If you are after some challenging yet exciting New Year resolutions, why not set your goals a bit higher this year and attempt to properly train for and then undergo an extreme swimming event. I stress one more time the “train” part of the resolution as taking part in extreme swimming events without proper training is just plain reckless and could lead to serious injuries as we saw with David Walliams’ Thames swim charity event. However, don’t let this put you off. If you train a correct and smart way, your venture into the world of extremes should be an exciting one.

Polar Bear Swimming by farlane

This is a guest post by Jenna, a journalism student at Saint Louis University. Upon graduation, she hopes to travel the world while producing compelling content for the masses. When she isn’t writing, you can find Jenna with her nose in a book, or her headphones in to block out the rest of the world.

Extreme Swimming Events

As swimmers, we like to challenge ourselves to go a little bit further or a little bit faster every time we hop into the water. While at times, we do enjoy a leisurely swim or snorkel, there are also times when we feel as though pushing ourselves to our outermost abilities is a must. For those swimmers who are looking for a way to spice up their swimming, here are a few challenges that just may be right up their alley:

Note: While entertaining, we don’t necessarily recommend that all swimmers, even those with advanced skills attempt any of the following without proper training and preparation:

Swimming the English Channel (La Manche)

If you are looking for a challenge, then by all means try to swim the English Channel. The swim is a 21 mile swim in cold water with strong currents which are bound to move you over and double your distance. The best days for swimming the Channel are in the summer, but even then the water is only 60 degrees, and those that keep records of the swim only certify swimmers that do not wear wetsuits. On top of combating strong currents and chilly waters, swimmers will also have to keep an eye out for boats and jellyfish – neither of which are too fun to encounter.

English Channel Swimming Association

However, there are people certified to help you out if you so choose to cross the Channel. Certified pilots will help you stay on course and help you avoid jelly fish and boats so that you can experience the safest and most efficient swim. They will also give you food and water, and help you if you should run into an emergency situation. Either way, you will be in for one heck of a swim. Swimming the Channel is by no means an easy feat. In fact, more people have climbed Everest than swam the La Manche.

Polar Bear Plunge

If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, or is just near a body of water that stays pretty chilly all year long, then you have probably heard of the Polar Bear Plunge. These events are usually held on or around New Year’s day and require swimmers to strip down to their swimsuits in chilly temps to jump into frigid waters. While this may not be a great swimming challenge, it is definitely a water challenge in and of itself that will be sure to shock your system. The largest plunge in the U.S., called Plungapalooza, is held in Maryland at the Sandy Point State Park every year.

While many Polar Bear Plunge veterans claim that the event cleanses them and boosts their mood, many doctors forewarn plungers of the dangers of jumping in to ice cold water because of the shock it can have on the body. (Note from Swimator Blog: It is much better to take it nice and slow when getting in and make sure to do some test runs before the actual event, so your body gets slowly used to the extreme temperatures).

Swimming the Cook Strait

Although not as long as the English Channel, swimming Cook Strait in New Zealand is just as daunting. This 19 mile swim is between the North and South island of New Zealand in waters that are teeming with marine life, and is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world. In addition to giant squid, Cook Strait is home to numerous species of dolphins, fur seals, and whales, including Orcas. However, it isn’t the marine life that you have to worry about.

Cook Strait extreme swimming conditions

The Strait often has strong winds, large swells, and rough waters, and it is also right in the path of the roaring forties. The Strait also has strong currents which are often undetectable due to lack of tidal height change. Only 65 people have successful swam the Cook Strait, so you can imagine it is not for the faint-hearted.

So if you are in shape, undergone the proper training and looking for a challenge, consider one of the aforementioned. A few other honorable mentions include Catalina Channel and the swim around Manhattan Island. You could even attempt the Triple Crown of Open Water if you feel up to it.

From Swimator Blog: There are literally thousands of opportunities out there to get your extreme swimming bug out of your system. The above mentioned events are just a few of the most challenging examples. However, I will stress it one more time. If you are thinking about taking part in any of the plentiful extreme swimming events around the world, please do make sure you have a proper training plan starting many months prior to the event. As with marathons in running, swimming in extreme conditions in open water is becoming more accessible and more interesting for swimmers from all over the world, however, it could cause serious injuries if not taken seriously. So, don’t be foolish, get your swimming technique sorted, then build up some endurance and rough/cold water conditions tolerance before becoming an extreme swimming junkie . All the best to the New Year, may all swimming dreams and attempts come true.

Get more tips to improve your swimming by joining our growing Swimator Facebook community or following us on Twitter @360swim.

See more swimming related articles at blog.swimator.com. If you happen to have a site or a blog of your own, please consider placing a link to blog.swimator.com.

Swimator Blog

On January 14th at 7pm, Keystone Resort will host “Everest and Beyond, Celebrating the Human Spirit” with Michael Brown, from Serac Adventure Films/ Outdoor Adventure Film School.  He will present and discuss clips from his various climbs of Everest, which he has summited 5 times.  He will also share inspiring stories of people who use the mountains and wilderness to transform their lives.  The evening will include excerpts from his most recent films: “High Ground”, which features injured veterans climbing in Nepal, “Farther Than the Eye Can See”, which follows Erik Weihenmayer’s epic climb of Everest, and a new film with cancer survivors using kayaking and rock climbing to regain their “mojo”.  A Q&A will follow.

Tickets are , kids 12 and under will have free admission. For ticket information call 970.513.6556 or click here.  If you are planning to head up to Keystone for this event, contact a SummitCove vacation planner to find the perfect resort lodging to fit your needs!

SummitCove.Com

Many people view rehab for addiction as an unchanging process. However, they are highly personalized, depending on the specific needs of the person who needs help. Alcohol or drug inpatient drug rehab programs generally employ three main types of treatment services. For the most part, rehab facilities will use elements from each area to help dependent people. In other cases, two might be emphasized over another, or even just one method might be used. It all depends on what the specific person needs. Some methods even overlap.

Medical Specialists

The first method of treatment is medical services. Inpatient drug rehab facilities usually employ a wide array of professionals, from medical doctors and nurses to psychiatrists and therapists. One of the biggest elements of this treatment is medically supervised withdrawal, more commonly known as drug detoxification. Withdrawing from a drug can actually be very dangerous, as it an cause seizures, hallucinations, or pain. That being said, coming off a drug is safest when it can be monitored by medical professionals who can eliminate withdrawal symptoms and help speed the process.

Emotional Stability

It is not uncommon to encounter someone who not only has an addiction but has emotional problems as well, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. These can make addiction an even more formidable opponent, but with dual-diagnosing, medical doctors and therapists can work together to alleviate both areas of concern.

Counseling

Another method of treatment is counseling. Generally, counseling involves a professional psychotherapist with a specialization in addictions and usually takes place in a small group setting, with other victims of addiction participating as well. Through teamwork and cooperation, encouragement and advice is given from the therapist, as well as from others. Personal problems are confronted, with subjects ranging from family issues, gender issues, and meditation. As a method of coping and rehabilitating, group therapy provides a constructive and positive experience that aims to keep recovering people going in the right direction. It also shows that addicts aren’t alone, that there are plenty of people who struggle with the same problems.

12 Step Program

Education is the third treatment service. It is vitally important because a lot of the time, people do not even realize just what is happening in their bodies when they abuse drugs or alcohol. In addition, addiction education help people to understand what is causing their struggle and why they feel the need to use these substances is so important. Addiction is a disease, and through understanding it, dependent people gain the upper hand in thwarting its advances. Learning some of the warning signs can help people prevent relapse. In most instances, treatment facilities will use a 12-step program for education. A small group of people will work together in conjunction with doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists to learn what is affecting them so they know how to keep themselves safe and independent down the road.

Keystone Lodging Deal of the Day!

25% off 2 nights or more at Springs 8853!

This Keystone Resort 2 Bedroom is located in the heart of  River Run Village at the desirable Springs building, you’ll be within walking distance of the slopes, and have access to one of the best pools in Keystone for the kids.  With sleeping capacity for 6, and plenty of space for your whole family, this is one of the best locations you can find in Keystone.  Relax by the fireplace after a long day of skiing, or step out onto your private balcony to enjoy the views!

Contact a SummitCove Vacation Planner today to get started on choosing your Keystone Resort lodging, and planning the ski vacation of your dreams!

SummitCove.Com

Dec. 24 2011

Bah Humbug.

The weather news for Tahoe is going from bad to worse, folks.

The pattern change we were hoping for by the middle of next week is indeed going to happen. But for now it looks as if all it will mean for the Tahoe Basin is some clouds and a few showers, warmer temperatures and, possibly, rain.

A trough developing in the Pacific Northwest is expected to send several waves of moisture south beginning around Tuesday and extending through the end of next week. But as of now each of these waves is forecast to break apart as they approach Northern California. The cloud cover and warm air advection ahead of the storm systems will mean warmer temperatures for Tahoe than we have seen over the past week. But the storms themselves will not be strong enough to bring temperatures — and snow levels — back down. If we do get precipitation, it is expected to be light, with snow levels around or above 7,000 feet.

So we could be going from no weather to nuisance weather.

The only good news in all of this is that we are going to get a little bit of moisture, or at least we will be getting it nearby. The high pressure that’s been blocking our normal storm pattern for weeks is beginning to shift. And once that storm door opens, it could mean some bigger, colder storms down the road.

For now, though, the first storm systems through that door will not do anything to put a dent in our early-season snow deficit.

Stay tuned for updates as the forecast changes.

TahoeLoco.com

Dec. 26 2011

Tahoe continues to bask in record and near-record high temperatures as we head into the week between Christmas and New Years, traditionally the busiest time of the year for the mountain ski resorts.

And not much is going to change any time soon.

The coming week will see the approach of several storm systems toward the west coast, but as of now, all of the forecast models show these waves of moisture coming inland over Washington, Oregon and far Northern California. The southern edge of the jet stream will drift down toward the Northern Sierra, bringing us some windy days and nights and a bit of cloud cover as each system passes by. But none of them appear likely to drop any measurable precipitation on Tahoe’s slopes.

There is always the chance that the southern boundary of this track of storms could slip a little further south and reach Tahoe. But that’s not the way it’s looking right now.

There is nothing significant for us in the forecast at least until New Years Day.

Stay tuned for updates as conditions change.

TahoeLoco.com

The 12 Days of Keystone sale has been extended through Tuesday, December 27th!!!

Save 40% on ANY stay until 12/31/11

Save 25% off Stays of 3 or more nights from 1/1/12-2/29-12

***For 40% off December Stays use promo code ’12DAYSlastCALL40′.  For January & February stays use promo code ’12DAYSlastCALL25′.  *Discount not valid 1/13/12 – 1/16/12 & 2/17/12 – 2/20/12. New reservations only and offer is not valid with other discounts or promos, some properties not participating. Sale ends @ 8am MST on 12/27/2011.

EVENTS AT KEYSTONE RESORT

12/15-1/4: Chocolate Village at the Keystone Lodge
This handcrafted holiday tradition features 2,500 pounds of chocolate crafted into a miniature alpine village, a working chocolate gondola, a cascading chocolate waterfall, 6 foot tall white chocolate Christmas tree with chocolate presents.

12/15-1/4: Keystone Aglow
The holiday spirit comes alive at Keystone Aglow. A lighting event to celebrate the season, come to Keystone’s River Run Village as we illuminate the mountain with image projectors and specialty lighting to a holiday soundtrack.

12/22-1/2: Lakeside ICESTRAVANGANZA
At the Lakeside Village our lighting display will have an interactive maze projected right onto the ice for a ton of Rink Maze fun! 

12/27-1/3: Keystone Kidtopia
Bring your kids to a festival designed just for them. Explore the ultimate Snow Fort* at the top of Dercum Mountain, dance to live music in the plaza, make arts and crafts, go Disco Tubing and join the continuing education activities that fill this weekend on and off the slopes.
*Snow Fort – Kidtopia has a massive Snow Fort ready for you to explore complete with a maze, a slide, and a lookout tower. This Snow Fort will be the highlight of your trip!

12/31: New Year’s Eve Celebration
Family Dinner with free ice rink admission at the Edgewater Café. Outdoor ice champagne bar featuring Moet/Hennessey, interactive light show projected on Keystone Lake followed by live music & fireworks over the lake at 8pm!

12/31: New Year’s Eve with Head for the Hills at Warren Station
There’s no better way to ring in the New Year with all your friends celebrating in the heart of River Run Village at Keystone Resort.  Warren Station is proud to host one of Colorado’s finest bluegrass bands, Head for the Hills, for a special New Year’s Eve appearance with Missed the Boat as their opener!  Ski & ride all day and countdown to 2012 at night!  It’s a party you don’t want to miss!

SummitCove.Com

Dec. 26 2011

Rather than sitting around waiting for snow, we decided to spend Christmas morning on the snow, or what passes for it these days in Tahoe. We spent the morning at Sugar Bowl.

We bought discount tickets at REI — for . That is still a steep price to pay for mostly manmade snow — and with less than half the mountain’s groomed runs open. But it was Christmas, and we wanted to try out some new gear before hitting the backcountry, so we swallowed hard and forked over the cash.

We started the day on Jerome hill out of the Judah Lodge, and it wasn’t bad. The groomed runs were completely covered. I saw one tiny twig sticking up on one run. And there were a few loose pebbles here and there that had probably been kicked up by the grooming machines. But really, these runs skied the same in these conditions as they would have with 10 feet of snow on either side of them. We skied two runs around Jerome hill and two more that we could reach from there via a short path over to the Judah area and the Switching Yard terrain park. The park even had a jump or two and several features set up. There was almost nobody there.

Next we headed over to the Lincoln Chair and spent the rest of the morning doing laps there. The top was kind of sketchy. To get to the good snow you had to navigate a path to the right toward Silver Belt and then do a U-turn and come back along a path under the chair. Or you could go left off the chair and then down toward California street. That wind blown route included the rockiest section we suffered all day, and both of us were left with a nice little gouge on the bottom of our skies.

Once through that unpleasantness, though, we enjoyed the long, intermediate runs to the bottom. With so few skiers there, we were able to open and it up and ski as fast as we liked. And there were no lines.

We skied through lunch and by 1 p.m. we were getting a little bored, and our quads were starting to burn from all the laps we had done on our first day on skies this year. So we called it a day and headed home.

It was better skiing than I expected, even with a few rocks at the top of Lincoln.

I still thought the price was a little high. But at least it kept the crowds away.

TahoeLoco.com

Building owners are assured of receiving an array of environmental and aesthetic benefits by purchasing louvers. These systems are available in various materials and multiple blade sizes. This allows you to save on climate control and electricity bills. When choosing louvers for architectural sun control, you need to put emphasis on maintenance needs, appearance and placement.

Function

These exterior sun control exterior sun louvers systems ensure that sunlight is regulated in both gaining and losing of solar heat. Depending on the season, these systems regulate the sunlight. For this reason, the construction site does not need more energy and electricity. In the end, it results in massive cost savings.

Winter Season

During the winter or cold season, these louvers open so that heat and sunlight is allowed to enter the building. This results to reducing the cost of heating. In the summer season, the louvers close to ensure that excess heat is blocked from the building. The moment window glazing is incorporated,you can be assured to gain even more cost savings.

Placement

The other thing about louvers is placement. The designer who is installing them should ensure they are placed in a position that will ensure maximum benefits. The louvers should not be installed on the northern side of the building because this means few power benefits. In contrast, southern, eastern or western side of the building will offer substantial energy benefits.

Automatic

You can automate a louver. This will allow the system to change the blades’ angles depending on the sun’s position. This means that the energy requirements of the building dictate the level of exposure or shading. Maintenance is another important aspect with louvers.

Maintenance

The maintenance needed for louvers depends a lot on its material. For instance, louvers made of wood need regular cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, louver’s made of synthetic materials do not require regular maintenance since they will not portray a wooden appearance. Copper and aluminum do not require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Building Exterior

The buildings exterior and interior look will also affect the louver system. Instead of buying expensive electrical controls, you can use louvers in minimizing glare and regulating indoor light. This will improve the occupant’s wellbeing and productivity with lighting from the louvers. In addition, the buildings exterior will look elegant.

Material

The materials also give varied appearances. For instance, a wooden material displays a warm, organic feel while the metallic gives a modern and industrial presence. However, the materials you buy for the louvers should be based on your preference.

Tahoe City Sushi is a new arrival to the North Shore food scene. The restaurant is located behind the Gear and Grind in the heart of Tahoe City. It’s a small seven table establishment with a six person sushi bar, owned and operated by longtime Sushi chef Vanessa Fiedler, who moved to Tahoe from the foothills to open this place They’ve only been open about two months but both their credit card machine and liquor license should be online before the winter holidays. When we visited last week they couldn’t yet sell us any hot sake or beer, but they can certainly sell you some fabulous sushi. They have all the staples covered – starting with a good miso soup and edamame. Tahoe City’s nigiri and rolls are definitely something special. Their unagi (fresh water eel) is some of the freshest and best we’ve ever tasted. The Placer Gold is a unique roll with spicy tuna and prawns on the inside, wrapped with salmon and avocado, drizzled with three sauces and garnished with green onions and tobbiko. Another stand out roll is the Landshark with grilled albacore, unagi, spicy sprouts, cucumber, avocado and a touch a lemon. Quite honestly, anything you order will not disappoint, look for Tahoe City Sushi to be around for many years to come. Find them at 690 North Lake Tahoe Blvd. Open every day but Sunday.

TahoeLoco.com