Kayaking in Asia

Each student will have their own learning style for the online degree.  It is neither possible nor desirable to prescribe a standard learning style for all students in higher education. Adherence to the individual learning style will enable the student to pick up the basic concepts within the course. It will also make the experience enjoyable in most respects. Tutors might be able to support the student if they feel that their particular learning style is not maximizing the potential that the course offers.

Different methods of absorbing academic information

Some people have a learning style that is practical. They will do the online degree but will need to practice the knowledge acquired in order to make sense of it all. Unfortunately this sort of setting does not really support practical sessions in the classroom. That means that the student has to find their own means of implementing the skills that they have learnt. For example if they are learning about accounting then they can apply the principles to the family business.

A theoretical approach is sometimes the preferred option for students that wish to obtain an online degree. These are the so called “bookworms” that will spend the majority of their learning experience in deep study. They will research materials but will do very little in terms of practical implementation. Employers are not particularly happy with this approach because it ends up with over-qualified people that cannot do the work. Nevertheless some students have found that this approach enables them to get a good quality qualification.

Here’s a remote control boat-racing event that promises a whole day of fun. You’ll need a body of water for this, and one large enough to float a number of RC boats at the same time.

Do you have a local park with a pond? Check with the property management service. Ask for permission to hold a racing regatta, and if you need any permits. Take care of all those legal issues before you start your serious boat race planning.

Any inactive rock quarries in your area? Many of those fill with water, and serve little purpose other than the occasional fishing visit. Some property owners develop quarries for scuba diving, but those guys do their thing underwater. They don’t use the surface much.

Talk to the owner about putting on a radio control boat show, and inviting local residents to enjoy all the action.

If any scuba divers are in the water make sure they know ahead of time that you’re scheduling the racing event. That way they know to watch the surface as they come up, and to position their entry and exit point away from the boat staging area.

If you can schedule your event during the week you’ll have less chance of diver’s presence as most of their activities happen on the weekends.

Get together with all your remote control boat friends, and plan a regatta that models after the full-scale boat races.

Once you know the topography of the pond, lake, creek, or quarry you’ll race on, design a course layout that fits into the space available. Draw your layout on paper, scale the dimensions, and you’re ready to build your aquatic racecourse.

Include a straight run for high-speed side-by-side races, and an obstacle oval for maneuvering competitions.

At the water, mark your racecourse design with remote control scale buoys, and you’re ready for your racing event.

Make sure you figure in an area for the pleasure boats to float and watch the action. Some of those RC boat enthusiasts don’t run race boats, but they’ll come to “watch” from their ski boats, cabin cruisers, and various yachts on the side.

And after the races everyone will continue the fun by cruising around the area.

Make this a pitch-in dinner or cookout affair, and you have the makings of one fun day.

Just like most other R/C hobbies, such as trains, cars or planes, remote control boats transcend a simple love of boats but instead embody the childhood dreams of those who make and use these miniatures. A popular way to enjoy remote control boats is by racing the models. Model boat racing is an intense activity, which requires skill, quick reflexes and a near-obsession with speed.

R/C boat racing is, perhaps, surprisingly organized; complete with a (partially) international federation, which has set rules and organizes events. NAMBA, or the North American Model Boat Association, is the largest association of its kind. NAMBA has 20 districts within the United States and Canada , which organize local events for model boat racers.

A second major organization for the sport is the International Model Power Boat Association, or IMPBA, which was organized before NAMBA was formed. The International Model Power Boat Association rules were actually copied by NAMBA when that organization was formed. Interestingly, the International Model Power Boat Association and the North American Model Boat Association primarily serve the same area – the United States and Canada .

When you compete in an event, either in the IMPBA or in NAMBA, you compete against other boats in your class, providing for a fair race. The classes are determined by the overall design of the boat as well as propellant as both have a considerable effect on the ships speed.

Events organized by these two organizations follow oval tracks with buoys marking turns. For sprint boats, short, straight, tracks are used.

If you prefer the slower pace of sailboat, racing there is also an association which organizes events specifically for wind-powered boats. Radio controlled sailboat events are governed by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the same organization that governs full-scale sailing races. The rules for R/C boats are identical in every way to their full-scale counter parts (the only difference is a special section specifically for R/C events).

The ISAF recognizes four classes of sailing ships which can be used in events, the smallest being the ‘International One Meter.’ Just as its name suggests, boats are restricted to being 1,000mm long. To keep costs down, hulls must be comprised of wood or fiberglass. This allows for very competitive home building of boats.

The second class is the International Marblehead. Slightly larger than an International 1 Meter , this class’s maximum length is 1,290mm with a maximum draught of 700mm. The two larger classes are the International 10 Rater and the International A class, which is the largest class of r/c sailboats.

Finally, for those who enjoy building fast, agile, ships and have a (perhaps unnatural) love affair with destruction, there is a competition designed for you. Though combat-style involves no racing, it requires the same level of concentration found in racing events. These model boats are specifically designed for easy repair after they have been sunk by competitors. Their hulls are balsa wood so projectiles may easily penetrate the boats while projectile speeds are kept at a safe level.

Boat racing has been a world wide sport for many years. Radio-controlled (R/C) model powerboats which are small versions of real racing boats, have been popular for about the past two decades. These model boats are powered by gas engines and built to move fast. R/C boats can travel at speeds between 30 and 90 miles per hour. They usually range from two to four feet in length.

The fun part about these boats is that there is no risk of injury to the driver. Unlike real racing boats, the drivers are not actually on board. R/C boats are operated in a safe manner from shore using radio transmitters. These transmitters work just like other remote control units that allow the driver to control the speed and direction of the boat from a distance.

The cost of building a R/C boat will vary according to how big, fancy and powerful you want the boat to be. The cost range is usually between a few hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars. The larger models have a more powerful engine and can go faster than the smaller boats. Speed will also depend on the shape of the hull or body of the boat. There are mainly two different body types used for racing, they are mono hulls and hydroplanes.

The course for racing these boats is usually a big oval shape in the lake marked by brightly colored buoys anchored to the bottom of the lake. Three buoys will be placed at each end of the race course. The boats travel around the oval six times during the race, staying as close the buoys as possible. Racers will gain the most speed down the long side of the oval or straight-aways.

Most drivers will have a pit crew assistant who will stand behind him in the racing pit area and gives directions. The pit crew assistant is responsible for counting the laps and launching the boat at the start of the race.

As they are racing, drivers must watch for other boats and their wakes, which can flip smaller boats. To avoid this problem, boats of the same hull type race together. A number of points are awarded to everyone who starts the race. The most points are given to the first racer who finishes.

Each individual race is called a heat. All heats are grouped into rounds. The number of heats is determined by the number of boats in each size category. After the three or four rounds of racing are over the driver with the most points for his hull type receives a trophy.

When you think of Montana, you probably don’t think of water, let alone boat racing. But Montana possesses many large bodies of water which draw thousands every year to come fishing, sailing, water skiing, swimming, camping or model boat racing. Although there are real boats that appear on the waters of Montana lakes, more and more people are discovering the joys of model boat racing. Montana has one of the nation’s premier model boat racing clubs, NAMBA District 8 (North American Model Boat Association).

Not only are model boats raced at these meets, but sometimes model submarines, too. The boats can be to scale of real ships past and present, or a work of extreme fancy. Some races will even require a model “driver” to sit in the boat.

Advantages Of Model Boats

There are many advantages that the small, remote controlled boats have over their larger brethren. First off, they don’t cost as much as the real thing. Secondly, model boats are much more portable and easy to store than real boats. You also don’t need to get insurance for a model boat. And, perhaps most importantly, you won’t get seasick model boat racing, Montana style.

Model boats also don’t cause the great waves and the subsequent shore erosion that life-size boats do. So, you can get to go outdoors and have fun competing and meet people with similar interests without a significant impact to the environment.

What Is A Race Meet Like

A model boat race is held out in all weathers nest to the shore of a lake or other large body of water. There is a surprising amount of organization for what appears at first to be a bunch of guys with toys. Folding tables are set up so the competitors can make last minute adjustments or repairs to their racers. There is a course of buoy markers laid out in the water. Usually, the course is a circular path around the markers.

Each of the boats in a heat gets a few laps along the course to warm up. An announcer on shore counts down to when the race or racing heat begins. The boats don’t start all in a straight line, so things look a bit more chaotic that it really is. Model boat racing (Montana or anywhere else) has their own set of rules, depending on the club that’s hosting the event.

Usually the races are more a question of how fast a model boat can get around the course in the predetermined number of laps rather than trying to finish in front of the others. However, there are model boat races that want to look more like a horse race. Again, it all depends on the rules of the hosting club.

Where To Find A Race Meet

Model boat racing can be a little confusing to the casual observer, but many meets will encourage spectators. You can look online at NAMBA for model boat racing Montana events (or events held anywhere else) or you can search for what’s called RC clubs (the RC stands for “radio controlled”.)

It rained last night. The local weather forecast calls for occasional showers all day today, and tomorrow.
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Still too early for remote control airplanes and helicopters, so I’m thinking about boats.
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As a kid I made a number of excursions on powered boats fishing, skiing, and pleasure cruising. Those times gave me piloting experience on boats ranging from 18-foot runabouts to cabin cruisers. Two things always come to mind when I think back on those trips: engine noise and exhaust fumes.
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Couldn’t get away from those.
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One time with a group of friends, I rented a 42-foot sailing yacht, and made a trip to the Bahamas. Sailing doesn’t produce exhaust fumes, and the only noise (other than the rush of the water as you slice through it) is the slapping canvas as the wind fills it full and pushes you along. That sound of rushing water was new because the engines always drowned it out on the powerboats.
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I found sailing so relaxing that now when I think about going to the water with an RC model a sailing boat is normally at the top of the list.
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Today is different because I’m thinking about doing some racing. The rain dampens my desires for relaxing, and that only leaves an urge for some action.
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Before I can race I need a racecourse, so I’ll give you some thoughts about designing, and building, one of those.
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First consideration is what type of race you’ll run. Will you get out your fleet of radio control race boats, take the kids or grandkids to the pond, and compete with each other for the big prize? Are you holding timed runs to see how fast your boat is? Or do you prefer a slalom event of some sort? Maybe you’d like a combination of the above events.
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The design is simple once you decide the kind of race you’re running. Visualize it in your mind, and then draw it out on paper. Scale it so you know where to place your markers that show the outline of the course.
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For your markers you need something to use as buoys. Most anything that floats works for this purpose. I suggest placing a number of corks to shape your racecourse. Paint them a bright color and make them easy to see. Large fishing bobbers are good for this too.
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To keep your buoys in place, or to keep the wake of your boats pushing them off location, you’ll want to weight them. Fishing weights perform this task well. Tie them to the buoy with fishing line, and make the line long enough to allow the weight to rest on the bottom. That way the buoy will stay where you place it.
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If you design a few different courses, you can make changes and spend the day staging a multiple of racing events. You’ll have plenty of thrills, and increase your aquatic piloting skills at the same time.
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Now you’re all set, nothing left to do but have some remote control fun.

This is a beginner’s guide to buying your first Radio Controlled Boat. WARNING: Please don’t buy your new RC Boat before you read this guide.

OK let’s get started with 3 imperative things you need to consider before getting into the wonderful world of RC Boating.

Where are you going run your boat?
OK the first thing you need to consider when purchasing a Radio Controlled Boat is where you are going to run it. This is a very important consideration because it will help you determine what type of boat you should buy.

RULE NUMBER 1 – Consider the surface area of the water where your boat will run.

Large Areas; Ocean, Lakes or Rivers

If you live near a lake, a large river or even a calm ocean bay then you are indeed fortunate. You can really take your pick as to which type of boat you want to start with.

Your only real concern is whether wind is a factor in creating waves or chop for your electric or nitro RC Boat or whether you’ll have enough wind power for your radio controlled sail boat.

TIP: Before you buy your RC Boat make sure you are allowed to run it. Speak to any necessary authorities and make sure there are no noise (or other) restrictions that will affect you.

Small Areas; Swimming Pools, Ponds or Small Rivers

If you don’t have any large bodies of water close to you, don’t despair you can still get into RC Boats. There is more than likely a swimming pool, smallish river, or even a small, man-made lake where you can run your new boat.

In this case you are probably restricted to electric radio controlled boats as they are slightly slower and therefore much more maneuverable.

TIP: It’s much better to have a heap of fun running an electric RC Boat in a small area than it is being out of control and risking your expensive Nitro RC Boat.

Electric or Nitro Power
Before you determine what sort of boat is best for you, consider your level of interest and your history of following through.

RULE NUMBER 2 – Buy a boat that suits your level of interest.

How serious are you?

So before you begin ask yourself how serious are you. Is your garage or attic strewn with unused hobby and sport equipment? If so it may be better to start off with a fun, electric boat and move up to a more serious nitro radio controlled boat when you get into it a little bit more. That way you’ll have a spare boat later if you do decide to pursue the hobby further and you don’t risk an expensive boat sitting idle in your shed.

Electric Radio Controlled Boats
Electric Radio Controlled Boats are fast, quite and tonnes of fun. They run off powerful re-chargeable batteries similar to the ones in a mobile phone. A typical battery charge (and therefore running time) lasts around 10 – 15 minutes, smaller toy boats may run for up to 45 minutes. Electric RC Boats have running speeds right out of the box of around 15 to 20 mph.

Advantages

Cheap to purchase (easy place to start to see if you like it) Easy to maintain (no messing around with fuel and tuning) Low Running Costs (much cheaper in the long run) Quiet Electric Motor (can run where Nitro boats are not allowed)
Disadvantages

Slower than Nitro Radio Controlled Boats Your running time is limited to your battery capacity
Nitro Radio Controlled Boats

Nitro Radio Controlled Boats are fast, load and exhilarating. They should come with a warning label stating that they are addictive, beware you’ve been warned! Nitro RC model boats run off a specially blended fuel mixture of nitro, methanol and lubricating oil. They use real, miniature engines that are capable of propelling them to speeds of around 25 to 35 mph right out of the box.

Advantages

Nitro powered RC boats can run for longer (a quick top up of fuel and you’re back on the water) Nitro RC Boats are faster than electric RC Boats (and therefore some would say more fun)
Disadvantages

Can be expensive to set up Fuel is more expensive than regular fuel / oil mixture Engines require regular tuning and maintenance Nitro boats are noisy! You will likely be restricted from some areas due to the high noise levels. Need a wide, open water area due to increased speed
Hull Design

There are basically two different hull designs on Radio Controlled Model Boats;

Deep V (or Mono-hull) Flat-Bottom Hulls (also called a Hydroplane hull or sometimes a Catamaran Hull)
RULE NUMBER 3 – Choose a hull design that complements your environment.

Typically boats with Deep V hulls are easier to control than boats with Flat-Bottomed hulls, however once you get used to racing your model boat then you may choose to buy a more powerful boat with a fast hydroplane hull.

TIP: If you’re a beginner or the area where you are going to run your RC Boat is choppy or has high winds then consider a boat with a Deep V hull, it will be much easier to control.

General Tips

Know your battery life

It’s not really very cool to run out of juice in the middle of the lake or a fast flowing river. Get used to your battery life while practicing close to the shore. You won’t regret it.

Know your Radio Control System’s range

Again stay near the shore when testing the limit of your Radio Control system – don’t head out to sea to see how far you can make your boat go.

Return to shore system

Some boats are equipped with a sophisticated return-to-shore system that allows you to bring the boat home if you run out of gas. You may want to consider one of these.

In conclusion, to make a wise, experienced decision on your first Radio Controlled Boat make sure you buy a boat that suits the area where your boat will run and that suits your level of interest. Also make sure that your hull design matches your environment.

Follow these simple tips and you’ll no doubt get hooked on your new model boat.

All the best on the water and off.