are designed to suit a woman’s slimmer and shorter torso. Size, straps and waistband are all tailored to fit. And many rucksacks come in pretty colours, too, if you so fancy.

* Some sports bras have a special slot for a gadget that co-ordinates with a heart rate monitor watch. This eliminates the need for the traditional – and uncomfy – chest strap. Guys, this one isn’t for you. Girls, this is perfect for keeping tabs on your fitness levels.

* Surfing wetsuits come in female-fit shapes, so they are narrower and curvier where required.

Tell us about your experiences of women-specific outdoors clothing and gear.

by Rob Simon

Surfing day for Military Children

A support group set up to help children in Devon who have parents in the armed forces now has more than 2,500 members.

The Plymouth based group, Her Majesty's School Heroes organises activities to let the children share their experiences, particularly if their parents are deployed abroad.

Widey Court Primary School has over 120 children with serving parents, arranged a surfing day in Cornwall.

The charity is affiliated to the Royal British Legion and local schools have a dedicated space on its website and have a large laminated map to show where family members may be serving.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18242470