Hiking, climbing, biking, surfing, skiing and exploring the outdoors in and around New York City.
This might just be in our heads but we swear we’re better riders on our new Burton board and have the sales associate who helped us pick it out to thank. We strolled into the Vermont brand’s Soho location last week and not only did leave with a board in hand, but we also left with more knowledge about gear in general and the skills to set up the board ourselves.
We needed to rent gear for last weekend’s ice climbing trip so we stopped by Rock and Snow in New Paltz, NY where we grabbed specialized boots, ice axes and crampons. Continue reading Rock and Snow: We’re big fans of this gear shop
We did something recently that was so awesome we can’t believe we hadn’t done it already. What we did was take the A train out almost as far as it goes to Beach 67 early one morning to surf. We were heading to our first surf lesson and as the train rolled past Broad Channel, we looked out at the water and questioned starting such a hobby in the middle of winter. Continue reading Surf: Catch a winter wave in Queens
If you’re one those reasonable souls opting to forego standing around in single digit temps while you wait for your turn on the chairlift this weekend, may we suggest an outdoor adventure inspired movie? Check out the screenings and movie recommendations we’ve listed below. They’ll sate your wanderlust without having to brave the wind chill.
Continue reading Indoor activities for outdoorsy people: movie recommendations for the cold weekend
One of the best parts about living in a sizable city is that it’s almost always a destination for tours and events. You can hear your favorite author read their latest book or you can see a movie before it’s released. You can also boulder with professional climbers. Continue reading Perk Beta: Climbing with Emily Harrington, Cedar Wright and the North Face
You slept in on Saturday and missed that early morning Breakneck Ridge-bound Metro-North but find that you’re still jonesin’ for a hike. Hope is not lost! Head to the George Washington Bridge, where you’ll find miles of trails, including the aptly-named Long Path. Continue reading Hike the Long Path: a day trip fit for your lazy Saturday
We’re not talking about the eggs you’re eating for brunch. Many hikes in the northeast require some amount of rock scrambling or using your hands and feet to ascend a steeper-than-usual part of a hiking trail. Here’s a few basic tips to help move yourself up these sometimes tricky trail sections. Continue reading Tip: Here’s how to scramble
A few years ago, we stepped into a climbing gym for the first time as third wheel on a friend’s date. Since then, we’ve become obsessed with the sport, dedicating multiple evenings, weekends and vacations to it. There’s something about the combination of physical strength and mental challenge that makes climbing the perfect workout.
Climbing outdoors can be a little intimidating, even if you already know how to tie a figure eight knot. Luckily, New York is home to multiple climbing gyms where you can learn the ropes. They all offer intro classes that cover basics like how to tie into roped climbs, how to belay (i.e. hold the rope for your climbing partner) and how to safely drop down. Plus, you’ll meet climbing partners who become essential if you get as stoked on the sport as we have.
But even if you’re not into the idea of performing gymnastics 40 feet off the ground, climbing gyms offer fitness classes like yoga, capoeira and core workouts, not to mention weight rooms and cardio equipment. Often built in converted warehouses, the gyms also serve as a hubs for social events like film screenings and breakfast clubs.
Use our guide to find a gym near you and climb on! Continue reading Indoor activities for outdoorsy people: Rock climbing gyms in New York City
Winter Storm Jonas has made the world outside our doorstep look like the Arctic so we’re spending some time indoors today. No matter—time spent indoors means time to plan or shop for things we’ll need outdoors. We wrote about one of our favorite clothing staples to wear on hiking in this week’s newsletter—the flannel button up and while we only had room to include one current favorite, we thought it only fair to post about a few others that we just can’t live without. Without further adieu, here are our favorite flannel button-ups:
The key to enjoying winter surfing at the Rockaways is all in what you wear and what you should wear is a good wetsuit. We wore a 5/4/3 mm suit that fit like a glove which is also key. Loose suits will keep you from getting warm and suits that are too tight will restrict your movement and make paddling out against the waves harder than it already is. Continue reading Tip: Here’s how to stay warm when you’re surfing in the winter