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April 17, 2014 | Volume 6, Issue 13 | Athens, GA

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SEIZE THE SEASON PAGE 3

DROP THE REMOTE AND HIT THE TRAILS PAGE 3 THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE GREAT INDOORS: ROCK-CLIMBING AT RAMSEY PAGE 4 SIGMA KAPPA TO HOST ULTRA VIOLET ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS WEEK PAGE 5

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Editor's note

SEIZE THE SEASON

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a tendency to yield more energy, healthier individuals and, above all else, optimism. Embracing everything that is outdoors is crucial to our soulful well being.

Even if workloads seem suddenly overwhelming, remember that there are only a handful of lazy Sundays that we are allotted! Popsicles on the porch, or sipping some beers by the pool is an element of life that we are all entitled to.

This spring, it’s important to prepare for the outdoors and sunshine weather.

Ditch the desk, leave behind the laptop and take a moment to soak up the sun. In case you weren’t aware and skimmed through this article, I’ll say it again: SPRING IS HERE! Now it’s your job to seize the season.

Perhaps it’s those itchy red eyes, the crowded sidewalks

DANIELLE WEINER

of Milledge, those

Editor-in-Chief

surprise t-shirt tan lines, and let us not forget how our lives

Phi Mu

Danielle is a junior studying English and history. You may contact her at dweiner@uga.edu.

were changed by the epic-ness of Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s? All signs point towards one answer, which can only mean one thing…

Fellow Athenians, we made it. Spring is here!

With the gloomy vibes of winter having subsided, campus has melted away, leaving pollen caked cars and whimsical wisteria. Days are getting

THE ODYSSEY AT UGA EXECUTIVE TEAM

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Rachel Hamil

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Sigma Sigma Rho

Delta Gamma Delta Gamma

Phi Mu

Alpha Tau Omega

Phi Mu

Photographers Dilreet Kaur Delta Gamma

Dana Heyman

Sigma Delta Tau

longer and the time to bust out our ever-fashionable Chacos is upon us!

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Existing as the best time in your life, our college landscape is teeming with

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adventures and the opportunities for outdoor activities are increasing by the second. Although we do have finals to worry about, summer is right around the corner. Dominated by the reintroduction of sunshine, most of us really can’t help but smile when we’re boppin’ around campus!

When the sun shines, something stirs within each and everyone one of us. Our moods become uplifted and there is a noticeable shift as we enter a happier default. Rather than waking up with dread, warmer climates have

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The Odyssey is a private entity not associated or governed by UGA or the UGA Greek life office. The views and opinions shared in The Odyssey are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Odyssey and Olympia Media Group.

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Scene on campus

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DROP THE REMOTE AND HIT THE TRAILS When most people think of Athens, Ga., they MORGAN think about the music OBERG and bar scene, but there Sigma Delta Tau is so much more to see.

Morgan is a sophomore studying Between UGA’s campus journalism. You may contact her at and surrounding areas morganoberg@uga.edu. lie beautiful lakes and hiking trails. So get off your computer, stop watching TV and go outside.

If you’re in the mood to hangout at the beach, you don’t need to drive all the way to Florida. Sandy Creek Park, located on Lake Chapman, has a beach!

This park allows you to fish, hike, have a picnic, play disc golf or swim around for the small price of $2. This can’t possibly be close to campus, right? Wrong.

It’s only a short five-mile drive from campus to get to paradise. So instead of staying in and eating a pizza, gather your friends, get in the car and go explore Sandy Creek Park.

If you’re in the mood to go somewhere free, Bear Hollow Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are the place for you. Even though UGA is home of the

DAWGS, there are so many other animals to explore. Bear Hollow Zoo is home to black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer and owls. How could you not want to embrace your inner child and go to the zoo?

If you’re in the mood to read a book outside, then the Native Flora Gardens at the Botanical Gardens is where you need to be, but if you’re feeling athletic and want to take a hike, you can venture over to the nature trails, too.

There are also tons of places around campus that are worthy of exploring.

The trial gardens are right behind Snelling Dining Hall and are open year round. If you just want to wander around and look at the flowers or sit in the gazebo, you will never be disappointed.

If you are looking to get your hands dirty and get involved, there is a student run farm just south of campus where students volunteer to manage and actually grow vegetables, fruits, shitake mushrooms and herbs on four acres of land. Students learn valuable lessons while also getting to be in the great outdoors So whether you want to pay money or not, go explore Athens. While football games and going out are thrilling, don’t miss out on the beauty of nature.

There is so much to see, and we are only here for a short time.

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Scene on campus

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE GREAT INDOORS: ROCK-CLIMBING AT RAMSEY

Looking for a way to exercise without walking on a treadmill? Do you crave adventure? Are you somewhat athletic and strong? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should totally check out the rock-climbing wall located in Ramsey!

MALLORY MOSKOVITZ Sigma Delta Tau

Mallory is a sophomore studying journalism. You may contact her at malmoss@uga.edu.

We’ve all been to Ramsey, University of Georgia’s student center for physical activities, at least once in our lives (if you haven’t, you should definitely check it out after you finish that Bolton cookie), but not many of us know there is a rock-climbing wall located on the main floor. But don’t get too excited, yet, because you are not allowed to climb the wall unless you register for and take the three-hour climbing orientation clinic.

Go to http://www.recsports.uga.edu/out_climbingwall_clinics.php to check out the daily offered times. For just $10, you can become a rock-climber, and continuously

visit the facilities for free. During the clinic, the instructors will teach you how to belay, go over climbing wall policies and procedures, and discuss climbing skill information.

Upon completion of the clinic, students and faculty members are allowed to climb the wall.

Nadine Paull, a sophomore in Sigma Delta Tau, recently decided to go out on a whim and get rock climbing certified. When asked why she decided to start rock-climbing, she said “A friend told me about the rock-climbing wall and once you complete the three-hour clinic, you automatically become belay certified. I thought it would be fun to do something different for exercise so my friend and I took the class. It ended up being really fun and an exciting activity that I recommend to anyone!”

Nadine admitted that because the wall is open at inconvenient times to her schedule, she doesn’t get to climb as much as she would like to, but that makes it even more thrilling when she does get the chance to go.

It is really awesome that as UGA students we have the opportunity to participate in an outdoor activity while in the comfort of our own student recreational sports facilities. If you haven’t checked out the rock-climbing wall, be daring, hop on the East West bus over to Ramsey and start climbing!

Scene on campus

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SIGMA KAPPA TO HOST ULTRA VIOLET ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS WEEK The University of Georgia’s Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Kappa will host Ultra Violet Alzheimer’s Awareness Week to raise funds to combat Alzheimer’s disease.

Anna is a freshman studying business. You may contact her at annawatts@uga.edu.

Admission to the movie is free, but concessions will be sold with proceeds benefitting the Sigma Kappa Foundation. To finish off the week, Sigma Kappa will host its annual Longest Drive competition, including an 18-hole round of golf and a putt putt course. The competition will be held this Sunday, April 13, at The University of Georgia Golf Course, 2600 Riverbend Road. Prize baskets, including t-shirts, free rounds of golf at the UGA golf course, and other gift cards will be awarded to the winners.

Feeling philanthropic?

This week Sigma Kappa is hosting their first ever Ultra Violet Alzheimer’s Awareness Week!

Net proceeds from the week’s activities will benefit the Sigma Kappa foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Alzheimer’s disease research, scholarships, educational and leadership programs and assistance to members facing financial crisis.

ANNA CAROLINE WATTS Delta Delta Delta

This year, UGA’s Epsilon Epsilon of Sigma Kappa will host its first ever Ultra Violet Alzheimer’s Awareness Week to raise money in support of research of our nation’s seventh leading cause of death. This Wednesday April 9, the sisters of Sigma Kappa will be hosting a movie night on the lawn at 654 S. Milledge Avenue. The Notebook will be playing in support of Alzheimer’s.

For more information about the Ultra Violet Alzheimer’s Awareness week and the Sigma Kappa foundation, or to register to compete for the Longest Drive competition, contact Erin Moore, vice president of philanthropic service at emoore13@uga.edu or visit skalzweek.com.

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Adventure traveling

PANTHER CREEK www.theodysseyonline.com

them, the path in front of us gave way to a beautiful pond being directly fed by a 30-foot waterfall. Needless to say, my father and I were awestruck as we stumbled upon this oasis. The sun, which came in through an opening in the canopy, warmed the water, and tiny fish swam about near the shore and, if you sat down and didn’t move a muscle, they would swim up to you and clean your feet by sucking on them.

The water was fast flowing over the rocks of the waterfall and thus was perfect for drinking, so we made camp there that night and dined on dozens of tiny fish we caught using a net. I’ll tell you this -- there is nothing more relaxing than falling asleep to the sound of an actual waterfall.

The worst part about the hike was having to trek back to our car in still damp clothes and, though the rashes burned, it was worth it to see such an amazing and peaceful scene. So, if you’re ever in the mood to go on an easy yet satisfying backpacking trip in Georgia, I highly recommend going up to Panther Creek and hiking its trail.

Back in 2012, my dad and I planned to go out CHRIS west to New Mexico FREEMAN to hike a trail for two Sigma Pi weeks with nothing Chris is a junior studying MIS. You more than what we may contact him at chrsfreeman181@ gmail.com. could carry on our backs. It would be an arduous and testing task but one that both he and I felt a strong desire to accomplish.

Because of its difficulty, my father and I didn’t want to hit the trailhead as completely inexperienced hikers, so we set out to train ourselves by hiking trails here in Georgia under the same conditions we would be in out west— that is with backpacks full of gear.

After trudging through some decently long hikes (about 10 miles) on the Appalachian Trail, we decided that we needed to conquer an easy trail right before we leave to temper ourselves. So, we started looking and finally found one.

About an hour north of here, just above Clarkesville, there is Panther Creek Trail. It starts off in a gravel parking lot. From there you hike five miles through shady trees, over small creeks, and between giant boulders.

The hike is relatively easy, though a couple of hills may cause you to break a sweat, especially if you’re carrying a 50-pound backpack, and it is just as, if not more, scenic as an Appalachian trail.

As we hiked though the shadows of trees and the humidity caused by

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Sports local

HE IS ZLATAN

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1. When asked what he got his wife for her birthday - “Nothing, she already has Zlatan.”

2. Zlatan on being mismanaged at Barcelona - “You bought a Ferrari, but you drive it like a Fiat.”

3. On Juventus’ 2005 title win and how Zlatan celebrated a little too much - “It was the fault of David Trezeguet, who made me do one drink of vodka after another. Zlatan slept in the bathtub. Now I hold my vodka much better.”

4. On refusing a trial at Arsenal - “Arsene Wenger asked me to have a trial with Arsenal when I was 17.

I turned it down. Zlatan doesn’t do auditions.”

5. On Mario Balotelli’s recent tomfoolery - “I like fireworks too, but I set them off in gardens or kebab stands. I never set fire to my own house.”

6. Reporter - “You’ve got some scars on your face, Zlatan. What has happened?” Zlatan - “Well…I don’t know…you’ll have to ask your wife about that.”

I know that here in the States, soccer is still drastically overshadowed by “true” American sports like football, baseball, and basketball.

However, soccer, the most popular sport in the world, is gaining ground here.

7. On criticism from John Carew, another striker -“What Carew does with a football, Zlatan can do

THOMAS WASSON

Alpha Tau Omega Thomas is a senior studying accounting. You may contact him at gtwasson@gmail.com.

International broadcasts, the growth of the MLS, the popularity of the FIFA video game franchise, and globalization in general are all contributing factors -- as well as the large personalities of its best athletes.

World futbol has its share of eccentric characters, but there is none that can compare to the ego of the controversial Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Swedish national team.

Love him or hate him, this guy is a football genius. He’s been one of my favorite players for years, mostly because he performs miracles with a soccer ball.

When Zlatan scored the Amazing Bicycle Kick against England (Puskas Goal of the Year, 2013. Go watch it if you haven’t), the announcer said, “You cannot coach that kind of brilliance.”

There’s no mistaking that he’s a pretty nutty guy, but I assure his off field antics are almost as entertaining as his on field ones. It is no wonder why his memoir is a best seller.

He often likes to refer to himself in the third person, doing so exclusively on Twitter, and he’s almost as quotable as Jose Mourinho, so it makes sense they have such respect for each other.

Some of my favorite gems Zlatan has spouted include:

with an orange.”

At the ancient soccer age of 32, he is somehow having possibly his best season ever. Currently, he is considered third best in the world (after Ronaldo and Messi, of course). Remarkably, Zlatan has lost very little athleticism over the years, and in addition he has developed an elite football mind to accompany his superb technique.

He scores goals left and right, but he can also distribute the ball and control the pace of the game, ensuring that he is always a formidable presence. Sure, he has a pretty solid supporting cast and faces off against admittedly second tier French defenses, but make no mistake, Ibra is purely world class. This is evidenced by his goal scoring success at every club he’s played at, as well as his Champions League performances.

At 6’5’’ and 210 pounds, he is a giant of a striker with a hot head and long, powerful legs. Despite his strength and size, he shows tremendous grace in front of goal and boasts some of the best ball control in the world (amazing considering soccer’s best dribblers are usually vertically challenged). He can score in just about any fashion conceivable, so he’s an absolute nightmare for defenders.

People sometimes criticize his temperament (for instance, he got into a fist fight with American centerback Oguchi Onyewu), and rightfully so, but there is no doubt Zlatan is one of the greatest of his generation. He already has the French league title in hand this year as its top goal scorer, and with a recent very convincing Champions League win over Chelsea, you might believe he could bring his team to the final game where anything can happen.

There is no telling how long he will continue to marvel audiences in Paris, but when his career does finally wind down in Europe, I could definitely see him making a move to the MLS, like Beckham and Henry did. It would surely be a step in the right direction for the ever growing American professional soccer league. Zlatan would fit right in with all the other bloated egos of American sports, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, that’s a big part of of why we love to watch.

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CAMPING ESSENTIALS

Camping is that one activity that CATHERINE SCHMITT can either turn out Kappa Delta extremely fun or can Catherine is a sophomore studying end up very badly. journalism. You may contact her at catherineschmitt94@gmail.com.

It is important to be prepared for any type of situation that you might face, just in case you need to save your entire camping trip.

Here are some helpful camping tips and tricks to remember when camping out this summer:

1. Educate yourself about your surroundings! Be aware of the types of bugs and plants that you are going to be around and bring supplies to avoid them. In order to save yourself from the annoyance and frustration of bugs, pack plenty of bug spray and tick repellant. You will have so much more fun on your trip if you don’t have mosquito bites or ticks to worry about. Also, remember the different types of poison oak and poison ivy and stay away.

2. Remember to bring first aid kit supplies. You can put BandAids, Neosporin, gauze, and Ibuprofen in a small jar or old Altoids tin for an easy travel size first aid kit.

3. If possible, bring extra blankets! You will be so glad you did when it’s nighttime and it gets chilly. You can also use these for an extra cushion under your sleeping bag.

4. For light, remember a flashlight with extra batteries and some easy fire starters! Old dryer lint and toilet paper cardboard rolls are perfect and easy fire starters. They’re cheap and very easy to travel with.

5. Don’t forget to bring appropriate rain gear! This is a must.

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There is nothing fun about soaking wet clothes or a soaking wet campsite. Remember to pack a raincoat and, if possible, a tarp to go over your tent. This will completely protect it from the rain.

While there are hundreds of camping tips and tricks to remember when camping, these few essentials will make your trip run smoothly. Always be prepared and alert and you’re sure to be a happy camper!

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THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU NEED TO TAKE HIKING T h e re i s n o t h i n g better than spending the day outside enjoying everything the world has to offer. Before you embark on any adventure, make sure you bring along the necessary people to make the day a success.

ISABEL MACGUIRE Alpha Delta Pi

Isabel is a junior studying mass media arts. You may reach her at mimac92@uga.edu.

The Compass A day spent in the great outdoors would not be possible without a handy dandy navigator. It is easy to get lost in the woods, or wherever you find yourself, and before you know it you could end up miles from your destination. Make sure you have someone who can navigate through any situation you may encounter.

The Nature Enthusiast No matter where you are or where you are going, there is always going to be that person who seems to know everything about everything. From the bark on the trees

to the flowers along the trail, they will have something to say about the origin or use of the treasured piece of nature. These people are good to keep close by on a hike because without them you could miss a fascinating part of the journey.

The Traveling Hospital When you are trekking through the woods or frolicking through a trail in a meadow, there is always the potential of disaster. Keeping someone on the hike with a first aid kit and knowledge of basic CPR is a necessity. You never know what might happen, and it is always good to be prepared.

The Daredevil A hike would not be nearly as interesting without the one person who insists on going the most dangerous route or climbing everything in sight. Thankfully, you have the traveling hospital to make sure everything turns out okay.

The Motivator Whether you are on a 12-mile hike up a mountain or a three-mile hike along a beach, it can be exhausting. A hike is always better with some encouragement and positivity, so make sure you bring along a friend with a lot of energy and an optimistic outlook on the day.

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6 THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING WHEN YOU KAYAK DOWN THE BROAD

What better thing to do in Athens in the ALDEN RYKARD spring than kayak?

Zeta Tau Alpha The trees are green Alden is a sophomore studying English & pre-journalism. and full of life and, Yo u m a y c o n t a c t h e r a t aldenr@uga.edu. on a clear day, getting outside for a little one-on-one with nature is good for the soul!

While getting excited about your momentary National Geographic adventure don’t forget just a few things that could make or break your trip.

1. Waterproof clothes. You’ll be sitting in a kayak for multiple hours and although those Nike shorts may seem like a good idea at the moment, you will be regretting it once you’re soaking wet.

2. Life vests. I know, I know. They’re uncomfortable, not flattering and a pain in the butt to deal with. But this is Mother Nature we are dealing with, here, and who knows what could happen while you’re kayaking down that river. 3. Some type of waterproof shoes Chacos, Tevas, take your pick! You’ll want something that is substantial and easy to use in water when your kayak gets stuck on a rock and you have to jump out to push yourself off.

4. Water and snacks After about two hours, you’ll get the munchies and there is nothing worse than being stuck on a river without water or snacks. Grab some water bottles and granola bars so you don’t get dehydrated or hungry!

5. Sunscreen. Hello, tan lines! Just prepare yourself because they are going to happen. Definitely take the necessary precautions so you don’t end up looking like “that” girl. No one likes a lobster.

6. A good attitude. Kayaking involves some pretty heavy duty physical activity. You’ll be paddling for a few hours, getting stuck on rocks, going down rapids and ramming into your best friends. It will be fun, but challenging, so make sure to bring your best attitude and a smile!

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TOP 10 NECESSITIES FOR KAYAKING Spring is here and the warm weather GRACIE brings the warm PRESTON river waters. Warm Kappa Delta rivers bring out the Gracie is a senior studying prenaturalist in all of us, business. You may contact her at especially here in the gp28@uga.edu.

Classic City where kayaking outposts aren’t too hard to find. The atmosphere of the boating business in Athens is one of leisure. Relative autonomy on trips is essential to the level of ease which the day takes on and preparation for the day is essential to finding your Zen on the river.

phone out in the water without having to worry about putting it in a bag of rice later will help keep the stress levels low. Real time documentation of life is one effect of social media (see last article). Utilize those insta filters you hipster, you. BONUS: with a waterproof case you can let Pandora play and jam your heart out to the likes of Sublime, 311, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet—whatever your heart desires.

2. Bring along man’s best friend. pets are often times allowed on these trips so feel free to give your pup some water time. Caution for how strong of a swimmer your dog actually is, getting caught up in a current is not ideal for your furry friend.

The most important

1. A sense of adventure. Please do not go on a group kayaking trip if you’re going to complain about dirt, bugs, threat of snakes, fish, tipping In order to best suit you for a day of relaxation, these are the top 10 over, water. It’s no fun for you or anyone within proximity of hearing necessities: you gripe. The rivers in the Oconee area aren’t Olympic level training The obvious raft tours, so if adventure is not calling your name (which is really 10. Get the right fit kayak, paddle and life jacket when outfitted for the unfortunate for you), don’t pretend you hear it beckoning. trip. “There are many places to rent kayaks from Broad River companies.

Also, you can rent them from the Outdoor Rec Department at Ramsey,” says Joel Alvey, the past President of UGA Outdoor Adventure Club. “A personal flotation device (PFD) is generally required for all paddlers.”

9. A bathing suit, or any clothes you don’t mind getting wet. It’s inevitable that water will touch you, so you might as well make it a component in the enjoyment of your trip. This is a chance to put your Chacos to actual outdoor use beyond walking campus in them. Alvey commented that “closed-toe shoes to protect against glass, fish hooks or other sharp objects” are of use, as well, but are “more essential for whitewater trips.”

8. Sun protection. Imperative to any day in the sun. SPF is a no brainer along with sunglasses, hats or both. Squinting the whole time doesn’t seem like a problem until you run into a rock and tip because the sun got in your eyes. “A first aid kit is always a good idea to bring for any trip, one per group,” according to Alvey.

Luxury items 7. Beer. Bring it. There’s nothing like floating down the broad with a cold one. Really, everything is better with a 12 oz. in hand (and when you’re 21).

6. Lunch and snacks. Some sort of consistency to keep your body moving effectively. The combination of sun, beer and exercise is often a recipe for disaster with no food intake. We’ve all been there – think day drinking multiplied by a core workout.

5. A cooler to hold your 12 pack and PB&J. Strap it onto the back of your kayak and you’re golden, pony boy.

The extra mile 4. Waterproof everything. A waterproof cooler or even additional bag can hold your phone, wallet, keys, etc., so that you’re not worrying about leaving everything behind.

3. Get that Lifeproof case for your phone. Being able to have your

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Humor lol

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@sydneygreen95: Making up for low grades with high calories @Earlxsweat: I GREW UP UGLY YOU DON’T KNOW MY STRUGGLE

@kwaxonkwax: Trying to decide if I should put my ability to type with only my left hand under “skills” or “hobbies” on my resume. #productivity @postgradproblems: For Lent, I’m giving up. Like in general, just giving up.

@Lizdiamond: You can’t spell thug without hug @Maddiesmith615: Hey what is that one movie where Michael Cera plays an awkward teenager? @Amandabynes: If you look good words can’t hurt you

@tdvaz: Every time I hear that nasty word “exercise”, I have to wash my mouth out with chocolate…. @KatherineRead: If you’re about to put song lyrics on twitter, ask yourself: is it worth it? Let me work it. I put my thang down flip it & reverse it

@tinatbh: Thug life? Drop the t son. Bring it here @ProBirdRights: Um science??? You have not yet discovered how to fit more cake inside of me. #learntopriorities

@Future1stLady1: Blue solo cups remind me of liberals.

I don’t like liberals.

@ScottyDaNaughty: . @robinthicke drug me? Mug me?

Seriously, WHAT RHYMES WITH HUG ME? @SterRS: I just said eight turds instead of eight thirds in front of the whole freaking class. @rellyOnSMASH: them unread test messages aint gon come and cuddle wit you at night @justinbieber: Blessed each morning. Going to be a great day @_Wade92: They’re playing Bust a Move in McDonalds right now. Employees here are down to get down. #turndownforhwat @Hannie37: Eating a BLT while driving is difficult.

@Zakypoof: Sometimes you have to step outside yourself and realize you’re playing clash of clans in the middle of a gas station

@merrylouder: Parents turned the wifi off on my phone.

Things have gone from bad, to worse, to poverty.

WATERSKIING FOR DUMMIES When most Americans hear the word “waterski” they envision a giant public lake buzzing with bouncing inner-tubes that race by Gamma Phi Beta lazy pontoon boats, patient fisherman and accelerated Mackenzie is a freshman studying finance & psychology. jet skis; and in the midst You may contact her at of all the commotion, they mjr924@uga.edu. picture someone carelessly cutting across the wake of a motorboat on one or two skis. Even though this version of waterskiing is undeniably enjoyable, it is not the one I grew up with. I associate waterskiing with six orange buoys, small private lakes, tournaments and a tight-knit group of skiers who like Mexican food a lot.

MACKENZIE RANDOLPH

Contrary to popular belief, there is an entire organized sport revolving around waterskiing where most tournaments consist of three consecutive events: slalom, trick and jump.

Slalom skiing involves cutting around six buoys on a single ski as the boat moves in a straight path at either 34 or 36 mph. As a person becomes more advanced, they continue to shorten the rope, making it more difficult to turn around each buoy.

Trick skiing is very similar to wake-boarding; the main difference is that trick skis don’t have a fin and, therefore, feel more slick in the water. Trick requires incredible balance and is probably the most entertaining event to watch because higher-level skiers will throw flips and gracefully perform all sorts of difficult maneuvers.

Jump is the most dangerous of all three events because jumpers are launched off a ramp and judged on how far they can fly. A jumper is positioned on two long skis and is pulled by a boat steered parallel to the jump ramp. Once the boat nears the ramp a jumper will cut

across the wake towards the ramp, then proceed to launch themselves into the air. As you can imagine, jumping leads to some insane, Tosh.0 worthy crashes – just check YouTube.

Going to tournaments, or just simply visiting practice sites, is an incredible way to spend a sunny afternoon outdoors. Not only are the events entertaining to watch, but the atmosphere at tournament lakes is usually pretty laid-back, especially when you compare it to the atmosphere of other competitive sports. Because waterskiing in the States is such a small, close-knit sport, everyone typically knows each other and, for the most part, people are incredibly supportive of each other’s achievements on the water.

Waterskiing also encompasses all age groups from young kids to retired adults. Although everyone competes in their individual age groups, the variety of ages represented at these tournaments allows a distinct, family-oriented environment. There are many cases (myself included) where people are introduced to this sport just because one or both of their parents compete. Since there isn’t a lot of press surrounding waterskiing events, many water-skiers also develop their interest in the sport solely because they already knew someone involved.

Collegiate waterskiing is even more relaxed than the official all-age level tournaments.

Because some people there don’t even know how to ski the course, it relieves some of the pressure to perform at your absolute best; making skiing more about having a good time than getting the highest possible score. Also, when half your team is hungover from the night before, it’s hard to expect them to ski at their highest performance level.

I’ve been waterskiing and going to tournaments ever since I can remember, and it has meant a lot to me over the years. It’s one of the only sports I haven’t entirely failed at because of my lack of hand-eye coordination and it’s also a way for me to spend time with my dad. I encourage everyone to go to a tournament and, if your feeling ballsy, find a waterski club and try out competitive waterskiing. Just, maybe, you’ll love it as much as I do.

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