Water Fights in the Park

By , June 29, 2011 2:19 pm

Now that summer is here, it’s time for water games in the park! Water games have been a large part of childhood (and adulthood) for many of us, and its always fun to go revisit it and have a blast.

Usually, these things start off as fairly organized affairs, but they quickly break apart and turn into wonderful chaos after the initial salvo. And that’s what makes water fights in the park fun. being able to fun and spray people and chuck water balloons at them is something that is always enjoyable.

It is always recommended that people bring along extra water guns and water balloons, as well as any refills that may be needed. Gather friends, find somewhere grassy with a water spigot, and GO! You’re never too old to have fun playing with water.

Staying Hydrated

By , June 8, 2011 2:23 pm

One of the most important parts of playing outdoor sports is staying hydrated. Drinking water is essential during the hot summer, because of the accelerated way that the body will lose water. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, because the need for water is a universal. Failure to stay hydrated can include such problems as reduced energy, heatstroke, nausea, and a reduction in muscle function.

The body needs water when it is being subjected to heat and exertion. The body will lose water at an accelerated rate during the summer months, so people should always be drinking in order to maintain the important balances.

Not only will this serve to cool the body and refresh it, but it will also offer the participant a greater overall supply of energy and vigor as they engage in outdoor sports. A good basic rule of thumb is to drink whenever thirsty, or whenever there is a resting opportunity. It may be somewhat inconvenient to break off from a game or sport, but staying hydrated helps you to stay with it for longer.

Ultimate Frisbee

By , June 3, 2011 10:52 am

This game gets intense

Ultimate

You have probably heard of the game – maybe you have even played it. The perfect mixture of football and soccer that will leave you wanting more. Yes, I am talking about Ultimate Frisbee – a game that never ceases to satisfy a competitive spirit and is extremely easy to set up and play.

I have participated on several different levels in the sport since it was introduced to me – city league, collegiate intramural activities, and weekly pick-up games. So good.

A Unique Philosophy

As far as sports go today, all of them generally require an intense set of rules, skilled players who study those rules, and an officiating crew to regulate the upkeep of those rules by the players. In Ultimate Frisbee, there are all of these elements but not as they usually appear in traditional sports most people are familiar with. Let me break down each of these categories and explain further.

The Rules

Ultimate Frisbee has rules. Yes, it is true. However, the rules are not complex and literally anyone can learn and play with a 5 minute explanation of the game. Because the rules are so simple, the game draws attention from diverse groups of individuals whereas other sports may be more intimidating to people not being familiar with a complex rule set.

The Players

As mentioned above, literally anyone can play Ultimate Frisbee. Those who may not be as athletic can hone in on being skilled throwers and play back. Those who are able to run all day can make quick cuts and sprint to the end zone. Teams can consist of all sizes and shapes and if a simple strategy is agreed upon, success can be achieved.

The Officials

This is probably the most unique aspect of Ultimate Frisbee. Rather than having an officiating crew assigned for each game, Ultimate is governed entirely by the players on the field. If a player believes that a penalty occurred, it is their duty to call out and challenge the play. If  a challenge is issued, whatever just previously happened is replayed to appease both sides. This bizarre way of officiating is called ‘ the spirit of the game’ and each player is to respect the guidelines set forth and the opposing players.

Wrap Up

Go ahead, pick yourself out a 175 gram Frisbee and start up a game of Ultimate. All you need are some willing friends, a Frisbee, and a open space to play. It is as simple as that – you won’t regret it.