World of Ease

Archive for January, 2011

Those who dread winter as a time of cold and dreary weather are missing out on a wealth of outdoor activities. By getting out of the house and into the snow, it’s possible to learn to enjoy the winter landscape. Imagine the crisp, cold air with a pristine, white blanket of snow stretching as far as the eye can see. The world is a different place after a snowfall and those who love winter sports know exactly how to enjoy it.

The most popular winter sports are skiing and ice skating — at least when speaking of recreational rather than competitive sport. There is also hockey, but for many that is a spectator sport and has moved indoors to be played nearly year round. Anyone looking for a way to enjoy outdoor recreation should grab their bauer women’s flow recreational ice skates and head to a nearby pond or outdoor rink or pack up their skis and head to the nearest mountain.

Kids will argue that sledding and snowboarding are much more popular — and exciting — winter sports. As with most activities, popularity is a matter of age. Cross-country skiing, biathalons (a combination of skiing and shooting), and even snowmobiling are also popular with certain segments of the population.

When kids see a swing set they think of how to have fun with it. When parents look at the set, they need to consider how to make it as safe as possible for kids to enjoy the swings and other equipment.

Parents need to take two important steps before the set is used. The first is to make sure the set is properly assembled and anchored per the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Secondly, they need to make sure that the ground under and around the set is impact absorbent rather than impact resistant. This means to use wood chips or other soft surface rather than asphalt or hard packed dirt.

Next, parents should establish and follow a regular schedule of inspections. This will include looking at the Swing Set Hardware , seats, frame, and other components on a regular basis. Any problems with rusting, cracking, loose nuts, or broken elements need to be addressed immediately to ensure safe use of the set.

Lastly, there need to be clear rules for the safe use of the equipment . This may include restricting use of the swings by younger children unless there are adults present or forbidding use after dark or during storms. It’s also important to explain the proper use of the equipment so that kids don’t end up hurting themselves trying to be daredevils.