World, European, British – he’s a champion! Ernie Ward, Tallington Lakes’ resident water skier, was a true champion winning many water ski titles during his water skiing career.
Ernie started to water ski late in life at the age of 42, after seeing a sixty-year-old women have a go in Ibiza, and dominated the veteran class. In his time Ernie won over eighty National and International titles. Ernie held the British title for five consecutive years; it may have been six but he didn’t compete in the sixth!
Ernie Ward is pictured with the World Cup trophy he won in Sicily 1989.
Ernie spent his time between ‘the home of water skiing’ Florida, USA and living above the Pro Shop at Tallington Lakes. Ernie lived and breathed water skiing and was instrumental in developing the water skiing facilities here at the lakes. Ernie was part of a team that successfully brought the 1988 World Veteran Championships to Lincolnshire.
Ernie water ski jumped until he was 70, and contiuned to ski until 77. Even after his career was over he was still enthusiastic about the water skiing facilities as he was when he laid the first slalom course, here at Tallington Lakes
Ernie was a quiet and unassuming man, who amassed a huge collection of titles and trophies. His drive and enthusiasm for the sport is missed in the water skiing community. Describing water skiing Ernie said “it’s a family sport that anyone can learn”. He loved to get kids involved in the sport he was so passionate about!
BWSW‘s Director of Excellence Nick McGarry said of Ernie Ward.
“Ernie was a winner and a leader, no doubt about that. He was also one of those very special, yet rare people that can enthuse and inspire others just by being himself.
As a youngster you always wanted to ski well if he was at the tournament. He always noticed how you had got on and not just for a few favorites but all the youngsters. Quick to put an arm around you if you had suffered a disappointing run and offer some quiet words of encouragement you would not want to earn his disapproval for anything less than good behavior.
A naturally funny man, he was so welcoming to the newbies that came into the Tournament Scene. A terrific character who was generous with his time and knowledge. He once said to me, when I had just been very harshly disqualified from my second trick pass by an over zealous chief judge “Always listen to what someone has to say. The least you will find out is that they don’t know what they are talking about”. An absolute gem of wisdom delivered perfectly to soften the blow, just for knowing him!
We owe him a debt of gratitude which is best served by continuing to service our great sport as he did.
So I am honored to be able to Judge in his Competition.”
The Ernie Ward Memorial Cup is an annual reminder of the man, his achievements, and the development of the water skiing facilities here at Tallington Lakes! The trophies awarded on the day are from Ernie’s collection, because as his widow, Jeanie, explains “he always wanted to put something back into the sport”.
As a water sports enthusiast you may have heard about London Jump Night which includes the worlds best in Water Ski Jumping. You’ll not only be amazement at size of the jump but the speed at which they hit the ramp. Unlike slalom and trick skiing the main aim of jump skiing is to spend the longest period ‘out of the water’ in trying to achieve the maximum distance possible from the ramp.
For maximum stability whilst on the water/ramp, ski jumping involves two long skis which are both wide and equipped with tail fins. As to achieving the longest distance you might think why not just increase the speed but to ensure fairness a rule has been written stating a maximum speed for each competitive division (age/gender) so is solely based on the skier’s individual performance.
To help increase the speed many jumpers have varying degrees of ‘cut in’ from the slowest single, to three quarter and the fastest being double cut. Utilising this technique a male jumper can achieve speeds of more than 60mph at the ramps base with a jump more than 240ft off a 6ft ramp whereas women jumpers can jump over 170ft from a 5ft ramp.
If, like me, you open water swim to keep fit; it can be difficult to justify purchasing an open water/triathlon specific wetsuit. They are specifically designed for the competitive swimmer or triathlete with long distances swimming in-mind. Consequently they are not as hard wearing as a traditional wetsuit, and therefore not really suitable for anything else.
I wanted a wetsuit I could use for open water swimming, and the odd surfing holiday off the Cornish coast (and more), so I jumped in at the chance to try the O’Neill Hyperfreak full wetsuit. I knew it would be good for surfing etc, but would it be good for open water swimming because I have entered Swim Rutland in August?
The main features of the wetsuit are:
TechnoButter neoprene
Glued and blind stitch seam construction
Contortionist seamless shoulder
FUZE entry system
I will not go into the technical details of O’Neill’s TechnoButter neoprene, I shall leave that to the boffins at O’Neill, but importantly its lighter and super stretchy than the normal neoprene. The glued and blind stitch seams complement the TechnoButter and with the seamless shoulder design contributed to a well fitting wetsuit with plenty of movement; which did not hinder my swim stroke.
The neoprene thickness is 3mm and 2mm, which gave me enough buoyancy, that I felt confident in the water; and even though I need to work on my swim technique, I had a good swim.
Open water swimming in the O’Neill Hyperfreak wetsuit. lovely!
The FUZE entry system isn’t as easy as a back zip; but it does make a good seal, so I had no ‘flushing’ of the wetsuit, keeping me comfortably warm. However if you do elect to enter a triathlon this wetsuit will add time to your transition – however I’d see that as a much needed rest!
So, if like me, you want a multi-disciplined wetsuit; then take a look at the O’Neill Hyperfreak FUZE 3mm 2mm Full Wetsuit and you will have a wetsuit for all occasions, including open water swimming, when the water temperature is a little chilly.
SUP yoga is becoming increasingly popular and with good reason – it’s not only great fun but a fab workout too, providing an excellent way to get your yoga fix whilst being out on the water. Here are my top reasons why I love to do my yoga practice on my SUP.
One of the main things I love about doing yoga on my SUP is it’s a completely different experience to being on a mat in a studio – it really takes everything I think I know about my practice and throws it up in the air (or into the water should I say!) Playing with the instability element of the SUP means that I’ve had to learn how to work poses I practice regularly in a different way, in order to maintain balance. Holding yoga poses on the board demands a lot of core strength, and has found me working new muscles in order to keep my balance. It’s also been a great revealer of muscle imbalances I hadn’t noticed before. I realized that in downward dog I was pressing more weight through one side of my body than the other. Whilst it’s easy to ignore this on the mat, on the water press more weight through one hand than the other and the board will definitely let you know! This all means that practicing SUP yoga is a really effective way to strengthen your body in a more balanced way which in turn translates to an improved SUPing/surfing/windsurfing etc. performance too!
Because even the smallest of movements can throw my balance off, I’ve noticed that I bring a different quality of attention to my practice on the water. I need to be completely fully in the present moment if I want to stay on the board! But by the same token, falling off is pretty much inevitable and also part of the fun! It’s helped me to let go of my expectations and the need for perfectionism, and just go with the flow – a good metaphor that can be carried over to life too I guess! Ironically, I find that when I fight the movement of the board that is when I fall, whereas if I move with its natural rhythms the poses become naturally more stable, and more enjoyable too!
Finally, I love the fact that SUP yoga allows me to combine my love of being outdoors in nature with yoga. There really is nothing more relaxing than lying in savasana with the board gently rocking underneath you – on a warm sunny day it really is bliss!
So, whether you’re a paddle boarder looking to work on your flexibility and core strength, a yogi who fancies taking your practice to water, or are just looking for a different yoga experience outside of a yoga studio, SUP yoga has something for you!
New to the scene or been in the water sport game for years its more than likely you’ve heard the term rashie aka rash guard or rash vest! No matter the term this is a vital piece of kit worth adding to your water sports gear.
Rash vests are normally worn under your wetsuit to help prevent chaffing. O’Neill rash vests have been specially designed to achieve this through the use of numerous materials and flat loc stitch construction which helps provide a softer, lower profile seam erasing any possibility of rashes occurring.
Ever worried about your sun cream washing off? Wearing a rash vest will give you that peace of mind and protection against harmful UV rays that you know won’t wash off! Don’t risk it! Most O’Neill rash vests have a 50+ UV rating or above perfect for those extremely sunny days out on the water. Even if it’s too warm for a wetsuit O’Neill rash vests are so versatile they can be worn either on their own or under other clothing, but still give amazing protection.
When it comes to water sports you don’t want to be worried about your top rising up during a high impact crash so O’Neill have added a feature known as the board short connector allowing any board short to be securely attached to your rash vest preventing any unwanted embarrassment.
O’Neill Team surfer wearing a rashie, rash vest or rash guard!
Materials
Rash vests, what makes them so comfortable? The materials are generally a combination of specially selected lightweight materials such as nylon, spandex and polyester producing what’s known as lycra to you and I. This lycra material is around 0.5mm thick and comes in a variety of stretch; 2 way, 4 way and 6 way stretch giving you different levels to suit any environment. (Link to board short blog)
Fit
With any clothes or shoes the correct fit is important, rash vests are no different! Being a super stretchy material allows the rash vest to perfectly mould to your body shape ensuring all areas are protected.
However, with more people wearing them as UV protection a loose t-shirt style rash vest is available.
Typically a rash vest is worn as a tight fitting garment but even if you don’t like tight, body hugging clothing as long as you’re comfortable with your rash vest it will still give you that protection required. Including the figure hugging compression rash guard for long distance endurance sports.
Thermal Rash Vest
Nobody wants to cut their session short due to getting cold. A thermal rash vest does exactly what it says on the tin; provides a thermal layer for added warmth yet still gives protection against UV rays. O’Neill thermal rash vests come in a variety of styles from hooded to sleeveless vests so you’re covered for all conditions.
With the new open water/triathlon season about to start, what can you do to make sure you are ready for your first dip?
Practice some key open water skills in the pool Sighting, head up swimming, breathing to both sides and deep water starts can all be done during your winter training period. Over the next few weeks, whilst the water still warms up, get down to your local pool and refresh your skills.
Wetsuit
Check it still fits and if not consider treating yourself to a new one. Unless you are a really competent swimmer and can remain in a streamlined position using your core and a sustained leg kick you won’t normally need the top end suits. Entry and mid level suits are designed to give a bit more buoyancy to the swimmer. Fit rather than price is more important.
Swim Endurance
If you have neglected your swim practice since last summer the best place to regain your water fitness is probably the local pool. Its safer and warmer and you can build up over a number of weeks and still have enough time to enjoy the open water during the warmer part of the year. If you do head straight for the open water make sure you do it safely and never alone. Just swimming slowly around a course will not help you progress, try and vary the pace you swim and introduce
some specific skill practice. If you need some help why not consider a coached session and get some constructive feedback.
Easy does it
The early part of the season is still, quite literally, a cold shock for open water swimmers especially those venturing into this arena for the first time. Limit the amount of time you spend in the water
and get out once you start to feel cold. Your temperature will continue to drop when you get out so be prepared with warm layers, even on sunny days. Above all build up gradually and enjoy your
experience.
Consistency is the Key
Like all things in life, if you want to get good at something you need to practice regularly. Consistent, progressive practice is the one thing that will make you a better and more confident swimmer in the open water. Try and set some goals, even a relatively simple goal like “I want to be able to swim 750m front crawl non stop’. A more challenging goal like “Complete my first open water triathlon” or “Swim across lake Windermere” or even “Qualify for Kona Ironman” will give you every excuse to get out and swim.
The innovations in point of view (POV) cameras in the last five years have changed the way we are able to capture our favourite action sports. However it seems sometimes that the footage people get from there action camera doesn’t quite live up to there expectations. I thought I would write a short blog on how to film skiing with a GoPro and get the professional looking results you are hoping for.
The first step in making a great edit is having a clear idea of the shots and footage you want before even leaving the house. The gift and the curse of POV cameras is that they are capable of shooting anywhere and anything, this means we can end up with hours of footage on the memory card much which will never be used or even replayed. Having a concise vision of what you want to film can save hours of trawling through your memory card waiting for a useable shot. Angles to shoot from are endless with a GoPro but where they excel is from a close intimate angle as the fish eye lens captures images at such a wide angle. With this in mind the key to getting consistently good results is making sure the camera is close to the point of action you are trying to capture. This can be achieved by the huge variety of GoPro mounts which are available and allow you to self film but is more critical if you filming somebody else.
So once you have a clear idea in your head you can go out and get the shots you want this is where a basic understanding of the camera settings comes into play. The latest GoPros are able to shoot at 120 fps (frames per second) in 1080HD or 60 fps in 4K however there are a variety of different shooting modes beneath these. So what setting should you use when, basically the highest quality shot will require shooting in 1080HD or 4K on the newest models. This setting will mean the cameras is taking in the most information it can,providing the highest image quality when replayed. However shooting in this mode means you will compromise the fps rate. This is where having an idea of what you want to achieve is important. The higher the frame rate the better the quality if you want to slow the shot down, so to achieve that super slow motion effect used so often in GoPro videos you need to be shooting in the highest frame rate – ideally anything above 60 fps will you good results when slowed down.
In regards to getting the best results in slow motion there are a couple of things to consider when actually filming. Firstly try and keep ‘camera shake‘ to a minimum; there are a vast selection of accessories to help with this from pole mounts to tripods. I recommend making the small investment as it will really improve the quality of your images. Secondly reducing the ‘background’ noise in the frame means it is easier for editing software to link the frames when slowed down. So try to film the action with a blank background for example if someone is doing a jump try to make the backdrop the sky this will result in smoother images when slowed down.
A final thought in regards to getting the most from your GoPro is choosing the days you film and how you film. If you look at any of the professional GoPro clips online you will see a common theme they are all shot on the brightest days. The images on these days will always have better contrast and will really come alive on your screen. However skiing isn’t always blue skies and sunshine if you do end up wanting to capture that epic white out powder day you will need to do some after editing. To achieve that same definition in your images you will need to increase both contrast and saturation whilst reducing exposure. The free GoPro Studio is a great bit of software to start learning the basics of editing and improve your film making skills. It also has fantastic compressor which will reduce the final file size of your edits, due to the quality of GoPro footage quite often files can be large so this a great feature especially if you like sharing you edits on social media.
Hope this has been useful and you enjoy going out and capturing your next big adventure!
If you are involved with water sports it generally means you will need a wetsuit at some point. This however is seen as a daunting prospect with the wide variety of wetsuit types available. Whether you fancy a dip during the brisk winter months or the height of summer, this guide will give you all the information needed to match your needs to that perfect wetsuit.
Wetsuits provide a perfect blend of thermal insulation, abrasion resistance and buoyancy through the use of numerous high tech materials developed by companies such as O’Neill. One such material to hit the market by storm was O’Neill’s Techno Butter technology which is now 20% lighter and 30% less absorbent than traditional wetsuits.
But many ask the question how do wetsuits really work? In water your body looses heat up to 25 times faster than in air so getting the right insulation is important. It’s the air trapped inside the neoprene itself which creates an insulator against the cold, and the more air you can pack in the warmer the suit will be.
To ensure ‘the warmth’ is not flushed out by any cold water, its crucial the wetsuit fits correctly, so please follow our size guide or give us a call and speak to an experienced member of staff. Or pop in!
Full Wetsuit
A full wetsuit sometimes known as a ‘steamer’ suit covers your whole body and provides a high level of protection. It is available as a summer or winter suit with varying thicknesses from 3/2mm for highly active sports all the way to 7mm which incorporates a hood suitable for cold water scuba diving.
O’Neill Hyperfreak is a full wetsuit with 3mm and 2mm neoprene.
Short Arm Steamer
Do you find your paddling is affected with full wetsuits? Short arm steamers have been designed to still provide warmth and protection for your torso and legs but helps increase flexibility with thinner neoprene and strategic paddle zones when kayaking and SUPing.
Spring/Shorty Wetsuit
A spring/shorty wetsuit either has full length arms and short legs or short arms and short legs. This design gives much more flexibility and movement generally used when body boarding or surfing when torso protection is important but it’s too warm for a full suit.
O’Neill Reactor is a women’s shorty wetsuit made from 2mm reprehend.
Short John Wetsuit
This bib style suit features no sleeves and short legs which gives your core warmth with the increased upper body flexibility key for highly active upper body sports during warmer summer months such as rowing and SUPing.
Long John Wetsuit
This again is a bib style suit with no sleeves but gives added warmth and protection through full length legs. This is perfect for the warmer months and highly active upper body sports such as competitive sailing, where bumps and abrasion from the boat hull and trapeze harness is a regular occurrence.
Wetsuit Top/Vest
Generally made from a thinner neoprene so not to reduce flexibility, a wetsuit top/vest is perfect for extra protection and thermal insulation to be worn over swimwear when a normal rash guard is not enough. A wetsuit top/vest ranges from 0.5-1.5mm thick.
Wetsuit Shorts
Made from a thinner neoprene wetsuit shorts are perfect for those situations when you want little warmth but added protection for your upper legs, great when combined with a rash vest and buoyancy aid.
Dry Suits
Designed to be fully waterproof dry suits are used in extreme cold water during dives and water rescues offering the highest level of protection. Dry suits are a one piece design with water tight gaskets around the neck, wrists and ankles. These suits generally fall into 2 categories:
Neoprene Dry Suit – Similar to semi dry suits but with higher grade more robust water tight seals, with base layers worn for added warmth on longer dives.
Membrane Dry Suit – Constructed with layered waterproof materials i.e. nylon or rubber and unlike a neoprene dry suit does not provide any insulation or floatation so thick base layers must be worn.
Whether you want to capture some extreme sports footage or family days out at the beach, a GoPro action camera could suit all of your needs but choosing what package or accessories to accompany your purchase can be a daunting prospect with the wide variety of options available. So what GoPro do I need? This guide will provide you with all the necessary ‘nuts and bolts’ to make an informed decision to pick that perfect package.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a GoPro, ultimately the decision is purely subjective and based on a few bits of key information:
Budget?
What are your performance requirements?
Conditions and Environment mainly used?
This guide will focus on the newest range of GoPros as the new features found in the Hero 4 Black and Silver edition plus the Hero should not to be missed.
Budget ?
As with any new purchase budget is the most important factor. These following GoPros are the newest editions to their existing range and you would think all have a high price tag to match, but no! The new Hero is the most affordable entry level action camera yet. Whereas the Hero 4 Black and Silver feature higher specs so the prices inevitably follow this:
Hero 4 Black – £409.99
Hero 4 Silver – £329.99
Hero – £109.99
What are your performance requirements?
What you want from your camera in regards to image quality and features quickly follows budget, as its important in not only choosing a GoPro that meets your requirements but doesn’t exceed them if not necessary as you could find yourself spending more money than you need to, which could be better spent on accessories.
When it comes to filming or photography would you class yourself as a professional or amateur? The answer to this simple question will help steer you in the right direction to picking that perfect camera.
GoPro Hero
This new entry level camera the ‘Hero’ is perfect for beginners and amateurs who are looking for that step onto the ladder into the action camera world helping people to capture and share their life events around the world.
The mid ranged camera in terms of spec the Hero 4 Silver will appeal to the amateur who wants more from their camera, this year it has much more in common with the Hero 3+ Black and the Hero 4 Black. The Hero 4 Silver has been given upgraded components and numerous new recording features found in the Hero 4 Black.
Not wanting basic features found in the Hero, or don’t need professional quality images the Hero 4 Silver could be the perfect match for you.
GoPro Hero4 Black for the avid enthusiast or professional photographer.
Hero 4 Black
One for your avid enthusiasts or professional photographer, the Hero 4 Black is finally here and features technology that makes this an unbeatable camera for both build and picture quality. The processors now give twice the power of previous editions with the ability to film cinema quality 4K video.
This is certainly the go to action camera if quality and performance is what you seek.
Conditions and Environment mainly used in?
After choosing what model of GoPro you want it’s important to understand what mounts and housing you get with the standard edition. Whether its surfing, skiing, cycling the GoPro is protected by its own sealed housing, which is waterproof to 40m and impact resistant, giving your camera the best protection available perfect for a variety of extreme sports.
For times when a waterproof housing is overkill simply remove your camera (except Hero) and start filming, this gives you better sound quality and reduction in weight ideal for time-lapse photography or for some inside filming around the dinner table, no matter the condition or environment GoPro has you covered.
Mount and protect your GoPro whatever the activity!
Standard Edition Hero 4 Black/Silver/Hero
Ideal for a wide range of applications where specific mounts or housings are not needed, this is a perfect starter bundle to get you filming some amazing footage.
Standard Housing
Skeleton backdoor
Touch backdoor (Only available with Hero 4 Silver)
Rechargeable battery
Curved and flat adhesive mounts
Quick release buckles
3 Way pivot arm (Not available with Hero)
USB cable
Note. For you music lovers, the only addition to not have a waterproof housing as standard is the music edition, but if you find a situation which requires additional equipment you then have the opportunity to kit you new Go Pro out with the vast range of unique and exciting accessories.
GoPro Accessories
The new models of GoPro are so versatile they can be used and mounted in a variety of situations, but certain mounts and accessories don’t come in the bundles. Below is a handpicked list of items we feel are important to get along with your camera especially if you like a mix of action and water sports.
Battery Bacpac
For situations where you need a little extra juice, the Bacpac is a removable battery pack that seamlessly attaches to the rear of your GoPro. The new model now features a 15% increase in battery life perfect for a long days recording.
Pole Mount
For situations when you need to mount your camera to a ski pole, handlebar, kite control bar or seat posts, suitable for a thickness between 1.9cm – 3.5cm. Also comes with a pivoting orientation arm to give you 3-way adjustability.
The chest harness lets you look at things from a different perspective!
Chest Harness
Ideal when you need both hands free and no other mounting point such as a helmet is available or you just want a lower view of the action, the chest mount makes it easy to capture footage where ever your turn. Come with a wide range of adjustability to suit all sizes.
Floaty Backdoor
After all you wouldn’t want your new GoPro sinking whilst out on the water so why not attach the Floaty Backdoor. It’s quick and simple to attach coming standard with extra strong 3M adhesive glue.
Anti Fog Inserts
Even though the housings are completely waterproof fogging can sometimes occur in extreme cold or humid environments, by placing an anti fog insert inside your housing this fogging is prevent ensuring hours of uninterrupted filming. Each set lasts 4-5 times and can be dry in an oven.
I have spent the last eight years wanting to ski the Bec Rouge couloir, and could hardly contain my excitement when we set off at 6am! The
conditions were epic with blue skies as far as you can see, a foot of fresh snow and temperatures set to stay at -10°C all morning.
Halfway through the two hour climb we had the privilege of meeting Marcel Gaidet; who ended up joining us for the remainder of the tour. Marcel’s son Manu was a three times World Freeride Champion. The wealth of knowledge that Marcel has of these mountains was phenomenal and I learnt so much in the remainder of the day.
Marcel Gaidet (left) a true inspiration.
Marcel is 67 this year and has had a hip replacement; however he still put in the first track near enough all the way to the top – his level of fitness was truly awe inspiring. To put it in to perspective he averages 50,000 vertical metres of climbing a winter compared to my usual of 10,000. To be around Marcel for the day was amazing. He is just out there doing it and enjoying himself; I can only hope that I am still skiing lines like this when I am in my sixties.
“You have waited so long for all the elements to come together there is so much that goes into it.”
After eight years of waiting the couloir couldn’t of had better snow conditions. It is hard to put into words what it feels like on days like this; you have waited so long for all the elements to come together there is so much that goes into it. It is probably the one side
of the sport that I feel as a whole people don’t appreciate. You have to be so patient, nature dictates the small windows of opportunity you have to ski these lines.
So when you get the chance, you are almost over whelmed. It is just incredible that so many variables can fall into place and that is what makes it so special, I just hope I don’t have to wait another eight years to do it gain!
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