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Swag bags, also known as race packets, are loot bags that are given at the beginning of races or running events. They can be quite predictable as they almost always have the same items, like a shirt with a logo of the event, race number bib and safety pins to attach it with, course information, and flyers from sponsors and for upcoming races.

Race packets can attract more participants to the event and present organisers and corporate sponsors with an opportunity to market their brand and products. Unfortunately, the recipients find too little use for many of the items in the bag and end up tossing a lot of promotional items even before the race starts. To avoid this, it’s important to consider how the participants can benefit from the contents of the bag. It’s also a good idea to add a fresh twist to its contents to make the bag—and the event as a whole—more memorable. Here are a few items that will make good additions to your race packets:

1. Wearable Items with the Race Logo

While cotton or technical shirts are a common choice for such an occasion, participants who have been to many races may not like them too much since they already have a lot of shirts in their closet. As an alternative, you can use towels, headbands, socks, and rubber or silicone wristbands designed exclusively for the race. You can also add bonnets and mittens to your list of options if the race will be held during the colder months. The participants don’t have to wear these items during the race itself, but they can use them while training for the event or doing everyday activities.

2. Discount Coupon for Massages

Running is a physically demanding activity. After weeks or months of training and, finally, completing the event, the participants will want to relax a bit and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. Nothing can be as relaxing and as rewarding as a massage or a trip to a spa after competing in a race. A discount voucher to a spa is something that your participants will certainly appreciate and remember the event for.

3. Reusable Water Containers

In the same vein, runners will need something to drink while traversing the course. Because of this, bottled water is often included in the race packet. However, you can take this a step further and make it more environment-friendly by using reusable water containers instead of disposable ones. A tumbler can be used before and after the race and won’t directly contribute to the waste the event will generate.

4. Sample Products

Brochures and flyers from sponsors are often ignored and end up getting thrown into the trash. Instead of distributing paper, why not give away sample products that will truly capture your target’s attention? Give away items that will allow your participants to discover your sponsors’ products and see for themselves if they want it or not. Most people will appreciate items like anti-chaffing creams, sunscreen samplers, hygienic and skincare products, and even foodstuff in their race packets.

5. Reusable Bag

Finally, the swag bag itself can be a freebie. Pack the items in a cost-friendly drawstring bag that the participants can use as a gym bag after the event. Choosing a reusable item to package the freebies with is proof that your event cares about the environment. And just like other wearable items, a bag bearing your race’s logo can serve as a free marketing tool for next year’s race.

A swag bag is more than just a gift to the race’s participants; it also serves as a souvenir that participants can use to remember your event by.

What’s in your swag bag, and how can you relate it to what your event stands for?

I have never been to Fiji but I have heard a lot about Fiji. Some say Fiji’s a little like the Maldives and some say Fiji’s somewhere in Africa (I wonder where that came from); but I’m pretty sure, most people would know or have seen/heard about FIJI Water.

FIJI Water held its first Wellness Village which welcomed 150 visitors at the Sapphire Pavilion at Siloso Beach yesterday. This event was anchored by two sundown yoga sessions hosted by prominent yogi and founder of The Yoga Lab, Jasmine Chong, and saw the participation of 200 people.

Water is the most important factor in staying healthy and keeping one’s ​body hydrated. As ​FIJI Water is an artesian water​ which comes directly from the source and is untouched by man​, it appeals to consumers who strive to lead healthy lifestyles and carefully curate what is best for their body. With health and wellness at the core of FIJI Water’s brand, the “Wellness at it’s Finest” event provided participants with a look into the type of lifestyle FIJI Water is associated with and encouraged them to become better versions of themselves, through the yoga sessions and F&B lifestyle offerings available on-site. The event was also accessible and free, allowing passers-by the opportunity to visit and experience the village while getting acquainted with the FIJI Water brand. Passers-by and participants alike relaxed and unwound on the beachfront, took selfies with colourful beach-themed floats, or walked around the F&B and lifestyle stalls – namely An Acai Affair, Dosirak, KITTED and Apres Avant – curated specially for one’s wellness needs.

Image Credits: FIJI Water- Jasmine Chong, founder of Yoga Lab, demonstrating a yoga pose.

Taught by experienced yoga instructor, Jasmine Chong, the event ended off with two yoga sessions held on the beachfront as the sun set against the picturesque backdrop of Sentosa’s Siloso Beach. What’s more, participants took part in the lucky draw for a chance to walk away with the grand prize – a pair of return flights to Fiji and 5-night accommodation – as sponsored by Tourism Fiji.

FIJI Water also organised a contest on their Facebook and Instagram pages. To win a pair of return flights to the Islands of Fiji as sponsored by Fiji Airways, fans needed to capture their best FIJI Water moments at the Wellness Village and share about their experience via these images on their social media, using the hashtags #FIJIWaterWellnessVillage and #FIJIMomentsSG.

About FIJI™ Water 

FIJI™ Water, natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is the No. 1 imported bottled water in the United States. FIJI Water, known for its iconic square bottle, soft mouth feel and unique mineral profile, is the water of choice among discerning consumers and top chefs. Widely available at fine restaurants, hotels and all major retail channels, FIJI Water has expanded globally to more than 80 countries. To learn more about FIJI™ Water, please visit www.fijiwater.sg, like their Facebook fan page and follow their Instagram.

About Fiji Airways

Founded in 1951, Fiji Airways Group comprises of Fiji Airways, Fiji’s National Airline and its subsidiaries: Fiji Link, its domestic and regional carrier, Pacific Call Comm Ltd, and a 38.75% stake in the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 69 destinations in 15 countries (including code-share). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 64 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 1000 employees, and earns revenues of over FJD$815 million (USD $390m). Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013. Visit www.fijiairways.com for more information.

Running makes you happy. Most runners know this nostrum. But why does running make you happy? For some, running gives you a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction, for others it is escaping the everyday madness and for other, it is about being outdoors and connecting with nature. In any case, running is an activity that is accessible to most people. There is no need for formal training, special equipment or membership fees. The only thing you really need is a decent pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothing. Running outdoors is also very different from cycling on the spinning bike indoors. Read below to see more on our top reasons why running makes you happy.

Reason 1: Runner’s High

Running is known to release endorphins in the brain that trigger a positive feeling in the body. Endorphins make a person more energetic, alert and happy. This feeling is referred to as a “runner’s high,” which can kick in during a run, after or both. In addition, according to a Canadian study, the runner’s high may also be due to the hormone leptin. When you’re in motion, your leptin levels drop, which researchers suggest could send a hunger signal to the brain to generate a sense of pleasure. Running also encourages your body to release serotonin which elevates your mood.

Reason 2: Better Shape

Running like any other type of vigorous exercise helps you to get into better physical shape. The better shape you are in, the stronger you will feel. Being in better shape affects not only your body and overall wellbeing but also improves your mental state. Make sure you hydrate properly before and after your run. Drink electrolytes or take supplements if you need to.

Reason 3: Flexibility

You can run as little or as much as you want, in short spurts or longer runs. You can fit it during your lunch hour (runch), do it first thing in the morning before you head out to work, or after work as a way to wind down. You can do it a few times a week or just during the weekend. Whatever you decide, whatever you choose, you have the flexibility to customise your workout to fit your lifestyle.

Reason 3: Me-time

Running is the perfect time to get away from the everyday humdrum and escape. Not only will you get some quiet time, exercise, get away from the craziness, you will also get that coveted me time. Running will help you clear your mind and achieve a level of calmness, almost Zen-like.

Reason 4: Sense of Community

Running can provide a supportive social group. Even though running is an individual activity, it can actually help you connect with other inspiring people. Runners are very supportive of each other and are actually quite social. There are many online groups that provide advice, motivation, experiences and tips. Running with friends or interacting with other runners you meet along the way, can provide connections and a supportive network.

Reason 5: Self-Esteem and Confidence

Running improves your self-esteem and confidence by increasing endorphins, getting in better shape, working towards a goal and achieving them. Bettering your own performance and goals will boost your confidence and keep you running for more.

For other articles like this one, make sure you visit Consumer Health Review.

When I first heard about the District Race, I have to be honest that I raised my eyebrows slightly as I wasn’t sure what to expect. In fact, I even questioned whether I should participate in the race at all. Having completed the District Race Singapore 2018, I have to be upfront that I truly enjoyed the race and it is definitely one of the best race events that I have participated till date. With over 80 virtual checkpoints and challenges spread over five districts, there was never a dull moment and the best part is that I get to spend some meaningful time with Jacqueline to explore Singapore’s many nooks and crannies.

District Race Singapore 2018 #weareallexplorers//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

My experience as an Outdoor Educator/Outdoor Teacher has given me a bit of an advantage for the District Race as I often bring my students on learning journeys to the 5 districts of the race. Armed with the knowledge of how the route was going to be like and the kind of traffic conditions that we were expecting, Jacqueline and I skipped the Chinatown, Uptown, and Downtown districts and explored the Gardens and Kallang districts instead. This was despite the fact that the checkpoints in the Chinatown, Uptown, and Downtown districts were pretty nearby to each other.

District Race Singapore 2018 #weareallexplorers//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Just so you know, there was no set route or distance for the District Race Singapore 2018 and the goal of the race was to collect as many points as possible in two hours. Thus, crossing the finishing line with the best timing was really not the intent of the race and for Jacqueline and myself, we actually walked throughout so that we could see, hear, smell, touch and connect with Mother Nature at the Gardens District. Having said that, the District Race is suitable for beginners and professionals alike. If you have been cooped up in the office and have not been exercising much, the District Race is a good avenue to kickstart your fitness regime. If a healthy dose of competition is what you are after, District Race’s gamification approach will definitely spur you on. 

District Race Singapore 2018 #weareallexplorers//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

To sum up, I totally love District Race because:

  • I did not have to jostle with other race participants for running space.
     
  • I got to plan my own race route and set my own pace.
     
  • I was able to explore the places around the checkpoints without worrying too much about time.
     
  • I had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with my race partner without any pressure to cross the finishing line in the best timing possible.
     
  • Most importantly, I really like the Adidas event tee-shirt!

District Race Singapore 2018 #weareallexplorers//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

From a business perspective, the District Race has got potential to scale up and while I am not exactly sure how much it cost the organisers to execute this race event; I am pretty sure it was not as logistics/manpower intensive as other race events that I have participated in. Some observations that I noted are as follows:

  • There were not many signages/banners put up as the District Race is pretty much self-directed. All the virtual checkpoints and challenges could be found on the District Race App and this gave participants the opportunity to pre-plan their route before race day. Some costs in terms of printing signages/banners and engaging people to put up and take down the signages/banners before and after the race would have been reduced.
     
  • Although Event Crews were placed at strategic points to aid with the race administration, I do not see the race needing much manpower as there were no hydration points provided. Thus, with the reduced number of manpower needed to execute the race; there would also be some cost savings as well.
     
  • When race participants completed a set number of checkpoints, they received pings on the District Race App that rewarded them with some attractive promotions from the Race Sponsors. This is definitely a great way to market some of the products and services from the Race Sponsors and it may actually help to boost the sales of relevant products and services!

Being the world’s first urban exploration race which uses Augmented Reality and location-based technology, the District Race will be launched in Hong Kong, Australia, USA and Western Europe subsequently. 

Given the opportunity, I will certainly join future District Races! Being an avid explorer myself, I will even consider flying to other countries where District Races are planned so that I can also plan a holiday there at the same time.

Kudos to the race organisers and their team for such an excellent and successful race. It has been such a long time since I enjoyed a running event where the ultimate goal is not about crossing the finish line but really to get outdoors and see, hear, and smell what the place has got to offer.

I give the District Race two thumbs up!

    Fitness trackers (also known as fitness bands) are the rage these days and they can range from SGD$20 to more than SGD$300 (depending on the kind of functions that you are looking for).

    Personally, I have worn the Pebble and the Xiaomi Mi Band previously (the original and the Xiao Mi Band 2) and more recently, I have made the switch to the Lifesense Band 2.

     

    In case you’re wondering, Lifesense is a Chinese company and they have been around for more than 15 years (producing healthcare products and devices such as smart scales and even blood pressure monitors).

    For the price of SGD$88, I would say that the Lifesense Band 2 is a good buy; considering the fact that it comes with a lot of features and best of all, a hassle free charging experience that makes things very convenient.

    The Lifesense Band 2 sports a new design that confers a better look, and its performance when compared to its predecessor, has been improved with an ARM Cortex-M4 kernel processor. Lifesense Band 2 has an IP68 rating and is water splash, sweat, dust and spray resistant; thus, you can bring it to the showers or even for a swim.

    A feature that I really like about the Lifesense Band 2 is the 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking that continuously monitors my heart rate without a need for a chest strap. Combined with the new POWER PULSE dynamic heart rate algorithm and SILICON LABS high-precision heart rate sensor, Lifesense Band 2 is able to give me the most accurate heart rate data regardless of my location and activity.

    What is also interesting about the Lifesense Band 2 is that I don’t have to fiddle with any manual setting when I go for my runs. In fact, all I need to do is just start running and the auto running detection will do its work and the timer, distance, heart rate and calories-burnt statistics will all be automatically recorded in the specially-developed LifeSense App for 7 days.

    The one feature that I like best about the Lifesense Band 2 is its hassle free charging experience because I don’t need to bring any cables or accessories to charge it. The Lifesense Band 2 is itself a USB device that I can plug and play into any USB ports to charge it. With Heart Rate Tracking on, the battery can last for about 5 days and if it is off, the battery can last about 30 days on a single charge!

    Keen to buy the LifeSense Band 2?

    Well, there’s no better time to buy it than now because from now until 30 September 2017, you can get a 10% discount for every purchase of the LifeSense Band 2. All you need to do is just key in the voucher code: LIFESEN10

    So, what are you waiting for? Get your LifeSense Band 2 today!

    It’s been such a long time since I last blogged and with the never-ending pile of work that makes finding time to blog so difficult, I hope that I can strike a fine balance in the months to come. 

    Thankfully, I was able to get my mind away from work over the weekends at the Mizuno Ekiden 2017 and I had a great time catching up with my friends. Though my running pace was quite far off from what I had planned, I was glad that I finished and survived the race.

    Compared to previous editions of the Mizuno Ekiden, I personally enjoyed this year’s edition because the race route was much simpler and flatter. The weather was also quite bearable and I must say, the race volunteers did a great job of paving the way for the runners (especially at the Jubilee Bridge and One Fullerton where there were many visitors). The cashless transactions at the various F&B booths also made things more convenient!

    I also feel that there are room for improvements and some areas of consideration for the race organisers are: 

    • Shifting the race flag-off time to an earlier time

    I’m not sure how many people would be in favour of such an arrangement but I would think that an earlier race flag-off time (for teams participating in the full marathon) might be more ideal. 

    • More Japanese F&B options

    The F&B options at this year’s Mizuno Ekiden 2017 are very limited. Although there’s Hokkaido Green Tea Ice-Cream, Ramen, Sushi, Suntory Beer and Takoyaki, I’m pretty sure Japanese cuisine in general has so much more to offer than just those which I have mentioned!

    • A More Efficient Way of Tracking Team Mates’ Location

    The tracking system that’s used at the Mizuno Ekiden is pretty complex to understand and most of the time, majority of the runners find themselves in the transition pen way too early, thus crowding up the area even before their team mates arrive for the changeover. 

    Now that all is said and done, this shouldn’t discount the many new improvements that the race organiser had made for this year’s race and I believe next year’s race will be an even better one!

    Overall, I am glad that my team mates and I enjoyed the race and we certainly look forward to next year’s edition of the Mizuno Ekiden!

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    I have participated in the Mizuno Ekiden Run since it’s inauguration in 2015 and every edition of the race is different because there are always new developments that cater to runners of all ages and background. This year will see Mizuno Singapore staging the third edition of the Mizuno Ekiden Run, which is a relay-styled long distance run and it will be held at The Promontory @ Marina Bay on 19 August 2017.
    Capping the capacity at 5,000 runners, this year’s race hopes to target an increased participation from regional countries with the introduction of the ‘Running Club Category’. The Running Club category is open to all running clubs in Southeast Asia that have been active for at least three months and all team members must be residents or permanent residents of any ASEAN country. The winning team of the ‘Running Club Category’ can stand to win the top prize of SGD$2,200 worth of cash and vouchers.

    If you have not participated in the Mizuno Ekiden Run before and you’re wondering how such a relay-styled long distance run is carried out, here’s how it is done; runners will participate in teams of four where the first runners of each team will flag off while donning a traditional tasuki sash. Upon completing his or her leg of the relay, the sash will be passed to the second runner who will be waiting at the transition area. This process will continue until the sash is donned by the fourth runner, who will then finish the race and join the rest of his or her team members at the finish line.

    The first ekiden race was held in 1917, in conjunction with celebrating the anniversary of the moving of the capital to Tokyo. The ekiden race was held over three days between the old Japanese capital of Kyoto and the modern capital of Tokyo with the total distance amounting to 508 km.

    The original concept of the race stems from Japan’s communication and transportation system during the olden days, in which stations were posted at intervals along the road. The word Eki, means station and den, represents transmit. The tasuki can be likened by many to a baton in track-and-field relay races, but in actual fact, the tasuki means more than just a baton. Each tasuki is thought to represent the honour not only of the team itself but of the university, company, or region that the team comes from. Thus, it is the tasuki’s symbolic significance that makes an ekiden race unique.

    On a more personal note, I have always enjoyed running the Mizuno Ekiden because it spurs my team to display remarkable performance in intense and challenging situations while fostering friendship and showcasing commendable Japanese values such as perseverance, resilience and teamwork.

    Since this year’s race will take place from 4 pm in the late afternoon onwards, the weather will be pretty hot so do hydrate yourselves sufficiently and strategize accordingly to get the most out of the race.

    What I enjoy most about the Mizuno Ekiden is the Matsuri Race Village where I could have a nice celebratory dinner with my teammates over a wide array of traditional and popular Japanese gourmet such as sushi, ramen, and desserts after a good race. If you’re a fan of all things Japanese; you should definitely head down to the Matsuri Race Village since entry is free and there’s a string of Japanese activities and performances lined up for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

    As for the race registration, runners can register in teams of four across four categories; the Open Category (42.195km), the Open Category (21.1km), the Corporate category (21.1km), and the newest category in 2017, the Running Club category.

    For more information about the event, do visit http://mizunoekiden.sg or https://www.facebook.com/MizunoEkiden.

    As we step into 2017, I’m sure many of you are busy cracking your heads on some worthy New Year resolutions. Wealth, happiness, travel, and many more along those lines could very well top your list but let’s be real here – we’re not accomplishing anything without health.
    2016 was a year plagued by newborn diseases like MERS, Zika and strains of the Avian Influenza so it is no understatement to say our health is constantly threatened. While we put our faith in the hands of scientists and doctors to develop vaccines and cures, there is much we can do to safeguard our health.

    If you’ve been exercising regularly, good on you! BUT – healthy living is not just about working out regularly.

    It is a lifestyle that’s all about balance. I know it can be a real challenge to switch up your current lifestyle when you are so used to living this way. (We’re all creatures of habit after all.)

    No one is expecting you to make a 360degree change overnight but we got to start somewhere and, fortunately, that somewhere starts with these simple steps. Here are some tips endorsed by dietitian Wong Hui Xin from Mount Elizabeth Hospital, to help you fulfil that 2017 resolution of eating healthy!

    Spice Up Your Water

    Now, we know water is great for us. But it’s tasteless, and it can sometimes be a chore to drink water. (I feel you, mate.) What do you say about spicing up that boring cup of water with a slice of lemon?

    Image Credit: Paleo Hacks

    Lemon water is definitely more flavourful than regular water. But it’s also beneficial in several other ways, including raising antioxidant levels, which in turns lowers the risk of several diseases, improving digestion leaving you less bloated, and helping with detoxification so you potentially save big bucks you might have spent on a detox programme elsewhere.

    Lemon is just one way you can spice up your water. If you find it too much of a hassle to carry a lemon around (because it honestly can be quite the weight), teabags are a much more viable option. Apart from increasing antioxidant levels, teas like green tea also boost metabolism and kill bacteria.

    Choose The Healthier Snacks

    Less ice-cream and chocolate bars, more fruits.

    I’m guessing you’ve heard this one too many times but fruits definitely make a much more healthier choice of sugary snacks. They’re a great source of vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen your immune system to keep viruses at bay. So the old saying that goes “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is kind of true.

    That being said, we all would appreciate some variation too, right?

    Bring those nuts and seeds on!

    Image Credit: Michelin Guide Singapore

    Instead of munching on chips and biscuits (especially during office hours when you’re desk-bound for 8 hours – let’s not even get started on how detrimental that can be for your health!), go for almonds! Almonds are loaded with all the good nutrients you need to keep maintain healthy levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. If nuts aren’t your favourite, go for sunflower seeds! They are as beneficial as almonds.

    Not to mention they’re easy to buy from any convenient store!

    Have A Salad

    You already know you should aim to consume 2 servings of vegetables and fruits a day yet many of us don’t. Salads are the easiest way to work those into your meals.

    Image Credit: Resilience Fitness

    As a general guide to deciding what goes into your salad, you should always aim for a colourful bowl of vegetables to get a wide range of nutrients. As for proteins, opt for grilled options, or tofu for vegans. Finally, don’t forget some carbohydrates! Foods like corns, beans, and potatoes make for a balanced meal.

    Remember that not all salads are created equal – creamy dressings are a major no-no. For healthier dressings, opt for vinaigrettes or olive oil.

    The Healthier Choice Label

    It’s easy to miss but products endorsed by the Health Promotion Board are lower in fat, sodium, and sugar, and some are also higher in calcium and dietary fibre compared to other options within the same food category.

    Image Credit: Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital

    If you absolutely have to get your sugared drinks fix, although I’d highly suggest you skip the midday bubble tea, the least you could do is to purchase those with lower sugar content. That way, you can have the cake and eat it too!

    Order Only What You Can Eat

    We’re all guilty of it – over-ordering. We walk into a fancy café and everything on the menu suddenly looks mouth-watering so we make a pact to order a dish each and share. But we don’t forget to pile on the dessert and appetisers as well. More often than not, we end up with more than enough food.

    Over-ordering, and then over-eating, can lead to indigestion and bloat. More importantly, if you do finish all that food, you are bound to exceed your recommended daily calorie intake and all the suggested nutrients levels as well.

    The best way to not do so is to opt for smaller servings. It can be as simple as asking for a smaller serving of rice or just holding off orders until you’ve cleared all the food on the table.

    Now that wasn’t so difficult, was it? These are some handy tips that will make changing your lifestyle a tad easier.

    So before we dive into how we want to embark on a month-long tour around Europe, or scoot on a beach holiday to Boracay, let us go forth and create a healthier us!

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    I am a big fan of water sports and I have been at it since I was 9. Whether it is swimming, kayaking, dragon-boating, or even jet-skiing; I honestly enjoy all sorts of water sports. Apart from windsurfing and sailing which I haven’t got the opportunity to explore yet; I am really glad that I recently had the chance to pick up some basic wakeboarding skills at Singapore’s new cable-ski park, the Singapore Wake Park at East Coast Park (no, this post has got absolutely nothing to do with anything Korean).

    While I am not exactly sure how big Singapore’s wakeboarding scene is, I really do hope to gain mastery of the sport over time and be able to teach the sport to others in the future. In fact, after a few try-outs at Singapore Wake Park (the only local cable-ski park); I am totally hooked to the sport.

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    For those who are entirely new to wakeboarding (myself included), you might have the impression that this sport is super expensive and that it is only meant for the angmohs. You might even have doubted yourself and thought that wakeboarding is a difficult sport to learn.

    Well, after my first wakeboarding experience at the Singapore Wake Park, I am more than happy to tell you that wakeboarding is an affordable sport for everyone; yes including children above 6 years old to seniors in their 50s! I honestly thought that wakeboarding is a difficult sport to pick up but much to my delight; the new cable-ski park at East Coast features three state-of-the-art cable systems comprising two System 2.0s designed for beginners and a full-size cable system for experienced wakeboard enthusiasts all in an enclosed body of water.

    If you have previously been to East Coast Park (2015 and earlier)and passed by the cable-ski park; you might have noticed that the previous cable-ski park had only one full-size cable system where amateurs and even experienced wakeboarders go onto the same system which made the sport pretty unsafe.

    The new management (Island Lifestyle Group) partnered Sesitec, the German company renowned for designing and building cable systems worldwide, to install the latest cable-ski systems in the park to cater to both beginners and experienced wakeboarders at the same time.

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    The System 2.0 marked its first set-up in Singapore, featuring a two-tower system that is especially well-suited to novices, with only one wakeboarder allowed at a single time, thus allowing the instructor to focus fully on the individual. This makes wakeboarding more accessible for adventure seekers, groups of friends, and families who wish to try a new sport. Furthermore, it has a gentle increase in speed from 0 km/h to 25 km/h, which helps the wakeboarder anticipate the pull of the cable and is controlled manually to allow for personalised adjustments.

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    Honestly, for the rate of SGD$40/hour (weekdays) and SGD$60/hour (weekends); I really feel that it is worth the money to have an instructor who is fully present to take you through the basics of wakeboarding while enjoying a good workout. My muscles were aching the day after and yes; it worked my abs too.

    The new Sesitec full-size cable system has size towers and six evenly-spaced carriers to take experienced wakeboarders around the cable-ski park. It uses advanced sensor technology to ensure reliable interaction among all components of the system. Stable floating walkways on the edges of the lagoon both serve as wave breakers for a smoother riding experience as well as platforms for wakeboarders to climb on and walk safely back to the starting docks.

    Both the full-size cable system and the System 2.0s are environmentally friendly, with low noise and zero greenhouse gas emissions. This improves the overall wakeboarding experience where the water quality in the lagoon is not compromised. What’s more, the lagoon is also equipped with floodlights to illuminate the area so that wakeboarders can enjoy themselves until 10pm daily.

    Aside from the three cable systems, what I really like about the Singapore Wake Park is that it also features many amenities such as shower facilities, changing rooms, lockers for the safekeeping of belongings (you have to bring your own personal padlock though), and free wireless connectivity!

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    Cable-ski equipment, vests, and helmets are included in the cable-ski package although you are welcome to purchase your own wakeboard and swimwear accessories from their pro shop onsite. If you’re a regular wakeboarder, you can also have the option of renting storage space at the park for added convenience.

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    Furthermore, the park offers many spots for people to gather and relax. Wooden decks next to the lagoon allow for comfortable lounging by wakeboarders who wish to take a breather or for spectators who wish to get a closer look. The café and bar next to the lagoon, Coastal Rhythm, is another great spot to watch the action on water. It is open to the public and it serves a full food and drinks menu, so family and friends can chill out over food while joggers and cyclists at East Coast Park can grab a bite before going on their way. I personally feel that the café and bar is a good place to hangout and chill.

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    I am so looking forward to wakeboarding again and just so you know, the Singapore Wake Park is having an exclusive one-for-one promotion that starts from today till the end of November 2016. What this means is that for SGD$40, you can bring another friend to come and wakeboard with you for free!

    Wakeboarding at the Singapore Wake Park 2016

    I’m so going to jio my siblings for some core body workout!

    For more information, do check out Singapore Wake Park Facebook Page!

    Operating Hours of the Park’s Cable Systems:
    10am to 10pm daily
    Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 9am to 10pm

    Operating Hours of Coastal Rhythm Café and Bar:
    Mondays to Thursdays: 10am to 11pm
    Fridays and Eve of Public Holidays: 10am to 1am (next morning)
    Saturdays: 9am to 1am (next morning)
    Sundays and Public Holidays: 9am to 11pm

    Being a frequent baker, it is important to me that I use only the finest ingredients that I can find in the market but the truth is, premium baking ingredients are not only expensive; they are hard to find as well.
    When Nehal Patel from Foodsterr dropped us an email a few months back, boy were we so glad because in the midst of our busy schedules, we really had no time to go shop around for ingredients and Foodsterr came at the right time to answer to our baking needs.

    Not only that, Foodsterr also has a whole range of other products that really intrigued me because recently, I have been trying to lose some weight and I honestly enjoy having my daily cup of coffee with full cream milk but I have since decided to substitute dairy milk with almond milk instead. Now, those of us who frequent the supermarket would know that the almond milk that is being sold in cartons are completely devoid of nutrients and I would very much prefer to make my own almond milk; which is really easy, but the most difficult part about making my own almond milk was to find whole almonds that are wallet-friendly.

    So, here comes Foodsterr to the rescue!

    For 500 grams of Natural Almonds from the USA, it cost SGD$18.90 and it is really more affordable when compared to buying almonds from a Brick and Mortar shop.

    We are really pleased to announce that we have just signed a new partnership with Foodsterr, an online specialty foods marketplace (nuts, dried fruits, seeds, superfoods, flour and etc.) sourced from around the globe for wholesale and retail.

    Image Credit: Michelin Guide Singapore

    We’re pleased to share that Foodsterr is offering all our readers 10% off the total bill with the coupon code WINSOME(key in the coupon code in your order)

    Photo:

    *A minimum order of SGD$30 is required.

    In case you’re wondering how you too can make almond milk; here’s a recipe that I follow which will yield about 470ml of almond milk

    Image Credit: The Kitchn

    Ingredients
    140 grams of raw almonds, preferably organic
    470 ml of water, plus some more water set aside for soaking the raw almonds
    Sweeteners like honey, sugar, agave syrup, or maple syrup, to taste, (optional)

    Equipment
    Bowls
    Strainer
    Electronic Scale
    Blender
    Fine-Mesh Nut Bag or Coffee Sock

    http://content.jwplatform.com/players/RAKaWuIG-aNAuOUtR.js

    Instructions

    Soak the almonds overnight or up to 2 days.
    Place the almonds in a bowl and cover with about an inch of water. They will plump as they absorb water. Let stand on the counter, covered with a cloth, overnight, or refrigerate for up to 2 days. The longer the almonds soak, the creamier the almond milk.

    Drain and rinse the almonds.
    Drain the almonds from their soaking water and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water. At this point, the almonds should feel a little squishy if you pinch them. It’s best to discard the soaking water because it contains phytic acid, which inhibits the body’s ability to absorb nutrients (you can also use the water to water the plants if you don’t want to discard it).

    Combine the almonds and water in a blender.
    Place the almonds in the blender and cover with 470ml of water.

    Blend at the highest speed for 2 minutes.
    Pulse the blender a few times to break up the almonds, then blend continuously for two minutes. The almonds should be broken down into a very fine meal and the water should be white and opaque.

    Strain the almonds.
    Line the strainer with either the opened nut bag or coffee sock, and place over a measuring cup.

    Pour the almond mixture into the strainer.
    Press all the almond milk from the almond meal. Gather the nut bag or coffee sock around the almond meal and twist close. Squeeze and press with clean hands to extract as much almond milk as possible. You should get about 470ml of almond milk.

    Sweeten to taste.
    Taste the almond milk, and if a sweeter drink is desired, add sweetener to taste.

    Refrigerate almond milk.
    Store the almond milk in sealed containers in the fridge for up to two days.

    Additional Information:
    The leftover almond meal can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, and muffins as it is. You can also spread it out onto a baking sheet and bake it for 2 to 3 hours in an oven until it is completely dry. Dry almond meal can be kept frozen for several months and used in baked goods such as macarons.