Saturday is the start of The Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) Drowning Prevention Week. To help promote the event Tallington Lakes staff have been wearing one of the RLSS bright yellow swim hats or #TopHat during the many water sports activities available at the lakes!
If like us you enjoy your Watersports; then water temperature will play an important part! With British water temperatures ranging from below a chilly 15°C to a warm 20°C, and the body loosing 30 times more body heat in water than in air, buying a wetsuit is a necessary piece of kit. However, you must choose an appropriate wetsuit, which fits, for it to work.
Buying A Wetsuit
To help choose the correct wetsuit it essential to know what you are going to be doing in it, what time of year it will be used, how much you’re plan on using it, and finally a realistic budget. If you are looking to spend only a few hours every week, in the hottest days of summer, it’s likely you will get away with an entry-level suit. However if you plan on riding in the coldest of conditions, all year round, then a thicker more technical suit will probably be necessary.
However, either wetsuit will need to fit correctly for it to work. Basically a wetsuit is made from neoprene which is made up of thousands of tiny air bubbles; these air bubbles create an insulating barrier to keep you warm. An ill-fitting suit will be prone to flushing (keeps re- filling with cold water) because water enters the suit from the neck, sleeves or ankles. This will instantly decrease your body temperature and shorten your time in the water. Also a poor fitting wetsuit will restrict mobility and prevent you from participating in your water sport effectively.
Summer Wetsuits
Summer suits are typically made from a combination of 3mm and 2mm neoprene across the core and limbs, respectively, to give the best balance of warmth and flexibility. Buying a short sleeve or leg wetsuit (shorty) is a personal preference and will most likely be a decision based on activity. The wetsuit is constructed with flat-lock stitching to prevent chaffing, and various design/construction methods give the suits a different degree of stretch and conformability; such as lady specific wetsuits.
Winter suits are designed for warmth; this of course involves using a thicker cut of neoprene to trap more air. Most winter suits are constructed with 5mm panels on the torso to maintain core temperature and 3mm on the limbs for better movement. Seams in-between the neoprene are often welded using a special rubber bonding solution to prevent any water flushing; which essential when the water is sub 10°C.
To help get the right fit we suggest you measure your height, waist, chest and weight and use the appropriate brand’s size guide; because they know what they are talking about!
Wearing A Wetsuit
This applies to anyone buying any type of wetsuit no matter what time of the year. There are a few simple rules we like to follow to make sure that you are wearing the wetsuit correctly. At the end of the day only you can tell if the wetsuit is comfortably snug, but here are some tell-tale signs of a good fit:
Kneepads: Make sure that the centre of the kneepad is position directly over the kneecap, not doing this can lead to tightness over the shoulders.
Crotch: You must work as much material you can from your legs inch by inch up to your waist so that there is not a gap in the crotch of the suit. This would hold water and cause the suit to sit too low.
Sleeves: The end of the sleeve doesn’t have to sit on the wrist! However it is important that the shoulder of the suit is located correctly over your shoulder, by working the sleeves up inch by inch.
Zip: Don’t make the ‘schoolboy error’ of putting the suit on the wrong way round. If the zip is vertical it will need to be at the back; and if the zip is horizontal near the top it will need to be at the front. You shouldn’t have to pull the zip cord too hard to do it up; but if you not a yoga master and are struggling to reach the zip – just ask someone for a helping hand.
Neck: All done up in your suit but you still feel like there is some tension pulling down on your neck? It might be that you have to work some more material up from the waist up to your shoulders. Once this is all done you should have good movement in your neck and shoulders with little restriction.
Lumbar: I you can get someone to grab the material at the base of your spine/lumbar and they can grab an inch or more the suit is likely to be too big. What will happen is that water will pool in this area and cool your body – we suggest you try the next size down.
This wetsuit guide will help you fit a suit correctly, but if unsure come in-store and try some on.
Board shorts, trunks, swim shorts, boardies, surf trunks, jammers, swim trunks; you can call them what you want but at the end of the day if its performance and comfort you crave then stretchy boardshorts are the answer!
Obviously if you are just sunbathing the only requirement of your boardshorts is they look good! However if you participating in a watersport activity such as wakeboarding, water skiing or surfing you be expecting a bit more from your boardies.
Stretchy Boardshorts
Unlike traditional board shorts made from 100% polyester, the latest boardies are typically polyester mixed with between 5-15% elastane, spandex or lycra. This allows the material to stretch and gives a greater range of movement. The amount of stretch varies and generally the more you pay the more stretch you get; so how much stretch do you get?
2-Way Stretch
This allows for stretch in only one directional plane and will provide comfort and movement for those on a tighter budget. Check out the Hurley Surface boardshort.
4-way stretch
Multi-direction stretch for a free feeling; these boardshort will move with you whatever direction you take. This is the benchmark in stretch fabrics, providing ultimate performance and comfort. Check out the Ripcurl Mirage or Hurley Phantom boardies.
6 way stretch
Don’t worry these will not contort you into positions you don’t want to be! Generally these board shorts will comprise of different panels of 2-way and 4-way stretch material. Not sure whether this better than 4-way; but generally the front panel may be 2-way while the back 4-way! Check out the Volcom V6 Pixelator shorts.
Other features may include hydrophobic coatings. Yes you are in water, so of course your shorts are going to get wet, but they don’t have to stay that way. A Hydrophobic coating on the material means that it doesn’t hold onto as much water, so once you are out of the water they dry much faster. Taped seams are more durable and provide a chafe free seam for superb long lasting comfort, such as the O’Neill Hydro Freak boardshorts.
It’s summer time! A time for sunbathing, sport and splashing about in the water. But a campaign by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is serving to remind people that families need to keep safe near the water to ensure fun doesn’t turn to tragedy,
Drowning Prevention Week is a national campaign that aims to reduce the number of drowning and near drowning incidences that occur in the UK by showing people how to be safe near water.
Drowning is the 3rd highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK. Around 400 people accidentally drown in the UK every year with thousands more have near drowning experiences , many resulting in life changing injuries.
The awareness raising campaign (this year running from 21-29 June) is predominantly aimed at children, and throughout the week water safety is promoted in schools, leisure centres, local communities, businesses and widely through the media.
A host of free resources that help to deliver water safety messages are available on their website www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk, such as an animated film, interactive dames, children’s activities, leaflets, lesson plans and pool session ideas.
The campaign also hopes to raise money to help develop the charity’s year round drowning prevention work.
RLSS UK believe that if everyone knew and understood the SAFE code and made small changes to their behaviour near water, we could cut down the number of preventable, accidental drowning deaths.
How To Be Safe Near Water SAFE Code:
Spot – Spot the dangers
• Check for hazards such as currents or deep water
• Consider what could be hidden under the water
• Be careful of unsafe banks, stay well back from the edge
Advice – Take advice
• Always read the signs
• Only swim where there is a lifeguard
• Wear buoyancy aids and life jackets
Friend – Go with a friend
• Always swim with friends or family
• Friends can get help
• Never swim alone
Emergency – Know what to do in an emergency
• Find the nearest phone and call 999
• Shout loudly to attract attention
• Never enter the water to save someone
Since wakeboarding was conceived around 20 years ago there have been mainly two shapes of wakeboard available on the market; a continuous rocker and a 3-stage rocker. So firstly what are they?
Well in order to see these different wakeboard profiles you must look down the edge of the board.
Continuous Rocker
A continuous rocker is like it says on the tin; a continuous arc from tip to tail which gives a predictable fast release off the wake, allowing riders to carry plenty of distance over the wake. We are not suggesting these boards are for beginners but they will certainly help you carry your speed and distance over the wake. A super progressive shape to allow riders to improve their skills.
Liquid Force Super Trip wakeboard with a continuous rocker.
3 Stage Rocker
So onto the so called 3-stage rocker; these do literally come in many different shapes and sizes as each brand has their own play on this shape: from late rocker to 5-stage they are just a variation. The traditional 3-stage shape gives the rider increased pop and power off the wake. No matter how small or big the boat you are towed behind; this will give you maximum height for the biggest tricks. Just be warned however these boards have been known to be a little slower over the water.
Ronix One Modello a with 3-stage/late rocker.
Both of these have obviously been doing just fine and many wakeboarders are quite happy with them, however, companies keep on developing and pushing the sport even further with the latest technology. Ronix have some new boards the Bandwagon and Parks which are cambered. This offers a balanced feeling of snap through both legs off the wake, without sacrificing any speed. Liquid Force have the progressive 5 stage rocker which helps to minimise speed loss on the water by having two rocker zones either end of the wakeboard.
For those who rider cable parks the continuous rocker will give more speed, and the 3-stage rocker more pop!
The fin on a water ski can be moved to a wide range of positions to make the ski react differently when water skiing. Here is a guide to what effect moving the fin will have, but as always we recommend getting expert advice – like speaking to #Brown.
Water Ski Fin Adjustment
If you move the fin backwards it can make the water ski feel longer, and moving it forward will make the ski will feel shorter. The fin can also be adjusted to be deeper or shallower in the water, which will effect the amount of tail slide you want the ski to have in the turn. Adjusting the leading or trailing edge of the fin can also improve how the ski turns on the 1,3,5 side or the 2,4,6 side of the slalom course.
Example of fin settings for the Radar Vapour water ski.
A water ski fin can also come with a foil or wing. This is used to help you slow the ski down ready for the ski to turn. The foil does not become effective until the water ski is travelling at speeds of 34/36mph; so any adjustments are only useful for expert skiers.
For the beginner water skier, both slalom course and free ride skier, we would recommend leaving the fin at the factory settings; and learning the correct technique, including how to slow the water ski down , before making any adjustments.
This guide will help you decide what size water ski you will need to get the best from your water skiing!
The size of water ski will depend upon your weight, height and ability. For example if a water skier was on a ski that was too small and skiing at a slow speed; the ski would not support them and they would start to sink. Likewise if the ski is too large the ski will sit high on the water and it will take too long to turn.
The width of the water ski can make a big difference too; as a general rule (but not in all cases) a wider water ski is suited to helping people learn and develop their water skiing because it helps them get up on top of the water.
Water Ski Sizing
The table below should be used a guideline in purchasing your water ski, but with most things it is not an exact science. If you need any assistance please call 01778 381154 and ask for #Brown.
To use an RTP or not to use an RTP: that is the question:
We often get asked, by water skiers, whether a Rear Toe Plate (RTP) or a rear boot water ski binding is better for water skiing. Unfortunately there isn’t a definitive answer; its all down to personal preference. I preferred a rear boot!
Rear Toe Plate (RTP)
Most water skiers like the RTP because when deep water starting the rear foot can be trailed behind the water ski like a ruder for balance. Skiers also like the freedom to adjust their rear foot during skiing, if needed, depending on what they were doing.
HO water ski fitted with front boot and RTP bindings
Rear Water Ski Boot
The rear boot will make you feel more secure because the foot is held in place; keeping the heal on the ski. This will prevent the rear foot lifting or sliding as you cross the wake at speed, which can be a little unnerving! The deep water start may need a bit of concentration to start with, but after a while it will become second nature!
HO water ski fitted with front and rear boot bindings.
So are you a RTP skier or a rear boot skier? There is not test for this apart from just trying both; and finding out which you feel most comfortable/confident with and which best suits your style of water skiing!
With the warm weather encouraging us onto the water; here are some words of wisdom about inflating your towable inflatables!
Whether your inflatable tube is new or been in storage it is recommended that you only part inflate your towable inflatable to three-quarters of the recommended pressure to allow the creases in the PVC inner air bladder to expand and even out. This will prevent the creases from bursting/splitting; and spoiling your fun! Not following this procedure may also invalidate your manufactures warranty because seams are only covered.
Creased towable inflatable.
An hour in the sun should be sufficient for the PVC to uncrease; after which you can fully inflate your tube to the recommend pressure and get out on the water.
Always use an appropriate tow line for the size of tube: single, double or multi-rider; and be safe on the water.
Tallington Lakes are proud that O’Brien Water Ski Team Rider, Glenn Campbell, has made our spring fed lakes and homologated water ski slalom course, his home water skiing site and training ground.
Pulled by his MasterCraft water ski boat, driven by International Boat Driver Ian Campbell, Glenn regularly practices his slalom skiing on our World class water ski lake. Check out his latest video, shot at Tallington Lakes, thanks to O’Brien Watersports!
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