Sometimes the best way to deal with the disappointment when you thought spring had sprung but the weatherman is predicting that it will be cold again this weekend is to start planning for summer. It’s with that in mind that we submit to you the following—our picks for Outdoorfest—an annual festival of NYC based outdoor activities. The festival, which is taking place this year from June 10-19, released its initial lineup of events this week and we’re excited to see that some of our favorite outdoor organizations will be hosting trips and workshops throughout the week. Here’s where you’ll find us:
Outdoorfest Campout and Night Trail RaceThe festival officially kicks off on June 11th with the campout of all campouts on Staten Island. Campers have the option of participating in a variety of activities including a trail run, stargazing and survival skills workshops. There will also be beer, live music and yoga.
Saturday, June 11th. Staten Island. Tickets are $53.74 – $95.94.
Wilderness Survival Skills
Do you ever find yourself saying “I could do that” while watching survival shows? (Our favorite is Naked & Afraid, and we definitely could not do that.) Strengthen your survival know-how at one of these workshops hosted by guiding company Destination Backcountry Adventures. You’ll learn things like how to assess the risk of a survival situation as well as how to build a fire without matches or construct an emergency outdoor shelter.
Monday, June 13 or Tuesday, June 14. 6:30pm. Brooklyn. Tickets are $22.09.
Intro to Stand Up Paddleboarding
We’ve been wanting to learn to SUP (that’s stand up paddleboard) for awhile so we’ll be sure to check out one of the intro classes from Manhattan Kayak Company. They’ll be teaching SUP basics like how to control that giant board and other beginner techniques.
Multiple dates. Manhattan. Tickets are $32.64.
DUMBO Boulders Night Clinic
Did you know you can boulder under the Manhattan bridge? Take an intro class with the Cliffs and climb at the soon-to-be-opened outdoor facility in DUMBO. The Cliffs are also hosting a bike tour of Central Park climbing spots that ends at DUMBO Boulders over the weekend.
Wednesday, June 15. 7:30pm. Brooklyn. Tickets are $15.
Beach Day: Surfing in Rockaway with Stoked
Local non-profit Stoked will be hosting surf lessons with their mentors who are experienced with teaching absolute beginners how to pop up on a board. The average cost of a surf lesson is about twice the cost of this ticket so we’re recommending the event to all our friends who have ever mentioned wanting to learn how to surf.
Saturday, June 18th. Various times available. Queens. Tickets are $43.19.
This story appeared in 4/7/2016 edition of our newsletter.