Other Hobby Addictions

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by craigwmiller

R/C Car racing & R/C plane/heli flying... here's one of the planes:

I'm surprised how many of you guys are into R/C. I know that it takes a lot of work and craftsmanship to build those. And have to admire the flying skills, esp when on the ground and the plane is coming toward you...

But having said that, it wouldn't be much of a step to build a real one that you can fly and go places with. And still proudly display your creations, and compete in shows, if that is what you are into.

[Dez]

1. Scuba Diving. Have had my open water for just over a year and have logged about 20 hours under water already.

2. RC Car racing. New to this hobby and it's what taking my time from reeding.

3. Foosball. I play competitively in a league and am going to Portland for a tournament next weekend.

4. Pond. We just built a massive pond in our yard and have fun raising koi. We've had a smaller pond in our front yard for 7 years.

5. Snowboarding. Going on a snowboarding day trip to the mountains on the same weekend that I'm going to Portland for foosball (and fitting in an out of town RC race in between on the same weekend).

6. Traveling. I'm addicted to it. From Dec 1 - Feb 9 (10 weeks), I'll have gone on 12 flights - all pleasure, not business.

All this and family is still #1 on the list. That's why I'm still married and my kids still love me haha. A few of these hobbies I do with my spouse and kids though.

[nrosdal]

Mine is Crossfit. It is the only thing i have ever found that is more addictive then reefing/aquariums.

[Spyd]

Ball hockey has got to be my all-time favourite thing to do as of late. I used to be an avid volleyball player but my back can't handle it anymore. I also enjoy riding our horses but that is more of a seasonal thing. I get bored riding around an arena in circles... I much prefer riding out in the bush.

[Coralgurl]

Love the R/C planes. My dad used to build and fly many years ago. He won a number of awards for his planes at shows in Detroit and was part of a flying club. He still builds the occassional one, but he can't fly them anymore.

I am debating getting into modding my car. For now it would be more esthetics, nothing for performance as I am not mechanically inclined. Lots of folks consider that a hobby..... I've heard it can become quite addicting, so I've been doing lots of research and trying to decide what I want to do.

We also do a lot of camping in the summer, I love to read when I can find time, hiking, cycling.

[Delphinus]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

And a couple youtubes flying into and out of there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IpF5Wnj1Qg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNHEplZPaGY

Oh man, that won't be addictive at all.. Haha wow. Got a kick out those flies sure sure going berserk when you took off too..

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Oh man, that won't be addictive at all.. Haha wow. Got a kick out those flies sure sure going berserk when you took off too..

Well, it also fits in with mountain top (above the tree line) hiking, which I enjoy as well. I just need to become a better photographer so I can share. Usually, I rely on my pax for that, but they sometimes are more consumed with the moment, than taking good pics.

I also rigged up a canoe that can I carry into these alpine lakes. That further enhances the experience. Good for fishing, too. Here's a couple more youtubes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN2JNeOc14U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll0lbm0TpBg

[lastlight]

that looks like fun! i don't know a thing about planes but would have thought you'd mount the canoe elevated off the supports between the float thingies. to make the plane more evenly weighted?

As for hobbies I'm pretty boring but I do like distance running. Kien and I have run several races together.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by lastlight

that looks like fun! i don't know a thing about planes but would have thought you'd mount the canoe elevated off the supports between the float thingies. to make the plane more evenly weighted?

Yeah, on the surface, that would seem to make sense. In reality though, it doesn't work there, because that is a high pressure area in flight, and the airflow that goes back to your tail gets disturbed, which is not good (could be catastrophic, actually).

The area on top of your floats is mostly neutral and has the least drag and effect on airflow. I have tie-up ropes, with one end just sitting on top of the floats, and they stay there (unless I do some unusual maneuvers).

Weight distribution side to side doesn't matter much, as the canoe only weighs 40 lbs. And any imbalance in flight (weight or drag) is compensated for with your ailerons and rudder. I carry up to 300 lbs of fuel in my wings, which has a much greater effect on weight distribution, and even that has minimal effect. With weight, the greater concern always is forward or aft, as that affects your center of gravity, which matters a lot more.

[Pan]

I have 6322 Books