Some may have noticed that my last post was some time ago; there are a couple of reasons for this and rather than ignoring my Blog I thought I would keep you all posted!
Firstly, I am pregnant for the first time, so am now learning Spanish at an accelerated speed as it's a complete necessity here. Also, I'm half way through a college course and really need to finish it this year!! All this on top of my normal duties with my sailing school and looking after my husband! Plus I really want to chill out a bit (for a change), and enjoy my pregnancy.
I will continue to Tweet when I can (#costaadventures), so please do keep your eyes peeled if you are looking for fun things to do throughout the year. I will continue to research and hone my skills and knowledge about adventure sports in this area (Costa Blanca and Costa Calida) and release information whenever I can.
I'm sitting on an enormous amount of research and information, which I have every intention of publishing at some point. However, the crisis continues to have a horrible impact in this industry, and Spain is having a really tough time right now, which means the face of adventure sports in this area is changing frequently.
I will persevere! The Costa Blanca has so much on offer for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, so regardless of how long it takes for us to emerge from the hardship we will shine again!!
For now, hasta luego, I will be back!!
Anna
About Me
- Anna Plaster
- This Blog has been created by an adventurer,traveler and fun-junkie.An English woman living in Spain,who runs a British sailing school with her gorgeous husband and is passionate about adventure sports and the environment - and willing to share the good stuff with you.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Yoga Breaks & Pilates at Tara's Retreat (Murcia)
Based in La Magdelena (which is just inland from Cartagena, Murcia), Tara’s Retreat is tucked away in rustic Spanish countryside, just a short drive away from the coast. Tara, the owner, has been a fitness instructor for 24 years and after originally concentrating on various aerobics classes and dance, decided to switch to yoga and Pilates. She trained with the Body Control Pilates Association in London and has been in Spain for five years.
The history of Pilates is an interesting one, and was started by Joseph Pilates in 1860. Joseph was a sickly child and suffered for asthma and rickets; he was born in Germany and was a teenager when he started with circus training. He learnt about boxing, martial arts and yoga, and this developed his understanding of core strength and fitness.
During this time he began to work with war patients and by applying his knowledge he found that they had a quicker recovery rate than other wounded soldiers. Joseph met his wife and they travelled to New York where they opened a centre for injured dancers and here he developed ‘reformer machines’, a static contraption that allowed patients to stretch and strengthen on their own.
The benefits of the Pilates Reformer exercises are many. The exercises enable building strength in arms, legs, the abdominal and back muscles. Certain areas are easily targeted and often programmes are designed to building strength or change and improving body shape.
Pilates is about developing a strong centre, known as the powerhouse of the body. Joseph Pilates believed that the physical centre of the body is where the energy of the body starts. Hence, the exercises begin from the centre and slowly move outwards to the arms and leg muscles. The stretching and pulling routines are designed to lengthen and soften your body without building bulky muscles in the process.
As the basis for which the reformer was originally built, it is still widely used today for rehabilitation of joint injuries. Hard core professional athletes like gymnasts, tennis players, basketball players and boxers use the Pilates Reformer exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve stamina and cardiovascular fitness.
Tara firmly believes that ‘a strong body results in a strong mind’. Alongside these benefits you can add increased stamina and relaxation levels, a broader spiritual insight, less tension and a stronger, leaner and more toned body.
Another element to the yoga retreat is the mosaic workshops offered by Tara’s partner, Dan. He has built up a solid client base which includes numerous private individuals and local government but also loves to work alongside Tara’s groups in short, half day sessions; or longer week-long workshops.
Most mosaics reflect the natural world and sign writing is also popular, his unique designs make gorgeous additions to pool areas and other outdoor areas. Dan refers to himself as a ‘glass artist’, and compared to the traditional mosaics seen all over the Costa Blanca, has a more modern take on mosaic art.
It is essential for beginners in yoga and Pilates to work with a certified instructor, not only to prevent muscle injury, but also to ensure the maximum benefits are achieved. This can be done with Tara at the retreat, or if you fancy training to become a teacher yourself, tutor Rory Griffin provides courses at scheduled points throughout the year.
See http://www.tarasretreat.com for full details.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Walking in the Mountains Behind Albatera
The trails along the mountains behind Albatera have a very similar landscape to most in the area, rustic, at points barren, but still rugged and beautiful. There are plenty of trails and routes to choose from, and there are numerous areas alongside roads in which one can park safely.
The route chosen on this particular day was along the CV-873 from Albatera towards Hondón de los Frailes. A windy mountain road ascends and we chose a parking spot at the peak of the mountain, where a route sign displays the P.R.V 255.
The summit presented great views of the surrounding countryside, back towards Albatera and across to Hondón de los Frailes. Further mountain ranges could be admired and the far of cry of daytime fireworks could be heard and seen at a distant village celebrating a fiesta.
The circular route taken lasted just under two hours and was not planned, the route being short and easy enough to navigate without. The path switched between hard mud and scree, which isn't as nice to walk on, made partially better when wearing the correct footwear. From various points along the route a rock shaped as an elephant could be viewed, it' body, head and truck easily recognised (need to go back for better pictures!).
It was a sunny Spring day, hot and bright, made even more serene by feasting on fresh fruit and making the most of good company. The area is worth exploring and enjoying.
Friday, January 28, 2011
City of Torrevieja International Optimist Class Trophy
From the 28 - 30 January, 200 under 15's will be competing in Optimist dinghy races along the coast of Torrevieja. The registration period closed earlier this month and young sailors will be travelling from Spain and seven other European countries with their families and technicians to compete in this important and intense championship.
The Optimist is the most renowned and popular dinghy in the sailing world, linked strongly to junior sailing. If you fancy popping along why not take a leisurely stroll along the promenade which starts by the Marina Salinas, opposite the fairground in Torrevieja.
The 29er Class Regional Championship 2011 will also be getting underway on 29th January and continuing the following day. This competition is open to all kinds of pre-Olympic craft and crewed by two people. This event is for 16 to 20 year olds.
Racing will start at noon at Saturday and 10.30 on Sunday. With more than 200 competitors with their individual dingy's on the water it will be an impressive sight. Let's hope the recent cold weather subsides for the weekend.
For more information;
http://optimistcup.regataestrella.com/
The Optimist is the most renowned and popular dinghy in the sailing world, linked strongly to junior sailing. If you fancy popping along why not take a leisurely stroll along the promenade which starts by the Marina Salinas, opposite the fairground in Torrevieja.
The 29er Class Regional Championship 2011 will also be getting underway on 29th January and continuing the following day. This competition is open to all kinds of pre-Olympic craft and crewed by two people. This event is for 16 to 20 year olds.
Racing will start at noon at Saturday and 10.30 on Sunday. With more than 200 competitors with their individual dingy's on the water it will be an impressive sight. Let's hope the recent cold weather subsides for the weekend.
For more information;
http://optimistcup.regataestrella.com/
Monday, January 24, 2011
A Small Introduction to Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is proving to be a popular pastime on the Costa Blanca. Internationally, the sport goes from strength to strength and it’s not hard to find out which coastlines (or lakes) people are riding on.
Riders use a water-relaunchable kite to ride through the water, using the energy from the wind and technique to perform fast speeds, amazing jumps and cool grabs; such as The Indy and The Seatbelt.
If you want to join the growing force of riders, you will firstly need to find your nearest school and registered instructors (see Resources section at the end for more details). On the Costa Blanca you will be able to find kitesurf schools in Calpe, Santa Pola and at Los Alcazares on the Mar Menor in Murcia.
It is important you learn with a pro, a serious amount of energy can be harnessed through these huge kites and if you make a mistake, it can be fatal. Learning with a school means that you learn the fundamentals before you even get in the water.
During your kitesurfing ‘baptism’, you will learn about equipment, wind direction, safety, basic piloting, emergency release, how to launch and land and about the ‘wind window’. It is essential you are taught the different elements to safety and etiquette. This all makes sense when you consider that riders can now reach speeds of up to 50 knots!
There are various styles of kitesurfing, with ‘expression riding’ being the most popular. This consists of ‘freestyle’ (when riders do jumps, spins and grabs) and ‘wave riding’. Performing ‘big air’ jumps is popular, when riders are in the air from 5 – 10 seconds. A popular variation for those with previous board-riding experience come in the form of ‘kickers’ and ‘sliders’, ramps and rails located in the water and used as props.
Just remember; try before you buy, always tell someone where you are and make sure you always have water and a high factor sun screen if playing out in the sun. And as always, respect the sea.
RESOURCES:
International Kitesurf Organization (IKO) website: http://www.ikorg.com/
British Kitesurf Organisation (BKO) website: www.kitesurfing.org
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Image Library - By Costa Adventures
A large amount of pictures have been taken whilst building up a mass of information about adventure sports on the Costa Blanca.
A small sample of these can be seen in Costa Adventures' galleries on Flikr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27406349@N05/
A small sample of these can be seen in Costa Adventures' galleries on Flikr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27406349@N05/
Friday, January 14, 2011
Volvo Ocean Race 2011
Originally the Volvo Ocean Race was named the 'Whitbread Round the World Race’; the first race was in 1973. The race is a huge international sailing event, with teams from around the world stopping at ports in Europe, Asia, North and South America and Africa. Team members are a diverse range of hardcore sportsmen and include sailors from nations such as Antigua, China, Russia and the Ukraine.
The race has 36 years worth of history and experience, and even with huge technical advances, it is still one of the few true adventures of man versus the sea. This international marathon takes the competing teams through some of the most treacherous oceans on our planet, and only has room for the elite.
The next Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante with the In-Port Race on 29 October 2011, with the first leg starting on 5 November. It will take nine months for the teams who succeed in completing the race to finish in Galway, Ireland. 'It is a 37,000 nautical mile endurance test on the most technically-advanced ocean racing yachts know to man' (Volvo Ocean Race Casebook).
The journey between the start and finish lines will be a test of human endurance, sea conditions will sway from calm to 15 metre waves and gusts of up to 65 knots (120kph). The host cities for the 2011 - 2012 races, in running order, are: Alicante, Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland, Itajai, Miami, Lisbon, Lorient and Galway.
(Alicante)Boat teams and the colossal yachts themselves are named after their main sponsors e.g. Telefonica (Spain). Footfall numbers at the individual stopover ports are substantial, and in-fact higher than other prestigious sporting events including the Open Golf Championship and UEFA Cup Final.
(Alicante)In the 2008 - 2009 races, Alicante, the starting port, saw over 900,000 people descend upon the city. A great economic boost for one of the worst hit countries in Europe during the recession. The success of the race here helped immensely with a total economic impact of 89.2€ million!
The race is completely in tune with the most up-to-date media resources and coverage available, with a tremendous amount of content streamed to websites and mobile devices. There have been nearly 90 million visits to Volvo Ocean Race online sites and 54.2 million USD media value for each team's main sponsor!!
The fitness and the agility of the teams, plus the NASA-type technology was clearly evident in the 2008 - 2009 races. After 2,206 nautical miles the top five contenders reached Singapore, there was only two hours and 45 minutes between position one and five; and only two minutes and 27 seconds between positions two and four!! Truly spectacular.
The announcement for the qualifier event for competing teams will be made on the 15 May, in the meantime this Blog will be posting interesting info as it is released.
(NOTE: All images courtesy of Volvo Ocean Race)
Volvo Ocean Race - Official Site: www.VolvoOceanRace.com
Class 1 Racing - An Introduction
What is Class 1 racing? If you can imagine what Formula 1 might look like on water you'd nearly be there.
Class 1 primarily focuses on international racing events that take place in a diverse range of countries each year. The sport is governed by the World Professional Power Boating Association (WPPA), which is located in Dubai. Previous years' teams include those from England, Spain, Italy, Australia, Qatar, Norway and the United Arab Emirates.
Quoted as being ‘the world’s most rugged ocean race’, Class 1’s roots belong to the renowned Miami-Nassau races that started in 1956. Ideas of powerboat racing were brought to life by American race car promoter Capt. Sherman ‘Red’ Crise and yacht designer, Dick Bertram. The interest generated from the races created a new and dynamic sport which now turns over immense sums of money every year.
The people involved in the races are a major point of interest and are an eclectic mix that has been present since day one. The drivers themselves are often company Directors or CEO’s, paying for themselves and receiving some sponsorship in order to get the appropriate training and certifications so they can risk their lives in each race.
Since the early days this sport has evolved in to an awe-inspiring beast. The quest for higher speeds with more agile craft has resulted in grand technological advances for the boats, engines and transmission systems. Each powerboat has two, 950 hp super-charged Mercury engines which are capable of speeds in excess of 160mph - imagine doing that on the water! The vast advances in technology have resulted in the boats reaching eye-popping speeds and the 100mph mark was first exceeded in the 1980’s.
One can understand why the drivers must conform to such strict training in fitness and safety, governed by international body of power boating; Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).
Although team members are rarely killed when the modern-day Class 1 boat’s flip over or spin out, accidents do happen. In 2009 Dubai's 'Victory' boat crashed, killing both drivers. The g-forces involved whilst racing can cause severe bruising and the driver’s often loose consciousness when in an accident.
The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) with advanced composites using Kevlar and carbon fibre has made the boats a lot safer then previous models. In addition to stronger materials and advanced technology, the drivers are strapped securely into body-hugging seats within safety cells beneath Lexan canopies borrowed from the aerospace industry, wearing fireproof overalls.
Although, all these complex changes won’t change one thing; mans ever-advancing battle with the sea.
The team representing Spain is named Duemme Yacht Broker Spain S.L. and the team consists of:
Team Manager: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Cirilli
Driver: Guido Cappellini
Throttleman: Giampaolo Montavoci
Reserve Driver: Domenico Cirilli
Chief Mechanic: Oscar Sikken
Mechanic: Luke Talbot
Truck Driver: Marco Baruffaldi
Logistic Co-ordinator: Marion Fisch
(Guido Cappellini - Driver)
(Giampaolo Montavoci - Throtteman)
The Spanish mean-machine winging its way around the world and competing against other nations is 13.3 metres long and 3.5 metres wide! She is a ceramic design that weighs just under 5,000 kilograms and has a 16 valve, eight cylinder beast of an engine.
(The Spanish team boat (2009) Images above and below taken by author)
By the end of the 2010 Class 1 races, the Spanish team (74 GSG Ceramic Design) finished fourth out of 11 teams, with 95 points. However, Team Fazza (Dubai) cleaned up with 212 points and pole position; their 9th win.
In previous years Class 1 has visited Spain and in 2006, the Spanish team finished in second place at the Gurrucha races in Almeria. Since then the team have travelled to some glamorous destinations such as Dubai, Brazil, Norway, Qatar, Moscow and Egypt. In 2009 a racing event was planned for Alicante, but economic problems resulted in a last minute cancellation of the event; to the dismay of all involved.
The 2011 race schedule will be announced soon and this Blog will be bringing you up-to-date news about the Spanish team, their races, accomplishments and journeys.
The related Tweets by 'costaadventures' are another great resource for those wanting keep posted about this fantastic sport and many other extreme adventures throughout the country.
Resources:
All images courtesy of Class 1, unless specified
For more information: http://www.class-1.com/index.asp
Class 1 primarily focuses on international racing events that take place in a diverse range of countries each year. The sport is governed by the World Professional Power Boating Association (WPPA), which is located in Dubai. Previous years' teams include those from England, Spain, Italy, Australia, Qatar, Norway and the United Arab Emirates.
Quoted as being ‘the world’s most rugged ocean race’, Class 1’s roots belong to the renowned Miami-Nassau races that started in 1956. Ideas of powerboat racing were brought to life by American race car promoter Capt. Sherman ‘Red’ Crise and yacht designer, Dick Bertram. The interest generated from the races created a new and dynamic sport which now turns over immense sums of money every year.
The people involved in the races are a major point of interest and are an eclectic mix that has been present since day one. The drivers themselves are often company Directors or CEO’s, paying for themselves and receiving some sponsorship in order to get the appropriate training and certifications so they can risk their lives in each race.
Since the early days this sport has evolved in to an awe-inspiring beast. The quest for higher speeds with more agile craft has resulted in grand technological advances for the boats, engines and transmission systems. Each powerboat has two, 950 hp super-charged Mercury engines which are capable of speeds in excess of 160mph - imagine doing that on the water! The vast advances in technology have resulted in the boats reaching eye-popping speeds and the 100mph mark was first exceeded in the 1980’s.
One can understand why the drivers must conform to such strict training in fitness and safety, governed by international body of power boating; Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).
Although team members are rarely killed when the modern-day Class 1 boat’s flip over or spin out, accidents do happen. In 2009 Dubai's 'Victory' boat crashed, killing both drivers. The g-forces involved whilst racing can cause severe bruising and the driver’s often loose consciousness when in an accident.
The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) with advanced composites using Kevlar and carbon fibre has made the boats a lot safer then previous models. In addition to stronger materials and advanced technology, the drivers are strapped securely into body-hugging seats within safety cells beneath Lexan canopies borrowed from the aerospace industry, wearing fireproof overalls.
Although, all these complex changes won’t change one thing; mans ever-advancing battle with the sea.
The team representing Spain is named Duemme Yacht Broker Spain S.L. and the team consists of:
Team Manager: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Cirilli
Driver: Guido Cappellini
Throttleman: Giampaolo Montavoci
Reserve Driver: Domenico Cirilli
Chief Mechanic: Oscar Sikken
Mechanic: Luke Talbot
Truck Driver: Marco Baruffaldi
Logistic Co-ordinator: Marion Fisch
(Guido Cappellini - Driver)
(Giampaolo Montavoci - Throtteman)
The Spanish mean-machine winging its way around the world and competing against other nations is 13.3 metres long and 3.5 metres wide! She is a ceramic design that weighs just under 5,000 kilograms and has a 16 valve, eight cylinder beast of an engine.
(The Spanish team boat (2009) Images above and below taken by author)
By the end of the 2010 Class 1 races, the Spanish team (74 GSG Ceramic Design) finished fourth out of 11 teams, with 95 points. However, Team Fazza (Dubai) cleaned up with 212 points and pole position; their 9th win.
In previous years Class 1 has visited Spain and in 2006, the Spanish team finished in second place at the Gurrucha races in Almeria. Since then the team have travelled to some glamorous destinations such as Dubai, Brazil, Norway, Qatar, Moscow and Egypt. In 2009 a racing event was planned for Alicante, but economic problems resulted in a last minute cancellation of the event; to the dismay of all involved.
The 2011 race schedule will be announced soon and this Blog will be bringing you up-to-date news about the Spanish team, their races, accomplishments and journeys.
The related Tweets by 'costaadventures' are another great resource for those wanting keep posted about this fantastic sport and many other extreme adventures throughout the country.
Resources:
All images courtesy of Class 1, unless specified
For more information: http://www.class-1.com/index.asp
Sea-bound Experiences on the Costa Blanca
Stormy, serene, tranquil and awesome are all words that can describe the scenery which compliments the coastline. Powerful yet sensual, most that spend time here witness the changing faces of the sea. All year round there are sea based activities one can participate in. Sailing, power boating, wakeboarding and kayaking are popular during the summer and those with a thicker skin can be seen scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing all year round.
Clean, golden, spacious beaches are a common sight on the Costa Blanca and people with local knowledge can still find empty beaches in the peak season. Further out to sea, fishing is a popular recreational pastime and an important part of Spanish culture. Beneath the surface wrecks, reefs and ledges provide interesting spots for scuba divers and marine life. There are also many small islands just off the coastline including Tabarca and Ifach.
Knee-boarding is another exhilarating experience to choose from and not so difficult to master. From the water one is pulled by a power boat by rope, resting upon a short board. Once hitting the magic 20-knot mark, the objective is to pull yourself up on to the board; placing your weight on your knees. Then just ride the wake and enjoy!
Kayak safari’s are a popular choice for groups and families, it’s an easy and affordable activity, and a great way to check out the coastline or some of the Costa’s sparkling blue lakes.
Recent developments within regional government have seen an increase in the number of water-related schemes available for young people. For example, sailing and kitesurfing clubs are now receiving more support and promotion than in previous years.
Sailing has always been a popular pastime on the Med and nothing beats spending days bobbing along or nights in foreign marinas. Although many sailing schools have closed over the past three years, some successful schools remain, such as Serenity Sailing in Torrevieja. With a strong, professional reputation, this school accommodates students from around the world, having a positive impact on the local tourism-related businesses.
Various sailing competitions are held year-round, both regional and international. From the Optimist dinghy races for young people(a good place to view rising stars) in Torreveja, to the Volvo Ocean Race, a well-known and popular race spanning the globe, this year starting from Alicante (more on this coming soon on this Blog).
Although arguably barren, the marine environment still attracts a healthy number of scuba divers throughout the year, with many schools concentrated around the Costa Blanca north in places such as Calp and Denia and. There are a few schools further south, dotted along the coast, including the Dive Academy (http://www.diveacademy-santapola.com/) in Santa Pola. This school frequents the island of Tabarca, a marine reserve, which has enough marine life to keep one interested. Snorkelling here also has its rewards, in the form of underwater bridges and interesting rock formations, from which a small variety of fish gather and feed.
Windsurfing, surfing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and snorkelling all add to the variety of activities available for tourists and residents alike - plus a great way to cool off in the summer!
It always pays to consult a registered school or instructor before embarking upon a new adventure sport. There are less than pre-recession days, but dig around in places such as Tourist Information Centres as they are the best places to find local and up-to-date information.
Resources:
For weather: http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php
Region of Valencia Tourist Info: http://en.comunitatvalenciana.com/home/home-english/493
Clean, golden, spacious beaches are a common sight on the Costa Blanca and people with local knowledge can still find empty beaches in the peak season. Further out to sea, fishing is a popular recreational pastime and an important part of Spanish culture. Beneath the surface wrecks, reefs and ledges provide interesting spots for scuba divers and marine life. There are also many small islands just off the coastline including Tabarca and Ifach.
Knee-boarding is another exhilarating experience to choose from and not so difficult to master. From the water one is pulled by a power boat by rope, resting upon a short board. Once hitting the magic 20-knot mark, the objective is to pull yourself up on to the board; placing your weight on your knees. Then just ride the wake and enjoy!
Kayak safari’s are a popular choice for groups and families, it’s an easy and affordable activity, and a great way to check out the coastline or some of the Costa’s sparkling blue lakes.
Recent developments within regional government have seen an increase in the number of water-related schemes available for young people. For example, sailing and kitesurfing clubs are now receiving more support and promotion than in previous years.
Sailing has always been a popular pastime on the Med and nothing beats spending days bobbing along or nights in foreign marinas. Although many sailing schools have closed over the past three years, some successful schools remain, such as Serenity Sailing in Torrevieja. With a strong, professional reputation, this school accommodates students from around the world, having a positive impact on the local tourism-related businesses.
Various sailing competitions are held year-round, both regional and international. From the Optimist dinghy races for young people(a good place to view rising stars) in Torreveja, to the Volvo Ocean Race, a well-known and popular race spanning the globe, this year starting from Alicante (more on this coming soon on this Blog).
Although arguably barren, the marine environment still attracts a healthy number of scuba divers throughout the year, with many schools concentrated around the Costa Blanca north in places such as Calp and Denia and. There are a few schools further south, dotted along the coast, including the Dive Academy (http://www.diveacademy-santapola.com/) in Santa Pola. This school frequents the island of Tabarca, a marine reserve, which has enough marine life to keep one interested. Snorkelling here also has its rewards, in the form of underwater bridges and interesting rock formations, from which a small variety of fish gather and feed.
Windsurfing, surfing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and snorkelling all add to the variety of activities available for tourists and residents alike - plus a great way to cool off in the summer!
It always pays to consult a registered school or instructor before embarking upon a new adventure sport. There are less than pre-recession days, but dig around in places such as Tourist Information Centres as they are the best places to find local and up-to-date information.
Resources:
For weather: http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php
Region of Valencia Tourist Info: http://en.comunitatvalenciana.com/home/home-english/493
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