Dancing on the Beach

By Kevin Styles

Photochromatic glasses turn dark by exposing the glasses lenses to ultra violet light.

There are several common brands of photochromic glasses that you can source online, for example Transitions (which is the market leader) or Reactions, Reactolite or Graduations prescription glasses.

They were originally introduced made of glass, but today most transitions glasses are made out of plastic. The way that the glasses lenses change from light to darl is essentially the same – by embedding or coating the lenses with microcrystalline or molecular organic elements that react with ultra violet light.

Modern transitions lenses are very effective and the improvement in the chemistry over the years has improved dramatically realising a very significant transition from light to dark and back again in a very short period of time.

When the chemistry has been embedded or coated onto the glass lens itself to make the glasses, how much the lenses actually change in degree of darkness depends a lot on the thickness of the glass being used to construct the glasses.

This can be an issue when buying varifocal glasses with a photochromic coating as the thickness of the lens used to make the varifical lenses changes over the surface of the glasses lens.

It is also much less of an issue with modern plastic lenses, as these tend to be coated with a photochromatic material at a uniform thickness..

Usually in modern glasses that contain photochromic material, the time for the glasses lenses to convert from a clear (or close to clear) state having not been exposed to ambient UV light (so indoors for example) is very short – of around 60 seconds to reach a substantially dark state. The lenses continue to turn even darker as they remain exposed to sunlight and may take up to 15 minutes to complete the process.

When you come indoors with your glasses, or are no longer exposed to the UV light, the reaction reverses and the lenses in the glasses will start to lighten.

This reversal process tends to take longer, and can be quite significantly dependent on the ambient temperature as well as the amount of ambient UV. The colder it is, the faster the particles (in the case of glasses lenses) or molecules (in the case of plastic glasses lenses) will react and either go darker or lighter depending on the exposure.

One effect of this is that transitions glasses tend to be much more aggressive in terms of their transition and level of darkness when used for skiing rather than at the beach.

There are even some manufacturers who embed the photochromic process into sunglasses, or prescription sunglasses so that they go even darker when used for skiing or in a similar environment.

The drawback though when using transitions glasses for the beach or in a warmer climate is that – they will certainly reduce glare and add some eye protection, but they will not be as dark as fully tinted prescription glasses made as sunglasses.

Transitions glasses can be used for the beach or skiing, They are available in single vision glasses, bifocal and varifocal glasses. They can be made of glass or plastic, but there are some things you should consider when buying transitions glasses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Styles
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-to-Prescription-Sunglasses&id=3690031

By Ian Pennington

Located on Northwest Florida’s panhandle, Navarre, Florida is a beautiful city that offers tourists a lot of exciting activities including fishing, golfing, and swimming. Fishing in Navarre, Florida is a particularly popular activity, especially saltwater fishing on any of Navarre’s marinas. In the past, before the destruction of Hurricane Ivan, fishing fans in Navarre could also fish on the open sand of the Navarre Beach Boat Dock. There is a diverse variety of fish that could be caught on these piers, including but not limited to Whiting, Tarpon, Flounder, Mahi Mahi, Pompano, Blue Fish, Mackarel, Bonito, Cobia, and a large array of trout.

Now, there are plans to have it rebuilt currently in process, so regional fishing fans will soon be able to enjoy, once again, the beauty of Navarre fishing. Also, even though pier fishing is not currently an option in Navarre, surf fishing is still a popular option. Other places, like the Santa Rosa Sound also have a good supply of Red Fish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout.

One of the great things about fishing in Navarre, Florida is the wide array of species and types of fish that can be found in these waters. There are lots of large fish swimming these waters as well as small fish, ranging from fish as small as a few ounces to fish that are practically human-sized (weighing up to 100 pounds). However, on average, fish in this area range from five to twenty pounds in weight.

Another unique thing to note about fishing in the Navarre area is the fact that it is often done by “sight.” This activity is referred to as “sight fishing.” Many passerbys on the piers will often spot fisherman staring off into the waters below, looking at all the fish they can see swimming by, and often planning what kind of fish to catch later. From sea turtles to squid, crabs, and even dolphins (if you’re lucky), everything is able to view in these waters.

Overall, Navarre is an ideal fishing city. There is the largest variety of catches in the entire Florida gulf here, many stating up to four times more than other fishing destinations. There are always at least twenty species of game fish available in seasonal runs. In Navarre and neighboring gulf fishing cities like Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Fort Walton Beach, more billfish are caught annually than in all of the other gulf fishing cities put together. Navarre is also an exciting way to search for the mysterious and hard-to-find Cobia fish, which only is found from March through November.

There are so many reasons why fishing in Navarre, Florida is a wonderful and popular activity. Between the large amounts and plentiful varieties of fishes and many excellent fishing spots, Navarre is quite possibly the best fishing spot in the entire state.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about fishing in Navarre, Florida [http://floridafishingonline.info/fishing-in-navarre-florida], please visit Florida Fishing Online [http://floridafishingonline.info] for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Pennington
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fishing-in-Navarre,-Florida&id=1447790

By Anne Clarke

Windsurfing is a popular summer sport that a lot of people get into every year. It is a great way to get out onto the water and have a good time. You can enjoy getting up some speed and shooting over the top of the water, but you don’t have to invest in a boat. It is a sport that you can enjoy by yourself, or in a group.

Some people will pick up windsurfing better than others, but it really isn’t a difficult sport to get the hang of. The best way to get started in it is to find somewhere that you can take some lessons. There is no substitute for the opportunity to watch an expert do it the right way. Also, if there is someone who can point out exactly what you’re doing wrong, you will stop making those mistakes sooner. Everyone wants to know what they’re doing as quickly as possible so they can enjoy the water!

If you are a beginner to the sport of windsurfing, you should probably rent your equipment. If you can borrow a friend’s equipment for a weekend, this would work too. The point is to be sure that you will actually use any equipment you buy. There is no point in spending a bunch of money to buy your own equipment only to discover that you don’t like the sport as well as you thought you were going to.

There is specialized gear involved in windsurfing, and the most obvious piece is the windsurfing board. A flat board is probably the best choice for beginners, because it is designed to be very stable. You can move on to a course board once you have a good grasp on what you’re doing. These are made for speed, so they should only be used if you know what you’re doing.

There are fins on the board that you can replace if something happens to them. Some people think they need to be replaced right away, but this is not necessary. Generally if you buy a beginners board, the fins that come on it will also be made for beginners, and you should leave it the way it is.

Of course, the board needs a sail, or it won’t do you a whole lot of good. There are different materials used for sails, and there are varying degrees of quality that come with them. Monofilm is probably the best choice. It is clear, so it provides excellent visibility, and it holds its shape better than other common sail materials.

You also need to check how soft a sail is. The softer it is, the easier it will be to use. For beginners, Mylar or Dacron would probably be the best choices. For advanced windsurfers and those in competitions, there are fairly rigid sails that are made for ultimate speed and control.

The biggest rule when it comes to sails is to never buy a used one. They can be stretched out of shape or have damage to them that may not be noticeable upon cursory inspection. You don’t want to buy a used sail and be placed in a hazardous situation because of it.

While many beginners don’t think about it, you will want to look into harnesses. Having a harness helps to keep you from getting separated from your board. You will fall off your board occasionally, even once you are an experienced windsurfer, and getting separated from your board can be a very bad thing. Firstly, if you get separated from your board, there is a chance it will hit someone or something, damaging it and potentially other people. Secondly, it leaves you in the water and reduces your visibility, leaving you more vulnerable to being hit by someone else. This is why all smart windsurfers wear a harness.

Windsurfing is a great sport to get into if you love the water. You can enjoy the water and sun, and windsurfing equipment is also fairly easy to transport on top of a vehicle, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t live right next to a lake. Gathering lots of information and talking to people who are experienced in the sport is the best way to start.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on wind surfing, please visit Windsurfing Boards, your source for windsurfing equipment, lessons, and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
http://EzineArticles.com/?Windsurfing-Basics&id=2455408

By Denise Sanger

Beach Essentials for Kids

Whether you live by the ocean or just take a yearly vacation to the beach, there are some things you should keep in mind as you plan your trip. Most beaches don’t have a store nearby-and you won’t want to leave the surf to go find an item you could have brought from home. Review this list before your next trip, and you’ll be prepared!

1. Sunblock: The sun’s rays bounce off of the surface of the water and the sand, making it more likely that you will get burned. The ocean breeze can make it seem cooler than it is-you may not realize you are getting sunburned until it is too late. Make sure every member of the family wears sunblock, and reapply after swimming or splashing in the ocean.

2. Chairs: Bring a comfortable, low slung beach chair for each adult-kids will prefer sitting on a beach towel, but most grownups prefer using a chair. Look for a chair that folds compactly, or comes with a carry strap for easy handling.

3. Backpack: Pack a single backpack or bag with your essentials-if you keep everything together, you will only have one bag to keep track of. Avoid bringing your purse or wallet to the beach-lock them in your car instead.

4. Change of clothing: Bring a dry set of clothing for each member of your party. The ride home will be much more comfortable if you change into dry clothes-a wet, sandy swimsuit can be very itchy to wear, and make even a short car trip uncomfortable. Most beaches have restrooms and changing facilities and you will appreciate the fresh clothing after a busy day in the waves.

5. Wet washcloth in a baggie: Place a soaking wet washcloth in a ziplock baggie, and add it to your backpack. Someone will inevitably get sand, saltwater, or sunblock in their eyes and you can use a damp washcloth to ease the sting. You can also use this to wash hands before eating or drinking.

6. Sand Toys: A bucket and shovel are the bare minimum here. Look for a set that comes with a variety of shapes for molding sand, and have one of the kids carry it!

7. Snack or lunch: Depending on the beach you are going to, there may not be food facilities nearby. Most beaches in the Southeast are boardwalk-free, so you will have to either bring lunch, or leave the beach to find something to eat.

8. Bottled water: It is easy to become dehydrated while you frolic in the waves-partially freeze a few bottles of water and add them to your backpack, and you will have access to fresh, cool water without leaving the beach.

9. Shoes: Make sure every member of your party is wearing shoes. Sand can get extremely hot by mid afternoon, and you may have to walk a bit to find the perfect spot to set up. Wearing shoes (flip flops or crocs are ideal) also protects your feet from broken shells and other debris.

10. Waterproof camera: Pack an inexpensive, throwaway camera for your trip, and leave the pricey photo gear at home. Small particles of sand could work their way into your camera, and damage its delicate parts. Bring along a cheap waterproof version instead, and snap your photos worry-free.

One of the best things you can do for your trip is plan ahead. If you haven’t visited this particular beach before, call ahead and check on parking, restroom facilities, and other important information before you arrive. By planning ahead, and packing the essentials, you can focus on fun, and enjoy your day at the beach!

Denise Sanger is the owner of NewCoolToysOnline.com which features a fantastic selection of water toys and pool toys for kids of all ages. The company is located in sunny Florida and may be reached at 877-950-7665.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Sanger
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Have-Fun-at-the-Beach-With-Your-Kids!&id=2823823