Let’s Go Hiking!
Hiking is one of the most accessible ways to get into nature in an intimate way. It’s slow. It gives us time to experience our surroundings as we go. We …
outdoor skills
“I believe I’ll go canoeing” – Henry David Thoreau
I know I’m biased when I say canoeing is a wonderful activity. Here in Minnesota, recreational boating is second only to walking as the favorite outdoor activity. And a full …
Kayak vs. Canoe vs. Paddleboard
Kayak or canoe or stand-up paddleboard—which is best? It depends! Paddlesports, especially kayaking, have been growing exponentially here in the US during this COVID-19 season. There are several reasons for …
10 Top Reasons to Use Trekking Poles [Video]
Casual day hikers don’t commonly use trekking poles here in the US…and least not yet. I understand they’ve been common in Europe for many years, though. Why? What are we …
Dynamic vs. Static Stretching: What You Need to Know
Whether it’s a daily workout or an occasional activity like a hike, bike ride or paddle, it’s important to prepare our muscles. In the old days, when I was in …
Cross Country Ski Basics
Cross country, or nordic, skiing is an awesome and fun winter sport that most anyone can do. It’s also one of the best all-around exercises for us. Here are some …
Snowshoeing: How to Get Started
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible outdoor winter activities. It’s also one of the easiest to get started in. No athletic ability is required—if you can walk, you can …
So You Want to be a Runner? Here are Some Basics…
Of the half of all Americans who participate in outdoor recreation, running and/or jogging is the top choice. So says the Outdoor Participation Report for 2018, 2017, 2016 and I …
Get Started Canoeing
Canoeing is a great example of an outdoor activity that’s both entry-level and can be advanced, depending on the water you paddle and your goals. You can get started canoeing …