Tips for Better Kayaking

0

Kayaking isn’t just an adventure, its full of wonderful perks to be enjoyed. From mental stability to physical fitness, kayaking is a master of all. Kayaking is a lot more than just a sport or a workout. The thrill of a kayaking adventure depends on various factors such as your experience, the weather conditions, the water flow and so on. It can be a life changing experience when done with proper supervision. But a simple mistake can jeopardize the whole experience for you, and you might not want to hold a paddle ever again. To make your kayaking experience safe and a little more exciting, here are some tips and tricks to followed.

●A good paddle

An important prerequisite for kayaking is a paddle. Paddling a kayak may become tiring after a day or two. A paddle which is accurately sized and light in weight is something you must choose very carefully. Using a heavy paddle may be a tedious task, especially for beginners. There are plenty of affordable paddles in todays market. You can choose a great paddle by investing a couple of hundred bucks and you will definitely find something that correctly suits your needs. The length of the paddle and its shape are other crucial parameters to be kept in mind while buying a paddle. You should do some research of your own before buying as it greatly determines the quality of your kayaking experience.

●Ready to get wet

You going to get wet on your kayaking experience. One. Even if you don’t make a mistake, you are sure to get wet kayaking because of paddling motion, not to mention possible weather conditions. So, make sure you have the proper clothes, made up of synthetic fabric as cotton clothes tend to absorb more water and remain damp. Also, don’t forget to wear reliable sandals or water shoes. In addition, always pack a pair of dry and fresh clothes if you are going overnight or on a long trip. Not having enough clothes might change your damp up your experience into a terrible one.

●Using the Dry sack

A dry sack can be used to pack dry clothes, eatables for yourself and your pet if you plan on bringing one, and other essentials that need to stay dry. Unfortunately, most kayakers using their dry sack in the wrong way.

Here’s the correct way to pack the dry sack:

Stuff the sack up to two-third of the sack. Press the air out while holding the top together. Afterwards, fold the top rim of the sack downwards for at least three times. Finally buckle the sack and clip it in the appropriate direction. Check if it buckled and sealed tightly so that it doesn’t roll out into the water.

●Learn basic paddling strokes

Learning to paddle the simple and most basic paddling stroke helps make your kayaking trip faster and more easy going. It’s important to put in the time in practicing your technique. It will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, surely you don’t want to miss out on some easy tricks that can make your kayaking experience a bigger adventure. Sometimes it can be best to learn how to do all this with a kayaking guide, there are also great online resources out there you can find, you can find more here, https://www.kayakerguide.com/ .

●Practice paddling with a friend

Like the saying says, “Two heads are better than one”. It’s ok to be nervous and uncomfortable in the water. Practicing paddling with a friend helps build up your confidence and makes learning even more fun. If you don’t have someone with a kayak to paddle with, then there are plenty of clubs and groups you can visit to learn and practice the art of paddling.

●Invest in a PFD

A personal flotation device is a must when kayaking. Invest in a life jacket that meets your fit and size. Make sure you can move your arms, and that it is a comfortable fit.

●Know the river

It’s extremely important to study river before you set off kayaking. Knowing the potential dangers of the rivers and the hazards that may be caused by it should be cleared up in your mind before planning your adventure. If you are planning to head out into the sea, make sure to have abundant knowledge the sea. Not having the proper education and instructions may be lead to serious consequences like injuries or even worse, death.

●Using a whistle and hand gestures

The sound of crashing water in turbulent rivers can be loud, so loud that your fellow kayakers may not hear you. Study and learn hand signals, whistle blows and paddle signs. It is very important to familiarize yourself with those signals to avoid any unnecessary dangers.

Kayaking is an amazing sport, by following these tips, we hope you can learn to enjoy it properly, and safely, follow instructions and safety guides, use the appropriate tools, and don’t forget to have fun!

New Blockbuster Christmas Movie To Be Filmed in Charlotte – Studio Asking For Paid Extras

0

Charlotte is about to be the home of a new blockbuster Christmas movie.

The casting company that staffed The Hunger Games, Sleepy Hollow, and Homeland just announced that a new Christmas movie is about to start filming right here in the Queen City.

If you’d like to be considered as one of the movie’s paid extras, you can submit the following to CLTextras@gmail.com with heading being your Age, Ethnicity, Gender, and City/State where your reside:

** 2 CURRENT photos/snapshots. 1 Headshot/Close up photo. Should not be wearing a hat or sunglasses). 1 Full Length photo. These photos can be taken with a cell phone and should accurately reflect your current hair length and color, facial hair status for men.

** Your Name, Phone (prefer cell), Age, City/State you reside, Height/Weight, Complete Clothing Sizes, Description and location of any visible Tattoos and Piercings (Please include if you have an artist release for tattoos), Color/Make/Model/Year of vehicle you drive in case need it for filming as well.

** You can include any additional information you feel we may need to know. Examples could be -real medical, musician or stand in experience.

Today they company added they they are also looking for photo doubles for the leading roles in the film:

Please help spread the word!

The Carolinas Rank Among The Hardest Working States in America

0

With Americans working an average of almost 1,800 hours per year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but fewer people having jobs this year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s Hardest-Working States in America.

In order to determine where Americans work the hardest, WalletHub compared the 50 states across ten key metrics. The data set ranges from average workweek hours to share of workers with multiple jobs to annual volunteer hours per resident.

South Carolina ranked #20 and North Carolina ranked #21 on the list.

Hardest-Working States in the U.S.

Overall Rank* State Total Score ‘Direct Work Factors’
Rank
‘Indirect Work Factors’
Rank
1 North Dakota 72.85 1 40
2 Alaska 65.14 2 10
3 Wyoming 61.92 4 14
4 Texas 61.22 3 30
5 Nebraska 59.52 7 6
6 Oklahoma 56.81 5 24
7 Colorado 56.56 9 15
8 Virginia 56.40 11 7
9 Maryland 56.18 13 2
10 Hawaii 55.30 8 28
11 South Dakota 54.82 6 42
12 New Hampshire 54.07 14 4
13 Kansas 52.69 10 33
14 Georgia 51.22 12 36
15 Tennessee 49.38 15 34
16 Iowa 48.95 16 31
17 Utah 48.78 30 1
18 Minnesota 48.44 23 8
19 Indiana 47.84 21 16
20 South Carolina 46.58 17 38
21 North Carolina 45.63 24 23
22 Montana 45.27 35 3
23 Louisiana 45.25 18 46
24 Vermont 45.22 22 35
25 Maine 45.16 34 12
26 Delaware 45.14 28 20
27 Wisconsin 44.98 33 13
28 Arkansas 44.52 20 47
29 Idaho 44.02 32 18
30 Nevada 43.82 25 37
31 Alabama 42.82 19 49
32 California 42.79 31 32
33 Missouri 42.70 26 44
34 Washington 42.55 40 11
35 Florida 41.44 29 45
36 New Jersey 41.24 37 26
37 Massachusetts 41.01 39 19
38 Kentucky 41.01 36 29
39 Pennsylvania 40.98 43 9
40 Illinois 40.79 38 22
41 Arizona 40.04 41 17
42 Mississippi 39.37 27 50
43 Oregon 39.05 47 5
44 New York 39.03 42 25
45 Connecticut 37.51 44 27
46 Ohio 36.46 45 21
47 Michigan 33.88 46 43
48 Rhode Island 32.97 49 41
49 New Mexico 32.08 48 48
50 West Virginia 30.04 50 39

“Baby Lives Matter”, “Your Body, Your Choice”, and “BLM” Painted Near Charlotte Planned Parenthood

0

An unapproved mural was painted on quiet street in Charlotte that read “Baby Lives Matter”, then was quickly painted over with other messages reading “Your body, your choice,” and “BLM”.

Activist Tayler Hansen posted an image on Twitter last weekend that seems to indicate that he was in the process of painting the mural.

The full mural was completed last week in front of the Planned Parenthood facility on South Torrence Street in Charlotte’s Cherry Neighborhood.

WBTV took a photo of the painting in their helicopter before it was painted over.

The message was then painted over with the phrases “Your body, your choice,” and “BLM”

CMPD is now investigating the unapproved paintings.

What do you think about the messages?

Panthers DB Derrek Thomas First Player To Be Placed On COVID-19 Reserve List

0
via Panthers

Panthers Defensive Back Derrek Thomas has just been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.

The list consists of players who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have come into close contact with someone who has the virus.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Thomas is one of 2 NFL players to be placed on the list over the weekend.

Thomas will be able to return to the team after two negative tests within a 24-hour period.

CMPD Asking For Public’s Help In Finding Masked Armed Robber – Reward Offered

0

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has just issued a reward for any information that might lead to the capture of an armed robbery suspect in Charlotte.

CMPD and Crime Stoppers both sent out an alert yesterday asking for the public’s help in identifying a masked man wearing a pink shirt and grey sweatpants who robbed the Circle K on Central Ave in East Charlotte this past Tuesday morning at 4:08am.

They posted 2 pictures and noted that a cash reward will be given to anyone who gives information that leads to his arrest.

Please help spread the word.

South Carolina Saw Weekly Unemployment Claims Recover the 8th Quickest in America

0

Despite the fact that the U.S. is still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, new unemployment claims decreased week-over-week on August 17, and were still 85% below the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help add some context to these statistics, WalletHub just released updated rankings for the States Whose Weekly Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest.

To identify which states’ workforces are experiencing the quickest recovery from COVID-19, the site compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across three metrics based on changes in unemployment claims. Below, you can see highlights from the report.

Most Recovered Last Week Least Recovered Last Week
1. Oregon 42. Nevada
2. North Dakota 43. Virginia
3. West Virginia 44. Alaska
4. Connecticut 45. California
5. Vermont 46. Kentucky
6. Pennsylvania 47. Louisiana
7. New Jersey 48. New Mexico
8. South Carolina 49. Florida
9. Maine 50. Georgia
10. Maryland 51. Kansas

Detailed Findings

State Change in Unemployment Claims (Latest Week vs. Last Year)* Change in Unemployment Claims (Latest Week vs Start of 2020)** Change in Unemployment Claims (Since Start of COVID-19 Crisis vs. Last Year)***
Oregon 56.10% -24.11% 679.79%
North Dakota 48.70% -3.95% 1226.74%
West Virginia 124.85% 20.91% 1033.45%
Connecticut 153.71% -18.48% 672.57%
Vermont 146.56% -5.00% 807.08%
Pennsylvania 146.30% -1.26% 838.55%
New Jersey 149.94% 26.33% 708.67%
South Carolina 184.60% -26.06% 1485.40%
Maine 215.14% -33.67% 1618.66%
Maryland 154.47% 72.80% 1210.32%
Missouri 221.85% 12.95% 1041.39%
Oklahoma 215.89% 74.31% 2066.40%
Iowa 231.30% 51.64% 848.54%
Wyoming 253.97% 27.79% 869.84%
Arkansas 226.36% 102.83% 888.29%
Delaware 251.03% 74.51% 1035.78%
New York 281.58% 40.73% 1028.20%
Ohio 267.30% 68.41% 1192.44%
Utah 252.82% 97.56% 1014.90%
Illinois 243.45% 115.07% 835.77%
Wisconsin 335.83% 8.16% 855.57%
Alabama 298.00% 71.14% 1283.42%
Montana 320.11% 41.03% 902.35%
Rhode Island 310.62% 56.80% 921.74%
Michigan 348.25% 28.67% 1378.09%
Massachusetts 325.10% 81.29% 1049.93%
Washington 330.65% 105.36% 1303.74%
District of Columbia 257.73% 227.23% 1209.35%
Idaho 414.27% 21.91% 1015.27%
Colorado 331.90% 164.01% 1411.47%
Minnesota 406.59% 48.58% 1440.39%
South Dakota 422.22% 88.94% 1617.25%
Arizona 287.02% 336.81% 872.40%
Mississippi 346.11% 245.76% 1510.90%
North Carolina 347.69% 267.16% 1851.53%
Texas 314.60% 323.05% 1077.31%
Indiana 441.88% 143.08% 1852.49%
Nebraska 458.68% 146.04% 1186.84%
Hawaii 426.50% 227.73% 1200.75%
Tennessee 451.55% 256.61% 1356.27%
New Hampshire 477.28% 257.25% 2295.77%
Nevada 397.07% 394.43% 1247.57%
Virginia 526.58% 303.70% 2000.30%
Alaska 552.64% 366.36% 1016.10%
California 505.61% 470.58% 880.42%
Kentucky 712.26% 209.84% 1913.87%
Louisiana 472.97% 581.48% 1882.58%
New Mexico 600.00% 485.23% 1283.17%
Florida 625.19% 890.10% 2440.44%
Georgia 1114.74% 216.86% 3207.87%
Kansas 1238.63% 684.35% 1148.39%

NASCAR Strikes Deal to Allow Betting on Races

0

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing – better known as NASCAR – is joining other major US sports leagues in branching into the business of betting. The privately owned American company and world-famous auto racing circuit announced on Tuesday 11th August that they will sign a deal with New Jersey-based casino brand BetMGM to develop race betting options.

Horse racing, soccer, esports; it was maybe only a matter of time before NASCAR buckled to the trend of sports betting – a move that will open a world of new promotional opportunities, and an additional method through which to increase revenue. NASCAR confirmed that their partner, BetMGM, will take bets on the races at its own casinos, or else through its casino mobile app. 

This deal can be said to be a reflection of the times. It comes two years after the U.S. The Supreme Court legalized sports betting, and one year after North Carolina passed a law that permits sports betting in casinos on tribal lands (but more on that later). As gambling restrictions in general ease across many states, and secure casino mobile apps rise in popularity, NASCAR will be seizing upon the momentum.

That deal, of course, is not only a response to developments within the betting industry, but also with regards to the viewership performance of NASCAR’s own races and the demands placed on the sports league by fans. NASCAR attracts millions of viewers with each game, making the races one of America’s most watched sports. But while the races remain hugely popular all over the world, there are concerns that the sport is failing to digitialize fast enough to keep fans engaged. 

Six years ago, NASCAR vowed to explore new ways of reaching viewers, investing in live streams and social media as part of that effort. Viewership has grown since this successful strategy was adopted. The opportunity to bet on races can be regarded as a next step towards the goal of broadening the races’ appeal. While Americans will be the first to bet on races, there’s no reason NASCAR will seek to limit itself to offering bets within the borders of the US only.

It is speculated by some that the introduction of an official NASCAR betting channel should do something to reduce illegal betting around the races. However, much to the dismay of North Carolina NASCAR fans, all forms of sports betting remain off the table for the time being – primarily because the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s two casinos in North Carolina aren’t accepting sports wagers. Fans might have turned online – except online sports betting remains illegal in the state.

Instead, the first five states to bet on NASCAR races through the BetMGM app or casinos will be Nevada, Colorado, New Jersey, and West Virginia. BetMGM says more will be added to that list in the near future. The company intends to offer a variety of pre-race and in-race bets, such as top-finishing drivers, driver matchups, stage winners and bets tied to the number of the winning car. Whether there will be limitations on bets is not yet known, but usual sports betting regulation will have to be observed.

Many major sports leagues have struck similar deals in recent years. Major League Baseball, for example, has also partnered with BetMGM. With President Trump relaxed on gambling, and while popular online casino games like Texas Hold’Em and Rainbow Riches remain easily accessible and difficult to legislate around, there has been a discernible shift in attitudes towards gambling across many states.

The typical argument for legalizing gambling, in the form of sports betting or online casino games, tends to focus on the benefits of regulation. Revenue, meanwhile, can be poured back into regulatory bodies and into institutions that help those with addictions. At a time when preventing Americans from accessing unofficial betting avenues online becomes increasingly difficult, legalization is often purported as ‘the next best thing’. As to the exact date on which NASCAR betting will become possible is yet to be to be confirmed, but since the NASCAR Cup Series is already ongoing, BetMGM will have missed out on the biggest event this year.

Charlotte is home to annual NASCAR races and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the latter of which honours exceptional drivers and attracts over 150,000 visitors each year. The first ever race was held in 1948, when founder Bill France saw the potential of a unified stock car auto racing organisation after noting its popularity in many parts of the country. Since then, the sport has found its iconic footing in popular culture and has inspired this year’s ‘Blink of an Eye’ documentary about the friendship between NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt and Michael Waltrip.

An Extra $900 Will Be Deposited in Bank Accounts of Eligible Unemployed North Carolinians

0

North Carolinians who have lost their job due to COVID-19 will soon see a direct payment of $900 deposited into their bank accounts.

Thanks to the Lost Wages Assistance Program, anyone who had their $600 per week unemployment bonuses expire on July 31st will now receive retroactive payments starting August 1st.

In yesterday’s press conference, Governor Cooper announced the retroactive payments.

“They’re working to get the money out by next week sometime,” said Cooper.

North Carolina’s application for the Lost Wages Assistance Program was just approved this week so funds from weeks ending August 1, 8, and 15 will be retroactively deposited into North Carolina bank accounts.

As the program was only good for $300 per week for 3 weeks after the CARES act ended on July 31st, Governor Cooper is now urging Congress to extend the CARES act and reinstate the $600 per week bonuses. He is also asking NC state legislators to raise North Carolina’s unemployment benefits from $350 per week to $500 per week.

What do you think should be done to help those who are still unemployed due to COVID-19?

Rents in Charlotte Down 1.3% Since Start of Pandemic – September 2020 Rental Report

0
As the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic fallout continue to overwhelm renters across the country, Charlotte is now starting to see rental rates decrease after decades of increases.
Apartment list has just released their September rental report for Charlotte showing rates decreasing in Charlotte, but increasing in many of our most popular bedroom communities:

Here are some of this month’s highlights:
  • Rents in Charlotte have now decreased 1.3% since the start of the pandemic in March.
  • Year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte currently stands at -0.6%.
  • Median rents in Charlotte currently stand at $1394 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,653 for a two-bedroom.

On a national level, Charlotte is roughly in the middle, with the largest decrease in San Francisco and the largest increase Virginia Beach:

Check out the full report here.