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• Lumberjack, Issue 8, May 9, 1990 vg. 8 Try a new sport this summer ------------ by Karl Hardesty What will you do this summer? Probably the same old thing--play some ball, lie in the sun, swim a little, and perhaps play a little frisbee. Oh, yes, let's not forget work. Well, if the same old summer activities are becoming a little boring, how about trying something new? One of the· fastest-growing water sports today is windsurfing or sailboarding (as it is also · known). Imagine skimming across the bay or a sm~l lake · on your 'private yacht.' Even if you don't know I anyone who <;>wns . the equipment needed to learn this exciting hobby, it is still possible to get involved. Summit Sports, located on the comer of State and Chisholm Streets, provides rental of windsurfing equipment for all levels of experience. If you are interested in trying windsurfing, stop by and check out their rental program. If you are a beginner, you can rent a 12-foot board which is highly stable and can support up to 500 or 600 pou.nds. According tQ Brian Bailey of Summit Sports, this is the ideal learning platform. "It's as stable as a canoe," he said. In an afternoon you can become quite competent and if you have doubts about your ability to teach yourself through trial and error, lessons can be arranged for a modest fee. Bailey also provided information on other equipment for the more advanced sailor. 'Basic boards' are somewhat smaller in length, only 1- feet, and are considerably lighter in weight with a corresponding decrease in buoyancy. They average in the mid 20's in ~eight and have about 400 pounds of flotation. For the truly adventurous, once you have been competent on larger boards, the 'performance' board is only 9 feet in length, 20 . pounds in weight and can float only about 170 pounds. "A board like this needs high winds," said Bailey. t You won't get a ride unfil it planes." 'Planing' 1s the action of the board developing enough velocity to rise on top of the water' much like an airplane wing Sports program faces changes by Karl Hardesty Changes are in line for the Lumberjack sports program . in 1990-91. Sports Information Director Frank McCourt highlighted the upcoming changes in a recent interview. During the 90-91 school year, the following additional intercollegiate sports will be offered: women's softball and co-ed golf. The decision . to drop women's cross-country in favor of softball was explained by the difficulty of fielding a full women'scross-country squad versus the popularity of softball and the availability of local talent. The job descriptions for head and assistant coach for softball have been posted, and McCourt stated that he anticipates a June hiring date. While faculty members will be given first consideration for the position, McCourt said, "we're looking to hire a coach with some 'continuity.' We want someone who will put time in and not leave after one or two years." Whoever is hired will indeed have a big job ahead. Due to the summer, athletes will need to be contacted and recruiting will have to start soon after a coach is hired. A local coach, familiar with nearby high schools and their programs becomes even more important when this fact is considered. The · development of a program is a big task, but with abundant local talent, the Lady Jacks softball squad could be very competitive in the first year. Prospective basketball recruits were on campus the first weekend of May- for tours and an introduction to ACC players, coaches, and faculty. They had an opportunity to tour the campus and ask questions of students and staff. The upcoming school year will indeed be an exciting one for Lumberjack athletics. gains lift through the air. All rentals include a car rack for transportation of the board and sail. Rates will probably change for the summer, so stop in and check out their plans. Over the course of the summer, you can grow in proficiency and they have the equipment to suit your needs as you progress. Then you can leave the l~rger, more cumbersome beginner boards behind and take one of their perf ormace boards out for a spin (or spill). Another summer activity you can take up is scuba diving. It is not as difficult as many people think. The excitement of eX:ploring the underwater world is a thrill not be missed. From experience, I can tell you that little compares to looking a fish in the eye in his own world and feeling completely safe and relaxed while doing it. Summit Sports also has a full line of scuba gear for sale and rental as well as certified instructors. Classes will be running . a11 summer long o this is something else to look into when you check out their windsurfing gear. Across the Thunder Bay The weather is · improving, the days are longer, and it's ge_tting harder to drag yourself to class; spring is her~. · · How does one go about taking advantage of the season? Simple. Take a walk. ·· · Norway Ridge is only a short drive west on Werth Road. It offers varying terrain, nothing too drastic in terms of steepness, though. The trail has a total length of seven miles, not a bad walk if you have the time. Of · course, if you get lost, you'll have lots more time than you need. Not to worry, though, the trail is well-marked with 'distance traveled' and 'distance to go' signs located along the trail. At an average pace of 2-3 miles per hour, you could spend an afternoon and still have time to get cleaned up for dinner. A wide variety of wildlife, including squirrel, deer, . turkey, and an occasional porcupine can be seen. Especially now, song birds abound in thickets and trees to add some background music. ,· -. · River from the Federal Building is a white-block building proudly bearing the sign "Thunder Bay Divers." This dive shop on Ford A venue, owned and operated by Bill and Ruthann Beck, offers a full line of diving equipment and services including rental, tank filling, repair, and certified instructors. The Becks offer classes and advise anyone interested to " ... stop in ~d sign up; we run them all summer whenever we can get six or more people registered." Starting May 1, their hours are 9am-7pm. For the summer, they will be open from 9am-9pm. Once you are certified, you can take advantage of their charter service. They operate three charter boats for trips to the numerous wrecks in Thunder Bay, which, by the · way, is a Federal Underwater Preserve known across the country for the abundance of shipwrecks on its bottom. Their boats range in Ieng~ from 2?-54 feet and equipment to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. Additionally, if the cold Spring is here ... by Karl Hardesty While Norway Ridge offers gentle rolling hills and is relatively long, the Besser Nature Area, north of Alpena, on County Road 405, is flat and short. Only a mile in lehgth, it follows the Lake Huron shoreline and also passes through an old homestead. A well-marked pathway als_o has descriptive signs explaining points of interest alon_g the trail. . The last path within easy driving is Chippewa Hills. Eleven miles west of US-23 on Nicholson Hill Road, this trail has four separate. loops totalling 7-1/2 miles, not a bad afternoon walk. The land is similar to that at Norway Ridge, but with many more hills. The two shortest loops, at 1/2 and 1-1/3 miles, are rated "difficult" during ski season. All of these trails have ample parking, and maps are available to guide the hiker new to the trail. While you may decide to leave the car in a warm sun, don't go on a , _walk 'Yi.~hour _a warp:i ja~ket weather of a Michigan winter gets you down, they can book you on a trip to warmer climates through connections with Blue Chip Travel Company. "We're a brokerage to the south, " stated Bill, "the Florida Keys, Cayman Islands, or even Truck Lagoon." (author's note: this was the scene of an American naval air strike against the Japanese Navy late in WWII, which resulted in almost 100 ships being sunk in a protected . South Pacific }}arbor; it is now an outstanding diving attraction). There is no excuse for having a boring summer. Try something different; I'm sure you will enjoy it. , Sell your books back for cash! Dates: May 14-15 Times: 9am-4pm; 5pm-7J?m Place: ACC Bookstore r pullover that can also withstand water. The weather can change quickly, and you should always plan ahead for such an occasion. A chamois or flannel shirt with a sweater is probably _ sufficient for most days, with a jacket and hat carried in a fanny pack tied around your waist. Comfortable shoes which offer good support are a requirement no matter where you go. If you opt for one of the longer paths, why -· not take a day pack and bring along lunch? A thermos of coffee or tea, some well-made sandwiches and cookies, fruit, or any one of the various trailmixes would taste great at your tum-around point. If you are into the photography "thing," lunch would be a great chance to try and catch some critters on film. They often get curious and wander close to your picnic. No matter what, just remember the adage, "take nothing with you but memories and photos; leave nothing but footprints."