Swimming with Dolphins in Florida

Author: Thomas Morva

If you want to swim with bottlenose and spotted dolphins, both
trained and wild, the Florida coast is an ideal destination.
Bottlenose and spotted dolphins are the most gentle and
intelligent mammals next to humans and even more when you meet
them. You'll be able to swim with dolphins when you visit them
in the Florida, Key Largo, Key West area, and Miami, Fort
Lauderdale area.

You can choose from shallow-water swimming experiences with
trained dolphins and deep-water encounters with wild dolphins.
In shallow water enclave, you can spend time working with a
trainer from a platform, as the dolphins perform tricks on
command. You can also swim with the dolphins, as they will do
toe pushes and body rubs. You can enjoy dorsal fin rides and
snorkel with them.

Once the trained dolphin swim in captivity gives you an
understanding how the dolphins behave in a controlled
environment, you can go for wild dolphin encounter. You will
need to go out in the sea in a boat with an experienced guide
and boat captain, to find pods of wild bottlenose dolphins.

There are several facilities in Florida that offer the
opportunity to swim with dolphins, both trained and wild. One
such facility is Dolphins Plus, a dolphin research and education
facility located south of Miami in Key Largo. Dolphins Plus
houses 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

In the Florida Keys, there are three legally registered
facilities that offer you the opportunity to swim and interact
with dolphins - Theatre of the Sea, Dolphin Plus, and Dolphin
Research Center.

There are structured and non-structured swims with the dolphins
programs. In the structured program one can have an up front and
personal dolphin experience. You can swim, dance, kiss, and
enjoy a dorsal tow with the dolphins. In this swim, contact is
guaranteed with the dolphins.

Pregnant women are not allowed in the water.

The non-structured swim is only meant for snorkelers who are
comfortable in deep water. Since the dolphins in these sessions
are not trained, contact cannot be guaranteed. The dolphins set
the pace, and contact is up to them

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/swimming-with-dolphins-in-florida-577.html

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Learning to Swim As an Adult - Swimming Lessons For All Ages

Author: Antony Black

Some kids learn to swim before they can walk, probably because they have parents who like to spend a lot of time in the water so naturally they take the kids swimming. Kids whose parents don't swim are pretty likely to learn to swim at an older age than kids whose parents do swim. And some kids never learn to swim and become adults who can't fully enjoy pool or beach parties, or evening swimming with their own kids.

A good way to avoid this situation is to take adult swimming classes. A good place to look for adult swimming classes is your local YMCA or YWCA. These classes are a great place for an adult to learn to swim in the presence of other adults in the same situation, and they're usually pretty affordable compared to other facilities' swimming lessons.

Most of the classes "at the Y" will be broken down into groups of adults of different skill levels, from the person who's nervous in the water and doesn't like to get her face wet to the person who can swim a little but wants to feel more confident in the water and get some expert swimming instruction.

A beginner will be taught how to handle himself in the water, from the way to hold his body, to how to breathe and how to hold the limbs when attempting to float. Swimming classes like this will usually have practice sessions where everyone puts his or her face in the water and then lifts to breathe before trying it again. It's a very gentle way to get used to being in the water and starting to feel comfortable with it.

Intermediate swimming lessons are for the adult who can swim a little or who needs to brush up on rusty swimming skills. And most facilities will offer some type of private swimming classes at a higher cost. Some adults simply feel more comfortable with private instruction. And some are too afraid of the water to be in a group while submerging his or her face or trying to float. They can learn to swim with this option.

Many adults who have always been unable or unwilling to learn to swim get interested in taking swimming lessons when they have kids of their own. Look in your local area for combined classes where adults can learn at the same time as their kids. Even if your kids can already swim a little, all kids should take swimming lessons and learn the basics properly to be able to take care of themselves in the water, so there's no better time to learn to swim for yourself.

And if you have a small child, parent/infant or parent/toddler swimming classes may be available. The younger children are exposed to the water, the more likely they'll grow up to be strong swimmers who enjoy the water. These types of swimming lessons can not only teach you to swim, but provide great bonding time for you and your child.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/learning-to-swim-as-an-adult-swimming-lessons-for-all-ages-787408.html

About the Author
Antony Black has been teaching swimming classes in Miami for adults and children of all ages for 10 years at British Swim School. He has lived in London and US but his favorite thing to do is to teach Miami swimming lessons to children at the premier Miami Swim Schools

Practical Advice On Getting Into Snorkelling And Snorkelling Equipment

Author: FunswimshopUK

The basics of snorkelling

snorkelling enables you to breathe with your face under the water, making it possible to really appreciate the beauty of underwater creatures and their habitat. It involves wearing a transparent mask over your eyes and nose, and breathing through a snorkel (a plastic or rubber tube) – it's a strange sensation at first but most people quickly get used to it with a bit of practice.

You will also need to master the knack of clearing your mask and snorkel, as small amounts of water may splash in through the open end of the snorkel or leak into the mask. Both are easy to deal with, and some masks and snorkels come with built-in valves to make the process even easier.

When you learn to snorkel you will also learn to use snorkelling fins to propel yourself through the water. The fins increase your speed, enabling you to move faster, for longer, without getting as tired. The basic flutter kick is easy to learn.

What snorkelling equipment do you need to get started?
When you first buy snorkelling equipment, the  essential gear includes:

• A snorkelling mask: This is your underwater window, so when you buy a snorkelling mask, choose one that gives you a clear view and avoid tinted glass. Make sure your mask fits your face snugly but feels comfortable – to test the fit, hold it up against your face with the straps untied, then see if you can keep it on just by breathing in slowly.Snorkelling masks are come in a range of sizes and shapes to fit men, women and children.
• A snorkel: This is literally your lifeline while under the water, so when you buy a snorkel, choose one that allows you to breathe freely and make sure the mouthpiece comfortably suits the shape of your mouth. The wider the diameter of your snorkel, the more air it will allow through – and the larger you are, the wider the snorkel you'll need. But don't choose one that is too wide, or it will be more difficult to clear water out of it.
• Snorkelling fins: It's not impossible to snorkel without fins, but they make an enormous difference to the  speed and ease with which you can move through the water. When you buy snorkelling fins, ensure the fit is secure. Open-heel fins have an adjustable strap, so they often fit better but they don't protect the bottom of the foot. Full-foot fins protect the foot but cannot be adjusted, so they may not fit as securely.
• A buoyancy vest: Wearing a buoyancy vest can help you save your energy while in the water, making it easier to relax and enjoy the view! A buoyancy vest is not a life jacket, though, and it does not replace the need to be able to swim competently.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/practical-advice-on-getting-into-snorkelling-and-snorkelling-equipment-1875775.html

About the Author

FunSwimShop was founded in 2007 by Seriously Fun Direct Ltd, a family owned company who have over 20 years experience in the swimming industry. Their goal is to become the premiere destination for online swimwear and swim gear. Their unwavering focus on superior customer service has allowed them to expand their online offerings to include wetsuits, swimsuits, swimming pool games, pool toys, beach toys and so much more! You'll find the absolute best service and the best selection in online shopping at FunSwimShop!

Choosing A Wetsuit

Author: FunswimshopUK

Water sports enthusiasts in British waters have chosen a chilly hobby even at the best of times! That's why many of them wear a wetsuit to help keep them warm. Wetsuits are usually made of flexible neoprene rubber and work by trapping a thin layer of water next to your body, which your body then warms. This layer of warm water then helps keep you warm. Depending on how cold the water is and how good the wetsuit is, you can stay warm for a considerable period.

Wetsuits for use in British waters generally fall into three categories: Winter, Summer and theShortie wetsuit. The main differences between the types are the thickness and quality of neoprene used, and the finishing of the seams in the manufacturing process.

Winter wetsuits: These usually have a combination of 5mm and 4mm thick neoprene, or 5mm, 4mm and 3mm neoprene.

Summer wetsuits: These usually feature a combination of 3mm and 2mm neoprene.

Shortie wetsuits: Shorties have short sleeves and legs. They normally have a combination of 3mm and 2mm neoprene, or 2mm neoprene throughout, or even a combination of 2mm and 1mm neoprene.

The wetsuit's seams play an important role in its performance. Entry-level summer wetsuits generally employ "Flatlock" stitching, which is a strong flat stitch that is comfortable against the skin. However, Flatlock stitching can let small amounts of water through the seams, reducing its thermal performance. Whilst this would not be a problem in Summer, it would lead to quicker cooling in the Winter.

Winter wetsuits and high-end Summer wetsuits have seams that are glued and "Blindstitched", which provides a totally waterproof seam. In addition, top-end suits have various types of seal around the cuffs and taping over the seams, providing an extra level of thermal performance and making them ideal for mid-Winter outings!

Top-end wetsuits also use high-quality very flexible neoprene, whereas entry-level suits use a basic neoprene, often with some stretch panels to accommodate movement. As you would expect, all these factors: thickness of the neoprene; finishing of the seams; and quality of the neoprene are reflected in the price of the wetsuit, which can range from about £30 for an inexpensive shortie suit up to around £300 for a top-quality Winter wetsuit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/choosing-a-wetsuit-1875643.html

About the Author

FunSwimShop was founded in 2007 by Seriously Fun Direct Ltd, a family owned company who have over 20 years experience in the swimming industry. Their goal is to become the premiere destination for online swimwear and swim gear. Their unwavering focus on superior customer service has allowed them to expand their online offerings to include wetsuits, swimsuits, swimming pool games, pool toys, beach toys and so much more! You'll find the absolute best service and the best selection in online shopping at FunSwimShop!

Sailing, Swimming and Snorkeling on a Budget

Author: Warren Wong

Some of the most popular Caribbean vacation activities are sailing, swimming, and snorkeling. The clear blue waters of the Caribbean are beautiful, and you can see some pretty amazing things under the waves. However, you may end up seeing a pretty amazing bill for your fun, which can quickly put a damper on your budget vacation plans. But don't despair. The following are some easy ways to save money on your sailing, swimming, and snorkeling adventures.

The first way to save money is to look for package deals. Sometimes, you can get a great rate on excursions and activities through your hotel or travel agent. Often, these packages will roll transportation, lodging, equipment rental and activities into one price. If you catch these packages when they're on sale or when the travel agency is having a special promotion, you can save a ton. However, it pays to get a breakdown of what each item on the list costs before you commit to the package. Do your research, and you might actually find that you can rent a sailboat on your own for less.

When it comes to looking for beaches to swim on, find out if your hotel has its own beach. In some places in the Caribbean, it's rare to find a stretch of beach that doesn't have some business or hotel attached to it. Many of the beaches directly connected to a hotel are considered private beaches, and these hotels don't like non-guests to go dipping in the beach associated with their area. You don't want to pay to swim, so keep this in mind when looking at hotels and factor this cost in the hotel price when making reservations.

Sailing can be a lot of fun, but finding a cheap boat to rent might not be. You have two options in this case: rent a boat with a crew to take you out on the waves or rent a boat that you pilot yourself. Renting a crew to go along with your boat is going to be more expensive, of course, but it's also the only option for a lot of people. Time is also a factor here: there are only a set number of boats available, and the cheaper ones are often rented very early in the day. Keep that in mind and make your sailing reservations as early as possible.

Snorkeling often involves a boat, too, especially if you want to get out where the really interesting fish and coral are. Again, get out to the docks and rent your boat early or make reservations as soon as you can. Your hotel staff can help you find snorkeling boats, but it never hurts to do research yourself and ask the locals. Snorkeling is often included as an activity on cruise lines, so look into that as well. Just remember that you might be able to get a better deal yourself instead of going through your cruise provider or hotel vacation package.

Swimming, snorkeling and sailing can be a lot of fun, but if you aren't careful, they can cost a lot of money. Always check around to find the best deals and, once you find them, make your reservations early so no one else swoops in and swipes that great deal from you!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/sailing-swimming-and-snorkeling-on-a-budget-422683.html

About the Author

Warren writes for a Costa Rica vacation website. The site also has information on other tropical vacation related content.