Should high school deans and the Department of Education at large rethink requirements for swimming and other water sports due to water worries in the United States?

Maintaining a swimming pool and program in public schools is incredibly costly, especially in times of economic recession. The budget for water sports programs in high school include fees for supplies, staff, and other maintenance. Are major swimming pools for high schools and recreational teams still a cost effective activity considering natural resource concerns?

Ultimately, ensuring the sustainable use of water resources necessitates control for consumption in all capacities. Affects of the global water crisis are felt at every level of the population in industrialized and developing countries alike.

Since swimming is a recreational activity, can policy makers or local schools prove that such classes are imperative to delivering a quality education to high school students? Or will the Department of Education and local school districts need to make a big plunge…eradicating water sports from education?

Due to economic disparities that exist between school districts in communities with different tax brackets, removing swimming lessons could be a step toward equalizing education across the United States.

If school districts with swimming pools effectively prove that swimming lessons are an integral part of quality education, then a case for establishing swimming pools in every school could be made. Clearly, such a mandate would not be economically viable.

For some students, swimming lessons may present an exciting alternative as opposed to otherwise dry physical education classes. For others,  changing into a swim suit in front of classmates is a dreadfully uncomfortable experience.

Firstly, educators should analyze how swimming made its way into public school curriculum. Secondly, budget experts and deans need to identify if such a costly program is indeed still an immutable facet of the American secondary education experience.

If you enjoyed this article, you should also read:

Understanding the Chinese Water Personality

Courtesy Flush: Efficient Toilets Save H20

Celebrities Raise Awareness About H20 Issues in Liberia

Do You Still Pitch Change Into Waterwells?

The Evolution of Sui-Ren: Water Ninja Techniques

In a previous article published on 18 January 2011, Devine told WaterWideWeb, “Estimates based on information from the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce indicate that the event fuels $2 million into the local economy.”

Andrew Schultz, a first-time attendee of the BJIE, was the official winner of this year’s competition. Schultz and a group of six friends drove in from a small town close to Milwaukee, WI. They lodged at a local hotel and participated in the competition that took place on 22 January 2011.

Schultz landed a 7.18 lb. Northern Pike fish in 11 feet of water. Unbeknownst to Schultz, he would drive home $150,000 richer than when he traveled to Minnesota the prior evening. Schultz’s lucky catch was reeled in using only a minnow and a tip-up device.  “A tip-up device covers the fishing hole so that a fisherman doesn’t have to sit there and attract the fish,” explained Devine.

The BJIE starts at 12 p.m. and contestants typically hit the ice between 9 and 10 a.m to choose their fishing holes. For three hours, contestants fish the lake, competing to catch the biggest fish.

Shelters are not allowed on the ice so all participants have to bundle up and brave the cold weather on the day of the event. This year, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton withstood the cold to participate in the event but didn’t catch anything.

According to Devine, a contestant narrowly missed the 3 p.m. deadline by 12 minutes, thus disqualifying the weigh in. “A contestant came in at 3:12 p.m. to weigh in a larger fish but the event ended at 3 p.m.,” noted Devine. 

For the past 5 years, the BJIE has partnered with the non-profit organization Recycle Fish (RF). RF donates people power and bags filled with water for contestants to safely transport their catches from the lake to the weighing station.

The life expectancy of the fish when carried in these bags is longer than if fishermen had to carry their fish to the weighing stations without water. By safely returning more fish to the lake with the help of  the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the freshwater ecosystem of the lake is minimally  compromised by the competition.

RF also collaborates with a program called Pikes for Vets which donates fresh fish to Veteran’s organization so that army vets can enjoy a big fish fry.

Three hundred volunteers helped make the 2011 BJIE a success. Devine estimates that approximately $180-200,000 will be donated to local charities and organizations based on the donations made in previous years by the BJIE.

The BJIE is an event that merges economic development with recreation and good-natured competition for the local community of Brainerd, Minnesota. You don’t have to be an expert with top-notch equipment to win the BJIE, as proved by Schultz. You just have to love ice fishing and not mind the frigid temperatures.

The photo above was provided by the 2010 Brainerd Jaycee Ice-Fishing Competition

If you enjoyed this article, you should also read:

World’s Largest Wave Rider Discusses Surfing

Water SpArt: The Art of Sport

 Gone Fishin’ With Captain Joe Gonzalez

Nautical Archaeology Threatened by Trawlers

Ancient Rainwater Tunnel Found in Jerusalem

The National Art Museum of Sport (NAMOS) was founded in 1957 by Germain G. Glidden. NAMOS  writes, “Art captures emotion: the anxiety of competition, the joy of winning, the agony of defeat.” Art with sports themes depicts human beings in their most emotionally intense states.

The Catching Waves exhibition is unique because a sports world title holder and sports participant displayed their perception of sports and  art from first-hand experience. No one is more acquainted with the creative side of sports and athleticism than competitors themselves. Cabrinha and Fields fused two great passions into a single exhibit that portrayed the natural beauty of Hawaii and the simply breath taking moments that occur when adrenaline floods through the body in sport.

Peter Cabrinha grew up in Oahu. He is heavily involved in sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Since 2004, Cabrinha has held the world title for riding the biggest wave ever. Cabrinha says, “Art is something that has become one of the essential parts of my being…It pursued me. I gladly let it in.”

Cabrinha’s work reflects his dual commitment to water sports and art. His work has featured in the Northeast United States and in Hawaii. He runs Cabrinha Kites and lives in Maui with his wife and their daughter Tahiti.

Credit: All Media in this article was provided by the "Catching Waves" Exhibit of the Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery

Mike Field was the second artist whose work was included in the Catching Waves exhibit. Field graduated with a B.F.A. from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California in 1990.

Field is a water sports lover. He participates in LiveStrong water sports, canoe paddling, surfing and canoe sailing. A press release of the exhibit reads, “You’ll be swept away by the strong clean lines, and bold intense use of color throughout Mike Fields artwork.”

Please check out this video of the Catching Waves exhibit here

Elisa Contemporary Art represents artists whose work is distinctly tied to the environment. The gallery donates a portion of art sale proceeds to charities including Free Arts NYC, Arts to Grow, and Creative Workshops for Kids.

If you enjoyed this article, you should also read:

Excavating the Ruins of Cleopatra

Empowering Women with Water

UNESCO Works to Preserve Nautical Archaeology

Nautical Archaeology Threatened by Trawling

Baiheliang: The World’s Ancient Hydrological Station

On Saturday October 30, 2010, the Rip Curl 2010 competition will continue.  Renowned surfers from across the world will rip the tides for a chance to be the next Rip Curl 2010 World Champion. How has surfing revolutionized from a fun in the sun activity to a professional game? Who will win the Rip Curl 2010 contest? 

Surfing was once a beach boy past-time. Now, it’s a full fledged professional sport. Since its inception in the 1960’s and 1970’s, surfing games have garnered attention from amateurs, professionals, and fans world-wide.

Major competitions such as the Smirnoff Pro, The Duke Kahanamohu Class and the Pipeline Masters have existed since the early days of the sports contests.

In 1969 at Bells Beach in Australia, the Rip Curl Pro Search hit the sands and is unlike the aforementioned classic contests. The Rip Curl Pro Search hosts an annual world tournament where surfer dudes and dudettes battle on the world’s beaches with nothing but their boards.

Photo Credit: Wiki Commons Mavericks Surf Competition 2010

 As surfing has developed, the rules and judging criteria have as well. This year, the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) modified the judging criteria to ensure that the sport maintains integrity through steady progress.

Scoring waves is judged with respect to commitment and a wave’s degree of difficulty. Top scores are earned by the use of innovative and progressive body moves. Final assessments are based upon these standards along with the combination and variety of maneuvers that a surfer exhibits.

But, a surfer is only as good as the next wave. So, speed, power, and flow factor into the final tallied score of all participants. Points are awarded to the surfer and the sum total is an average of rating based upon the above criteria.

On a scale of 0-10, with zero being very poor and 10 being exceptional, the sum score of each competitor determines whether he or she will continue to the next competition.

This year’s competition includes 32 top male surfers and 17 top female surfers.  A gender disparity remains within the sport. However, the accomplishments of the female competitors certainly speak volumes about the talent and dedication of the women on the waves.

At the top of the women’s roster is Stephanie Gilmore (AU) who hit the surfer scene in 2005 at the age of 17. Since then, Gilmore has gone on to win two consecutive Women’s World Titles, the Vans Hawaiian Triple Crown Title, five ASP Women’s World Tour victories and the accolades continue.

Kelly Slater

 Thus far, surfer Kelly Slater (US) has dominated the male division of the RipCurl 2010 Pro Search. Slater is a nine time ASP World Champion. He celebrated an early victory at the first Bells Beach, Australia competition and, he beat his opponent Jordy Smith (SA) by a 1.9 score on the sandy shores of Supertubos, Portugal on October 14, 2010.

Watch the video of Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith in Supertubos, Portugal here

Slater is an outstanding athlete and a charitable giver. He donates to charities such as Life Rolls On, SurfAid, and Space Coast Early Intervention Center.

The Rip Curl 2010 contest is an exciting event that gathers large amounts of people to the world’s beaches. The Rip Curl Planet Initiative is an endeavor to ensure that the Rip Curl Event is environmentally friendly despite the number of people, parties and pollution that can result from the festivities.

Proper waste management and recycling bins will be strategically placed around the area and frequently discarded where the Rip Curl event will take places. Beach clean-ups will happen daily to remove all garbage and refuse left behind by patrons.  Fences will be erected and special security will ensure that patrons do not walk on the sand dunes around the event site.

The Surfrider Foundation Chapter will assist with planting native trees as part of the Rip Curl Planet Initiative. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources will donate “non-invasive and erosion-control species” in accordance with the coastal and reforestation program of the organization.  The initiative will also provide eco education in local schools and environmental organizations will provide materials on-site at the event.

While watching the Alley Oop twists and twirls can be entertaining, attendees and participants must surf responsibly, which means respecting the oceanic environment. The days leading up to the final competition mount anticipation as fans hold out to see which surfer will expertly ride out the waves.  And for the winner? Stay tuned….

Rafting is continuously gaining in popularity due to the fact that one does not need to be a real professional athlete to paddle down the waves. This unique experience intrigues many tourists that join crews lead by experimented guides who are familiar with the risks and the potential dangers of different rivers.  In order to prevent dangerous accidents, rafting rivers are classified by experts in a scale that ranks from 1 to 6 indicating how demanding or risky some paths of the rivers. The more risky the river is the more likely it is that the paddlers will end up become swimmers for more than once.

The International Rafting Federation (IRF) defines rafting as a “human activity conducted on running rivers requiring physical skill using paddle and oar power in soft crafts and which is generally accepted as being a social, commercial and competitive sport” (Source: http://www.internationalrafting.com/?page_id=529).  This world organization oversees rafting activities all over the world trying to advocate the need to preserve the social values associated with this sport. Perseverance, respect for other and team spirit are crucial to this sport.  The mission of IRF is to maintain and promote the values and conditions to the safe practice of this sport at the competition or recreational level. In addition, the IRF is working hard in order to promote rafting as a safe sport defending its interest at a national and international level. Finally, one of IRF’s most important goals is to promote water conservation and the respect for the rivers and the wildlife surrounding them.

Many specialized travel agencies organize rafting vacations in breath take wild scenarios around the United States or Canada. This sorts of trips allow tourists to experience a unique adventurous experience while discovering the beautiful nature and wildlife in the most remote areas like the Firth River, a hidden jewel north of Canada.  This river is situated deep in the northern Yukon Territory, close to Alaska. The Firth river “flows through the centre of Ivvavik National Park where the wildlife include muskox, caribou, wolves, eagles and falcons that can be observed in the rocky panorama of the Arctic scenery.

Another unique rafting experience that is perceived by the ultimate rafting experience by extreme water sports lovers and experts is the Patagonia rafting experience down the Futaleufu river, acclaimed as one of the most challenging rivers in the world. “The river’s name is derived from a local Mapuche Indian word meaning “big big river” and it lives up to its billing in every respect” (Source: http://www.exchile.com/fachome.html). Expediciones Chile organizes a series of different vacation tours that rank from a week of rafting down Futaleufu to a concentration of four extreme rafting days. An interesting alternative that combines nature to all sorts of sports is the Futaleufu Multisport Chile rafting week. This special excursion mixes the pleasures of rafting to the ones of mountain biking and hiking. This adventurous vacation is way to discover a beautiful country, meet no friends and overcome all your fears.

From a method of transportation to a recreational activity that unites people from all over the world, rafting is a sport that enables people to develop a close relationship with nature. Numerous rivers around the United States are a perfect scenery for tourists or beginners who strive to acquire expertise in this sport. For those who love risks and extreme adventurous the Futaleufu river is what of the most thrilling experience when it comes to rafting.

Cave diving differs from cavern diving insofar cavern diving is the exploration of overhead environments while remaining close to the entrances. Cave divers on the other hand, will enter the cave and go as deep as thousands of yards. In addition “cavern divers keep the entrance clearly in sight at all times, and use a guideline so that, should sight of the entrance be accidentally lost, divers can immediately regain it” (Source: http://www.cavediving.com/what/start/02.htm). In this sense, cavern diving is a safer sport insofar the diver remain in the emergency swimming zone while cave divers risk it all and go far beyond. For this reason, cavern diving is considered to be a form of recreational diving while cave diving is much more technical. Cave diving certificates are only available through serious and recognized organizations such as the National Speleological Society cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS) or the National Association for Cave Diving (NACD). Another significant difference between these two types of diving is the equipment used: cavern divers use an equipment that is similar to the one used by divers in open water, while cave divers need to make some modification to their gear, especially when it comes to the gas-delivery systems. While, somewhat inexperienced curious underwater lovers can do cavern diving, cave diving is a serious and more dangerous sport limited to a target of experts with a certification.

Cave diving can be done in many places around the world such as Europe, Japan, Hawaii or Brazil. In North America, the most famous regions are ones such as California, Nevada, Missouri or Virginia. The north of Florida is one of the world’s top destinations for cave divers. Despite what you might believe, cave diving can be done in any season of the year, even if some season factors due affect the coasts of Florida and Mexico.

Jill Heinerth decided to blend together her passion for the underwater world and photography to accomplish real masterpieces. For close to 15 years she has been exploring caves around the world from the icebergs of the Antarctic to the coasts of North Africa. This renowned photographer and filmmaker wants to remind to people not to exaggerate and to go further than their limits. She reminds her fans that more than 400 people have died all over the world because of cave diving accidents and it is important for cave divers to have a real certification.  Jill Heinerth has all the credits to prove her expertise, she was named a living legend by Sport diving magazine and “she was named Canadian Technical Diver of the Year and holds various pioneering diving records” (Source: http://www.intotheplanet.com/IntoThePlanet/About.html). This Canadian diver is well-known around the world diving community has she gives many motivational speeches, presentation and shop works to various clubs and organizations around the world. In addition, she holds more than twenty years of teaching experience with classes in cave diving, rebreather and photographic pursuits.  According to experts, “less than one percent of the recreational diving population possesses the knowledge, skills, attitude and judgment needed to cave dive as safely as possible” (Source: http://www.cavediving.com/who/start/index.htm). Fitness, ability, years of experience and training are all needed in order to enjoy a beautiful and most importantly safe experience under water.

Cave diving is a serious and dangerous sport that needs to be taken seriously. If diving in a responsible manner, cave can open doors to an exclusive under water world of beautiful species and underwater secrets. Professional diver, photographer and filmmaker, Jill Heinerth illustrates the gorgeous secrets of the underwater world while reminding her fans that safety is the most important element when it comes to diving.

In 2007, PUB won the Stockholm Industry Water Award and was also named Water Agency of the year at the Global Water Awards of 2006 due to its hard work and successful way to manage used water with various raw water sources in an integrative and sustainable manner. The agency catch line “Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy” is representative of their hard work when it comes to water conservation in order to “have enough water for all uses- for industry, for living, for life” (Source: http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-launches-water-wally-website-36582.html). In order to achieve these goals, PUB takes care the collection, production distribution and reclamation of water. Thanks to the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), used water is treated to be discharged into the sea or further purified into new water. PUB is working very hard to educate population to basic principles of water conservation. According to their official website, it seems that the hard work is paying off:  “Singapore’s per capita domestic water consumption has been brought down from 165 litres per day in 2003 to the current 155 liters” (Source: http://www.pub.gov.sg/conserve/Pages/default.aspx). Their long-term ambitious target is to lower the water consumption to 140 litres by 2030.

PUB has developed a 360 degrees portal that tackles water issues on all possible fronts. They approach water issues from the stand point of all the various targets and social groups found in the local population. From an interactive online mascot for children, to serious tips for business owners PUB has learnt to communicate about important issues in an effective targeted manner. For instance, in order to respond to the ever-increasing water demands of industries and businesses, PUB has launched the Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) in order to raise awareness amongst company in order to educate them to water conservation and teach them efficient ways to manage their water demand.  To encourage Singaporeans to develop a special respect for water, pub is working hard with sporting events and organizations in oder to promote water sports amongst the local population. According to the organization, if people develop a special bond and appreciation for water they will most likely feel the need to respect it and safeguard it.

For its 5^th anniversary, PUB decided to launch the Water Wally e-games, rendering the mascot of water conservation even more popular amongst children. Through games and fun, children can finally learn about water conservation and water issues. The friendly mascot, an amusing water drops, teaches children how to use water wisely and why it is important to keep reservoirs clean. As a reward system, if a child scores enough points in the Wally e-games about water conservation, they can win Wally toys! According to George Madhavan, director of 3P Network, PUB, “these games enhance our sustained efforts in school outreach programme to encourage our younger generation to value water and to care for it” (Source: http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-launches-water-wally-website-36582.html).  The mascot was launched in 2005 in order to create a real dialogue with children about an issue that is too often portrayed as daunting and for grown-ups. By educating children at an early age, this is somewhat of a long-term investment on the future generations to come.

PUB, Singapore’s national water agency is an example to be followed around the world when it comes to dealing with water conservation. The agency has managed to turn the country’s water supply around, offering now quality potable tap water for all citizens. In addition, PUB is working hard to raise awareness amongst the population when it comes to water issues. Water Wally, the newest mascot has proven to be an interactive way to dialogue with children and to raise awareness with fun games about water and the importance of this natural element.

Have a look also at those interesting videos and discover the tricks behind this water ballet and the motivation that drives so many young swimmers all over the United States. We hope you enjoy and we are waiting for your comments!