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Tips for Finding the Right Canoe October 08 2014

With Snow Lizard Rugged Phone Cases providing the protection your device needs for even the most extreme of conditions, you may be interested in taking up more outdoor activities such as canoeing now that you can take your smartphone or tablet with you. But in the case of canoeing, it is important to get the correct type of canoe for what you wish to do.

First there are the materials. Fiberglass canoes are strong and light while also being easy to repair. Kevlar canoes are expensive but up to 10 times stronger than steel and 20% lighter than fiberglass canoes with their durability providing long term value. Wood canoes are usually handcrafted and versatile for many environments; while the labor in building a canoe makes them more expensive, they can last for decades with good maintenance. Polyethylene canoes are a low-cost option for recreational canoeing and those who use them occasionally despite the fact they are heavier and less durable than other types. Royalex canoes are difficult to repair but are more resilient to impact and abrasion.

Then there are the types of canoes. Expedition and wilderness tripping canoes are best for those carrying large loads and their large sizes are typically meant to accommodate multiple passengers. Recreational canoes are easy to maneuver and ideal for day trips on calm waters. Whitewater canoes are designed exclusively for use in the extreme conditions of whitewater canoeing. River tripping canoes are designed best for fast moving rivers. Racing canoes are built without excessive weight to make them perfect for high performance racing.

With so many canoes to choose from, it is important that you get the canoe for your needs. But when it comes to Rugged Phone Cases, your best choice is undoubtedly Snow Lizards line-up of electronics cases. Our cases for smartphones and tablets, like the SLXtreme for iPad, keep your phone waterproof and safe from heavy drops. For more info on our line-up of tough electronics cases, check out our website.

Tips for Finding the Right Canoe October 06 2014

With Snow Lizard Rugged Phone Cases providing the protection your device needs for even the most extreme of conditions, you may be interested in taking up more outdoor activities such as canoeing now that you can take your smartphone or tablet with you. But in the case of canoeing, it is important to get the correct type of canoe for what you wish to do.

First there are the materials. Fiberglass canoes are strong and light while also being easy to repair. Kevlar canoes are expensive but up to 10 times stronger than steel and 20% lighter than fiberglass canoes with their durability providing long term value. Wood canoes are usually handcrafted and versatile for many environments; while the labor in building a canoe makes them more expensive, they can last for decades with good maintenance. Polyethylene canoes are a low-cost option for recreational canoeing and those who use them occasionally despite the fact they are heavier and less durable than other types. Royalex canoes are difficult to repair but are more resilient to impact and abrasion.

Then there are the types of canoes. Expedition and wilderness tripping canoes are best for those carrying large loads and their large sizes are typically meant to accommodate multiple passengers. Recreational canoes are easy to maneuver and ideal for day trips on calm waters. Whitewater canoes are designed exclusively for use in the extreme conditions of whitewater canoeing. River tripping canoes are designed best for fast moving rivers. Racing canoes are built without excessive weight to make them perfect for high performance racing.

With so many canoes to choose from, it is important that you get the canoe for your needs. But when it comes to Rugged Phone Cases, your best choice is undoubtedly Snow Lizards line-up of electronics cases. Our cases for smartphones and tablets (like the SLXtreme for iPad case) keeps your phone waterproof and safe from heavy drops. For more info on our line-up of tough electronics cases, check out our website.

The Grand History of Camping September 30 2014

View pastimes are more quintessentially American than camping. With its sheer geographic diversity and vast wilderness, it is no surprise that the U.S. has one of the longest and proudest outdoor traditions in the world.

Depending on how you look at it, camping has been around almost as long as the human beings: we began as hunter-gatherers who lived on the land and relied on nature for everything from food and shelter, to recreation and stories. Humans utilized camping staples – such as sticks and tinder for fire, sharpened stones for cutting and sculpting, and broad leaves for shelter – in order to survive.

Even when humans began to live in permanent communities that were more distant from nature, the ties with wilderness remained. Native Americans and Australian Aborigines, among other cultures, continued to turn to nature for resources, rituals, and spiritual escape. The more urbanized Ancient Greeks and Romans recognized the relaxation and mental health benefits of an occasional foray into nature, even for just a day.

However, it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that camping as a recreational activity first emerged. It is fitting that the countries that lead the way in this trend were the United Kingdom and United States, both of which had rapidly urbanized and industrialized, putting people even more further away from nature.

Amid this detachment, and the subsequent clearing of forests and other wilderness areas, there came a strong demand for escaping back into the calmness and tranquility of nature and going back to the natural way of living. Following a strong push to preserve what was left of our natural environment – culminating in the creation of America’s first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872 – camping became a popular activity among the growing ranks of the middle-class.

Hence why, to this day, most adults can recall the experience of childhood campfires and family time spent in the great outdoors. Many camping and outdoor organizations and groups – such as the Boy Scouts – had their start in this period, helping to carry the joys and lessons of camping into the present day.

Of course, camping has changed a lot since the good old days. While the invention of and mass production of the automobile helped take families to far off places to camp, the introduction of true Recreational Vehicles (RVs) in the 1950s took it to a whole new level: families could now take their modern amenities and home comforts with them!

Similarly, candles, lanterns, and rudimentary tents have given way to sophisticated LED-based lights, solar-powered cookware, and tents composed of ultra-durable materials. Thanks to smart phones and tablets, many modern-day campers can access useful guides and tools to help make their experience safer and more enjoyable.

Snow Lizard Products like Rugged Phone Cases and Portable Chargers help make keep these useful electronic tools safe and functional. You can enjoy the traditional heart and spirit of camping with all the modern conveniences. To learn more, contact 786-401-7204 or [email protected].

Explore These Snorkeling Paradises September 29 2014

Snorkeling provides an excellent and accessible opportunity to explore a whole other world. From ancient shipwrecks to gleaming coral reefs, there are a wide variety of aquatic adventures just waiting to be started. Consider these one-of-a-kind destinations.

The Red Sea, Egypt
While it may not come to mind when one thinks of aquatic activities, Egypt’s adjacent Red Sea is regularly ranked among the world’s best locations. It offers hundreds of miles of coral, abundant sea life, and warm, crystal-clear waters. While any time of the year is good to visit, winter is especially popular, since the climate is a bit more temperate. Great places to dive include The Blue Hole, El Minya, Small Giftun Island, Tiran Strait, and Ras Muhammed National Park

Great Barrier Reef, Australia
No list of this kind can be complete without the world’s largest coral reef. Stretching over 1,400 miles along northeaster Australia, it comprises over 4,000 distinct reefs, cays, and islands – enough room to be seen in space! Its sheer size, combined with its estimated 1,500 fish species and 1,500 shipwrecks, leaves ample opportunity for exploration. While you could no doubt spend a lifetime discovering all there is, some highlights include Osprey Reef, Blow Hole, Cathedral, and the S.S. Yongala wreck. Enjoy maximum visibility during the summer season (June through August), though this reef is great for much of the year.

Cozumel, Mexico
A favored location by the great maritime explore Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel has for decades been the world’s top diving destination. Its 600-mile long Maya Reef has everything needed for an optimal diving experience, including deep caverns, wrecks, colorful reefs and marine life, and more. Because of its popularity, it has great support infrastructure, with over 100 professional operators to choose from and a variety of neat adventures, such as night dives and photography dives. Don’t miss such sights as the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck, Maracaibo Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Tormentos Reef.

Thailand
With its long coastline and numerous islands, Thailand as a whole offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. The top choices include Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park, identified by Fodor’s as an “underwater playground” teeming with abundant coral and rare marine life. Other great sites include the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Phi Phi, each of which are beautiful to explore outside the water too. Another plus is the rather common appearance of whale sharks, gentle giants whose encounters are breathtaking.

Hawaii
Synonymous with tropical splendor, Hawaii excels in snorkeling opportunities. This is due in large part to its relative isolation, which has lead to the existence of marine life found nowhere else in the world. Few things are more memorable than encountering one-of-a-kind wildlife. The Big Island is especially popular for its opportunity to swim at night with manta rays. Other highlights include swimming along the pristine and uninhabited island of Niihau, the luminous underwater caverns of Lanai, and the hearing of whale song from December through April.

Any one of these destinations is guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience. Wherever you choose to embark on your next adventure, make sure to have Snow Lizard Products by your side. Our Rugged Phone Cases and Portable Chargers are the ideal companions of any trip.

To learn more, contact 786-401-7204 or [email protected].

The Best Places to Go Kayaking September 19 2014

Looking to escape on an exciting adventure? Adventure goers should consider going on a kayaking trip which will challenge your endurance and allow you to see beautiful natural scenery. Here are some kayaking trips for you to consider taking and see the great outdoors.


Maine Island Trail

Created in 1993, the Maine Island Trail was the first water trail created in the United States and runs through Acadia National Park. Here you have the opportunity to see some of the most scenic parts of Maine’s over 3,000 miles of coastline with helpful points of departure and campsites throughout the trail.


Johnstone Strait

Dividing Vancouver Island from mainland Canada is the Johnstone Strait, a 25 mile long and 2.5 mile wide water passage. Traveling through the strait you will encounter islands, estuaries and inlets but its particularly known for the opportunity to kayak amongst orcas. Home to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, whose mission is to protect killer whale habitats, it is one of the best places in the world to see killer whales as well as seals, dolphins and eagles.


Manuel Antonio National Park

With over 27% of all of Costa Rica declared protected land, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. But its especially good for kayaking with over 600 miles of coastline for adventure junkies to discover. Manuel Antonio National Park is a great place for sea kayaking with crystal blue waters, white sand beaches and rocky inlets as well as areas to discover the dense jungle and forests.


Abel Tasman National Park

With nearly 40,000 acres to discover by kayak, this park in New Zealand is a kayaker’s dream. It is common for those on paddlecraft to spend days on the journey and camp on the bountiful sand beaches. In addition to regional wildlife, you will be in awe by the region’s gorgeous mountainous landscapes.


With rugged Phone cases available from Snow Lizard for your device, you can even take your tech with you without having to worry about it getting damaged. Cases like the SLXtreme iPad 4 allow you to safely use your device in difficult conditions, allowing you to access apps that will help you on your journey. For more info on our rugged cases, go to www.snowlizardproducts.com


The Best Mobile Apps for Boating September 17 2014

Boating and sailing have always been popular pastimes, as many have discovered the beauty and majesty of being on the water. In today’s day and age, the age of the smart phone, there is no shortage of apps available to bring on board to make for the perfect boating experience! Ranging from navigation aides to real time weather forecasting, modern apps can reinvent your boating and sailing trips.

Check out some of the greatest and latest when it comes to boating apps:

BoatUS Towing: This app is all about safety and assistance, which is supremely important. Access to 24-hour on the water assistance and the world’s largest water towing fleet.

WindGuru: user-friendly and free, this app offers worldwide coverage of real time wind strength and direction.

Pro Knot: step by step instructions and illustrations on how to tie over thirty knots.

BlooSee: this app does it all, providing access to information on dive sites, marinas, hazards, anchorages and more. It is also geared towards navigation and features position, speed and course, wind forecast, etc.

Whale Alert: this app highlights active whale areas, areas to be avoided, and recommended routes.

To keep your gadgets safe at sea, SnowLizard has a range of Rugged Phone Cases that protect your smartphone from the elements. What’s more, SnowLizard has a variety of cases for your tablet as well, such as the SLXtreme iPad 4. Protect all of your devices while you are out boating, especially if you are using some of those apps along the way! SnowLizard has rugged, protective gear to shield your devices from anything that comes your way!

SnowLizard's Successful Showing at Surf Expo 2014 September 11 2014

With the ground-breaking innovation offered by the SLXtreme Waterproof iPhone Case and the new SLXtreme iPad 4, SnowLizard Products is no stranger to the trade show circuit. Our durable cases offer the sort of protection and functionality needed by those who want to enjoy an active and vigorous lifestyle without compromising their precious mobile devices.

That is why we were proud to be a part of last week’s prestigious Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, the world’s largest tradeshow for boardsports and beach-related goods.

Attended by well over 26,000 people from across the globe, it features more than 2,600 booths and over 7,000 storefronts, exhibiting an extensive selection of products that cater to rigors of the aquatic/outdoor lifestyle. The convention also included a full line-up of demos, fashion shows, award ceremonies, seminars, and other events.

SnowLizard Products were featured for their numerous benefits to casual beachgoers and enthusiasts alike. The SLXtreme series for iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 4/4s and iPad 4 all offer watertight protection for depths of up to 6.6 ft (2 m) and is able to withstand sand, mud, dirt, and most other contaminants. The meticulously engineered cases can endure bumps and drops from 6.6 ft (2 m), while nonetheless providing easy access and interaction with the screen of your device.

Moreover, the SLXtreme also extends the battery life of the protected device, ensuring connection and access throughout the day at the beach. The new SLXtreme iPad 4 can even serve as a mobile charger for other devices at the same time. It is little wonder that those who love the beach love SnowLizard Products.

To learn more about the Surf Expo or SnowLizard Products, contact us at 786-401-7204 or [email protected].

Natural Oddities Around the World September 09 2014

The world is full of amazing surprises, many of them strange beyond all imagination. If you are looking for some very unique and memorable experiences, consider some of these unusual but natural attractions.

Magnetic Hill, Moncton, New Brunswick
This hill’s claim to fame is making automobiles roll backwards uphill without power. Since this was first recorded in the 1930s, people have been trying to figure out this still-mysterious ability. As it turns out, the "magnetic force" is an optical illusion and the uphill slope is actually a downhill slope, although visitors are still welcome to try it out for themselves and experience this nonetheless unusual phenomenon for themselves.

Surtsey, Iceland
One of the world’s newest islands, Surtsey wasn’t recently discovered – it just didn’t exist until 1963! That’s when an underwater volcano in the Westman Islands erupted, lasting in activity until 1967, when it was revealed to have remained an island. Once measuring around one square mile, it has since eroded to a little more than half that size. The Icelandic government has chosen to preserve this pristine location, although you can sail past it by taking a day cruise from the Westman Islands.

Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand
On Koekohe Beach, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, one can find large spherical boulders – some with a circumference as large as 12 feet – scattered all over the place. Appearing to be man-made, they actually formed millions of years ago on the ancient sea floor, when sediment and minerals collected and hardened around a core such as a fossil or a shell. These are the only “septarian concretions” of their kind.

Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, California
Somehow, regular stones have managed to "sail" over the surface of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park, leaving behind noticeable tracks that indicate movement. Since first being discovered almost 100 years ago, how these stones move in this dry and largely lifeless environment is a mystery that draws tourists from all over the country. One theory suggests that ice that forms around the stones during the frigid nights, causing them to move and to leave a trail as they melt. Either way, they are captivating to behold.

Relampago de Catatumbo, Ologa, Venezuela
The southwest corner of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela has the world's highest frequency of lightning activity, with around 250 flashes and strikes per square kilometer annually. This is due to its combination of humidity, high elevation, and clashing winds from the mountains and ocean. For most of the year, especially in the peak months of May and October, you can see over 25 lighting flashes across the sky per minute! Note that the National Weather Service considers 12 strikes or more per minute to be “excessive”. Imagine what a spectacle this would be.

It goes without saying that any one of these marvels of nature will be unforgettable. Thanks to SnowLizard Products like the SLXtreme Waterproof iPhone Case, and the new SLXtreme for iPad, you can enjoy these exotic locales while keeping your precious mobile devices safe while capturing amazing images and video. Call 786-401-7204 or email [email protected] for more information.

Stay Powered on the Water With the SLXtreme for iPad 4 September 08 2014

Whether you’re on a kayak, canoe, or small boat, it goes without saying that you will be out of luck if any of your precious mobile devices lose power. You will lose connection with the outside world, miss out on photo opportunities, or be deprived of apps useful to your activities. For anyone with an active lifestyle, such a scenario cannot be afforded!

With this problem in mind, SnowLizard Products devised the SLXtreme iPad 4, which builds upon the success of the SLXtreme Waterproof iPhone Case. This state-of-the-art protective case not only protects and powers your iPad all day, but it can recharge other devices as well, making it perfect for watersports enthusiasts.

The SLXtreme for iPad is the culmination of meticulous research and engineering. It includes an integrated 10,200 mAh battery that doubles your iPad’s power while also charging other devices! Your iPad becomes an even more useful tool, serving as protected mobile hub for all your electronics.

Thanks to the SLXtreme’s polycarbonate-ABS shell and inner shock absorbing panels, your iPad can endure drops and bumps from 6.6 feet (2 meters). Needless to say, protection from water is a must while enjoying your nautical adventure, which is why the iPad is IP–68 certified for depths of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters).

Believe it or not, all this protection and power charging can be provided while you enjoy optimal touchscreen functionality. The iPad can be effortlessly slid in and out of the case as needed with a secure but easy click and close latching system.

In short, the SLXtreme for iPad 4 is the perfect companion on any maritime trip. To learn more, call 786-401-7204 or email [email protected].

Enterprising Travelers Should Check Out These World Heritage Sites! August 22 2014

The world is brimming with opportunities for unforgettable adventures, nowhere more so than in the hundreds of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that span the glob. These are areas deemed to have "outstanding universal value" to the planet, and are thus typically identified by their unique and exceptional history, beauty, and character.Read More