Hiking, climbing, biking, surfing, skiing and exploring the outdoors in and around New York City.
We were discussing some of our favorite hikes near the city at Outdoorfest’s Mappy Hour last night which stirred the project manager in us to start creating a list of trails we’d like to explore over the next few weeks. Check out our picks below and let us know what’s on your spring hike to-do list. Continue reading Spring hike checklist: Trails near New York City
Our favorite part of the Ninja Warrior class we wrote about in the newsletter this week was learning how to run up a wall. We definitely recommend signing up for the class at Brooklyn Zoo and being guided by an instructor before trying this on your own but here’s a breakdown of how we learned to do this cool and totally doable trick.
Continue reading Ninja Warrior: Running up a wall is totally doable
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
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
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
We were excited to see a lot of women at our mountain biking ride with 718 Cyclery last week. While the entire group was supportive of all levels of bikers, we were happy to hear about a few on-and-off trail organizations that focused on female bikers specifically. Check out the resources we were recommended below. Continue reading Bike like a girl
Most major cities have plenty of meetups that host various outdoor activities for all different levels of enthusiasts. A few of our local favorites are New York City Archery Group, NY Ski and Snowboard Club, Hudson Valley Hikers, Ghost Skate New York, Crux Climbing and Outdoorfest.
One of the best parts about getting involved in an outdoor activity is that most of them are designed to be done in groups or with partners. Whether it’s climbing, camping or canoeing, signing up for trips and classes are great ways to find new friends, no matter where you are. Check your local REI for a range of courses like Snowshoeing Basics or Solo Backpacking.
To read more about finding your outdoor community, check out our newsletter from a few weeks ago which includes an essay from Sorta Outdoorsy pal and recent London transplant Allie Lee.