Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Drinking Enough Water
Yes, I'm back to drinking enough....water that is! Staying hydrated is crazy important for you to get your body to flush toxins and feel amazing. In this video I share how you can make sure you get enough! Please subscribe and join our youtube family!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Flavoring your Water
Staying hydrated is a must! Whether you are on the water or working out you need to stay hydrated. What happens when you don't like the taste of water? Don't fill up on drinks with sugar or artificial flavorings or colors, just flavor your water! Here are some ideas you can use to make your water tasty!
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Thursday, April 20, 2017
Pedal Power Stretches
2017 is a huge year for kayak fishing, mainly pedal fishing kayaks. While there were a two main pedal drives out for a number of years this year almost every major brand has come out their version a pedal drive. There are a number of advantages to having a pedal driven yak and one is that your legs are your largest muscle group. This means you have more power and won’t fatigue as early. Sadly, just like your shoulder and arms your legs can get cramps. It is even more important to stretch out your legs before and after you kayak to make sure you stay in tip top shape and are ready for you next big adventure. I suggest doing these 3 stretches right before you launch and as soon as you come back in from your adventure.
1)Swinging Knees
Feel free to use your paddle to help you balance if needed. Stand up straight and raise your left knee so it bends at 90 degrees and your quads are parallel to the ground. Then gently swing your left leg out to the left side. When it is as far as you can get it to the side, lower your foot back to the ground. Do this 5 times. Then switch legs and stretch it out 5 times.
2) Dizzy Toes
It’s just like it sounds sit or stand, whatever you prefer and extend your left leg lifting it off the ground a couple inches. With your toe draw a circle going clockwise. Go around the circle 10 times then reverse direction (going counter-clockwise) 10 times. After completing the 20 circles, put your foot down and lift your right leg and do both sets of circles.
3)Swaying Elephant Trunk
Spread your legs keeping your toes pointed forward. You’ll want them at least 3 feet apart but can be more if you wish. Put your hands on your hips and keeping your core engaged bend down keeping a straight back. Once you get as low as you can go or parallel (whichever happens first) then bend your back and allow yourself to hang. You can move your hands so they hang down by your head. Slowly sway left and right. Your hands can move as well. (Looking like an elephant trunk.) You’ll want to feel the stretch in your hamstrings. If your muscles are too tight you can bend the knees slightly. Hold this position for 15 or more seconds. To come up, breathe deeply and slowly raise yourself back up imagining you are putting a single vertebrae in place at a time. Keep your head down until the last little bit. When you back is straight, gently raise your head and roll your shoulders back!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Tenkara Hiking
Photo credit: Israel Dunn
I don’t know about you but I love exploring new areas and
going places that are off the beaten path.
Maybe that’s why I love learning piano music that isn’t the most popular
or why I love kayak fishing so much.
Because I get to share amazing music that isn’t common and search waters
that don’t see much of any pressure. One
thing I’m hoping to do a little more this year is hiking. It’s a fantastic way to get outside and get
some exercise! Plus you can find some
really amazing creeks and small waterways.
Most are too small for the kayak but can hold some fun little fish to
catch. Obviously it’s hard for me to
just hike on by and not get the urge to see what I can catch. That’s why I want to try tenkara fishing!
Have you heard of tenkara fishing before? It’s very similar to fly fishing except even
more minimalistic. There’s no reel and the
line is connected to the tip of the rod.
Plus, some of the rods are collapsible.
Perfect for hiking! One of my
friends, Anthony Larson, from Coulee Region Adventures told me about tenkara
fishing and suggest taking a look at Badger Tenkara rods. I really like the features but haven’t
pulled the trigger on one yet. Then last
year my buddy Israel Dunn from Shoreboundhero.com was using his Badger Tenkara
rod on one of our outings. He showed me
some more of their features I think I found my next rod. They are collapsible, lightweight, flexible,
and perfect for those small streams I’m hoping to find when hiking this
year. Hopefully I’ll be able to show
some pics of me hiking and catching some fish with one this summer!
Do you enjoy hiking? What about fishing? Would you combine the two? Have you ever tried Tenkara Fishing? Let me know it the comments, I’d love to hear
from you!
Photo credit: Israel Dunn
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Spring Fever!
I’ve got a fever……and the only cure is….SPRING! As much as I love Winter and the snow, I’m
ready for Spring and hit some soft water with kayak! I’m sure I can’t be the only one feeling this
way. It’s probably been awhile since you’ve
been out and although you’re working out and are fit enough to fully enjoy the
first day without aches and pains the next day let’s discuss getting the most
out of the first day back out on the water safely.
Plan and Share
You’ve probably heard this 100 times before but it is never
more true than at the beginning and end of the season. With water temps just above freezing bad
things can happen quickly. Just in case
the worst did happen, write down where you are going, what time you left, and
the time you expect to be back. Then
share it with a family member or friend.
If this isn’t possible, leave it some obvious spot like the kitchen
table or counter.
Proper swag
No doubt about it, if you’re headed out early in the season
you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the right swag! No, I’m talking about a certain brand, I’m
talking about what you actually are wearing.
First and foremost, wear a PFD!
Now onto clothing, layers are important.
With the temps fluctuating throughout the day, plus paddling you will
want to have some layers on that you can take on and off throughout the
day. Even more than that, you need to
protect yourself if you take an accidental dip in the freezing water. There are many thoughts about what is proper
to wear. Some say waders if you have the
belt on tight will keep your lower half mostly dry. While I’m sure these work that still leaves
half your body uncovered and lots of openings for water to get to your legs
weighing you down. The next step up
would be a wet suit. These can be tight
and make paddling a little trickier.
Although if you do fall in, you’ll get wet, but you’ll stay warmer. The best thing you can get is a dry
suit. These will keep you dry and
safe. You will want some warmer clothes
on underneath and then jackets on to keep your upper body warm. See what works for you and your budget. If you choose to try waders, test it out in
warm shallow water to see how much water it will take on. When you hit cold water, things happen
quickly and you won’t have much time to debate what to do. And as always, no matter what, wear a PFD!
Why be alone?
The last tip for you to fully enjoy the first trip out of
the year is to do with some friends!
There’s nothing better than to share the memories with good
friends. So invite them out, shoot the
breeze, and enjoy the first trip of the year!
After you take your first trip, I’d love to know about
it! Tag or mention me in a photo and
share your fun trip! Just tag Spencer
Jones and/or Jonesin’ to get fit on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Skunkset: Staying positive
The dreaded Skunkset picture. You know, the one that you post on social media when you went fishing but didn't land anything. Almost every one of us has had this awful experience. We load our gear, double check to make sure we have everything we need and want to bring. We get to the launch, load our kayaks with our gear and push off in hopes of catching a new personal best. After throwing lure after lure we start to get disheartened. We push on, tie on a bait we rarely use in hopes it would work. Nothing. Then we finally tie on our good ol’ sure-to-produce lure. Aaannnddd nothing.
Experiences like this can be extremely disappointing and make one of our favorite pass times that is suppose to calm us do the exact opposite. It makes us irritated and wondering why we even decided to take it up. Sadly these experiences don’t just happen to on the water. They can happen with anything. For example: running, learning a new subject, construction, and so much more. The below tips although directed more at fishing they can apply to any part of your life that you are experiencing this disappointment.
Breathe
Yes, you read that correctly. Breathe. Take a couple seconds, close your eyes, and breathe. It may sound ridiculous but it will work. So close your eyes, open your ears to hear the sounds around you, and breathe. Then open your eyes and look at the beautiful place you get to fish. You are able to be there, catching is secondary at best. Use this time to connect with nature. Look at the water, shoreline, sky, all of it and breathe all while listening to the sounds of nature. All around you. Clear your mind and just let your surroundings entrance you. After a couple breaths, breathe one more time and then go back to fishing.
Change Got to Get
As hard as this is to say and accept, especially when you’re feeling the skunk make this one change. Instead of saying “I got to catch a fish” or “I need to catch a fish” say “I get to go fishing”. It’s a blessing that you are able to go out and fish. Let’s put some perspective on it. Some folks may be stuck at work, have family commitments, or who knows what. They may much rather be out there on the water, even if they aren’t catching. You are lucky to have the time and everything it takes to be able to chase our hobbies. It’s not a necessity, you don’t need to, and you don’t have to catch a fish. You get to go fishing.
Original Reason for this Passion
When I get extremely frustrated with not having success I try to think back on why I originally took up this hobby. Personally, I took up fishing because I couldn’t find a summer job after graduating college and wanted something to help me pass the time in between applying for jobs. As soon as I hit the shore and started casting I remembered how I used to love the outdoors. Something I completely forgot about for 6 years. I love being in the fresh air, relaxing, and enjoying nature. So when I get frustrated with a lack of success I go back to that feeling. The love of being outside. Then I breathe, intentionally smile, look around at the beautiful place I get to fish, and remember that I took this hobby up to pass the time and enjoy nature. Why waste time getting mad or upset. Just be outside and enjoying life.
Now all this is easier said (written and read) than it is to do. I understand that. Even I struggle with staying positive when I’m getting skunked. I do my best to follow these three tips and I usually end up happy again and enjoying my time on the water. I get to fish in amazing area's with great friends, and I’m able to be lucky enough to take the time to enjoy this hobby. So don’t let the frustration get the better of you. Remember to enjoy being outside, breathe, relax, and take in the fact that you get to do this!
Thursday, September 29, 2016
2 Move Wading Workout
Israel Dunn of Shorebound Hero wading and fly fishing on the Wolf river
Who else here loves wading?! I know I do! Whether wet wading or throwing on a piar of neoprene waders and going out in January chasing some beautiful trout, it’s hard to beat it. Even when I’m kayak fishing, I love getting out and fishing the eddies, riffles, and more. This is a great way to get out a little farther from shore and cast to your dream catch. However, getting to your wading area can prove a difficult task at times. Whether it’s steep banks, or walking through some fast water with an uneven bottom you will want to stay safe. These 2 moves will help you keep your balance and trudging through the water with ease.
Lunge me your Balance
As the water swooshes across your legs trying to throw you down as you walking across the stream you fight to keep your balance. To help you try these balance lunges. First, stand on your tiptoes. Then step your right foot forward and attempting to get as close to a 90 degree angle in your front knee as possible (If you can’t get that low, no worries, just do the best you can). Keep your back leg straight and stay on your tiptoes. Then bring your left foot to meet the right foot. Stay on your tiptoes, and repeat with stepping forward with your left foot. Continue doing this 20-30 times.
Tall grass to moving glass
Getting up and down into the water can be one of the trickiest things to while wading because there is usually a good height difference between the bottom of the water and shoreline. This move will help you get in and out of the water with ease. If you have a weight bench, steps, or anything stable and strong enough to step on, perfect! Stand tall in front of the object (I’ll say bench to make it easy). With your right foot step up onto the bench, placing your entire foot on it. Raise yourself up and lift your left foot placing it next to your right. Then step down with your right foot and bring your left foot to meet it. Do this 20 times. Repeat exercise but stepping up and down with your left foot first. Do 20 reps leading with your left foot.
There you go! Practice these moves a couple times a week and you will be more stable, and ready to get to your spot with ease. Tight lines!
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Days flying by? Slow them down with this easy sequence.
It’s amazing how work seems to drag on and the weekend is gone in a blink of an eye. Besides the actual difference in amount of days, life has a way of throwing so many things our way that it is hard to slow down. And it’s getting even harder with the instant access to information from cellphones, social media, and all that technology. While this is a necessary part of the majority of our lives we need to have time for ourselves. We need to find time to slow down, find ourselves, and enjoy every part of life. For many of us outdoors folks it when we are outside. Sadly sometimes we can’t always be in outside. Below is a short sequence to help you find peace and enjoy the moment, your life, and everything that much more.
Going insane inside
Sadly here are times when we can’t get outside and enjoy our favorite hobby. When this happens try to find 5 or more minutes a day you can have to yourself and give the following a try.
While wearing comfortable clothes, find a spot that is as calm and quiet as possible in your home. Sit of the floor with your legs either in a pretzel shape (like we did when we were kids) or out in front of you. Place your hands gently on your knees and close your eyes. Take 3 slow, deep breaths, in and out through the nose. As you breath try to let all thoughts leave your mind. Don’t worry about what happened, what’s coming up, nothing. Just be in the moment. You may now open your eyes. Breath in through your nose and as you exhale reach your hands farther in front of you with your palms down. Keep your hands where they are and breath in again. When you exhale, try to stretch your arms forward a little more. Now keep your hands there and take another slow, deep breath through your nose.
Slowly bring yourself back up with your hands on your knees. Straighten your back and reach your left arm above your head. Lean to your right and stretch the left arm to try and have it touch the wall to your right. Inhale, exhale, and come back to your seated position.
Repeat with your right arm and stretch to the left.
Take your time and stand up tall. Reach your arms out to your side so they are parallel to the ground. Inhale. As you exhale keep your hands extended out, keep a flat back, and look ahead, slowly lower your upper body to the ground. When your upper body is parallel or as close as possible, lower your arms to the ground and round out your back. Inhale and exhale. Slowly roll up keeping your arms hanging down. Imagine you can feel your vertebrae lining up as you slowly come up.
Stand tall, close your eyes, and take 3 more slow, deep breaths, in and out through your nose. Then you can open your eyes and go about your day.
If you have more time available I highly suggest you google short Yoga videos. I know for many guys it seems lame. I used to think the same thing. But give it a try and you may be surprised how much you like it! Good luck, and find yourself.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
5 Healthy on the Water Snacks
Ever get the munchies? I know I do! Especially since I started working out and eating well it seems like I am constantly snacking throughout the day. Needless to say when I’m spending hours on the water I get hungry. Here are some healthy snacks that work great when you are on the water and keep you on your diet.
Apples
Red Delicious, Honey Crisp, Gala, or any others for that matter. Apples are a fantastic quick and easy snack to have while you are on the water. Not only are they easy to eat they provide you with some hydration!
Seeds
Snacking on seeds while on the water is a great way to keep to enjoy a simple snack and get some fiber and healthy fats. Pick your favorite ones and snack away! My favotires are roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Especially the non shelled sunflower seeds. Grab a mouth full and keep on fishing and/or paddling away!
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Plus they are a quick and easy snack when you are paddling and/or fishing! The biggest thing is to try to stay away from the salted variety. Try to grab lightly salted or just plain roasted. Even Honey Roasted works well. Some of my favorites are peanuts and almonds.
Carrots
Grab some baby carrots! You only get in a vegetable but have a fun finger food snack. I portion some out in a bag when I know I'm going to need a snack and put it next to my kayak seat and snack away. It’s easy to quick grab one in between paddle strokes or casts. You can keep on munching and paddling/fishing.
Granola Bars
Granola Bars are one of the easiest snacks to grab on the go and are a great source of fiber, protein, and much more! There are many on the market but not all of them are healthy. The tricky part is finding one that fits your tastes and needs. If you rather not shop, you can always make some at home and bring them with you. Just search the internet and you can find lots of recipes. So find or make your ideal ones and snack away! Here is one of my favorites (Energy Ball) https://youtu.be/Jxk-6mjZN6U
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Stay Hydrated on the Water
What should you drink? To put it simply, water. Other drinks like soda, energy drinks, coffee, alcohol, and other drinks of the sort may make you feel full and trick you that you’re staying hydrated but you are not. Instead, they are actually dehydrating you! So try to stick with just water. If drinking plain water is not something you enjoy, look at adding fresh fruit to it and flavor your water. And if your like me and won’t give up your coffee for anything, that’s ok. I drink my coffee on the water. But I make sure I bring an extra water with me to have to ensure I stay hydrated.
How much should you drink? Your body uses up the water you drink naturally but it needs even more when you are sweating. When the sun is beating down on you and reflecting off the water you’ll dry out even faster. (Although it may not feel like it) OSHA suggests that outside workers working in over 103 heat index should drink 4 cups of water every hour. This should be done throughout the hour and not all at once. Now even if we aren’t out there in that kind of heat you should be drinking throughout the day. And try to drink a total of 2-4 cups an hour when you’re out paddling around.
I want you to have an amazing time on the water so don’t let getting sick and dehydrated stop this from happening. Bring bottles of water with you and remember to drink up when paddling around!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
OUCH! Get Sweet Relief from Casting BIG Lures
Wrist Relief
After casting and reeling all day your wrists take a beating. To find some sweet relief keep your palms up and extend your arm in front of you. Gently bend the wrist of the extended arm toward the ground. Then with your other hand slowly and gently press the wrist of the extended arm toward the ground even more. Do this until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Be careful not to go too far. It should be a mild stretch and not a painful one. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and then repeat 3 times. Repeat with the other wrist.
Soothing Shoulder Soreness
After paddling and casting for hours on end my shoulder is sore. To soothe that soreness extend your right arm straight ahead of you and bring it across to the left side of your body. With your left hand hold onto your bicep and gently pull your right arm closer to your body. Ensure you keep your chin out of the way and look forward. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Then raise your right arm above your head like you are eager to answer a question from your favorite teacher. Keeping the upper part of your straight arm up, bend your forearm and drop your hand towards your back. With your left hand hold onto your right elbow and gently pull it towards the left side. Do this until you feel a mild stretch. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat both of these moves 2 times.
BONUS MOVE!!! Check it out here and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Page! Watch below or click here: https://youtu.be/9fLDJXcx7AU
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