Do - Fun Hobbies

Hobbies For 12 Year Old Girls

September 18, 2021 by Staff

Early adolescence brings a big shift in a girl’s demeanor and personality on the whole. You will notice specific interests, defined personality, increased autonomy, and boosted cognitive potential in 12 year old girls. While many of our kids are technology-driven and tend to glued be to their gadgets without a break, there is a diverse variety of age-related hobbies that can match their developmental requirements.

Girls belonging to the age of 12 years spend most of their time in studies; however, the way they use their leisure time creates a difference because their hobbies can play a crucial role in shaping their careers and lives.

We believe that the best hobbies for 12 year old girls are the ones that not only keep them busy constructively but also help them learn about themselves and the world. Below we shall discuss the importance of adopting good hobbies at this age and enlist some great hobbies for them as now could be the ideal time to grab their attention and get them motivated.

Why are Hobbies Important for 12 year old Girls?

Hobbies give you the platform to pursue your interests that in turn benefit you in finding your passion, develop new skills, and even have a healthy mind and body. As a matter of fact, hobbies for 12 year old girls are sometimes life-defining moments and can develop into a lifelong interest. It might probably be the starting point of your child’s adult career. The young girl who likes collecting rocks and spends hours labeling and categorizing them may turn into a geologist when she grows up. Or the young girl who enjoys mapping stars in her drawing book every other night may grow up to become an astronomer one day.

Some of the benefits of hobbies and interests for girls of 12 years age are:-

Learn a new skill

Hobbies give you various opportunities to learn new skills. For instance, a hobby like photography tends to teach you several aspects of a camera, editing, lighting, designing, enhancing the picture quality, and much more. There’s always something to learn, irrespective of what hobby you select.

Destress

Engaging your mind and body in something, which makes you happy reduces anxiety and stress and aids in detoxifying your mind. As a result, this improves your focus, overall wellbeing, and lifestyle.

Building a new social circle

When you adopt a certain hobby like dance, sports, music, or any other, you get to interact and meet numerous people of similar interests. At times these acquaintances may lead you to strong connections and lifelong friendships.

Handle pressures

No one’s life is perfect. It’s full of ups and downs, and this applies to pursuing hobbies as well. Not everything goes perfectly or smoothly the way you want when you pursue a hobby. Some uncertainties like failing at learning something or losing a competition are bound to happen; however, you’ll learn to handle them in a positive way and improve your shortcomings.

Career options

You don’t know about your hidden talents unless and until you give something a try. A suitable hobby can shape your career and define your life path.

Learning time management

Engaging in a hobby makes you constructively utilize your free time. This not only keeps you occupied but makes you realize the importance of time. Learning time management keeps you ahead of the game and helps you to lead a more disciplined lifestyle.

Overall well-being

From developing new skills to teaching you regarding adversities, hobbies can transform your life in various ways. It boosts emotional well-being and improves your physical health as well. Therefore, they are helpful in the promotion of your overall well-being.

Hobbies You May Consider

While some girls may like to opt for a hobby that is out of the box, others may like to take the conventional route. Some hobbies are fun, but others can you earn some money as well. So which one would you pick? Below we will enlist some great hobbies for 12 year old girls, but we recommend choosing the one that suits you the most.

Arts & Crafts Hobbies

Arts and crafts hobbies are a fabulous way to fuel your imagination and offer a healthy channel to your creativity via fun activities. These are not only an amazing outlet for your creative side but can be changed into gifts or be sold on online platforms such as Etsy for some little extra shopping money. What’s more, you will always know what you actually want for next Christmas. Let us guess. More supplies?

Origami

Origami is the most gripping of all papercrafts. It is an ancient art that involves folding paper into an interesting shape or figure. Many youngsters love the creativity of turning paper into a pretty decoration, a toy, or anything useful. There are several online classes for beginners that explain each step of origami. Besides, it develops sequencing skills, eye-hand coordination, memory, spatial skills, and patience.

Crochet

Crochet can be an interesting hobby for girls. It can keep them busy for quite a while. You can begin with easy patterns and on wearable items like blankets, scarves, bags, and hats, etc. Besides, these handmade creations will also make great gifts.

Painting

Let’s admit it. Painting is a hobby that is loved by all kids. And just like that, your 12 year old will also love to paint and improvise it as they continue. There are many DIY paint kits available for girls of different age groups. You can have fun with different colors and paints like watercolors, acrylic, or oil. Portraits, canvass, simple paintings, or modern art, the possibilities are simply endless. Just start painting randomly, and you will love the result.

Tapestry

Learning tapestry is another great way of expressing your creativity. Girls can make wall hangings, mats, banners, and other beautiful creations through this art. These creations can be used to decorate your bedrooms and even offices. We can say it is a stimulating way of having fun with interesting patterns and colors.

Knitting & quilting

Knitting is a popular craft among young girls. Whether you live in a cold region or not, if you like doing knitting, this hobby can turn into a profession as well. For beginners, there are many online blogs and journals that can teach you this art. Quilting is another interesting art that can be taken by those who like sewing. It is an amazing way to use extra bits of fabric creatively and design quilts, small pillows, pot holders, and blankets.

Just For Fun

Let us discuss some hobbies that can actually be fun for your tween girls. These may not always give you the platform for earning but will help you learn a skill, and most importantly, have some fun too!

Baking & Cooking

Do you love to eat? Baking and cooking are infinitely useful hobbies for 12 year old girls. These are not only creative but can also lead to employment opportunities in the future. Besides, they can teach them about temperatures, recipes, and fractions. Following instructions is essential in such hobbies to get the desired result, so reading correctly and paying attention has its advantages when it is about such hobbies.

Hairstyling

Be it styling or cutting, playing with hair is a natural thing for all girls, and we can say many like to do it on others as well. You can take it up as a hobby, and we are sure you will love to stay in vogue.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a hobby that suits all age groups because it is fulfilling, fun, and a great way of helping others in need. Besides making them feel good about themselves but also reminds them how lucky they’re in their lives. You may think of a cause that you are interested in, such as it could be an animal shelter, a soup kitchen, a local theatre, or feeding the homeless in your locality. This will be amazing for your CV, and you will also learn numerous invaluable skills.

Read

Reading is a hobby that is vital for all ages. But reading the things that really interest you at a young age can help you in your future as well. It broadens your imagination and vocabulary and narrows down your passions unknowingly that can be pursued later in life. Start a lifelong love affair of reading with books.

Photography

If you have got a phone at 12 years of age, then you have got a camera. This gives you endless ways of making use of this tool and turn it into an amazing hobby. Moreover, there are plenty of tips and tricks on the internet for making most of your phone camera.

Playing an Instrument

If musical instruments and music fascinate you, then learning to play an instrument of your interest can be a great hobby. There are many ways this can benefit you. It improves your memory, teaches you patience and the importance of practice.

Fostering an Animal

Fostering an animal is another fun hobby that can teach you to care for animals. This can be anything as small as a fish, or you can get a puppy as well. Either way, it needs responsibility, maintenance, and care to foster a pet. So this can be fun too.

Become a Tutor

Girls that are good at a certain subject at school and like helping others may make a good sideline out of this, and can teach their younger siblings or other students. It is not only motivating but can also make your young girls earn some extra money. It helps them build confidence in their subject as teaching someone else is the best way of learning.

Learn Makeup

Let’s admit it all girls like makeup. Whether it’s about watching others do makeup or putting it on yourself, if you’re a makeup enthusiast, you can learn high definition contouring, airbrush makeup, and turn into a pro. Your friends are going to love this idea and may like to opt for this hobby too.

Blog

If you are good at something, journal about it, share your knowledge on a special topic with the world, or just pen down anything that matches your interests.

Begin a Pinterest board

Stylish, cute, edgy, or unique, it can be anything. You can begin a Pinterest board and start collecting ideas about the things you love.

Learn a Foreign Language

A new language serves purposefully in many ways. It helps you in communicating with others, at school, and helps you learn more about other country’s culture and history.

Camping

Camping is a nice way for girls to go outside with their friends and connect with nature, and get some exercise. They can learn some practical skills during camping, like cooking with minimal utensils and equipment and learning to build a fire. Surviving in nature educates them in ways that are different from learning in a school environment as it doesn’t involve taking notes or tests or memorizing any pieces of information. During camping under an open sky, the conditions can change, and your girls can learn to adapt to different environments.

Learn Martial Arts

Today, learning self-defense is becoming popular and for the right reasons. Become a badass martial arts expert. This, apart from helping you in self-defense, will keep you fit and strong.

Best Yoyo Ever

August 28, 2021 by Staff

Yoyo is that popular toy that can definitely evoke some of your fondest childhood memories. Who knew that a simple yet engaging gameline introduced by a Filipino migrant in the United States would become an instant hit and one of the most famous toys throughout the world.

Today, yoyos aren’t just a childish toy but command some extremely popular contests, attracting participants from all around the globe. They have only increased in the toy industry. If you have ever asked a question, ‘What’s the best yoyo ever?’ you are definitely at the right place. While there are many cheap ones available in the market that claim to be the best, remember the best yoyo ever is definitely the one with a slightly pricey tag compared to its counterparts. Whether you like to try it for old times sake and get nostalgic or your kid has asked for one, these are some of our best picks.

Yoyo King Watcher Metal Professional Yoyo (Volcano)

If you’re waiting to pull the trigger of your first metal yoyo, the Yoyo King Watcher Metal Professional is the obvious pick. This is a professional yoyo that gives you a longer spin time, thanks to its narrow C ball-bearing axle that measures 0.25 by 0.25 by 1.87”. The premium quality 6061 aluminum body built and silicone system ensures great control and superior play while performing advanced tricks like split the atom, trapeze, etc. With a weight of just 65 grams, this yoyo is a lightweight and convenient model for kids, pros, beginners, or intermediates alike. One of the most appealing features of Yoyo King Watcher Metal Professional is the choice it gives its users to configure it as an unresponsive and responsive yoyo. You only need to install the angled C wide bearing for setting it as unresponsive that comes included in the set. It includes two strings so that you have extras if one wears out.

Flight Pro Triple Bearing Medium 5” Blue Chinese Yoyo Diabolo Toy with Carbon Sticks

The Flight Pro Triple Bearing Medium Chinese Yoyo shouldn’t be passed on if you want to play great and easy for the first time. This mid-sized model serves as the correct weight and size for all those who want to start learning and advancing their skills with a Chinese yoyo. The sturdy, rubbery plastic built ensures phenomenal play with excellent performance. Its one-way triple bearing system allows you to enjoy an extra-long spin time. The Flight Pro Chinese Yoyo Diabolo features extremely high-end fiber sticks as a part of this set that is on its own quite expensive to buy. This is a great bonus. Moreover, the set also includes a net bag that allows you to move your toy effortlessly without any fear of damage. Another nice feature of this diabolo is the inclusion of an extra 72-inch string that serves as a good replacement when the first string stops working or wears out. Overall, this model is a good option for optimal yoyo performance and play.

MAGICYOYO M002 April Unresponsive Professional Metal Yoyo

We all know that dedication alone doesn’t turn a yoyo player into a pro. Having the right yoyo for training is absolutely important in performing the tricks as flawlessly as possible. With that in mind, you have to take a look at the Professional Unresponsive Magicyoyo M002 April. This is obviously the best yoyo ever. The manufacturers have put immense thought in turning the aforementioned yoyo into an ideally suited toy for use in training. Being an unresponsive yoyo, it encourages its users not to be lazy with their movements. The peculiar aluminum type employed in its construction enables it to withstand high speeds. You will love its feature for training as it gives you the liberty to practice your regular routines without requiring you to hold back. Since being durable is always a plus, the M002 April is one of the most durable choices available currently. Its center track bearing operates amazingly for extended spin times, enabling you to experiment with your tricks and explore new combinations easily.

Yoyo King Green Merlin Professional Responsive Trick Yoyo

Green Merlin by Yoyo King can be your best yoyo ever if you are looking for something that bridges the gap between pro and beginner yoyo play. Surprisingly it comes at a budget-friendly price and includes all the elements that anyone will look for when buying a perfect yoyo. Out of the box, it includes a string that plays responsive and easy. Weighing just 64 grams and having a diameter of nearly 54 mm, you get a toy that is excellent for kids. The Green Merlin has superb stability and balance. Plus, it is easy to catch on the string and features a flared gap shape that enables you to spin for an extended time by adding little weight to its outer edge. The small-sized ball bearing and silicone system are some of its other features that are responsible for its longer spin time. While it may not have the most phenomenal design, the plastic utilized in its creation is durable enough. All in all, this yoyo can tackle the most difficult tasks and qualifies as the best yoyo ever.

Sidekick Yoyo Pro Splashes Professional Unresponsive Yoyo

For all those who are looking for the best yoyo ever, the Sidekick Yoyo Pro Splashes definitely demand your attention. It is designed to be slightly heavier and a little more powerful than most yoyos. This imparts it the rock-solid stability required to push the boundaries of your yo-yoing skills. Moreover, it was smart on the part of the designer to use durable aluminum for this item because it will enable you to power through the mistakes as you experiment and get used to using it. The Sidekick Pro uses a C track ball bearing, which needs skill for performing looping tricks. This renders this toy pretty engaging. Plus, this yoyo doesn’t require a lot of effort for making powerful throws and lands back on its string with slight effort. The wide ball-bearing axle allows you to experiment with new combinations and tricks. Moreover, it stands out for its appealing design. It features a smooth finish with silver splashes. Thanks to its H-shaped axle and ball bearing axle, you can enjoy extended spin times with it. What’s more? You get extra three strings for replacement as well with this set. The Sidekick Pro is great for intermediate and advanced-level yoyo players.

Nordic Blades

May 30, 2021 by Staff

Amber E Johnson

When temperatures start retreating against the first winter ambush, and our favorite lakes freeze over, it is time for our winter hobbies to stretch awake. Nordic skating is one of these epic winter recreation activities, and it is a great way to explore the icy canvas. The sport involves gliding over frozen lakes and ponds using long, effortless strides using Nordic blades. It is also known as Scandinavian-style cross-country skating for its popularity in Nordic regions. In order to truly enjoy the winter aesthetic, people prefer skating on natural landscapes instead of indoor ice rinks, as there is no parallel to the vast openness of a frozen lake.

Nordic skates consist of cross-country ski boots that connect with special, removable steel blades – the Nordic blades. These are ergonomically designed to enhance your frosty excursion through maximum comfort and confidence in your glide. Skaters often pursue ice-skating trails that have been machine-groomed for winter sports. They stretch in crystal-clear perfection within different areas of the Scandinavian countries, Netherlands, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and the USA. Nordic blades offer the added support of elongated blades that attach to the aluminum platforms of the skating boots. These skates are equipped with features to connect ski bindings as well. With optimized cross-country touring, the whole experience is simply invigorating.

Features of a Nordic blade

Cross-country compatibility

Nordic blades are developed for compatibility with cross-country ski boots. This enables comfortable footwear while skating on ice. Ski bindings can be attached to the skates, and since they are designed to be lightweight, the overall ice skating and skiing feel more streamlined. There are various models for screw-on bindings as well.

Detachable convenience

A Nordic blade is not integrated into the skate; it is detachable and allows for better portability and storage. These blades can be mounted using their special bindings, which are often improvised between both hiking and cross-country boots. An ideal boot should provide ankle support and warmth to the skater through padded interiors. For this reason, skate skiing types of boots make an efficient choice for Nordic blades. Purpose-built Nordic skates have no rival for gliding on natural ice, and the removable blades make it easy to switch between icy patches and the road while traveling.

Ergonomic structure

Ranging around 45-55 cm in length, Nordic blades have a long and narrow structure that cuts through rough ice for smooth gliding. They have pre-drilled screw holes for mounting ski bindings and are flat in shape to make the best out of the icy landscape. These winter sport ergonomics enable long-distance skating for prolonged recreation on long and thin blades, as the skaters can glide comfortably without feeling hindered. The blade tip is curved upwards to imitate a ski tip, allowing smooth and safe transitions between bumps and cracks.

DIY versatility

Nordic skates work as ice skates as well as skis through durable, factory-sharpened blades. This creates a versatile sports context to explore some free-spirited winter recreation – all the more reason to escape your cozy living room and venture outside. The blade and ski attachments are DIY-friendly, and the skates and blades are often sold as stand-alone pieces. In this way, you can reuse your existing boots to double as Nordic skates with compatibility and affordability.

Nordic skates accessories and kits

Various brands offer Nordic blades and accessories – sometimes as convenient kits – so you can have a one-stop shopping experience. These make it easy to maintain your blades, use specific fixtures to click the blades in place, add the ski bindings, replace the broken parts, etc. A complete Nordic skate gear goes on to include hardware packs, protectors, and carry bags as well. Frequent skating requires the blades to be sharpened regularly so that they cut through the ice efficiently. Here are some essential parts, add-ons, and kits that promise an authentic and well-equipped Nordic experience on the ice.

Hardware accessories

Nordic skating and test poles are important tools for balancing and checking the ice to ensure safety. A responsible skater will make sure to use carry ice claws, ice spikes, and throw ropes in case of emergencies across the frozen terrain. Adjustable skate guards come in handy to protect the Nordic blades from wear and tear during walking. Skate wraps and blade holders enable organized storage and portable ease, which brings us to custom backpacks that hold everything in dedicated slots.

Protective gear

Helmets and knee pads form the Nordic safety 101, as do gloves and hooded jackets for gliding safely against the winter breeze. The gloves also help with comfortable grips on the skating poles for long distances, and insulated gloves are the best choice. Wearing polarized sunglasses gives better protection from wind and fog, allowing you to see clearly as you cut through the draught.

Blade sharpening kits

These kits are designed to provide effective Nordic blade sharpening. A clamp system aligns both the blades for convenient sharpening using an included wrench to tighten the bolts. Different kits are designed for blade compatibility. They generally include aluminum end rails, polishing stones, and deburring stones to help you hand-sharpen the blades before you hit the ice.

A Nordic hub for winter sports

Nordic Skater

Located in Newbury, New Hampshire, the Nordic Skater store is an all-in-one seasonal hub for sports enthusiasts. Selling sports gear for both summer and winter pursuits, the company’s vast catalog expands into the widest continental collection of outdoor recreation tools. Organized by a team of hardcore skaters and skiers, the store offers competitive prices for cross-country (X-country or XC) skis, ice skates, roller skis, etc.

Nordic Skater features affiliate brands such as Lundhags, Sporten, Isvidda, Zandstra Sport, Alpina, Rottefella, and Connelly. These brands are famous all over the world for their high-quality winter sports accessories and blades. Their clip-on blades follow a mutual goal in letting you leave your home wearing ski boots and clipping on the blades when you arrive on site. The store sells a variety of the two main types of Nordic skates: binding and buckle-on.

Nordic brand analysis

As discussed below, the Nordic Skater store’s 3 valuable brands for Nordic blades include Isvidda, Lundhags, and Zandstra Sport.

Isvidda blades have an economical appeal, and they are made in China. Their optimum steel hardness requires one sharpening per season. These form the “good” category of the store’s assortment.

Lundhags blades have better quality and steel hardness. They are made in Sweden and need to be sharpened every 2-3 seasons, forming the “better” category of Nordic blades in the store.

Zandstra blades are the “best”, elite level of blades throughout the catalogs. They are made in Holland and deliver a trailblazing experience on the ice. With a Rockwell hardness of 60, these blades reduce the sharpening requirements to once in 5-7 years. Zandstra skates are NIS-binding-friendly to support the slide-on form of skate binding; screw-down bindings are also available.

Nordic binding ice skates

The store has a line of Nordic ice skates products that include Nordic blades from Isvidda, Lundhags, and Zandstra Sport.

Isvidda Nordic Skates Bare is a popular model for cross-country touring on frozen landscapes. These clip-on blades give added convenience for leaving your home in boots and attaching the blades when you arrive at your destination. The elongated design enables speed skating and skiing by gliding smoothly, as the factory-sharpened blades support mountable XC bindings. You can attach your own bindings, and the store provides a list of compatible cross-country options. Isvidda bare blades feature a Rockwell hardness of 55. Free plastic skate guards are available in the same package, and you can choose these blades from a range of sizes according to your height.

Lundhags T-Skate Nordic Skate bare is a stand-alone piece that clips onto your skiing boots. These Swedish blades are made of hardened and tempered stainless steel, carrying a Rockwell hardness of 57. The blades are available in sizes of 40, 45, and 50 cm.

Moving to the high-end, elite Nordic blades, the Zandstra series steals the spotlight. Its Zandstra Delta Alu Nordic Skate has an aluminum profile and a special Delta Fit All mounting system. Instead of mounting holes, the blades have slots to mount ski bindings. Compatible bindings include NNN, Salomon, XC and BC bindings. The Zandstra NIS Nordic Skate Bare has been revamped to support various NIS-binding compatibility for simple DIY installations. The blades stand out in their premium Rockwell 60 durability and sharpness that deliver superior traction. The improved ergonomics and architecture allow these Nordic blades to last for around 5 years before they need re-sharpening. They are pre-drilled to facilitate slide-on as well as screw-on XC bindings, and the blade lengths include 40-48 cm sizes for small to extra-large blades. The Zandstra Tango Nordic Skate is a reinforced aluminum blade that pairs well with Rottefella, Salomon Cross, and Back Country bindings. It is quite lightweight and durable in its hardness of 60, and it ranges between 40-48 cm in length.

Nordic buckle-on skates

Nordic Skater’s buckle-on collection also presents products from Isvidda, Lundhags, and Zandstra brands. They allow you to simply buckle on your hiking, back-country, or skiing boots and enjoy the glacial freedom of your favorite destinations.

Isvidda Multiskate buckle-on Nordic Skate blades have ratcheting buckle bindings that are suitable for all winter footwear. They deliver better and more agile skating experiences and are available in lengths of 40, 45, 50, and 55 cm – based on skater height recommendations and skating proficiency.

Lundhags Fleet Nordic Skate blades are a reimagined design with improved stability, footwear compatibility, and more options for specific blade sizes and skater heights. The sizes include 42.5, 47.5, and 52.5 cm. Lundhags Multiskate buckle-on Nordic Skate blades also feature the buckle ratcheting system and have a curved tip that optimizes skating on uneven icy surfaces.

Blade sharpening

The store provides Nordic blade sharpening kits for DIY maintenance through affordable options that save you a trip to the repair shop.

Its Zandstra Nordic Home Sharpening Kit is designed for hand-sharpening the Nordic Skate and Multiskate model blades. It includes two end rails to attach the blades, and a double-sided polishing stone with a deburring stone accompany this resourceful Nordic tool.

The Ving Upp Nordic Skate Sharpening Kit is compatible with all brands and versions of Nordic Skate blades that have a standard width. It helps you readjust the rail setup using the included wrench for better blade positioning on the compact jig. The clever engineering allows bindings to remain intact as you sharpen the blades on this single-piece aluminum extrusion. There is better friction to stabilize all Nordic blade sizes. The kit includes a Zandstra Standard sharpening stone and a deburring stone – and at additional cost, even the Zandstra Foss Diamond Stone.

Nordic blade accessories

Apart from a variety of ice skating resources, Nordic Skater provides some practicable blade-specific accessories.

The Zandstra NIS Hardware packs include screws and fixtures for mounting bindings on the Zandstra NIS series of skates, making non-NIS bindings become compatible with NIS skates for quick transformations.

Zandstra Ice Blade Holders are plastic and Velcro straps to hold Nordic blades together for safe storage and portability.

Zandstra one-piece speed skate guards are plastic protectors that are available in free-size adaptability to suit all blades. These skate guard pairs are sold in blue, red, white, and black colors. They keep the blades well-protected against abrasion and scratches during storage, traveling, and transport stages. Zandstra Twin-Guards are spring-loaded protectors that cover the blade tip and tail. They are designed to be extra-wide to enable you to walk comfortably, and you can customize the sizes and colors.

Ballangrud Soakers are cloth-fabric stretch guards for keeping Nordic blades safe and dry, allowing moisture to escape. This makes them quite favorable in terms of blade longevity and maintenance, compared to plastic and rubber skate guards that cause rusted blades due to the trapped moisture.

Lundhags Nordic Skate Wrap is a Velcro strap with a broader width to enclose Nordic skate components. It has a carry handle for easy portability.

Binding options for Nordic blades

Versatile engineering

Nordic Skater has a whole spectrum of binding-specific products from brands such as Rottefella, and Salomon. These bindings are designed to be multi-purpose to fit various types of boots for added versatility. The upgraded versions and wider profiles focus on maximum stability across the frozen territories.

The NIS series

Nordic Integrated System (NIS) refers to a useful binding alternative via mounting plates. These eliminate the need of drilling the binding to your skis, as the NIS mounting plates and NIS bindings have slide-on usability.

Turnamic binding

Rossignol Turnmatic (IFP) was launched as the latest IFP binding plate design to facilitate a tool-free adjustment. This Turnamic binding features its unique step-in locking mechanism for the boot, operated by a lever. The new locking system is compatible with specific types of boots.

Manual and automatic hardware

Bindings from different brands are available as manual and automatic products. The manual bindings require manually locking and releasing your boots using the attached lever, whereas automatic bindings lock automatically when you step onto them and detach with a button.

Nordic skate-a-thons

Skate-a-thons are winter-special fundraising events organized by different communities and sponsors. These family-friendly ice-skating events combine winter recreation with collaborative efforts to give back to the community. There are creative Nordic contexts with fundraising objectives; skaters generally need to complete as many laps as possible within the given duration to raise money for charities. It is a great opportunity to use the platform for making donations and taking part in exhilarating winter sports with diverse groups of skaters and skiers.

These skate-a-thons are hosted at strategic locations and offer various Nordic skate rentals to welcome everyone to indulge in some real ice-breaker activities. There are community-inspired goals and training to help people warm up to safety measures on ice patches. By testing the ice and skating with like-minded enthusiasts, participants get a chance to learn more about Nordic gear upgrades, latest equipment, and trail familiarity. The fundraising adds healthy recreation and a competitive streak to drive important causes and research awareness projects.

On thin ice with the pandemic

Nordic ice skating has become a winter ritual that people love exploring. It takes you out into the humble serenity of open, icy landscapes. With trails that seem to stretch endlessly like the winter skyline, there is nothing better than the feeling of simply gliding away. Winter aesthetics and Nordic photography open a whole new world of inspiration for hobbyists to document their time on ice and capture some rare, decisive moments. Speaking of aesthetics, these visual heirlooms from nature are immediately rivaled by the soothing ASMR sounds of Nordic blades moving on the icy surface.

Compared to indoor ice sports, outdoor pursuits have seen a manageable response in curbing the coronavirus outbreak. There is perhaps lesser scope for borrowing rentals, so people can use their own equipment to avoid cross-contaminations. The winter sport of Nordic ice skating can easily accommodate the COVID precautions; social distancing is much more achievable on open ice rather than indoor ice rinks. There is a wildfire spread of the coronavirus, and controlled excursions during this time allow people to still chase the elusive silver lining and glide away for a while.

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Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

– Robert Frost

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Longline Slackline

May 29, 2021 by Staff

Spider Slacklines
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“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

– Abraham Lincoln

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Longlining is an extension to traditional slacklining in that the balancing sport involves walking on a line of at least 30-40 m in length, ranging up to hundreds of meters. With longer lines, the idea with longline slackline is to step up the difficulty level as you try to stay upright while walking the greater distance. Movement on the longline is determined by higher tensions and a comparatively larger sag in the middle. These dynamics create a seesawing motion between the principles of balance and stability.

By working with the swing and strain along the line, different challenges can be accomplished to help beginners move towards athletic competence. The longline slackline compass points to gravity, and longliners get to choreograph their movements in sync with the magnetic pull that draws in longline slackline communities around the world.

Longlining essentials and prerequisites

Dedicated slacklining

The branch of longline slackline activities is not the same as basic slackline endeavors. Longlining is a more specific outdoor recreation that focuses on gear requirements and environmental aspects. The webbing needs to have a certain length to be considered a longline, which is why dedicated brands work to deliver specialized, industrial-grade equipment to support longlining. Proper anchoring, knowledge of longline accessories, and terrain familiarity are crucial factors that optimize the overall experience for beginners and professionals alike.

Longline specifications

The longline slackline webbing must be at least 30-40 m long and can extend to hundreds of meters for competitive pursuits. It is generally 1-inch wide to accommodate tension levels ranging from 0 to 15 kilonewtons, depending on individual preferences. The longline slackline equipment is assembled at heights of 1.5 – 2.5 m for adding an element of challenge that is not found in typical slacklining activities. Longlines have a breaking strength of around 30-70 kilonewtons. The overall load on the line takes the terrain shape, longline slackline height, and your weight into the equation so that you buy proper accessories to meet your expectations.

Tensioning styles

Longline slackline kits have different tensioning systems for assembling and dismantling stages. These often include Tie-Down Ratchets, Rope Pulley Systems, Carabiner and Webbing Combo, etc. Considering the longer lengths of such lines, adequate tensioning equipment is necessary to take away the manual input and strength in setting up a safe and workable longline slackline. With suitable longline kits, you can speed up the rigging process by ensuring that everything is aligned securely to prevent accidents and injuries.

Swinging phenomenon

The vast stretch of a longline slackline combined with its height from ground level introduces one unavoidable effect – the swinging phenomenon. As you walk along the line, it begins to swing and sends the gradual wave back and forth, requiring this swinging motion to be managed for effective longlining. The resulting sag in the middle makes it more challenging to stay upright and balanced. By learning to minimize the swinging, longliners get to practice different safety tricks and techniques to regain their balance on the line. The greater sag demands more room so that the line does not touch the ground, and this is why longlines are installed higher up from ground level. Alternately, this also means that there is always the risk of falling from a greater height.

Safety first

Athlete safety is a primary concern in all slacklining pursuits. When it comes to longlining activities, the added lengths and tensions increase the danger for kinetic mishaps along the way – with all the laws of inertia and potential energies waiting to be unleashed. Novice longliners are required to work with professional coaches and communities in order to maximize their learning experience. Proper rigging, backup systems, safety tricks, first aid, and drills are all essential parts of the sport. Apart from protecting you, they also ensure the safety of those around you.

By collaborating with experts and watching tutorials, you can learn more about choosing the right locations and protecting trees. This gives a better, environmentally-friendly approach that keeps you safe and also protects nature through Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. When you practice under professional supervision, you receive more hands-on training for the dos-and-don’ts of longlining. This includes the dimensions of your anchoring materials, the types of trees and terrains to avoid, local bans, recommended gear, and de-tensioning precautions.

Longline Guinness World Records

Governed by the International Slackline Association (ISA), the longline slackline sport has stretched globally to round up followers in its wake. With slackline enthusiasts competing to walk over longer lines, these communities have earned a spotlight in the Guinness World Records as well. The longline slackline records are authorized by the ISA in terms of updated rankings as well as transparency in the system to promote fair and square victories.

Combining both female and male longliners, the longline slackline anchor-to-anchor lengths range from 100 m to over 600 m! As of the year 2019, the longest longline traversed without any safety harnesses was accomplished by Joshua Leupolz in Switzerland. He walked over the 615-m long slackline in an ISA-verified competition. On the ISA Difficulty Scale, Joshua scored a 7 out of 10 to mark his unprecedented longline slackline distance – literally walking right into the Guinness glory!

Basic longlining tricks

The art of longlining raises the bar – not to mention, the line itself! – for standard slacklining tricks. You need to practice rigging technicalities for independent longlining, and this process requires a lot of exposure to longline slackline communities, recreational parks, local events, etc. Since the major focus is on the longer stretch of fabric compared to traditional slacklines, there is always the pressure of falling too early, falling a lot, falling just when you are about to reach the end, and so on. It can be quite intimidating at first, and that is why it is absolutely imperative that you work with professionals and have longliners around you as a beginner. Not only does this give you a helping hand, but it also allows you to catch different tricks and stunts performed by experts.

Though they may seem naturally effortless when demonstrated by professional longliners, these tricks do require a series of techniques, repetitions, practice sessions, and improvement before they can pass as second-nature habits.

In Walking a Longline, you can exert more movement through your lower body weight as you try and balance yourself on the line. Compared to shorter lines that require one free foot for counterweight balancing, you can use both feet in this trick to accomplish balancing maneuvers. By focusing on your lower body weight instead of your shoulders, you can concentrate on putting one foot ahead of the other and walk the longline slackline successfully.

During a Chongo Mount, the challenge with longlines begins when you need to mount and rise into a standing position, considering the greater heights of longlines. By placing your foot perpendicular to the longline slackline, you can balance on your heel at first. With your other foot placed ahead, you can distribute your weight in this sitting position and gradually use your hands and arms to help you stand up on the line.

For a Sit Mount, the trick is to sit and balance on both feet and use one hand on the line to push yourself into a standing position. You can begin with both feet placed parallel along the line and then alternate between sideway switches on your feet until you achieve a confident equilibrium. It also helps to synchronize your mount to the swinging effect of the longline slackline, going with the dynamics to rise and stand as the line moves upwards.

The Back-bounce Mount starts with lying on your back. The longline should not be highly tensioned as this trick requires the easy-flowing freedom of a loose longline. Following the movement of the line, you can time your arm and leg maneuvers so that they match the rise and dip of the longline. You will then be able to spring to a standstill by pulling your body weight upwards.

To Surf on a Longline, you really need to go with the flow of the line instead of opposing it – just like you would on a surfboard. You begin by sitting sideways and building the surf momentum while you are still seated. Then, by mounting into a standing position, you can achieve surf-like movements by keeping your arms opposite to your legs’ maneuvers to remain stable.

Longline brands and products

We explored different longline slackline brands that have left a popular digital footprint for slackliners to follow. These online stores around the world are known for their industrial-scale products and all-in-one kits that help you carefully tread the vast progressive learning curve. We took our tentative steps on the virtual longline slackline that stretches worldwide to discover the fine line between a good product and a high-quality product. Here are some of the top brands and longline slackline features that caught our attention, and we have combined them to help you with essential starting points to consider before adding longline slackline products to your cart.

Balance Community

Longline slackline kits at Balance Community are designed for all-in-one convenience and user-friendliness. The high-quality products have been built with industrial standards to ensure durability and athlete safety. Balance Community has instructional videos to accompany the longline slackline kit descriptions so that you can set up your own equipment. The collections stand out in their competitive technical specifications as well as accessories; these help you achieve more streamlined assembling and dismantling stages. Generally, the minimum breaking strength (MBS) of these longlines ranges between 27.0 – 42.0 kilonewtons, whereas the working load limit (WLL) lies somewhere between 6.7 – 8.4 kilonewtons.

The BC Classic Longline Kit is available in webbing lengths of 60 m and 90 m. The brand’s TreeHugger Cosmic Tree Protectors are also included. Ideal for beginner longliners as well as traveling slackliners, this kit offers on-the-go versatility to suit your nomadic pursuits. The gear add-ons deliver a long-term promise and compatibility with longer lines. Pulleys, anchor webbing straps, aluminum carabiners, MightyLocks, and BC shackles act as supportive gear to simplify the rigging process.

Similarly, the BC Classic Longline Kit – Jybn version has longline slackline webbings of lengths 60 m and 90 m. The kit has been designed for a special discount on the original Classic Kit. It combines everything you need into one-stop portability, so your longline activities go wherever you go.

The Lightweight Longline Kit is also available as 60-and-90m longline webbing lengths. It comes with all the essential accessories needed to kick-start your longlining sessions, including double pulleys and multipliers. You get to choose your own webbing from Balance Community. The longline slackline assortment features a MadRock Safeguard Belay Device, adjustable anchor straps, BC TreeHugger Cosmics, bow shackles, and oval carabiners.

GIBBON Slacklines

At GIBBON Slacklines, the products have an elite reputation for their ergonomics and sustainably-productive applications. The website displays tutorial videos to support beginner longliners, and there are various therapies, communities, and fitness options to choose from. GIBBON longlines might seem shorter than the desired average of 30-40 m in length, but this is what makes them more promising for entry-level recreation. The short lengths give beginners a good starting point as they are still longer than traditional slackline webbing – so you get to practice smaller distances before covering longer traversals.

GIBBON’s FLOWLINE TREEWEAR is available as a 25m set that is suitable for longlining contexts. It has a 1-inch-wide webbing that optimizes energy transmissions along the line for novice users who need the comfort of shorter lines before moving on to longer ones. Ratchets and tree trunk protection gear help you achieve maximum flexibility on the longline slackline while staying environmentally-aware of your surroundings. Reinforced loops and Velcro straps create added protection, both for the longline equipment and the trees. The flat polyester webbing achieves a trampoline effect and is designed to hold tensioning strengths and improved orientation.

The CLASSIC XL YELLOW TREEWEAR and CLASSICLINE RED XL TREEWEAR sets also offer 25m-long webbings. They are equipped with ratchet protection (RAT PAD) features that meet the industry standards of optimum slacklining requirements. With tree-wear support, setup guides, and safety lock systems, these slacklines have a breaking load of 40 kilonewtons. They are developed for nomadic ease to help you switch between anchor points through hassle-free installation and disassembling. These kits allow beginners to expand their spatial awareness by learning the ropes to momentum and equilibrium on the line.

Slacktivity

Slacktivity has a vast collection of longlines and add-on gear to support DIY rigging and safety practices. Its Experience 30m – 70m version has a width of 37 mm, and it is quite robust for longline rigging stages. Using just two ratchets, the Experience Longline can be used for both tricklining as well as longlining sessions through versatile tensioning. Its weave structure supports the perfect bounce for superior balancing along the line.

Slacktivity’s REDPARK longline set features a simple HangOverPulley tensioning system. The included accessories are compatible with other slacklining pursuits like highline and surf-line. The REDPARK 50m-long nylon webbing is very flexible and comfortable for practicing longline tricks. Web locks, chain locks, T-Grips, aluminum shackles, connection loops, soft-release gear, and tree slings are available – along with a portable bag for easy storage and transportation.

The Y2K-Webbing from Slacktivity is ideal for longlines that are longer than 200 m. At every 50-m interval, the main lines are connected by quick lines. The same principle applies to the backup longline. This creates the combined effect of a fully-functional backup system throughout the polyester webbing. The durable design can withstand heavy winds, so your longlining experience stays undisturbed. Since the overall longline is actually fragmented into individual 50-m pieces, the maintenance and repair aspects become quite simple. In case the longline gets damaged, only that particular 50-m piece needs to be replaced. The Y2K product can be purchased as a main line, a backup line, and a bundle to include both.

Apart from longline webbing and kits, Slacktivity also provides stand-alone gear and devices. These range from carabiners, ratchets, and locks to tree slings, range-finding devices, and Bluetooth dynamometers.

Spider Slacklines

Spider Slacklines has a range of beginner and expert level longlining products. With a whole spectrum of carabiners, longline kits, webbings, pulleys, quick links, weblocks, tensioning systems, and slings, you can browse through curated suggestions for your beginner or professional pursuits on the line. Spider Slacklines offers polyester webbing materials with improved weaving structures that promote anti-twist installations. They are also abrasion-resistant and have adequate stretch to help you achieve just the right amount of flexibility and bounce. The longline fabrics have been designed to ensure product durability through UV resilience, consistent weight, thicker edges, and high breaking strengths. With various tubular, flat, and woven materials, Spider Slacklines keeps athlete safety at the nucleus of all of its product designs.

Some of the top 25m-long webbing materials for beginners include the brand’s Edge, Jumbo, and Zao Longline versions. Kits such as the LONGLINE KIT – FLY LINE 35 come with 35m-long webbing with backup options and tree protection gear. The LONGLINE KIT – PRIMITIVE 50 has a 50m-long webbing that is around 1-inch wide. You can customize your buying choices by selecting tree anchorages and webbing materials to receive suitable recommendations. Therefore, the Primitive series is ideal for choosing your own slackline to make the best out of every session. By navigating between different longline options, you can choose to have more light-walking results for beginner, tentative steps – or aim for dynamic possibilities with hybrid webbing. These kits ease your transition into more advanced longlining with power ratchets for personalizing the tension levels. They are often integrated with removable spacers.

The brand’s catalog displays sling bags, backpacks, and haul bags for portability. The padded interiors and travel ergonomics allow for organized storage during your outdoor excursions. You can also purchase replacement hardware such as extra spacers, pulleys, line locks, soft-release belts, and aluminum carabiners.

“The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.”

The longline kits and accessories from different brands, like those discussed above, are not just used for outdoor recreation. Longlining has been adapted into various training regimens and physiotherapies to assist people in overcoming physical obstacles. The sport requires every single body cell to join the balancing orchestra, thereby stimulating every nerve and muscle to wake up. By helping people move from point A to point B, longlining sessions have really established the shortest distance between motor limitations and independent moving – under the watchful guidance of professional coaches.

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“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

– Albert Einstein

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Kendama Online Store

May 29, 2021 by Staff

YoYoSam – Sweets Kendamas

A kendama is a Japanese skill toy that is comprised of a wooden handle, cups, and a ball. You can order it from any kendama online store. They are all connected by a string, and the traditional game focuses on creative balancing tricks. The word “ken” refers to a handle or a sword, and the word “tama” is a ball in Japanese. By trying to catch one component with the other, different hand maneuvers synchronized with body movements can be achieved. There are thousands of intricate techniques and a whole spectrum of DIY tricks that people enjoy exploring. Kendama’s popularity in Japan took a detour around the world to gather a global audience to the game. With design upgrades and customizable features, kendama stores continue to launch unique styles, as there are several different types of these handheld skill toys.

Apart from fun pastime games, kendama has a competitive avenue filled to the brim with challenging stunts. It takes a lot of practice and hand-eye coordination to balance and juggle the ball on the three cups. The ken spike is used for spiking the ball before connecting the move into a sequence. There is more dynamic scope to string together interactive possibilities with the kendama. This Japanese sword ball is both simple and complex and has perfect attention to detail in design as well as execution. Since you move along with the kendama to achieve balance, there is a martial arts element of agility and trick neatness that makes the game very addictive.

Kendama anatomy and grip styles

The kendama is made up of a ball, a ken spike, a connecting string, the big and small cup body, the actual ken, a slip grip, and a bottom cup. There are different ways to hold the kendama, and each type of grip is designed to optimize handheld tricks.

The Sara Grip is similar to how you hold a pen, and this pen grip is where you hold the kendama between your thumb and index finger.

The Ken Grip is also known as the Common Grip in which you hold the ken with your thumb underneath it and the other fingers resting on top.

The Tama Grip is the Ball Grip, and it requires you to hold the ball between your thumb and two fingers in such a way that the hole faces upwards.

The Candle Grip is the way you would hold a candle stand, and your thumb and two fingers are used to hold the ken spike.

Kendama tricks

Kendama players experiment with various routines and improvisations to get better at their games. It is fun to try out new styles and perform tricks with different kinds of kendama. This gives greater exposure to the types of games and stunts you can practice. Kendama tricks are generally divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to diversify your executions and offer competitive brilliance during kendama tournaments. Here are some of our favorite styles of kendama under each category. There are several techniques and variations, but we have handpicked the most popular and creative ones for this list. As you will notice, the names are as inventive as the artistic craft of performing these tricks.

Beginner tricks

Classic Moshikame

This is one of the fundamental kendama tricks. It starts by holding the kendama in a Sara Grip and making sure that the hanging ball is aligned and stationary. By bending low and rising up, you make the ball move upwards too before catching it in the big cup. The next step is to juggle the ball to the bottom cup by giving it a small lift. You then repeat the back-and-forth movement to alternate the ball between each cup for a simple, hassle-free Moshikame trick.

Candle Stick

In the Candle Stick, you hold the kendama with its base cup pointing upwards. By letting the ball swing lightly, you pull it up just in time to catch it on the base cup. It requires timing and focus to tug the ball at the right moment, so it lands neatly on the cup. As with all kendama tricks, you need to use your knees to bend and rise with the ball’s movement for better stability.

Baseball Bat

In this trick, you will hold the kendama in a Sara Grip and toss the hanging ball into the big cup. By tossing it again so it hits the bottom cup and re-swings, you can catch it once it returns to the bottom cup. So, the cup gives the ball a slight hit for the perfect inertia to send it into one more oscillation – and this is where it gets the name. You can tug on the string to pull the ball towards you mid-swing.

Around the World

To perform the Around the World kendama trick, you can start off by holding the kendama in a pencil grip, horizontally this time. The ball moves between the small and big cups first, then lands on the base cup, and finally ends on the ken spike. This trick makes use of all the components in a kendama to add versatility even as a beginner-level technique.

Intermediate tricks

Faster Than Gravity

Without using any upward pull, you will first hold the kendama high on your raised arm, with the ball hanging straight. By keeping your eyes fixed at the ball alone, you will move downwards in sync with the kendama and faster than gravity – as the name suggests – to catch the ball in its slow descent. In this way, the ball ends up on the spike, and there is more input from your knees and arms.

Cold Pizza

The Cold Pizza is quite dynamic and unique in its execution. You first hold the kendama in one hand with the ball placed on the spike and aimed downwards. Using your other hand, you add more tension on the loose string with one finger. In effect, this arrangement allows you to swing the kendama on your finger, keeping it tethered to the finger at all times. The kendama goes around a couple of times before you grab the ken in the Sara Grip on one hand and allow the detached ball to land on the base cup. One final throw brings the ball back to its spike. The Cold Pizza has different variations to step up the challenge, including catching the swinging ball by using one finger to anchor the string.

Lazy Lighthouse

The Lazy Lighthouse is a ground-based linear trick that starts with the kendama placed upside down with the ball on the ground and the spike pointing upwards. You hold the ball this time and tug it up so that the ken moves upwards. Just as it comes back to the ground on the now-empty base cup, you place the ball on the spike to complete the move. This trick is very fast, neat, and precise.

Space Walk

Definitely one of the most complicated intermediate tricks, the Space Walk is a combination of different aerial maneuvers. You begin this trick by holding the base cup so that the remaining components point downwards and the ball hangs loose. The kendama goes into a swing, and you hold the ball end mid-oscillation to tether the ken back towards the ball. The Space Walk first builds the right momentum before you let go of the kendama for a split second during which it moves on its own. The single-handed move makes it look very cool, and the end result appears effortless once you practice your form.

Advanced tricks

UFO

The UFO kendama trick starts with a horizontal position and relies on your body’s simultaneous movement to each throw. You hold the ball alone and control the kendama by flicking it towards the ball as it descends vertically. The same motion is repeated as you slowly bend downwards and switch the trick to horizontal rotation – just like a UFO. It is a very advanced execution and takes a lot of input from your knees to make the whole sequence appear multi-dimensional. There is better spatial use here that gives your trick a good stage presence.

Whirlwind

The Whirlwind consists of two parts. You start from the lower ground level and launch the trick as you rise up. The kendama stays upright in your hand, and when you give the ball a throw, you quickly flip the ken at the same time. As a result, the ball lands back on the spike while the ken flips mid-throw. Individually, both parts move around before converging right where they started. The trick can extend into longer sequences by repeating the Whirlwind as you stand up or bend low on your knees.

Lunar Lander

This trick starts with the ball in your hand and the ken hanging below it. You basically swing it up so that the big cup lands on top of the ball. Following this step, you throw the ball to the spike. The idea is that the ball acts as the moon, and the ken lands on it using the big cup. It seems quite simple for an advanced trick, but the secret lies in outward swinging and precise landing forms.

Root Canal

The Root Canal is definitely one of the most challenging and technical tricks within advanced kendama games. Though we are all haunted by the dental procedure, its kendama adaptation feels more welcoming. We will take the lesser of the two evils! You start by letting the ball hang loose with the kendama in one hand and the other hand ready to loop the string as the kendama swings. The intricate knot gives the ball some anchor as you maneuver this arrangement to make the ball land on top of the base cup.

Kendama online stores

We have chosen two of our favorite kendama online stores in the US and explored their innovative missions in detail. These businesses think outside the box, and their passion for kendama is reflected in their uplifting collaborations. Both of the kendama online stores follow a community-inspired approach: by the kendama players, for the kendama players.

Kendama USA

A leading initiative

Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, Kendama USA is the original leading kendama online store that sells its products online. Established in the year 2006, the company was a unique collaborative effort of passionate kendama players. The website provides insightful guides into the world of kendama through trick tutorials and event programs.

Kendama brands

The kendama online store offers a vast range of kendamas from various brands. These include Ozora Kendama, Sunrise Kendama, Krom Kendama, DownSpike, Terra Kendama, and Gloken. The catalog features kendama designs and essential accessories to add to your cart. There are also apparel and sticker pack options from these brands to personalize your buying choices in this kendama online store.

Kendama products

Kendama USA organizes its skill toy collections into top-rated products, under-15 prices, beginner-friendly designs, American brands, Japanese brands, and resourceful bundles. The CLASSIC kendamas are designed for affordability and traditional structures. TRIBUTE kendamas are durable and have been built for clever design upgrades in terms of the cups and holes to create better ergonomics. The KAIZEN product line is inspired by the Japanese principle of continuous improvement, as reflected in the superior craftsmanship of each kendama. PRO MODELS target the professional-level pursuits of kendama tricks and are customized for advanced players. The CRAFT line is a detail-specific assortment of kendamas with more wood species to choose from, including maple, ash, cherry, hickory, birch, and red elm.

Kendama accessories

Accessories from Kendama USA kendama online store are a great way to customize your collections. By accessorizing your shopping list, you can have color-coordinated strings, on-the-go holsters, and a showcase display for your favorite kendamas. There are trick books to guide your learning curve. Replacement strings and kendama parts support compatible backups to maintain your set. These accessories are often available as a kit bundle to include kendama glues, bearings, and extra strings. Available in one of kendama online stores.

Product comparison

Kendama USA’s product comparison page gives a bird’s eye view of the CLASSIC, TRIBUTE, KAIZEN, and PRO MODEL categories. At a glance, you can easily browse through comparative prices, available colors, wood types, sizes, and finishing materials.

Sweets Kendamas

From a backyard shed

Sweets Kendamas was founded by Matt “Sweets” Jorgenson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company’s player-centric focus on its production ensures that each kendama design promotes user-friendliness and improved ergonomics. Its first production line was launched in a backyard shed in the year 2010, and the company expanded into a fully-fledged business over the years. The store’s kendama add-ons quickly leave the virtual shelves, as kendama players keep an eye out for extra strings, display wall hooks, ken-only products, etc.

Kendama collections

The kendama online store’s catalog is a diverse mix of talents from the Sweets team. With incredible collaborations on graphic design and brainstorming freedoms, the founders and team members get to create their own kendama lines. The kendama online shop displays the inspiration behind each kendama, with the artist’s story explored in videos.

The BOOST series features creative color models and ken-only options. Some of its unique kendamas include the Northern Lights, Moonlight Safari, and various signature models. The PRO MODELS collections have the Matt Sweets Jorgenson kendama as a Legend design. Moreover, the company’s SWEETS LAB has different options for community pack discounts, with several stand-alone pieces that all have eye-catching design aesthetics. There are SIGNATURE SERIES and PRIME KENDAMAS as well as SPECIALTY options, just when you thought you had seen it all!

Design ergonomics

Sweets Kendama has a top-notch PRIME CUSTOM and PRIME STANDARD series. The kendama paints optimize the slip-to-stick ratio to help players execute neat balance tricks. The artistic freedom and hands-on approach throughout the production stages increase the scope for innovative competence. These PRIME kendama ball colors take inspiration from basketball jerseys, shoe designs, tropical vibes, breakfast foods, hardwoods, gemstones, and – you guessed it – sweets!

Ideal manufacturing and intricate engineering standards allow kendama tricks like the Lighthouse and Lunar techniques to be performed gracefully. Moreover, the kendamas have a trackable design for guiding hand-eye coordination to land precise tricks on the spike. The PRIME ken shape caters to beginner practices as well as advanced strategies, thanks to the streamlined components that work cohesively.

Community Kendama

The Community Kendama is a contest initiative from Sweets Kendama to encourage people to participate using the #CommunityKendamaSeries Instagram hashtag. Participants can enter the contest using this hashtag; they are required to download a template, design their best ideas for the tama, and upload the final creation on Instagram. These tama designs should be original works and can take the form of hand drawings or digital graphics. The 10 best tama designs will be picked from this talent pool, and public votes will elect 3 winners. It is an exciting opportunity to allow winners to have their own designs appear on kendama sets that will be awarded to them. Way to give back to the community!

Kendama and pandemic

Skill toys have seen a dramatic rise during the coronavirus pandemic. They easily became addictive quarantine games to chase away some of the boredom at home. Kendamas are no exception, as these toys continue to move from virtual aisles to digital carts to people’s doorsteps. With brick-and-mortar stores closing down rapidly, customer queues have moved from window shopping to create web traffics at online stores instead. Kendamas are single-player skill toys, so social distancing is not a problem, and COVID-proof kendama events are still a promising incentive. It is all about little joys that save the day in the face of a global pandemic, and yes, we are talking about kendama Zoom virtual backgrounds during school lessons and business meetings!