Hot Outdoor Recreation How-Tos
How To: Ride a skateboard
In this tutorial, we learn how to ride a skateboard. First, you want to look at the board and find where the bolts are. After this, you will put your feet where the bolts are and stand on the board. Get your balance together while standing on the board. After this, you can use one of your feet to push you and then put it back on the board to continue to ride on a smooth surface. If you need more momentum, use your feet again to help you push. Once you find your balance and can ride normally, ...
How To: Do a shove-it revert on a PumpRockr skateboard
With this video, we learn how to do a shove-it revert on a PumpRockr skateboard. This is a fun board to skate on because the skating system is different. The front wheel will turn in place so you can carve and turn as you are riding. Try out tricks on it after you learn how to just simply ride it. You can go front to backwards and turn around on it as well. To do the shove-it revert, you will get on the board and then flip it over. After that, you will jump back on it without falling off or l...
How To: Tie a Palomar knot to secure a fishing line
In this video, we learn how to tie a Palomar knot to secure a fishing line. This knot is pretty easy to tie, it won't take long. First, you will take the fishing line and make it into a loop. After this, insert it through the eye on the hook. Next, bring it back over and then tie an overhand knot, leaving it a little loose when you tie it. You should be able to see the working end hanging down. Now, take the loop and put it over the hook. Now when you tighten it up, you will have the complete...
How To: Skin a deer hide
In this tutorial, we learn how to skin a deer hide. First, cut into the joint on the back legs. Cut across this, then down through the back side of the leg. Open the leg up with the knife and continue to cut until you see the last joint. After this, you can snap the leg and then repeat this same process for all of the legs. Now, apply pressure to the neck where you want to cut and then skin the stomach area from the inside area. Keep the tip of the knife away from the hide so you don't poke a...
How To: Clean your skateboard griptape
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean your skateboard grip tape. To do this, you will need: window cleaner, an old toothbrush, and paper towels. After this, you will spray the area with the window cleaner and then scrub it with the toothbrush. Scrub it until it comes up clean and there is no dirt left on the surface. From here, you will need to use the paper towels to clean the residue off of your board. Make sure to dry it off completely so you don't waterlog your board. do this to all the...
How To: Fight with a foam spear in a boffer larp
Oh, no! A phalanx is approaching! How can you defeat their shield wall? Answer: a spear! Even if you're not going up against a shield wall, spears are still useful weapons to use in a boffer live action roleplay game because of the advantage that reach gives you. This introductory video shows what makes a spear, how to hold it and footwork.
How To: Fight with a foam spear against an opponent who also has a spear
Spear fighters can be intimidating, especially if you have built up a reputation as being good. This tutorial shows you how to best help your side if you're a spear fighter, as well as how to go up against someone else who is also fighting with a spear.
How To: Retreat when you're using a spear in boffer combat
If you're fighting with a spear at a boffer larp, you'll eventually need to stage a retreat. This video shows you how to pull off a retreat that will hinder your opponent - make sure you have a sidearm or dagger to protect yourself.
How To: Attack with a foam spear in boffer combat
Want to be the best spear fighter you can be? This tutorial show you two basic shots you can make when wielding a foam spear on the fields of battle at your next boffer larp. You're also shown how you can thwart a javelin shot with a spear.
How To: Use a spear to fight against shieldmen in boffer larps
Here's how you can fight against a shield wall if you're wielding a spear when playing in a boffer larp (live action roleplay). And after those strategy tips, here is some advice on how you can team up with a shield fighter for a deadly tag team.
How To: Armor yourself for heavy combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism
If you're just getting started in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and are looking for some good ideas on how to get a set of armor for cheap to let you engage in heavy combat, this video, of an SCA class deaing with armor, is for you!
How To: Engage in feints and baits during boffer combat
This tutorial is for those who want to become better boffer fighters, and shows you how to employ both feints and baits when on the battlefield. This is specially aimed at those who prefer to fight with two weapons, or Florentine style.
How To: Fight with a sword and shield according to the SCA rules
Just starting to get into the Society for Creative Anachronism? This tutorial shows you some basic footwork and few useful strategies when you're fighting with just a basic buckler (punch shield) and a sword. Though aimed at the SCA, this tutorial will work for anyone into theatre combat, boffer larps or other reenactment organizations.
How To: Start heavy fighting in the Society for Creative Anachronism
Want to get started with the heavy combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism? First, you'll want to be protected by armor. Secondly, you'll want to be armed with a rattan sword. Thirdly, you'll want to know how to use your sword. And this video covers all these basics for you.
How To: Use lock ups during a boffer combat
A lock-up is when you and your opponent both have your weapons pressing against each other to the point where neither of you can move. How to deal with a lock up in larp combat? This video shows you all the ins and outs of dealing with lockups in a boffer larp.
How To: Select the right arrow for beginning archers
If you're new to archery, this video is for you. Archery experts show you the different weights of arrows which you can choose to fire, and demonstrates the benefits and drawbacks when it comes to a heavy arrow versus a lighter one.
How To: Fight with a foam spear in a boffer larp
This tutorial shows you firstly what a boffer spear is (and is not), and then goes over the basic stances and techniques you can use when you're on the battlefield and fighting with a foam spear. Learn how to overcome an entire phalanx with a ranged weapon!
How To: Safely kick your opponent's shield in boffer larp combat
If shield kicking is legal in your game, here's how you can safely and effectively kick your opponents shield (and perhaps even knock them down). Know what's a good target, and a good way to deliver the kick without exposing your leg to be hit in turn.
How To: Hold a boffer sword correctly and attack an opponents foam shield
This tutorial starts off by demonstrating the proper way to hold a boffer sword for greatest control. Once you've gotten that down, you're shown how you can go up against an opponent with a shield and still win, even if you only have a sword.
How To: Master footwork during boffer combat
Footwork is an important aspect of waging effective boffer combat. If you want to get better at boffer fighting, work on your footwork. No matter what weapon you're wielding, you'll be able to effectively and quickly maneuver on the battlefield to get an advantage at your next game or fighter practice.
How To: Fight defensively with a shield when engaging in boffer combat
A shield makes a fantastic defense in boffer combat. If your character uses a shield, you're going to want to make sure to get the most out of it. This video shows you a variety of shield techniques you can use to protect yourself in boffer combat or fighter practice.
How To: Fight a left handed opponent in boffer combat
"There is something you should know... I am not left-handed!" What to do when you're coming up against an opponent who's actually a lefty? This boffer combat tutorial shows you a few good strategies you can use when going up against lefties, especially when you both have shields.
How To: Fight aggressively with a boffer shield at a boffer larp
A shield isn't just for defensive maneuvers - you can also use a shield in several different ways to augment your weapon attacks. This tutorial shows you how you can use a shield effecitvely in boffer combat or at a fighter practice.
How To: Use advanced boffer fighting techniques to get a hit on a shield using enemy
So you've mastered the basics of using a shield and going up against an opponent who also wields a sword and shield. This tutorial shows you how to both stage an effective side attack, and how to defend against an opponent making the same attack on you.
How To: Become a better boffer fighter with a foam sword
Becoming better at boffer combat is not a matter of mastering fancy sword moves, it's about being able to force an opening in your opponent's defenses and taking advantage of it without leaving yourself open for a counter-attack. This tutorial shows you precisely how to create these situations and take the most advantage of them.
How To: Improve your boffer combat technique by improving your shield use
This is an advanced boffer fighting tutorial which focuses on the shield, and how you can improve your shield technique as a boffer fighter. Learn several good tips on how to become better at both offensive and defensive boffer shield fighting. Keep yourself protected with a shield block!
How To: Implement various shield techniques in boffer combat
This video focuses on the tower shield techniques. First you're shown how you can get a hit in on an opponent who is fighting with a tower shield. At the same time, you learn ways to become better at boffer fighting with a tower shield yourself.
How To: Nail down the basics of boffer combat
Combat is a fundamental part of many boffer larps, and you'll need to know how to fight well in order to have a successful PC for most games. This tutorial starts with the very basics of weapon grip, and shows you other important boffer combat techniques, like footwork and how to attack without leaving yourself open for a counterattack.
How To: Fight effectively with a knife or dagger in boffer games
This tutorial shows you how to fight with a knife, dagger or other sort of short sword if you're engaging in boffer combat. You aren't totally helpless if someone comes at you with a longer weapon, and this video demonstrates what you can do!
How To: Whistle with your fingers in your mouth
In this tutorial, we learn how to whistle with your fingers in your mouth. First, you will grab your two pinkie fingers and place them inside your mouth on either side. Seal them with your tongue and blow across the remaining hole that is in your mouth. From the side, you should be able to see just one area where the air is coming out of from your mouth. The air should blow across the top and will control the pitch of the note that you are playing. From here, you can learn how to play songs a...
How To: Tie a Knute hitch
In this video, we learn how to tie a Knute hitch. The purpose for this is to make an easy dummy cord on something with a hold for it. To start, tie a simple overhand knot in one end and then make a bite in the knot. With this bite, insert this into the hole in your item. Once it's through, take the end with the knot and put it through the loop. Then, pull the end of the string until it's tight over the item with the hole. Then you can use this as a handle so you don't lose your item!
How To: Wax your snowboard
In this tutorial, we learn how to wax your snowboard. First, you will want to clean your board off of any impurities. Once you have done this, you will need to take your wax and run it on the edge of the board all the way around. After you have done this several times, run the wax around the board from the top to the bottom. Feel with your other hand all the way around the board to see how it feels with the wax on it. Then, spray the board with water and wipe it off. When you're finished, you...
How To: Build a snowboard box
In this video we learn how to build a snowboard box. First, decide on a size for your box and write out the dimensions. Then, buy your frame for the box and follow the structure of the box with it having four sides. After you have built the frame, put on the wood to complete the sides and make the box enclosed. Use screws placed into the frame to make sure it's completely secure. You may also want to install handles so this is easier to handle. Once you're finished with your box you can paint...
How To: toeside sideslip in snowboarding
In this tutorial we learn how to toeside sideslip in snowboarding. Keep your head up and your eyes looking directly uphill. Bend your knees and maintain a straight upper body. Make sure to go slowly and take your time so you are more likely to get the feel of the hill. Apply pressure to your toe edge by driving your knees towards the snow. Also, maintain even weight on both feet with your arms to the side for more balance. Once you have these tips practiced and learned, you will become a bett...
How To: Tie an easy fishing knot system
In this video we learn how to tie an easy fishing knot system. First, put the line through the hook and pull. Then, take the end of the line and make it come through the loop. Bring this over and then you will have a hole at the bottom of the string. Take the end of the line and put it through the hole around six to eight times to get a strong knot. Then, pull on the main line and you will see the knot glide up to the hook, To go lower, just pull it down. This creates a strong and efficient k...
How To: Master basic mobility on your snowboard
In this video we learn how to master basic mobility on your snowboard. Look and point in the direction you want to travel then transfer weight onto your back foot and slide the snowboard forward. Transfer weight onto your front foot to enable the board to glide forward. Change direction by lifting the snowboard and pivoting on the back of your feet. To climb, place your snowboard perpendicular to the fall line. Then, step your free foot over the snowboard and dig your toe edge into the snow. ...
How To: Do straight runs in snowboarding
In this tutorial, we learn how to do straight runs in snowboarding. Keep the base of your snowboard flat on the snow and point your board directly downhill. Look and point downhill and focus on the ahead terrain. Keep your body aligned over your snowboard. Bend your ankles and knees to maintain your position. Keep your ankles and knees loose so you can absorb bumps in the road. Once you learn how to do these different tricks on the board, you will be on your way to riding a lot better than be...
How To: Do heelside sideslipping in snowboarding
In this video we learn how to do a heelside sideslipping in snowboarding. Keep your head up and your eyes looking straight ahead. Bend your knees and maintain a straight upper body. Apply pressure to your heel edge and pull up on your toes as you ride. Maintain even weight on both feet with your arms at the sides of your body. As you continue to learn the tips and tricks on how to ride better, you will get more comfortable while on the board. Try to relax and remember how to do all the moveme...
How To: Do a toeside pendulum in snowboarding
In this video, we learn how to do a toeside pendulum in snowboarding. Start by sideslipping on your toe edge. Take note that tapping on one leg represents increased pressure on that foot. Look and point in the direction that you want to travel, then tap on both legs to get even pressure on both feet. Increase edge angle with even pressure on both feet to slow down and stop moving on the board. Once you get these tips and tricks down you can better understand how to ride the snowboard. Remembe...
How To: Do a heelside pendulum in snowboarding
In this video we learn how to do a heelside pendulum in snowboarding. Start by sideslipping on your heal edge. Then, tap on one leg to increase pressure on that foot. Reduce the angle and then you can slide your board down where you are facing. Look and point in the direction of desired travel. Tapping on both legs means even pressure distribution on both feet. Increase edge angle with even pressure on both feet to slow down and stop. Although you will start out slow at first, these are great...