Photo by mtsofan

Adventurers have circled the Earth on all manner of bicycles. Joff Summerfield is currently on this third attempt to tour the world by penny farthing. Matador’s own Tim Patterson prefers to pedal a folding bike with 20-inch wheels, rucksack strapped to the back.

While acknowledging that the possibilities are endless, what follows is a summary of conventional wisdom for selecting a touring bicycle:

Models

Most bikes can be very roughly divided into two groups: mountain and road. Mountain bikes are built for all-terrain riding, road bikes for just that—the road.

Mountain: general, it’s easier to outfit mountain bikes for touring. They encourage a more comfortable upright riding posture, accommodate thick tires, come with low gearing for sweating up hills, and better withstand abuse.

Tourers in areas lacking paved roads prefer mountain bikes. In addition to their overall ruggedness, most mountain bikes have front-suspension forks to eat up the shock of bumpy terrain.

Road bikes are designed to be speedy and agile. They only fit skinny tires and are not constructed to bear the weight of a touring load. In addition, stock gears on road bikes are too high for many tourers.

For those seriously interested in cycle touring, it’s worth looking into some dedicated touring models. These combine features of both mountain and road bikes, along with others specially created for the task of touring.

Like mountain bikes, touring-specific models fit larger tires and fenders, sit riders more upright, and are built to withstand the rough and tumble. Like road bikes, they often come with drop handlebars to increase hand-position options and have no front suspension.

Unfortunately, these bikes are much harder to find than their more popular cousins, especially in the U.S., where touring has yet to take off. Trek’s 520 and Cannondale’s T1/T2 are the two best-known touring-specific models in the Western Hemisphere.

photo by magical-world

Material

For touring, your two options will be steel or aluminum. Titanium may occasionally crop up—most frequently in tandems and recumbents—but use of this ultra-durable, light-weight metal will spike the cost.

High-end road bikes feature carbon-fiber frames to lessen their weight. This material is unsuitable for touring, as it’s weaker than metal and could crumple under the heft of rack and panniers.

The steel vs. aluminum debate is a heated one among tourers. While steel is heavier and susceptible to rust, popular opinion says it makes for a smoother ride. Sheldon Brown does a good job of debunking this assertion, but according to a poll on crazyguyonabike.com, 79% of tourers prefer steel frames.

Geometry

When it comes to comfort, a frame’s geometry is probably more important than its material. Geometry refers to the ratios between the different tube lengths that make up the frame.

Touring-specific frames have a longer wheelbase; the linear distance between the two wheels is greater than that of traditional bikes. Longer chainstays and a raked fork make this possible, with the results being greater stability and comfort.

photo by cincinnato

Another thing to look for in a frame is wheel clearance. You want enough room for at least a 32mm tire (probably a 35 or bigger), plus a fender.

As with any bike, it’s important to get a frame that fits you correctly. Browse the endless theories on the issue here, or simply ask a professional.

Touring Frame Features

A touring bike has to perform—handle well under load, support rear and front racks and panniers, and possess a drivetrain you can rely on day after day.

You know a bicycle was designed with touring in mind if it has eyelets (threaded holes) on the rear dropouts, seat stays, and fork. These represent the easiest way to mount rear and front racks onto the bike. The installation of most fenders also requires special eyelets in the frame.

If your dream bike is missing the eyelets, don’t despair. Mountain bikes with front suspension, for example, aren’t going to have eyelets in the fork. There are ways to get around this, such as clamp-on racks or those that run a support skewer through the wheel axle. Alternatively, you could pull a trailer instead of mounting panniers.

Another nice touch to look for is an extra pair of eyelets on the down tube for a third water bottle cage.

Wheels

The weight of your entire touring setup is going to rest on your bicycle’s two wheels. They must be able to shoulder the load.

Again, you’ll likely be presented with two choices: 26-inch wheels (the standard for mountain bikes and most bicycles around the world) or the slightly larger 700c (common on road bikes). The former are by physical definition stronger, and tires for them will be in stock worldwide.

More important for strength, however, are the quality of rim construction and the number of spokes. Dedicated-touring models should feature at least 36 spokes per wheel, four more than an average bicycle.

photo by magical-world

Components

Generally, tourers like a gear ratio closer to that of a mountain bike than a road bike. In other words, they want a fuller range of slow-speed options when grinding up a steep incline.

Unfortunately, many touring-specific models come stocked with road-bike cranksets. If yours does, and you want to swap it out, do so before the purchase. Bike shops will often exchange components for free to close a sale; after the deal is done, you’ll have to buy any new parts yourself.

Touring necessitates strong brakes that can effectively slow the heavy weight of a loaded bike. Cantilever brakes, such as those on most mountain bikes, are your best bet, the V-brake system being most common.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. Opt for the tried and true component over the flashy trial model. Complex shifting, suspension, and braking systems will be more difficult to repair on the fly.

On the road, reliability is priceless.

Manufacturer

Racks, panniers, front and rear fenders, cantilever brakes, strong tires, plenty of gears, and even a front suspension are a few of the essentials that can make a bike a dedicated touring machine. Photo by vikapproved

Whoever builds your bike, you want their reputation to be solid. But even here you have options.

Brand name: Bikes sold by the big boys come with a proven track record and, hopefully, a lower price tag. In addition to Trek and Cannondale, Fuji and REI make popular touring models.

But because bigger corporations cater to the center of a large demographic, your precise needs as a tourer might not be fully addressed. Remember to factor any costs for new accessories into the price of the bike.

Custom builder: Nothing could be sweeter than sporting your very own custom-built touring machine. Have the frame constructed to fit your body, then add components as you like. You’ll pay more, but you’ll get more.

Waterford, Rivendell, and Bruce Gordon are a few well-known names in custom building.

Accessories

Saddles, tires, racks…these are important elements of your touring rig as well. However, most manufacturers assume you’re going to change them out to suit personal preference, so stock accessories are often of lesser quality than the bike. It’s easy to mix and match once you’ve found the ride that’s right for you.

Community Connection

For an in-depth purchasing guide to the makers and manufacturers of various bikes and components, check out Bicycle Touring: a Solid Setup.

And for a little inspiration, check out Matador contributing editor Tim Patterson’s blogs about his own bicycle touring adventures: give Crossing the Chic Choc Mountains or The Blue Side of Lonely a read.

Also be sure to check out Hal’s 8 Steps for Successful Self-Supported Bicycle Tours.

Feature photo by Guy Incognito. Photo above by <<<...Buddhamountain ...

Whether you’re hucking off a cliff into chest-deep snow, or just taking quiet walk through your local woods, outdoor adventure can be lifelong pathway to health and well-being, and a great way to connect with friends, explore new places, and gain new perspectives on your home terrain.

Thought about trying a new outdoor activity? Here are 11 ideas for 2009. We’ve broken them down into three categories: lifelong skills, high adventures, and adventure-based travels.

Lifelong skills

Photo by <<<...Buddhamountain...

Telemark Skiing

In her recent article, a First Timer’s Guide to Telemark Skiing, Chrysser explained:

Telemark or free heel skiing refers to a turn developed in the Telemark regionof Norway by Sondre Norheim in the mid 1800’s. Like Nordic or cross country skiing, the back heel remains unattached to the ski’s base. This allows for cross country stride and glide on the flats or hiking uphill with sticky skins attached to reach peaks for descents.

Telemark skis are also designed for high-performance downhill skiing. The bottom line: telemarking gives you unparalleled access to backcountry terrain. Or even if you’re just making smooth free-heel turns on the groomers: you’ll find yourself part of a proud community.

Click here for our complete Gear Guide for Telemarking.

Photo by Spencer Cooke

Whitewater Paddling

In his recent guide on How to Get Started Whitewater Paddling, David Miller wrote:

Most people who don’t paddle associate kayaking with adrenaline sports.

And while there is undoubtedly that thrill-seeking element, once you really get into paddling, you’ll find that it’s more about gaining access to places you couldn’t get to otherwise.

This might be an isolated gorge like the one pictured here, a campsite on the bend of a high-desert river 50 miles from any trail, or even on the green face of a wave pumping right through the middle of your town.

And you’ll also learn how friendships and communities are built up around certain rivers and whitewater centers, and that extended families have created entire lifestyles around time spent on the water.

Like winter camping, tele-skiing or winter-camping, paddling is something you can begin this year, and progress with over a lifetime.

Parkour

Photo: Josa Jr.

Stuck in an urban center but still want easy access to a daily outdoor adventure? Check out Parkour. Developed in France and based on soldier’s training exercises during the Vietnam war, parkour is like skateboarding without a skateboard. You traverse the city by athletically springing / climbing / jumping over obstacles.

Surf

Most people who try surfing a few times give up because the hard part (learning to catching waves) comes at you in much greater proportion than the fun part (actually riding waves).

Photo: MillZero.com

That said, if you can put in the weeks and months it takes to truly begin catching and riding waves, you’ll learn more about yourself (there’s a lot of thinking time just sitting out in the lineup, waiting between sets) than almost any other activity.

Winter Camping

Photo by papalar

Most people curtail their outdoor activities in wintertime, especially camping. They’re missing one of the great pleasures. Because winter camping centers all around staying warm, it often leads to “best dinner you ever had” scenarios and truly memorable views of stars or endless moonlit snowfields.

With the proper gear and especially the right group of friends, winter just might become your favorite season to be outdoors.

High Adventures

Snow wall on Matterhorn. Photo by: Ezzzk.

Climb the biggest mountain you can find.

There are hundreds of massive peaks still reachable by mere mortals , as well as truly dangerous summits.

No matter what you plan on doing, however, a day spent climbing a mountain is never wasted.

Go backcountry.

Photo by Andre Charland

Have you put in several seasons on your local ski hill? Feeling confident in your skiing or riding abilities?

To experience the true freedom of the mountains you have to venture into the backcountry. Consider getting your safety (avalanche) training and beginning a new fitness regiment to prepare for hitting the backcountry in 2009. Learn more at our First Timer’s Guide to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding.

Adventure-based travels

Already a hardcore ski-mountaineer, paddler . . . one of those guys that works as a dishwasher in Jackson, WY and summits the Grand before working a double shift? Here are a few travel-related adventures to mix things up if you’re looking for something new in 2009.

Note: Craig Martin contributed the following selections.

Run with the bulls.

Photo by wili_hybrid

Most festivals don’t involve a brush with death, but the yearly running of the bulls in Pamplona gives you the chance to test your sprinting and turning skills to the utmost as ton upon ton of heaving, bristling beast charges up the steep slope and along the city streets.

Hump along with a camel safari.

Photo by shawnbot

These amazing beasts are reputed to be none too friendly, but don’t let that put you off. Camping under the stars after a hard day camel-back riding gives you a chance to kick back, relax and ponder the grand things in life: the wildlife you saw, people you met, the stars, and the pain.

The Australian outback, North Africa, and India are all popular places to give it a go.

Go on an African safari.

Photo: lemoncat1

Prefer big cats to beasts of burden? An African safari will amaze you and might even convince you to join a conservation group.

Reduce your carbon footprint by walking the parks: Kruger National Park (South Africa) has guided walks with gun-toting rangers circling back to the safety of camp each night.

SCUBA Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Photo: dirkyhorn

Snorkeling clear reefs is one thing, but getting past the fear of full submersion and trusting the SCUBA equipment is another.

2009 is the year to get down deep and explore bright coral and alien sea creatures.. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia is many people’s first choice, but try getting your feet wet in Palau, one of the world’s newest countries. It’s a seldom-mentioned gem.

Got something better you’d like to have a go at? Tell us all about it in the comments.

We’d shed our outer gear, letting it dry by the fire, and were enjoying a few adult beverages and some well deserved appetizers at Lamoille Lodge, the sun safely behind the Ruby Mountains for over an hour now. The tattoo on Gary’s left bicep caught my eye–profile of an Arctic tern sticking its head out of an oversized vase. I had to ask.

“Explain your ink please, Gary.”

“Earn your turns Chrys, Earn your turns.” he replied, finishing off the last bits of a deep fried whole onion better prepared than those offered at a certain Australian themed restaurant chain.

Earn your turns = Urn Your Terns. Ah…I got it. A new mantra now I was no longer considered a telemark virgin.

I’d just finished my first backcountry tour with a group of exploration geologists and Forest Service types calling the remote NE corner of Nevada home. We’d taken snowmobiles to the head of a glaciated, u-shaped canyon and for six glorious hours worked our way up, then down some of the most pristine powder I’d ever touched.

That was 1994 and I haven’t put on traditional downhill alpine skiing gear since. Blame the opening ceremony of the Lillehammer Olympics, or buried genetics from my father’s Norwegian clan, but the telemark turn and the places it can take me is firmly implanted in my body’s collective unconscious.

Photo by <<<...Buddhamountain ...

Telemark Basics

Telemark or free heel skiing refers to a turn developed in the Telemark region of Norway by Sondre Norheim in the mid 1800’s. Like Nordic or cross country skiing, the back heel remains unattached to the ski’s base. This allows for cross country stride and glide on the flats or hiking uphill with sticky skins attached to reach peaks for descents.

The loose heel requires a different approach when heading downhill. The skis are not kept parallel, but staggered, half of more of your body weighting the outside ski to create the turn. The inside heel is off the ground until a natural gravity shifts the position and your feet switch roles, steering you in the opposite direction.

The telemark turn transforms two skis into one long, extended curve, one that can be shortened or lengthened depending on conditions. It is the perfect way to feel the snow. You can take your body low to the ground, bend your knee till it almost touches the top of the ski.

Sounds easy, huh? I thought it would be, having been an avid skier for a quarter century.

Combining the two proved more difficult than I imagined. I ate a lot of snow my first year, used many expletives heard from chair lifts around the western United States, either in the presence of an instructor, patient friend, or on my own.

I didn’t understand why my well honed alpine muscle memory didn’t snap up this new connection of moves and immediately make me a master. But my stubborn Norwegian self kept at it and within one season I completed smooth, connected turns, admiring my trail of “S’s” from the bottom with only a few good friends and a gray jay or two as witnesses.

Photo by dirkgroeger

So here’s a skinny Scandinavian Girl’s Guide to a Close to Perfect Telemark Turn:

1) Take a lesson at a ski hill. It helps to ski on groomed conditions in the beginning. I did this at Mount Bachelor mid-week in December before the Christmas crush.

My instructor was strikingly handsome in that outdoorsy way and since he didn’t have another student for the afternoon session, skied with me the entire day. The confidence factor was high when the lifts shut down. As a bonus I had a lovely companion to quaff après ski Black Butte Porters in Bend afterwards.

2) Start with equipment designed for telemark, or a lighter, softer downhill ski with telemark bindings attached. Shaped skis have made mastering free heel skiing simpler than ever. As with any new sport, rent your gear at first.

Leather boots are still used, more common in Europe than anywhere else. Durable polymer boots leaning towards a downhill design are the most common these days.

Depending on the boot, you will either have a traditional three pin binding with a trio of holes to secure the boot’s bill, a cable binding rapping around the heel for more stability, or an even beefier hinged plate binding, allowing skiers to switch from free hill technique to alpine. The first two set-ups are best for novices.

3) As you practice let gravity work for you. You’ll feel the shift as the transition from one turn to another evolves. Don’t be discouraged if you fall… a lot! “If you aren’t falling you aren’t learning.” Know you are making progress when you fall forwards, not backwards. Besides fresh snow tastes great.

4) If possible ski with people better than you. Tracking good skiers is visual motivation and mimicking at its best.

5) Once you are relatively confident with your turns at the yo-yo resorts (an inside reference to the up and down chairlift method of getting up the hill), start thinking backcountry. Contemplate wilderness with no mass of skiers beside you. The beauty of telemark skiing for me is experiencing the rush of skiing and nature’s chilly beauty in the hidden chutes and bowls.

Photo by <<<...Buddhamountain...

Your First Telemark Trip

I’m a bit of a loner but backcountry telemark is not a sport to take on solo. Always have a companion or better yet a gang so y’all can admire the figure eights decorating the hillside.

Concentrate on local day trips until those quads are straining at your Levis and you feel comfortable with variable snow conditions. Then step it up and go for a long weekend or even better, an entire week.

Wherever you land this winter, northern or southern hemisphere, how you get to the top of the mountain will depend on your wallet. Those who didn’t lose it all in the stock market this fall can opt for a helicopter ride almost anywhere the snow is cold and dry, the ranges massive.

There are less expensive snow cats, snow machines, or your own diagonal glide power (urn your terns baby!). Stay tuned for killer destinations for those of us who explore in the winter as much as any other season.

Stall stands tell stories: what grows, what people eat, how they dress, talk and spend their money. Budget travelers need not shy away from the bustle simply because they’re not planning to buy. In fact, going penniless to the bazaar usually proves more interesting than wandering with a wad of cash. Not sure what to do besides shop? Consider one of the following agendas:

Get the Goods on Your Goods

Go ahead, eyeball the abalone necklace you can’t live without. Yet instead of asking its price, discover who made it, where and how the abalone was harvested, how it was cut and carried to the market. Does it have a singular origin or will you see this same piece of jewelry throughout your travels? What should you look for in a good piece of abalone?

Query as much as you can, and do so from several vendors; answers might vary, which makes finding the truth more challenging. Later, when you are ready to purchase your necklace, you’ll be armed with information and guaranteed to grab a fair deal.

Practice Bartering

Attempt two kinds of bartering during your penniless walk: first, “get off my back” bargaining, where you try to rid yourself of unwanted hawkers. Low ball your first offer and when the vendor counters, toss out a figure lower than the first. For example, go from five shillings to three, then down to two. The salesperson won’t know what to do with you, and is likely to become frustrated and give up.

Second, practice “I gotta have this” bartering. Choose an item you have no interest in: say a Peewee Herman coaster set. Because you’re sussing out prices for something you’d never buy, your emotions won’t play a role; you could haggle all day long and not care.

See how low the vendor will go, but be careful not to agree on a price; otherwise, the expectation is that you’ll buy the item. Use the final price as an indicator of fair market value for other items. As a general rule of thumb, let the salesman declare the first price; work down from there.

Meet the Locals

Gossip, recipes and village news sell faster in the market than on the street. Take advantage of shoptalk and chat it up with a friendly looking salesperson. Inquire about his or her family, home, and work life. Ask for their favorite place to eat or how to make a local dish (don’t be surprised if they show you how to make it right then and there).

Have a well-dressed vendor explain traditional dress; ask about good hotels and must-see alleyways. If time is on your side, find a particularly welcoming local and visit him or her several days in a row. You’ll brighten their day and broaden your cultural experience.

Learn the Language

Purchase a local lexicon without spending a Lincoln: bring along a notebook, a pen and your best ear. At one stall, or many, inquire about common words and phrases in the local dialect. Start with ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Add ‘My name is’ and ‘How much?’ Write down the turns of phrase and practice them with your new local tutor. Both of you are bound to share a good laugh.

If they are interested, reciprocate by teaching the vendor a few of your own words they might use in their business. Enhance your vocabulary as you wander through the market: learn the word for “daisy” and “water” at the flower stand; “eggs” and “meat” from the butcher.

Set Out on a Scavenger Hunt

If traveling with others, devise a list of items you may find at the market. If traveling solo, ask people back home to email suggestions. Bring along a digital camera and capture the items on your list, one by one (be certain to ask for permission before taking a photo). Deem one person responsible for organizing the judging and a prize, be it a handmade certificate, a beer at dinner, or a group high-five.

Award points based on creativity, time spent, and quality of photos. To spice it up even more, dole out bonuses for including locals or a Where’s Waldo type of character in each picture.

Trade Trinkets

Ready to ditch your Levi’s because they take up too much space? Bring ‘em to the market. Establish their value beforehand, and what you’d like to acquire in their place. Surely, the abalone necklace will take up far less room, and since you already know the worth of the necklace, you’ll know if the trade will be fair.

Keep the item to be traded out of sight as you begin to barter and whittle the vendor down as much as you can. After acting disappointed at his lowest price, feign an epiphany, whip out your 501’s and negotiate a trade. This trick works wonders at street-side book and clothing stands. Remember though, not everyone is interested in your faded denim, so don’t throw a tantrum if your swap doesn’t suss out.

Finally, if headed out to the shops with friends, designate a central meeting place, as someone is bound to get lost. And as you walk away from the dizzying, colorful madness that is the market, count your memories—not your goods or your pennies—to validate an afternoon well spent.

Feature photo by Andre Charland.

With a tinge of fall creeping into the evening air, there’s no shame in dreaming about winter’s first snowfall. And for those tired of groomers and looking to ditch local lift lines (finally), now is the time to start prepping for your first backcountry adventure.

Ask yourself the following questions:

How do I know when I’m ready for backcountry?

Photo by Andre Charland

Maybe you clocked in over 100 days on the hill last year, mastered every double black diamond, cliff band and off-piste snow stash your local mountain has to offer and you’re ready for something new?

It’s safe to say that if you feel comfortable riding all mountain terrain in any type of conditions (moguls, ice, windblown crust, corn) you’re probably ready to explore what the highcountry has to offer.

Even if you’re not an expert level-skier / boarder, however, you can still work your way into the backcountry, starting off by venturing into terrain known as “sidecountry” or “slackcountry,” often the lower-elevation snowfields or approaches to higher peaks.

Normally, slackcountry requires less commitment than a full backcountry trip, and so is a good way to ease into the sport if you’re unsure of your skill and/or fitness level. Either way, you should still consider full backcountry safety training before heading out.

Are there safety courses I should take?

Practical knowledge and training can make the difference between an epic backcountry session and a catastrophic one.

Enroll in an avalanche safety course (most entry level courses only last a few days) and you’ll learn how to safely traverse backountry terrain, evaluate the snow pack, accurately follow weather patterns, select routes, and correctly use an avalanche beacon.

Some courses will also offer basic medical training and simulated emergency avalanche situations.

What to wear?

Photo by Dana Ranill

Comfort is the last thing you want to compromise when preparing for a backcountry trip. Invest in a jacket, pants and baselayers that keep you cool on the hike up, dry on the way down and offer you maximum mobility.

Long johns like Patagonia’s Capilene 3 baselayers do the job by wicking moisture when you start to sweat. Stay away from anything cottton.

A good pair of lightweight Gore-tex pants with leg-zippers for ventilation and a lightweight, waterproof Gore-tex jacket are essential.

Layering is the best way to keep your internal thermometer at just the right temp (and crankiness at bay). You can peel things off or put them on as you go.

It’s also a good idea to have two pairs of gloves or gloves with an insert that you can wear by itself for the hike up.

What to pack?

Getting ready to ride in the backcountry is almost like taking up a new sport; you need a lot of stuff. Take it easy on your pocket book by hitting up end of summer/Labor Day sales as well as factory outlets, and take the time to get exactly what you’re looking for.

First you’ll need a daypack that comfortably fits your frame, with enough straps for securing all gear. You’ll need a shovel, probe, and avalanche beacon (make sure the later has fully charged batteries).

Not that you’ll be running around the Aguille de Midi in Chamonix, but as you progress, you’ll want to learn how to use and carry crampons, an ice axe, harness, and rope.

It’s a good idea to have a multi-tool and spare snowboard or ski parts in your pack so you can make adjustments on the spot as well as basic medical supplies like band aids, an Ace bandage, Advil, sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF.

CamelBaks are handy when the weather’s nice, but if it’s too cold, the water will freeze in the tube if it’s not properly insulated.

Other must haves include polarized sunglasses (for the hike), which you can swap out at the top for goggles. Even a second pair of goggles comes in handy when you wipe out and still want to see the rest of the way down.

What to ride?

Photo by Andre Charland

You’ve got a several options when it comes to getting around in the backcountry. There’s the good old snowboard / ski boot pack if you know your hike is within 30 minutes of your car and there’s a well-established trail to follow.

Then you’ve got snowshoes, which are also handy if you find yourself breaking trail or hustling around in deep snow. If you go the snowshoe route, you’ll want to have a pair of collapsible poles. They help keep you balanced and carry stride, especially when you’re hunkered down with the weight of your board on your back.

If you’re thinking about new alpine skis this year, there’s a handy size guide for dialing in whatever types of planks you’re riding.

If you’re a snowboarder and planning on making a long-term commitment to backcountry riding, look into purchasing a splitboard. Splitboards separate lengthwise into two skis so you can ascend / traverse cross-country style.

To complete a splitboard setup, you’ll need skins (that keep your skis from sliding backwards on the uphill) and other splitboard hardware, in addition to collapsible poles. Burton makes great splitboards for men, but they don’t offer smaller sizes for the ladies.

Voile has splitboards dialed, and ranging in size from 154cm to 171cm, but you’re looking at upwards of $850. Venture Snowboards, a small company out of Colorado, has quite a few options to choose from and offers multiple gender friendly lengths, and then there’s EBay, where I saw one board go for around $500, a killer deal.

Where and when should I go?

Photo by gregor_y

Start small. There’s no sense in killing your legs and getting so frustrated with the terrain you’d rather snowshoe your way back down. Most classic backcountry hot spots that have a moderate slope (no 40-50 degree pitches here), minimal avalanche danger and easy hike up.

Here’s a list of North American classics , some of which you can even get turns in right now.

Your single best resource for learning where and when to go will be local experts. If you haven’t already, befriend your local ski patrol or even better, start training to become one of them.

Backcountry forums such as turns-all-year.com also provide great resources and even connection / partners for planning out trips.

Believe me, the first time you make turns in untouched pow, it won’t matter that the run is shorter than the bunny slopes. Guaranteed, your first time in the backcountry will be some of the best riding of your life.

Community Connection

We have a bunch of backcountry skiers and riders in our community. For a classic tale about freeskiing pioneers and general big-mountain shredding, check out Feeling Gravity’s Pull, an in-depth look at Matador member Tal Fletcher and the his original crew back in Squaw Valley.

Interested in meeting and connecting with other backcountry riders? Join us.

Spencer Cooke making it look easy.

Frontpage photo by Scot Campbell.

Most people who don’t paddle associate kayaking with adrenaline sports.

And while there is undoubtedly that thrill-seeking element, once you really get into paddling, you’ll find that it’s more about gaining access to places you couldn’t get to otherwise.

This might be an isolated gorge like the one pictured here, a campsite on the bend of a high-desert river 50 miles from any trail, or even on the green face of a wave pumping right through the middle of your town.

And you’ll also learn how friendships and communities are built up around certain rivers and whitewater centers, and that extended families have created entire lifestyles around time spent on the water.

Beyond the quick rush of running a drop, paddling is something that unfolds over a lifetime.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Find a local paddling club.

Start local. The Internet works for initial inquires, but nothing is better than talking to folks close to home to get an idea of what the local runs are, who is paddling them, and what’s required to be safe and happy in the water.

It can be intimidating coming up to a new group as a total novice, but remember that paddling clubs often tend to focus on bringing beginners “up through the ranks.” It’s one of the main reasons why they exist, and often you’ll find a few core members of each group who love nothing more than taking first-timers down the river.

Paddle clubs can be found in most cities throughout the US and Canada. Most universities have paddle clubs. Your local paddle shop may also be able to steer you towards a club.

Slalom Racing

In addition to straight-up whitewater clubs, there are also whitewater racing clubs nationwide. These clubs focus on coaching slalom racing technique, using race-courses built (usually) on very mild whitewater or even flatwater, up through courses on powerful whitewater.

Italian National C-2 team racing in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. One of the least well-known sports, whitewater slalom racing has been part of the Olympics since 1936. Photo by David Ian Roberts.

Because of their dedication to technique and training, slalom racers (and coaches) are usually among the best paddlers in the country, and great resources for learning how to paddle.

Getting started with a race-club may or may not require an investment in special equipment (a race boat), in addition to any club dues, but either way, getting coached on proper paddling technique will jumpstart your skills on the river.

2. Take lessons with an American Canoeing Association (ACA) or other qualified instructor.

Many people have their first paddling experience sitting in the kayak of a friend in a lake or pool. This can work fine in many cases, however, a certified ACA instructor may be a better option, especially if you’re uncomfortable in the water.

Photo by Oso.

Look for group lessons that have a student to teacher ratio of 5 to 1 or less, or take a private lesson for your first time.

Typical first lessons include learning to wet-exit, learning to roll, and basically just getting comfortable in a craft that may seem, at first, too tight and confining (to properly fit in a boat it should feel like you’re “wearing” it).

3. Don’t buy gear, rent from local paddleshop or borrow from a club.

One of the most common mistakes people make (and one of the reasons for the great number of cheap “kayak packages” on craigslist) is going out and buying all new gear before they’ve really gotten hooked on paddling.

Then after initial setbacks or frustrations–with the roll, or perhaps an early scare on the river–they have second thoughts about paddling.

These doubts and negative feelings may be compounded if they’ve just dropped $1,000 on all new gear and now feel as they must prove they can paddle.

When you get in with a local crew or club you’ll find that most people have spare boats and gear that they’re happy to lend you. Playboater having fun in the foam pile. Photo by Wausaublog.

Through a combination of renting and borrowing gear (most paddlers are famous for having extra gear, holding onto old boats and sprayskirts for decades) you can eliminate that extra pressure of feeling like you have something to prove.

In addition, it also gives you a chance to try out lots of different types of gear and see what works for you.

Once you get truly hooked, and know exactly the boat/ gear you want, that’s the time to go and get your own.

4. Find your “training ground.” Pt. 1. Flatwater

Once you’ve had a few lessons, and are comfortable entering and exiting a boat, team up with a friend and take your borrowed / rented kayak or canoe to a lake or the flatwater section of a river, and just work on what your instructors have taught you.

A heavenly training ground. Photo: Chris Hemmerly.

It may take several hours just to make the boat go in a straight line, but simply being out there, soaking up the view and the feel of being on the water–this is what paddling is all about.

5. Learn to Roll.

For all paddlers, learning to roll is the first big challenge.

Clubs throughout the country typically run “pool-practice,” especially in the winter time, to concentrate on just this.

Each person learns it in his or her own time: it can take minutes or days or even weeks to hit your first roll, depending on your athletic ability and flexibility and comfort level being upside down in the water.

The main thing is not to let your immediate success or failure with the roll determine whether or not you’ll continue learning how to paddle. Even if you don’t have a roll yet, you can still enjoy your “training ground” (flatwater or easy class I and II rivers) with experienced paddlers.

Once you get the roll however, (and later, your “combat roll” or roll in the whitewater) you’ll open up a new level of confidence and ability to paddle more dynamic water.

One tip for pool classes: bring a pair of swim goggles. Eventually you’ll be able to roll by feel, but in the beginning, it helps to be able to see your hands, the paddle, the boat, and the top of the water, while upside down.

6. Training ground Pt. 2: A pair of eddies

Once you can paddle in a straight line on flatwater and are feeling confident and totally comfortable in your boat, the key now is to find another training ground. Growing up, I was lucky. I had the Chattahoochee River right by my house with miles of water perfect for this.

You don’t need to run a river to find this. All you need is a single set of shoals or chutes with a channel of current and an eddy, or ideally, a pair of eddies, one on either side of the flow.

Great Falls of the Potomac, a classic class V-VI mega-drop. Whether you’re running stuff like this or taking your first paddle strokes in a class II riffle, it’s all about respect. Photo by Guy Incognito.

You’ll probably learn about these spots from others in your paddle clubs, or from being taken there on lessons from an instructor. You can also learn where these spots are by studying the American Whitewater Association database .

Whether you paddle here with instructors, friends, or you’ll find that the real teacher is the river itself–the dynamics of the flow and how you can work with it or get worked by it. As you practice over and over—eddying out, ferrying, catching eddies, surfing–you’ll build the foundation of running whitewater on any scale.

The more time you spend learning here and the more confident you become–(Got your roll in the pool? Ok, try it there in the moving water, or in the eddy-line)–the more fun you’ll have when you take your first true river trip.

7. Your first River Trip

Once you’re comfortable at your training ground and at the pool, you’re ready for your first paddle trip. An ideal first trip should be with a group of paddlers with whom you feel comfortable and safe, with plenty of extra gear and warm clothes kept in drybags for inevitable swims.

Don’t forget to check out the beauty around you. The perspective from the water changes everything, including your sense of time. When you finally get to the takeout you’ll see the world differently.

The definition of a river trip: Wondering what’s around the bend. Floodstage on the Crystal River, Colorado. It took two days of driving, a night of camping, a two-mile hike, and a bottle of Jaegermeister (the night before) to get us to this sublime 15 minute stretch of whitewater. Photo by Alex Harvey.

8. Gear up.

Once you’re fully hooked, one of the most exciting moments is looking for and buying your first boat and paddle, plus other gear: PFD (Personal Floatation Device), helmet, spray skirt, dry-top or paddle jacket, booties / water shoes, and a dry bag.

A great place to find everything cheap is to look for used gear on Craigslist , and also the gear swap pages on Boater Talk, as well as used gear closeouts at your local whitewater shop.

Final thoughts

Above all, remember that paddling is a lifelong progression. The river teaches you lessons that are hard to learn anywhere else.

One of them: 90% of your success in running a rapid is determined in the approach, the set-up, which, translated here, means: if you’re just getting into whitewater paddling and want to keep at it for decades, start slow, enjoy the learning curve, keep it safe, and always stay in the flow.

community connection

Your number one resource in the US is the American Whitewater Association, which not only has a comprehensive list of most major whitewater runs nationwide, but also fights for river conservation, access issues, promotes safe paddling practices, and produces a top-quality monthly magazine.

Stay tuned for an upcoming companion article at MatadorTrips.com on the top 20 whitewater trips for beginning paddlers across N. America.

Feature photo by acastellano Photo above by Matador Community

Editor’s Introduction – David Miller:

This July 4th we stood on a dock at Green Lake waiting for the fireworks to begin strobing the dark sky above Seattle. Except for the occasional pop of a bottle rocket, it was peaceful there, quiet. Our 9-month old daughter slept in her car-seat. My parents stood nearby holding hands. The water lapped against the dock pilings and nobody said anything.

And yet the experiences we seek as “once in a lifetime,” the ones Josh Lew and other Matador community members have collected here, have a way of transcending time. Whether single events or processes that take weeks, months, or years, these experiences remind us that the world remains a magical place.

50 Things to do Before you Die

1. Set foot on each of the seven continents. Antarctica might be a tough one, but once you’ve reached all seven you can truly call yourself a world traveler.

2. Cross a country on a bicycle. A bicycle tour takes some planning, but it beats being separated from a country though a passenger-side window.

3. Ride something bigger than a horse. Trekking through the jungle on the back of a two story tall elephant will surely be something you remember forever.

Photo by Ben Ditto

4. Live like a local for a month. The experience of visiting native peoples will give you way more insight into another way of life than two years hopping from one backpacker ghetto to the next.

5. Visit a “real” blues bar in Chicago. What better way to leave music’s commercialism behind and find the soul of the blues?

6. Learn another language. This is definitely a weighty and time-consuming proposition, but there are plenty of resources out there to ease the process.

7. Go heli-skiing. The access to snow and terrain via heli is different (read: better) that anything else you’ll ever experience.

8. Travel India by train. With its extensive rail network, this mode of transport is the best way to see one of the world’s most colorful and diverse countries.

9. Climb one of the world’s Seven Summits. Climbing mountains is not for the faint-hearted, but everyone has had a dream of standing atop one.

10. Dive with a whale shark. Swimming with these gentle giants is among the most powerful wilderness experiences in the world.

11. Participate in a Carnival parade in Brazil. You haven’t had a good night out until you’ve been to the biggest party in a nation of big parties.

12. Dance Tango in Argentina.

13. Surf. It’s not about being a ripper but just catching waves.

14. SCUBA in the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef in the world is a must for dive enthusiasts. It is the world’s most unique aquatic environment.

15. Publish an article about your travels. Part of traveling is sharing your experiences with others. Plus, getting published might be easier than you think.

Photo by Creative Corners

16. Volunteer abroad for a month.

17. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite travel book. What better guide than a book that inspired you to travel in the first place?

18. Take a bush plane ride into Africa’s interior. These lightly visited regions are filled with unique cultures and diverse wildlife.

19. Cross a glacier on foot. Traversing these fast-disappearing natural wonders is an adventure that future generations might not be able to experience.

20. Visit the source of one of the world’s great rivers. Great rivers, like the Nile, have humble beginnings.

21. Climb an active volcano.

22. Buy a boat and learn to sail. Before the Brothers Wright, everyone traveled by wind power. It’s still the most sustainable way to travel there is.

23. Follow your food from field to table. Most people in the world still eat what they have picked with their own hands. Why not get back to these basics?

24. Bathe in the Ganges. What better way to experience the spiritual heart of India?

25. Travel around the world. Sure, you could do this without ever setting foot outside of planes and airports, but few people ever truly traverse the entire globe. Round the world tickets are great for budget-minded wanderers.

Photo by James Dorsey

26. Photograph an endangered species. Aside from an image you can keep for a lifetime, it will remind you, and others, how fragile life can be.

27. Participate in Burning Man . As they say: “Trying to explain Burning Man to someone who has never been is like trying to explain color to a blind person.”

28. Spend 24 hours alone in the jungle.

29. Learn how to make a national dish. What is the one and only thing that everyone has in common? Eating.

30. Teach English in a foreign country. Sure, it’s a way to fund your travels, but also the experience of a lifetime.

31. Attend a music festival in another country.

32. Cross a country using only public transportation. See a country the way most of its people do: from the window of a bus, train, or ferry.

33. Spend the night in a storied/historic hotel. You might not even have to leave town to experience a night of classic atmosphere.

34. Attend the Olympics. Whatever you say about the commercialism of the Olympic Games, they are one of the biggest events on the planet.

35. Meet your favorite (living) travel writer. They’ve inspired you; now thank them for it.

36. Travel to Germany to experience Love Parade. It’s one of the biggest festivals, attendance-wise, on the planet.

Photo by astropixie

37. Partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. This timeless tradition is at the heart of Japanese culture.

38. Join a caravan in the Sahara. See how people can thrive in one of the world’s harshest environments.

39. Go to Oktoberfest. The meeting of over 6 million beer afficionados and drinking song singers is one of the biggest parties in Europe.

40. Stand at the North or South Pole.

41. Be in the stands when two rival South American club teams play each other in soccer. Soccer (sorry, football) is a passion for most of the world’s population.

42. Visit the birthplace or gravesite of a cultural icon. Could be Che Guevara or Picasso or Levi Strauss or the guy who invented widgets; anyone you think is important.

43. Find your version of “The Beach.” One of the best travel books ever inspired a generation of backpackers. Why not find your own version of untouched paradise?

44. Enjoy a freshly rolled cigar in Cuba. Taste a hand rolled specialty close to its source.

45. Visit every capital city in Europe. The crowded continent is full of beautiful architecture and diverse cultures.

46. Watch an orchestral performance in Vienna.

Photo by Nickmunstr

47. Skydive. It is the ultimate thrill, unless you add a wingsuit, and actually fly.

48. Bike the Pacific Coast Highway.

49. Shake hands with someone who has truly changed a country.

50. Participate in the world’s biggest water fight during Thailand’s New Year’s festivities (Songkran).

Photo by Matthew Kepnes

Ever since Ford first rolled out the Model T, America has had a love affair with the automobile.

The country grew up around cars. They allowed us to travel the vast distance of America, move quicker, and further our sense of freedom and adventure.

With the rise of the automobile, the great American adventure was born – The Road Trip. Be it two days, two months, or two years, all Americans have done a road trip.

This article will explain why a road trip is still the best way to tour America and include some tips for novice travelers and highway veterans alike.

1. America is not “travel” friendly

America is large and its size makes can make it hard to get around. The bus and train systems aren’t as extensive as in other parts of the world.

Want to see the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park? No buses or trains go there. You will get dropped off in cities at least an hour away.

Along the coasts, where many of the major cities are, it’s much easier to navigate, but if you decide to cross the United States to see much of its parks and the vast middle, you need to rent a car.

Without a car, there is no door to door service to the small areas that hold America’s culture.
The beauty of the car is that you can stop and go wherever you like.

Greyhound buses won’t give you any flexibility to meander in that little town or go stop and see the world’s biggest ant farm or elastic ball.

Photo by Matthew Kepnes

2. Stop and take in the culture!

Because of its size and history, each part of America seems, in many ways, like its own little country. Make sure you travel to a variety of areas to get a real feel for cultural diversity.

Americans aren’t the generic stereotype the world media perpetuates.

Travel to New England and get a glimpse at the Yankee frugality and small town charm, travel to the South for southern comfort food, country living, and a slower pace. Travel out west for the cowboy spirit or go to the Pacific Northwest for a laid-back approach to life.

Wherever you go, you will find something different, and lingering in those little sleepy towns is only really possible by going overland from one end to the other. A bus can take you some places but a car will take you almost anywhere.

3. Hostels are rare.

There’s usually a hostel around National Parks and in major cities, but for the most part hostels are hard to find. Don’t always count on finding a hostel. Washington D.C., for instance, only has two hostels!

America is a more hotel oriented country. However, there are camp sites and rest stops if you don’t mind roughing it!

A good option to look into is Couchsurfing, a community of people who let you stay with them for free. Or, do a geographic search of travelers and locals where you are going and connect with them through matador.

Photo by Matthew Kepnes

4. You will eat fast food.

I know, I know- fast food is junk food. Normally, I would never recommend fast food to anyone, but traveling on a budget in the States is tough and food can eat up a lot of cash if you’re not careful.

On the road, you don’t have a lot of options with food. Maybe Jim’s Diner or Paul’s Sandwich stop isn’t that good. I mean how long has that salad been sitting there?!

American highways are really only lined with junk, and at least you know what to expect from McDonalds or KFC. (Though, Carl’s Jr. is REALLY good, as is In N Out.)

However, don’t always eat fast food to save a buck! Splurge once in awhile to taste the local flavor- the Cajun gumbo in New Orleans, southern fried chicken in Georgia, lobster in Maine, or a hearty steak dinner in Iowa!

Food is an essential part of any culture and while McDonald’s can help you out during your ten hour drive across South Dakota, once in town, grab something unique.

[Editor's note: A camp stove and groceries--ideally purchased at a local market--work pretty well too.]

Photo by Matthew Kepnes

5. Leave the interstates for the smaller roads.

America is such a diverse place that getting lost in it, like getting lost anywhere, can yield exciting results.

Stay in an old western farm town in Wyoming, drive an extra 50 miles to see the Hopi Indians in New Mexico or stop in a quiet Vermont town and taste some maple syrup.

Every exit off the highway opens up a new possibility to explore a tiny American sub-culture you’ll never find in a big city.

Taking the long way to Arizona, I encountered old deserted oil towns and western towns in the hills that I would have never seen if I had stayed on the interstate.

In South Dakota, I came across an amazing little diner and, in Louisiana, nice little pub.

So go and explore off the highway and see the real America!

6. It’s all about oil.

If you’re driving, learn to scout out the cheapest gas. Gas prices vary greatly across the country. They can be as high as $4.50 in California or as low as $3.20 in Oklahoma.

In general, the coasts, major cities, and the north have higher gas prices. If sky high gas prices don’t exactly fit your budget, try visiting more places in the south, southwest, and western mountain states. Things may be further apart but at least the gas is cheaper!

A good alternative is to mix it up. Use buses and trains along the coasts where stops are more frequent, and rental cars in the middle. That way you can still see those little sleepy towns without giving Exxon Mobil all of your money.

A second alternative is to go in with your friends on a veggie-oil powered rig.

Community Connection!

Here are a couple of road trips recommended by locals at matador. We ran these as a series last year, here at the Traveler’s Notebook, calling them “Green” road trips for their “maximum activity options with a minimum amount of driving.”

Vermont

Nova Scotia

What are your best road trips?

Feature photo by ccgd. Photo above by ronnie44052

Sailboats conjure up the most romantic visions. Seeing their silhouettes at dusk makes it easy to think of chucking it all and heading off into the wild reaches of foreign seas. There will be extreme adventures, new discoveries and no one to answer to ever again.

The reality, though, is that a sailboat is a few tons worth of fiberglass and steel and you must have some skills to operate it. Thousands of questions have to be answered before you set out, but the bottom line with boating is—just make the decision.

Here are the top five pointers about boating that I’ve picked up from my own never-ending quest for the perfect lifestyle.

1. Knowing how to sail is not mandatory

My unforeseen dive into the boating world began when I stumbled upon a colorful painted picture on a piece of notebook paper. The picture, posted on a phone pole in Santa Monica, was of a small sailboat, much like a child would create in grade school. It was just the hull, painted bright red, and a simple dark blue sail. Underneath were the words “FOR SALE.”

A long lost fire was reignited with that one chance encounter and before I knew it, I’d bought a 25’ sailboat on eBay (2k) and was driving into the remotest corners of Baja, Mexico to learn how to sail it—just me, a tiny boat and a salty captain.

Photo by gupana

Essentially, I put the cart before the horse and let my overwhelming thirst for adventure get the best of me. Boat first. Lessons later. Who cares? I simply did some online research and found a five-day course that offered a US Sailing Certified program, one where the entire week was spent on the water, not in some stuffy classroom looking at pictures of tying knots.

I figured by the end of the week I’d be able to sail, with a crew, quite efficiently. Instead, by the end of Day 1, I was already single-handing the thing–tacking, jibing, running the sails, steering in and out of the harbor, and living and breathing the points of sail to the tune of sheer exhaustion.

I went into the bowels of Baja a complete novice and came back tearing up Highway 1 certain that when the time was right: here I come tropical waters.

2. Eventually, the bells and whistles do matter.

When you are looking at your first boat, it’s common to get wrapped into “What sort of vessel can I procure for nothing?” That was my MO for my first boat (which I sold due to relocation), but for my second boat, I wanted upgrades. So, after I came into a small windfall of money from a TV show I’d just worked on, I bought a 30 ft. C & C on a whim and outta nowhere, I was back in business.

The basics were already in place: refrigeration, USB radio, roller furling sail, single-handing setup, but for me, it became about vanity and comfort. I spent the summer working on the boat, installing a top-notch stereo system with kickin’ cockpit speakers and main cabin built-ins; replacing crummy dock lines and cleaning up my slimy fenders.

I had a pal recover all the interior cushions and make tropical themed curtains; I ordered new cockpit cushions; and I set up a top-of-the-line GPS system with full high-res satellite imagery, a handy fishfinder and my favorite, a g2 Vision card (imagine aerial color photos of unfamiliar marinas and a 3D perspective of maps).

In the end, all these bumps helped out when I wanted to sell the boat in the dead of winter. I actually made my money back and then some…plus it sold almost the second it went on the market.

Photo by thomaspurves

3. The water can be a real scary place, or not

I can’t actually swim. Sure, I can doggy paddle and I can crank it underwater with the best of them, but as far as over-handed swimming, I’m no champ.

One reason I bought a boat was to overcome my fear of the water. What I slowly learned over the Chicago boating season was that the more you are in the water, the more comfortable you become.

Before long, I was diving off my bow, donning snorkel gear and navigating my way around the bottom of the boat (while in the middle of Lake Michigan, mind you) just to feel her smooth lines and search for imperfections. I became friendly with all the little creatures that called my boat home (hungry birds and trillions of spiders mostly), and come summers end, I was the master of my own little water domain.

4. Expect deep envy from everyone you know

Share with anyone that you own a sailboat and the same thing will happen: wide-eyes, open mouth, insane jealousy. People think that you have to be loaded or a master captain, but not so. It’s all about gathering up a big pile of courage.

Boating turns to fun on the water once you learn how to read the wind and situate the sails based on that reading. A couple of classes with an instructor (on your own boat) are the key to becoming at ease with what you’ve just done (dropped 10k on a piece of fiberglass) and once you get the hang of sailing, it’s easy to get a party started.

Everyone wants to learn to sail and I’ve had pals who are complete novices head out into choppy waters and once I gave them a short tutorial, they practically owned the helm. When you show confidence, they gain experience and in the end, everyone feels like a badass.

Photo by Fordy

I also tapped my eco-friendly vein and bought an electric motor for my dinghy. Me and pals would load up the Cuba Libres and silently troll around the marina spying on other folks’ set-ups.

It’s almost a guarantee that anyone you take out sailing (or trolling) will end the day fueled up on stout drinks and proclaim, “I’m buying a boat!” See, sometimes you don’t have to even take the boat out of the slip to ignite the passion.

5. Money becomes liquid in the boating world

Rare is the boat that is purchased and then just ready to go. And, even if you do happen upon one, it’s beyond easy to get drop into Westmarine for a small $2 bolt and walk out two hours later with $500 worth of goodies.

The costs add up quickly when there are mechanics to pay, slip fee’s to rent, sailing lessons to take (private lessons $75/hr), gadgets to keep up with, oil changes to be maintained, gas tanks to fill up, provisions to keep stocked, solar panels to install, subscriptions to pay for and a litany of other things you want to do once you own a boat.

But that’s the beauty of it all…you don’t have to do anything. In fact, to sail, all you need is a sturdy vessel and the wind. The rest is just heart-thumping joy. The stuff that makes you feel alive and in touch with the world.

Note: If you want to get some hands on experience before spending a dime, check out the crew wanted section at Floatplan.com. You could wrangle your way into crewing in the South Pacific for some other fool who dropped his life savings on a boat—for FREE!

Community Connection

Along with Misty, several members of the Matador community sail, some just for fun and some professionally. Ross has a cool blog about sailing in San Francisco Bay with Doug, who, like Misty just bought a boat without prior sailing knowledge and went for it! Cody, a professional sailor, helped them ramp up their learning curves.

Finally, Darcey Maher is a professional sailor / boat captain, and author of the Traveler’s Notebook article How to Become a Boat Captain, which has some great additional resources for people interested in getting water time.

——

Editor’s note: The author is currently “this close” to upgrading to a 32 ft. beauty (yachtworld.com) tucked into a small bay in Central America. Expect to find her there soon.

Photo by Ross. Feature photo by groundzero.

Back when legendary climbers Royal Robbins and Warren Harding were hammering pitons into cracks on Yosemite’s big walls, climbing gear was pretty much do-it-yourself. Climbing pioneers fashioned harnesses out of ropes, used rubber-soled shoes or leather boots, and scavenged scrap iron to make carabiners and bolts.

As climbers became more and more ambitious, innovative athletes took matters into their own hands, inventing the tools, footwear, and safety gear that allows modern climbers to perform at their best.

The following guide will help you select the gear that’s right for you.

Getting Started

If you’re just getting started rock climbing, you can rent the basic gear at an indoor climbing gym. But once you get hooked on the sport, there are a few considerations when buying your own gear.

First, what kind of climbing do you plan to do?

If you’re interested in bouldering, (climbing on low routes without rope protection), you’ll need a different set up than if you plan to use “trad” or traditional climbing techniques. While bouldering requires only shoes, hand chalk, and a crash pad, trad gear is a weighty combination of hardware of all sizes and shapes.

For the purposes of this guide, the recommendations will be based on a style of climbing called “sport” which is growing in popularity all over the world.

Sport Climbing Gear

Sport climbers use a rope, harness, belay device, sticky rubber shoes, a helmet, and a series of carabiners and webbing (called quickdraws) to secure themselves to permanent bolts in the rock. Sport climbers use dynamic ropes with a little stretch to cushion falls.

Ropes

Ropes come in many different diameters, and they’re carefully tested to ensure safety under extreme circumstances. Leading rope manufacturers include Blue Water, Metolius, Mammut, Sterling, Petzl, PMI, and Edelweiss.

Ropes can be expensive, with most retailing for approximately $200, so many climbers will share a rope with their climbing partner or use those handy seasonal sales to outfit themselves.

Photo by alexindigo

Harness

Harnesses are considerably less expensive than ropes. You can get a top of the line model for around $80.

Petzl, Mammut, Singing Rock, and Black Diamond are all top brands.

For women we recommend the Petzl Luna, which is reviewed on Matador Goods.

Fit is very important for safety, so be sure to try on a few models before settling on the one you like best (because of this, I don’t recommend purchasing your harness online).

Also, never wear a worn-out or heavily-used harness. One of the world’s top big wall climbers, Todd Skinner, was killed in 2006 when a loop on his old harness broke.

Be sure to replace your harness if you notice any wear and tear.

Shoes

The right climbing shoes can make all the difference when it comes to improving your performance. You want your shoes to fit snugly, with very little airspace in the toes and heel.

Some advanced climbers wear their shoes so tight that their toes curl up in the end!

While I would recommend trying on many different models from brands like FiveTen, Scarpa, Evolv, and La Sportiva, there are innumerable options out there which many stores do not carry.

If you find a particular brand fits your foot well, Zappos.com offers free shipping both ways which allows shoppers to return shoes that don’t work out. You can get a great pair of shoes for between $75 and $130.

Hardware

Manufacturers have used a number of different techniques when designing climbing hardware to make the safety techniques easier and faster to execute under pressure.

Quickdraws usually have a straight-gated carabiner on one end and a curved-gated or wire-gated carabiner on the other. The curved or wire gate allows climbers to clip the rope through quickly and easily while still preserving the strength of the quickdraw.

Black Diamond, Petzl, DMM are the best-known hardware companies, and their products are popular with climbers all over the world.

Quickdraws and carabiners are inexpensive individually, but you will usually need about 12 draws for sport climbing outdoors.

Belay devices are also a matter of individual preference, though auto-locking devices such as the Trango Cinch and the Petzl GriGri can help absorb the impact of a fall.

Many beginning climbers will climb with more experienced friends before investing the $200 in hardware.

Helmet

Climbers of all ability levels should invest in a helmet to protect themselves from falling rock and unanticipated outcroppings.

I’ve bumped my head a number of times on overhanging rock, and my helmet has prevented some nasty falls and painful bruises.

Both the belayer and the climber should wear a helmet, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Choose one that fits well and is lightweight so it won’t inhibit your movement on the rock. Petzl and Black Diamond are the two largest helmet manufacturers, and they offer a variety of styles and price points.

Resources

Finally, get the most use out of your gear by researching the cliffs near you. Mountainproject.com and rockclimbing.com both offer a wealth of information about climbing locations all over the country. These helpful sites also offer gear recommendations, climbing partner profiles, and fantastic photos from crags around the world.

Once you have assembled your gear, learned how to properly use it, and found a solid climbing partner, you’re ready to venture out into the vertical world.