playing in HK : LSC

[kwun]

i went with Cheung to play some baddy in LSC last night. it was a good evening of badminton.

i haven't been to LSC before. but it turns out it is within a short drive from Cheung's place so i just had to show up in Cheung's place and he drove over there.

there were already a fair number of people in the gym, there are a total of 6 courts, and no A/C! but i have been warned about that. i brought over 3 extra t-shirts and towels and bottle of water.

it was nice as the level for double is above mine, but not too much that i get completely trashed. most games ended up in the 15-10 +/- region.

what striked me though was the friendliness of the players in the club. i felt that there were not any snobbishness. there are some really good players and some so so ones. and every one are allowed to jump into the court and play. sometimes the poorer players get mixed with the better ones, and they still try to accomodate and remained friendly . and then i myself being a stranger to the club, i was invited to play a couple of times as well.

the level was high though, there is an obvious show of superior racket and mental skill. it is very difficult to describe, but the stroke execution of an asian player is obviously different than a N. American player. not just the level of skill, but the smoothness/deception of the stroke and the choice of shots.

anyway, i had a great time, won some games, lost some games. but i think i played my level.

and the heat. MY GOODNESS. it is intense. after just a game or two. i was completely drenched in sweat. the gym itself is like a sauna. even sitting down, i could feel the heat emitting from my legs. it was the similar feeling as getting a sunburn. i had to constantly walk around to fan the heat a little bit. going outside doesn't help either, it is just as hot and humid outside!

the heat somehow drains energy from one. i played only 3-4 games and i felt as tired as playing a whole afternoon back in the states. i am able to play a whole afternoon in the states and still play some singles afterwards. perhaps it is just whether somebody is accustomed to the heat?

[Cheung]

So you enjoyed yourself. Warned you about the water. Surprised you only brought two small bottles.

the stroke execution of an asian player is obviously different than a N. American player. not just the level of skill, but the smoothness/deception of the stroke and the choice of shots.

I would just say that refers to people ON AVERAGE becasue there must be some really good players in N America;)

[Bbn]

If u are playing nearer the Equator

you will need to drink 2 litres (2 large coke bottles)

after a 1 hr session of about 3 -4 games,

oherwise you'll go home dehydrated with migrane and

nausea.

Anyway that was what I underwent before Cheung's medical advice.

If u are reading this Cheung, hope u settle down well in new home

and new family.Don't forget to send me the tape of Zhao playing Liem Swie King

in 1985 AE when you find the time.

[Sidesurfer]

Excuse me, can someone tell me more about this badminton club ? i used to play in LSC , but its almost 15yrs ago :P

Thanks
Ss

[Pete LSD]

Originally posted by kwun
i went with Cheung to play some baddy in LSC last night. it was a good evening of badminton.

i haven't been to LSC before. but it turns out it is within a short drive from Cheung's place so i just had to show up in Cheung's place and he drove over there.

there were already a fair number of people in the gym, there are a total of 6 courts, and no A/C! but i have been warned about that. i brought over 3 extra t-shirts and towels and bottle of water.

it was nice as the level for double is above mine, but not too much that i get completely trashed. most games ended up in the 15-10 +/- region.

what striked me though was the friendliness of the players in the club. i felt that there were not any snobbishness. there are some really good players and some so so ones. and every one are allowed to jump into the court and play. sometimes the poorer players get mixed with the better ones, and they still try to accomodate and remained friendly . and then i myself being a stranger to the club, i was invited to play a couple of times as well.

the level was high though, there is an obvious show of superior racket and mental skill. it is very difficult to describe, but the stroke execution of an asian player is obviously different than a N. American player. not just the level of skill, but the smoothness/deception of the stroke and the choice of shots.

anyway, i had a great time, won some games, lost some games. but i think i played my level.

and the heat. MY GOODNESS. it is intense. after just a game or two. i was completely drenched in sweat. the gym itself is like a sauna. even sitting down, i could feel the heat emitting from my legs. it was the similar feeling as getting a sunburn. i had to constantly walk around to fan the heat a little bit. going outside doesn't help either, it is just as hot and humid outside!

the heat somehow drains energy from one. i played only 3-4 games and i felt as tired as playing a whole afternoon back in the states. i am able to play a whole afternoon in the states and still play some singles afterwards. perhaps it is just whether somebody is accustomed to the heat?

In short, I had the same experience. The heat emitted from my body really scared me!!! I thought I had a case of high fever - a human AMD Athlon :D :D :D

[kwun]

i think that's a good training though. next time i will definitely bring more fluid and a few extra t-shirts as well. no amount of t-shirts will ever be enough!

[Pete LSD]

Originally posted by kwun
i think that's a good training though. next time i will definitely bring more fluid and a few extra t-shirts as well. no amount of t-shirts will ever be enough!

I also forgot to mention that I spend more time wiping off the sweat than actually playing. Two towels are not enough!!! One needs three 2 litres of juice/water; three sets of collar shirts made of 100% cotton; two pairs of socks . . . etc.

[Pete LSD]

Originally posted by Cheung
So you enjoyed yourself. Warned you about the water. Surprised you only brought two small bottles.

the stroke execution of an asian player is obviously different than a N. American player. not just the level of skill, but the smoothness/deception of the stroke and the choice of shots.

I would just say that refers to people ON AVERAGE becasue there must be some really good players in N America;)

One Day, you really should play against Eric Yan in Vancouver. Guarantee you 100% satisfaction. :D

[adelina76]

Originally posted by kwun
i think that's a good training though. next time i will definitely bring more fluid and a few extra t-shirts as well. no amount of t-shirts will ever be enough!

Aiyoh Kwunny, you can always just recycle mah! Go to da toilet and produce a lemon flavoured sports drink! Full of vitamin! :p

*innocent look*

Cheeky Kiwibird strikes again! :P

[Winex West Can]

Originally posted by adelina76


Aiyoh Kwunny, you can always just recycle mah! Go to da toilet and produce a lemon flavoured sports drink! Full of vitamin! :p

*innocent look*

Cheeky Kiwibird strikes again! :P

Yikes!! Don't even go there. Yewwww! :eek:

[kwun]

Originally posted by Pete LSD


I also forgot to mention that I spend more time wiping off the sweat than actually playing. Two towels are not enough!!! One needs three 2 litres of juice/water; three sets of collar shirts made of 100% cotton; two pairs of socks . . . etc.

yeah. i did that. sat on the sideline trying to "evaporate", and then Cheung comes over and said, "hey, should jump in and play some more!" :)

[Cheung]

Originally posted by Sidesurfer
Excuse me, can someone tell me more about this badminton club ? i used to play in LSC , but its almost 15yrs ago :P

Thanks
Ss

There are different groups of people playing different nights there so it may not be the same club..
Name of this particular one is St George's

[Cheung]

Originally posted by Bbn

If u are reading this Cheung, hope u settle down well in new home

and new family.

The big move is coming soon. It's gonna be a headache. Coordination is a problem. Sales people are also not bringing up logistical problems to our knowledge.

[Cheung]

Originally posted by kwun


yeah. i did that. sat on the sideline trying to "evaporate", and then Cheung comes over and said, "hey, should jump in and play some more!" :)

Ahem, I couldn't understanding why Kwun was sitting down so much. I'd already played an extra game. It was only later that I saw the steam on his glasses:p

[HKFreak]

hi Kwun,
I just wondering if u can get me 5 packs of bg65ti and 5 packs of bg80 if it's not too much bother. I will pay u back after u come back from state since it's a lot cheaper in Hong Kong. I'm locate in Bimingham Alabama.

[Sidesurfer]

Originally posted by Cheung


There are different groups of people playing different nights there so it may not be the same club..
Name of this particular one is St George's

i c, maybe i will go there see if i can meet some old friends in there :p

Thanks
Ss

[kwun]

SS, did you go?

i went again on Monday. had great fun again.

i couple of comments.

a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement. i think in tropical climates, there is another even more important reason, if one sweats so much the grip is completely soaked, then there is another "dry" one sitting at the court side.

this was the first time i sweat so much i found that there are blue marking on my socks at the end of the day, the marking came from the sweat + the color from my SHB95.

[adelina76]

Originally posted by kwun
SS, did you go?

i went again on Monday. had great fun again.

i couple of comments.

a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement. i think in tropical climates, there is another even more important reason, if one sweats so much the grip is completely soaked, then there is another "dry" one sitting at the court side.

this was the first time i sweat so much i found that there are blue marking on my socks at the end of the day, the marking came from the sweat + the color from my SHB95.

Yes, based on all the clues provided to us by Cheung (glasses) and by Kwun himself here (blue marking)..I can elucidate from that Kwun's biggest secret that he's been hiding from us..you guys ready for this?

Kwun is actually Brainy Smurf in disguise!!!! :DWhat?! It's elementary my dear BF'ers!

Adelock Holmes

[Pecheur]

Originally posted by kwun
.

a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement.

Is this unusual? I almost always buy two of each racquet and string them the same too in case of breakages. I know quite a few peeps that buy 3 or 4.

[kwun]

Originally posted by Pecheur


Is this unusual? I almost always buy two of each racquet and string them the same too in case of breakages. I know quite a few peeps that buy 3 or 4.

no. not unusual at all. but i guess my point was that having more than one racket is beneficial not only againstly breakage, but also against sweaty grips. in fact, more so for sweat than for breakage.


yup. just another reason to buy more rackets. :)

[kwun]

Originally posted by adelina76


Yes, based on all the clues provided to us by Cheung (glasses) and by Kwun himself here (blue marking)..I can elucidate from that Kwun's biggest secret that he's been hiding from us..you guys ready for this?

Kwun is actually Brainy Smurf in disguise!!!! :DWhat?! It's elementary my dear BF'ers!

Adelock Holmes

well, at least i am the brainy one. :)

[Sidesurfer]

Originally posted by kwun
SS, did you go?

i went again on Monday. had great fun again.

i couple of comments.

a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement. i think in tropical climates, there is another even more important reason, if one sweats so much the grip is completely soaked, then there is another "dry" one sitting at the court side.

this was the first time i sweat so much i found that there are blue marking on my socks at the end of the day, the marking came from the sweat + the color from my SHB95.

Not yet, i only free on Tuesday nite :( is there games on Tuesday nite ? maybe i will go tonite :p

Ss

[kwun]

Originally posted by Sidesurfer


Not yet, i thought its on tuesday nite, is it ? :rolleyes: i probably will go tonite after work:)

Ss

the St. George's is on Monday and Wednesday only. 6.30-9 something. i think.

[Sidesurfer]

Originally posted by kwun


the St. George's is on Monday and Wednesday only. 6.30-9 something. i think.

how about tonite ? n is there any clubs for LSC old boys ?

Thanks
Ss

[kwun]

Originally posted by Sidesurfer


how about tonite ? n is there any clubs for LSC old boys ?

Thanks
Ss

oh. that i am not sure... Cheung is the tour gude. :)

[Sidesurfer]

Originally posted by kwun


oh. that i am not sure... Cheung is the tour gude. :)

Ic, i think Cheung will answer my question sometime late :D

Thanks
Ss

[Pete LSD]

Originally posted by kwun
SS, did you go?

i went again on Monday. had great fun again.

i couple of comments.

a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement. i think in tropical climates, there is another even more important reason, if one sweats so much the grip is completely soaked, then there is another "dry" one sitting at the court side.

this was the first time i sweat so much i found that there are blue marking on my socks at the end of the day, the marking came from the sweat + the color from my SHB95.

Yes, that's correct. The amount of sweat generated is so incredible that one needs to change racquet after two games. I found out the hard way when I lost grip and the racquet flew out of my hand. Needless to say the old lady I partnered with wasn't too pleased. Other people were also giggling. It was very embarassing indeed. :o

[Cheung]

Originally posted by Sidesurfer


Ic, i think Cheung will answer my question sometime late :D

Thanks
Ss

Sorry don;t know of Tues night.

I heard there's a club on Thursday and Friday but I don;t know the details.

[AKFT]

Originally posted by kwun
a lot of people have a couple of identical rackets. most of the times, the reason for it is so that when one breaks there is an identical replacement. i think in tropical climates, there is another even more important reason, if one sweats so much the grip is completely soaked, then there is another "dry" one sitting at the court side.



Should we now double our original estimate of the number of rackets Kwun will buy?

:D

PS: I noticed you have the same problem with the color run with the insole of the SHB-95. It is most annoying since the color is impossible to bleach off!

[Sidesurfer]

Originally posted by Cheung


Sorry don;t know of Tues night.

I heard there's a club on Thursday and Friday but I don;t know the details.

ic , thanks:)

Ss

[raymond]

A dump question. Is it common to find in H.K. badminton gyms that don't have
air-conditioning? I keep hearing all this sweating. I suppose people can go
to one with AC, if they're popular.

I know, air cond. could create drift. But I suppose they can at least have
a rest lounge or something. People can really cool down when they're off
their games?

[Cheung]

Originally posted by raymond
A dump question. Is it common to find in H.K. badminton gyms that don't have
air-conditioning? I keep hearing all this sweating. I suppose people can go
to one with AC, if they're popular.

I know, air cond. could create drift. But I suppose they can at least have
a rest lounge or something. People can really cool down when they're off
their games?

Raymond, you must be living in luxury:)

Actually, a lot of places do have aircon. But the cost of playing is correspondingly greater.

[kwun]

i agree with Cheung. having a badminton gym with a A/C lounge sounds really luxurious. in a real club perhaps. i have played in a tennis club in Pittsburgh that has a little bar and sitting area overseeing the badminton court. you can order a martini and some peanuts and watch your friends play while you rest. i heard the fee to get into that club is astronomical though. i didn't even bother to ask then.

[Tezta.com]

I do notice that most of the indoor games halls have aircon on full blast. I train sometimes at the Hong kong park IGH on cotton tree dr. and It is freezing in there. The worst part about playing in HK is when the outside temp goes down, they still keep the aircon on in the gym, i feel like im in Alaska.

[kwun]

Originally posted by AKFT


Should we now double our original estimate of the number of rackets Kwun will buy?

:D




i am finding excuse to justify my badminton expenses, don't pop my bubble already! :) :)

[kwun]

Originally posted by Tezta.com
I do notice that most of the indoor games halls have aircon on full blast. I train sometimes at the Hong kong park IGH on cotton tree dr. and It is freezing in there. The worst part about playing in HK is when the outside temp goes down, they still keep the aircon on in the gym, i feel like im in Alaska.

so true! i used to be (well, still am...) a skinny kid. and going in and out of A/C rooms all day i always catch a very bad case of cold + running nose, and this is in the middle of the hot summer! it make it worse when i spent my whole lunch hour playing badminton in the school yard so i have sweat all over.

[raymond]

Originally posted by Cheung


Raymond, you must be living in luxury:)

Actually, a lot of places do have aircon. But the cost of playing is correspondingly greater.

What's the percentage difference in price we're talking about? If it's not too much,
I personally would prefer the places with A.C.

WHile I never got a chance to play badminton in H.K. (well, actually I did,
but at that time, I didn't know how to play at all, nor didn't quite appreciate
this sport), an Athletic center in Ottawa, Canada has a dedicated badminton
gymn, that has 8 (?) courts with international standard (i.e. lights are
on the sides, and they're white; dark background, badminton-only lines on wood
floor etc). Anyway, they've an air-conditioned lounge about the side of a
badminton court (maybe slightly bigger). When you're taking a break from
your game, you can cool down inside, either watching TV program, or watch
more matches via a big glass window. Or you may go upstair to the cafe to
have a drink or have some snack, and still be able to watch matches downstair
via their glass windows.

And I found it rather affordable too. Around $200-300 a year. You can play
practically every day, any time from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. At that time, I used to
spend 5-6 hours there every other evening. I thought that was heaven.

Okay, maybe H.K. is very much different. But I'd think putting air-cond in a small
room the side of a badminton court shouldn't be too much $$??

[kwun]

well, considering this is HK. the air con wouldn't be expensive, the cost of running the air con wouldn't be too bad either. however, the cost of the small room itself would be astronomical... :)