Outdoor Women's Alliance

Sarah Burke: Life Celebrated in Matchstick Productions' Tribute

2012-02-10T09:05:00.008-07:00

A debt of gratitude must be paid to Sarah Burke on behalf of female skiers everywhere. As the first female to compete in freeskiing, Sarah pushed the sport for over fifteen years with fearless progression. Taking her passion to the X Games committee, she fought for women freeskiers to not only compete, but be on equal ground with the men. Her successful campaign gave access to women athletes in the games and promoted a greater recognition of the same.

Today we want to pay tribute to a hero, Sarah Burke, and what she stood for. Known for her generous smile, brave athletics, and an open heart, her passing is not a closing, but an invitation for women everywhere to continue her legacy and push their abilities. We part with these warm words of remembrance from her husband, Rory Bushfield, to the Twitter community:

She's in every snowflake, every ray of sunshine, every breeze. More than ever, now and always, I #BelieveInSarah.

Sarah Burke Video Tribute 2012:

First Descents: An Outdoor Program of Healing for Cancer Patients and Survivors

2012-02-09T11:27:00.002-07:00

If you haven't heard of First Descents, the nonprofit organization which helps cancer patients participate in real outdoor adventure, allow us to introduce it to you. Their mission is to offer "young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18-39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle, and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their life, and connect with others doing the same."

Why is this important? After meeting with the staff of First Descents during the Outdoor Retailer Show last month, we got a very clear vision of why this is so beneficial to cancer patients: it gives them a chance to feel normal again. It gives them a chance to face a new kind of fear, an external one, and one filled with thrills, adrenaline and ending with smiles. It gives these patients a chance to feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, achievement, and beating the unknown. And when the adventure has become a memory, they can take those same feelings and transfer them directly to facing cancer with renewed courage and determination.

Below is Janet, one of the future participants of First Descents. Torn with distress, fear and lacking assurance, a program like First Descents will give her the chance to live- truly live- through a connection with cancer patients and with the outdoors, a place that many of us go to heal spiritually and mentally. As she mentions, this is part of her "bucket list" and gives her something to look forward to. That hope and anticipation is critical to those facing the loss of their own life.

Please take some time to get familiar with First Descents, its programs, and most importantly, the stories of those who have taken part its adventures. Spread the word about Janet and her need for a donor. And if you know a patient or survivor- or someone affected by cancer- let them know there is a place for them and their loved ones to renew themselves and give hope to their heart and others'.

Snowbird is for (New) Lovers

2012-02-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

SNOWBIRD REINVENTS SPEED DATING WITH VALENTINE’S DAY SINGLES LINE

SNOWBIRD, UTAH –Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is adding a twist to its singles-only line this Valentine’s Day, with a new lift line intended for singles who are not in a relationship to meet each other while high-speed dating on Peruvian Express chairlift.

“The Valentine’s singles line is a unique way of speed dating, and Snowbird is the perfect place to meet fun friends,” said Dave Fields, who proposed to his now-wife on a chairlift.

To entice singles to participate in the event, adult all-day chairlift tickets will be sold at a discounted rate of $40 on Valentine’s Day.

After Peruvian Express closes for the day, singles may then proceed to an après singles social at El Chanate, Snowbird’s Mexican restaurant, located on Level A of The Cliff Lodge. When guests mention the singles line, El Chanate will offer buy-one-get-one-free appetizers and entrees throughout the evening.

Couples are also invited to visit Snowbird on Valentine’s Day, and the resort is offering romantic dining and lodging options. Special Valentine’s Day menus will be available at The Wildflower, The Lodge Bistro and the newly remodeled Aerie. Menus may be previewed by visiting http://www.snowbird.com/events/valentinesday.html. Couples may also enjoy a Valentine’s Day retreat that includes a night at The Cliff Lodge, three treatments at The Cliff Spa with access to the scenic rooftop pool and hot tub, and Tram and lift tickets. Details can be found at http://www.snowbird.com/lodging/hotdeals.php?deal=75.

Outdoor Retailer and SIA: Two Weeks of Tradeshows

2012-02-06T07:34:00.008-07:00

Oh yeah, it's just the infamous Glen Plake...

(Outdoor Retailer. Photo: Maria Paspuel)

Twice a year Outdoor Women's Alliance attends the Salt Lake City-based Outdoor Retailer tradeshow to get a handle on what's new and coming for women in the outdoor gear world. This year we also had the opportunity to attend the Snowsports Industry Association's (SIA) show in Denver. Racing from appointment to appointment, we split up to learn and gather as much information as we could at these shows, including the testing out of gear on the snow for some hands-on experiences.

After over 60 appointments, two fashion shows, several on-snow ski and snowboard trials, and countless star-struck stares at all the new gear, we've got quite a story to tell.

Join us all throughout this week as we give you the scoop and skinny on what's coming your way for 2012-2013!

National Girls & Women In Sports Day

2012-02-01T10:02:00.008-07:00

Leave it to Twitter to educate us about something great in the world of women & sports. We had no idea about the honor February 1st brings - a national day commemorating the athletic female. Pip Hunt was the broadcaster of this great news; we came across her announcement of how she's celebrating when we read this tweet:

This celebration is new for us, but it already changed how we're viewing going about our day, so we wanted to get the word out in case you may find a need to participate. We're thinking of taking it to the slopes to enjoy the snow in our local Wasatch mountains, as well as getting some new ideas on articles to be written to promote women in the outdoors (our specialty!). But what we want to know right now is how you're going to celebrate today's National Girls and Women in Sports Day? And if you can't get out today- what things have you done to push yourself in the outdoors?

Let us know in a comment below- you may find yourself getting a chance to be interviewed for a story all about you for an upcoming article!

Sarah Burke: Further Test to be Conducted, Press Conference Canceled

2012-01-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, January 16, 2012, 10:01 am

Latest Press Release:

Late last night, Rory Bushfield, Sarah's husband, and members of her family met with physicians to discuss the results of Sarah's most recent neurological tests and assessments. Based on the information they received, we regret to inform you that they have decided to cancel today's press conference in order for further tests to be conducted this morning and in the coming days. The family wants to express their deep appreciation for the overwhelming support Sarah has received from all over the world. They ask that everyone continue to keep Sarah and Rory in their prayers. Rory and Sarah's family remain at the hospital.

The family asks that the media continue to respect their privacy. At the family's request, there will no further updates today from Sarah's family or the hospital. Future updates will be released via her website at www.sarahburkeski.com.

Fans may continue to express their support via Sarah's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Burke/50553451173 and the hashtag #believeinsarah on Twitter.

Sarah Burke, Freestyle Skiing Champion, In Critical Condition

2012-01-12T10:48:00.006-07:00

Sarah Burke, the 29 year old Freeskiing Olympic hopeful for the Russia 2014 winter games, was rushed to the University of Utah hospital Tuesday following a head injury in Park City Mountain Resort's superpipe. Burke, who was training for the upcoming ESPN X Games, apparently bounced from her feet onto her head following a manuever in the pipe, resulting in brain trauma. She is in critical condition with a medically-induced coma.

It is a rare combination that makes up the hard-charging Burke. She has won four X Games gold medals in freeskiing, a sport in which she fought, and succeeded, to have recognized in the Winter Olympics. A favorite in the industry, she has also been recognized by others outside of skiing, such as FHM Men's Magazine, for her indelible charm, beauty and fashion sense.

Her husband, Rory Bushfield, also a freeskier, believes she has the fight to pull through this ordeal. The pair have been supportive of each other in their athletic pursuits, recognizing the inherent risks associated with this type of sport. In his statement, Bushfield says of his wife, "Sarah is a very strong young woman, and she will most certainly fight to recover." He is now waiting beside his wife at the University of Utah hospital.

Burke underwent a successful operation Wednesday at the University of Utah. The surgery repaired the tear in her vertebral artery which caused hemorraging within her skull. Following the surgery, William T. Couldwell, M.D., Ph.D, professor and chair of Neurosurgery made this statement: "With injuries of this type we need to observe the course of her brain function before making definitive pronouncements about Sarah's prognosis for recovery... Our Neuro Critical Care team will be monitoring her condition and response continuously over the coming hours and days."

*We at Outdoor Women's Alliance wish the best to Sarah, as well as her family and friends, as they surround Sarah during this time. Through our conversations with Sarah in the social media realm, we have come to recognize her as a determined and open-hearted woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

Thanksgiving at Snowbasin

2011-11-23T10:22:00.008-07:00

Although I believe all our Utah ski and snowboard resorts have claims to fame when it comes to beauty, one that takes my breath away is Snowbasin. Located between two picturesque valleys about 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, Snowbasin is tucked behind a beautiful winding highway that surrounds you with spectacular scenery as it whisks you to the resort. When I have a spare day, I take advantage of this drive and the incredible resort to which it leads. The journey alone is worth it, but the skiing... oh the skiing... it is fantastic.

Lucky you, Utah. You have the opportunity to head there this Thursday, before fattening your belly, to take some turns on the snow which the mountain has been accumulating. You have the chance to point your skis downhill while the taking in views of Pineview Reservoir and the peaks packed tightly in the distance. You'll get to see, first-hand, the grandeur of the lodges with their timber beams and European flair (oh, and of course their incredible bathrooms- this is not in jest; they are absolutely noteworthy.) And last but not least, you will have a chance to sample what Snowbasin's season has to come on eight groomed runs and a terrain park. If you didn't have a running list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, I just provided it for you. (You're welcome.)

All said, lucky Utah, you will get to ski at a place where I so proudly bring visitors as one of Utah's must-ski resorts while I am stuck here in Florida where the palm trees sway, so far removed from the sleek gondolas and the majestic beauty that surrounds Snowbasin. Please go enjoy it for me; I'll satisfy myself with the knowledge that I will return to its snowy slopes in December.

Utah's 2011-2012 Opening Ski Day

2011-11-10T07:28:00.012-07:00

No hiking at all for me today

It was like Christmas Eve last night and I was the six year old child trying to keep my eyes squeezed shut long enough for the early signs of dawn when I could jump out of bed and race to my... computer.

Yes, this is what I have been reduced to- a spectator of the ski season beginning. All the wonderfulness of winter begins today in Utah with Big Cottonwood Canyon resorts in the lead (Brighton and Solitude ski resorts) and I am about as far as you can get from participating from this yearly celebration. As I write this, I stare out on a vista of palms and a slow, winding river filled with gators. I'm in Florida, kids. Feel my pain.

Usually I love being home. I grab the old canoe, paddle around the herons, egrets and manatees and explore the channels cut through the swamp by the Army Corps of Engineers to control the swarms of mosquitos that once plagued the area. I can be at the beach within 7 minutes and practicing my sand castle building skills. But to be here on the one day that marks the beginning of the best time of year? That's torture.

I've already pored over photos from last winter, stalked both the Brighton and Solitude Facebook pages, and dug deeg into the Twitter feeds from both resorts. Now all I can do is sit, and wait, for Utah to wake up, get their freshly tuned skis and boards loaded into their Subarus and hit the snow so I can live vicariously through my fellow (but much more luckily situated) snow enthusiasts.

Good readers, won't you please have some pity? This troubled heart needs compassion and it can only come in the form of you telling me details of your day. Photos, tweets, updates on Facebook- whatever. Yes, I actually want to hear how much fun you are having. Chalk it up as doing your good deed for the day- you'll be lifting the spirits of one who lives for snow but is stuck with sand.

All my thanks in advance. Now go make some turns.

Snowboarding Revelstoke

2011-10-24T05:35:00.001-06:00

Team Manager and legendary shredder Barrett Christy took the Nike 6.0 girls' snowboard team to Revelstoke resort last season for a week of interior BC pow. The area, previously only accessed by sleds, now has several lifts that offer access to peaks and bowls that provided endless entertainment to a crew with some pent-up freeriding energy.

Nike Girls Revelstoke Trip from Nike 6.0.

It's Not Winter Yet! Surfing with Malia Manuel

2011-10-20T05:45:00.000-06:00

With two American resorts opening their doors on October 8th, it would seem that everyone is gearing up for a serious ski season. However, the southern latitudes are waxing a different type of board for a different kind of riding. Some of the largest swells in Hawaii manifest themselves from November until March, making winter time a supreme time to catch a ride on the tide.

One of those surfers, Malia Manuel, was recently featured in the surf movie Leave a Message. From her sponsor, O'Neill:

Surfing has been engrained in Malia's blood since she was born. As a baby, her parents would take turns watching her on the sand while the other would catch waves on the beaches of Kauai. As soon as she turned three years old, Malia started surfing with them.

Born and raised in the small lush town of Wailua, Malia has been highly influenced by her culture.Her father is Hawaiian and her mother is from the mainland, however, Malia is 100 percent Aloha.She fully embraces her culture, including a love for the ocean.

Growing up in Hawaii, she has been influenced by legendary surfers in her backyard, making her style progressive and fluid, yet incredibly graceful and poised. -O'Neill

Jen Hudak is Moving Mountains

2011-10-17T05:35:00.000-06:00

Jen Hudak may ski hard, but a she's got a soft spot in her heart for getting the most out of life- both through experiences and being able to connect meaning with those experiences. She's also one of the most approachable super-stars you'll ever have the chance to chat up on the social media outlets (see footer for info). I haven't had the chance to meet Jen in person yet, but you get the feeling she's the real deal- soulful skiing sister.

Jen Hudak "Moving Mountains" from NEU PRODUCTIONS.

In Jen's words:

It’s hard to believe that summer has come to an end. The leaves have started to change, and soon will be littering the ground, readying it for the heavy snow that will inevitably fall. It is impossible not to reflect on the previous winter- the goals accomplished, the bad crashes, the fun that was had- and even more difficult to stop fantasizing about the adventures to come in the 11/12 season ahead. As I do my own reflecting, I can look back over the footage in this “Moving Mountains” series and see just how far I have come.

Working with John Roderick of Neu Productions (www.neuproductions.com) last season to create this short film series was an honor. John’s cinematography and editing is incredible. The series takes an honest look into one of the toughest seasons of my career. It aims to shine some light on the less seen moments of our sport- to step away from the obvious aspects of skiing and dive into the knitty gritty. The short films explore the pressure, the pain, the satisfaction and the gains that we all experience in pursuit of a tremendous goal. We wanted to tell a story, backed by incredible action, about having the courage to dream, to take risks and to follow an unpaved path.

As we ventured from Utah to Colorado and on to Japan and France, the winter continued to keep us on our toes. This first piece serves as a set up for the rest of the series. It starts in Utah as I am preparing for the season ahead- reflecting, as I am now, on my past, and getting excited for what unknown adventures lie ahead. We captured my daily life in Utah from the U.S Ski Team gym, to Park City’s incredible pipe, and into the infamous Utah sidecountry- enjoying my last few days of freeskiing before jumping into the high-pressure contest circuit.

We are all on a journey of our own, trying to achieve something greater than ourselves. Last winter, I was given obstacles to overcome, and in doing so I grew as a human being. This is my attempt to share with you a side of myself that can’t be seen at the bottom of a pipe run. We took a risk with the project that we hope people, skiers and non-skiers alike, will appreciate and enjoy.

Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions.

Newly refurbished jenhudak.com features recent photos and videos, blog posts, schedule of events, sponsors, etc. The site provides further insight into Jen’s amazing personality. By following links provided on her website you can personally connect with her on her Facebook fan page and Twitter account. Jen is a professional skier of 7 years. Based in Salt Lake City, UT.

Grete Eliassen Goes GoPro

2011-10-13T05:25:00.001-06:00

What happens when you give a GoPro to a... well, a pro? Check out this video Grete Eliassen shot and stitched together through first-person views and her own editing skills.

Carrie Cooper: Ain't Nothin Gonna Break My Stride

2011-10-10T05:35:00.003-06:00

Carrie Cooper, Salt Lake City resident, PrAna ambassador and 39 week pregnant climber shares her story of continuing to climb throughout her pregnancy.

I believe that life is about living gracefully through the transitions. I have climbed the world over for the last 10 years and developed a keen sense of my body and its strengths. As a healthy expectant mother I continued to listen to the needs of my body. Staying in tune often means exploring the possibilities: changes in balance, energy needs, and the ability to move with ease. I hope you enjoy this video which means so much to me. It feels like a reflection of the adaptability of the human body and the strength of the human spirit. ~Carrie Cooper

Thanks to PrAna for sending this to us.

Carrie Cooper: 39 Weeks from Prana Living on Vimeo.

Sea Kayaking San Francisco

2011-10-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

This is an excerpt from a tale of women who take on the wild waters of San Francisco Bay and leave no doubt that the skills of female athletes are second to none.

from: Outside Magazine

Rowing the bay near the Maltese Falcon mega-yacht Photographer: Melanie Rovens

SCULL CRUSHERS

On wind-blasted San Francisco Bay, a crew of hardcore rowers dodges freighters and fog banks for kicks. They are mostly women over 40. And they will destroy you.

By: MICHAEL ROBERTS
...

LIKE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, rowing is 95 percent technique—a series of sequential motions, each critically important. Imagine trying to shoot a basketball using giant chopsticks while running backward. Unlike, say, learning to ride a bicycle, you never just “get it.” Even veterans work on the mechanics constantly.

And so it was that I found myself bobbing nervously among eight other rowers at the start of a group row on a clear September morning. Since my lessons, I’d completed a handful of frustrating solo outings. I was so eager for speed that I was constantly digging my oars too deep or barely skimming the surface. Several times, I’d nearly pitched headlong into the drink.

Our coach for the day was Chris Dadd, a mustachioed fortysomething former collegiate racer who runs the rowing program at Berkeley High School.

“All right,” he bellowed into a bullhorn from his aluminum outboard skiff. “Let’s do some work!”

That’s when the six women in our group promptly left me and two other guys in their wake. We did a series of two-mile intervals, each ending with the women sitting patiently in their boats chatting as the dudes suffered our way to the finish. The fastest rower by far was Mary McLachlan, a lanky 53-year-old South African expat who would lay back in her boat after sprints with such tranquility that I was sure she was napping. Then she’d pop up and set off again, her lean limbs cranking in precision like some superpowered praying mantis.

“Lying down stretches everything out,” she later explained while downing a thermos of iced nonfat milk. “I sit up and feel great.”

When we finally returned to the dock, both my hands were bleeding. At home in the shower, I felt a nasty sting below my tailbone and reached back to extract what appeared to be a silver-dollar-size jellyfish. Upon further inspection, it turned out to be the skin cap from a hideous butt-crack blister.

According to Shirwin Smith, who founded OWRC in 1985 by plopping four boats on the beach in Sausalito and offering lessons, men tend to have a harder time with rowing. “You want to solve problems with strength,” she told me.

...

Read more

Rebecca Selig - A Woman to Watch

2011-10-03T05:30:00.001-06:00

Rebecca Selig just dropped this edit featuring new interview material and ski footage from last season. Selig is no stranger to the podium at Subaru Freeskiing World Tour stops and she'll be competing on the full tour again this season... Keep on on eye on this one; you'll likely see her atop some more podiums this winter. - Flyflow

Rebecca Selig from Andrew Rhodes Taylor on Vimeo.

Artificial Mountains

2011-09-28T05:30:00.003-06:00

I recently came across this post from inahabitat.com which details the concept for an artificial "mountain" that has been planned for Stockholm. It naturally caught my eye as it talked about skiing, a sport that is most dear to me. As I read over it, I questioned whether this would give skiers an authentic ski experience.

According to the article, the ski complex, named the Skipark, will "...have a multitude of activities for both recreational skiers and hard core competitors. The ski hill is 700 meters long and drops 160 meters with a total of 70,000 sq meters of area to play on. Visitors will be able to ski moguls, play hockey, cross country skate ski or even hit the kickers on their snowboards – almost every winter sport is represented. The impressive list of activities will allow the resort to play host to the World Cup, making it the only indoor facility of its kind to do so. The only thing that’s missing is real powder."

Short skis on plastic snow in summer. Not authentic.

I have skied on artificial snow before at Liberty University's Snowflex Centre . While not as good as the real thing, it's a pretty darn good substitute in the summer months when you are needing a place to strap your skis on. But it's still plastic and there's something strange about skiing in August in the south while mosquitoes are biting you.

I am not against this planned structure. I am curious about it. In fact, I'd love to visit it and give it a go myself when it is finished. However, my questions are: is it worth the expense to create these facilities with all the energy and resources used to build and maintain them? Is this a viable option for people who wouldn't otherwise travel to a ski resort? Is an artificial mountain a boon or detrimental to the culture of the outdoor community? And is it true that the only thing missing is "real powder?"

Kayaking Canada: A Girl's Night Out

2011-09-26T05:30:00.002-06:00

Women on Water: Kayaking at Deep Cove

By Lydia Millett

Deep Cove’s Women on Water: Combining girl power, paddle power and lots of laughter

Since moving to Vancouver, I’d heard nothing but good things about Deep Cove and was told that the best way to check it out was in one of those narrow, yellow floating things that I had spent most of my adult life trying to avoid.

The last time I was in a kayak was when I was about 15 years old at school camp. I remember being terrified as I battled my way through the surf, tipping out numerous times, taking in mouthfuls of water and swimming back to the beach with sand-caked hair. Not exactly what you'd call fun.

However, when I heard that the cove is as calm as a lake, no surf involved, and that Deep Cove Kayak organizes an event called Women on Water, a sociable, non-competitive paddle for Vancouver ladies, I decided to give kayaking a second chance.

Connecting Women Through Kayaking

Image: Lydia Millett

Women on water provides an opportunity for women to get out and away from it all after a busy day at the office.

In 2001, Erian Baxter, who runs Deep Cove Kayak, with business partner Bob Putnam, found herself spending every hour of every day in an office doing paperwork. She started looking for something that would get her out and about regularly. “I really wanted to get out on the water, and I figured there would be other women in the cove who might want to have a women’s night,” she said.

As it turns out, there were lots of women who were in the same boat (pun intended). Baxter told me: “The first night it was me and 13 friends, but by the next week there were 33 people, many of whom we didn’t know," and so Women on Water was born.

Now, 10 years down the track, the girl-powered paddling nights can attract anywhere from 30 to 90 women who come out to the cove to paddle, socialise and take advantage of the longer summer evenings.

Baxter admits that the popularity of the evenings surprised her at first: “I was expecting it was going to be a few women I knew from the cove who just wanted a night away from the kids, but it's ended up attracting women from all over the Lower Mainland."

Read more...

She Surfs: An Interview with Cori Schumacher

2011-09-22T06:30:00.001-06:00

We stumbled across a great interview of pro surfer Cori Schumacher posted in this month's Cooler Magazine. We've got more surfing stories coming up soon by our own surfers; this should tide you over until then:

Pro Chat: Cori Schumacher

Cori noseriding at her best - photo by Chris Grant/jettygirl.com

Interview by Anna Langer

How did you get involved in this and what is your motivation behind it?

I was invited to join Women in Boardsports in Saas Fee after Lorene Carpentier of Keep A Breast Europe referred me to Carmela Fleury and Daniela Meyer. I was very grateful for this referral because it introduced me to a truly inspired idea that I believe will add substantially to the ongoing conversation of how to positively impact women and girls through a new evolution in sports. Boardsports dominate this new evolution and my main motivation for participating in WiB revolves around ensuring that women are represented in boardsports with dignity and respect. Additionally, I feel strongly that the healthy and empowering activities of boardsports should be emphasized for women rather than simply commodified as fashion lifestyles.

Can you give us a little sneak peek into what your speech will be about?
I’ve titled my presentation “From ‘Stand by your man’ to ‘Stand by your suntan’: Women in boardsports from a surfing perspective.” I’ll be talking about the import and opportunity of sports for the health of women and the fact that many of today’s most successful women have a history participation in sports. Being mindful of this trend along with the knowledge that boardsports are fast becoming a popular interest for many women and girls, we’ll look at whether or not the advertising and media of boardsports are representing positive, healthy images of women and girls, and discuss solutions where they are needed. We’ll be gazing at all of this through the lens of surfing, the godmother of women’s boardsports, since it was from here that skateboarding (“sidewalk surfing,” as it was once known), snowboarding and all other boardsports sprouted.

How do you perceive the female surf scene at the moment?
I think the female surf scene at the moment is the most visible and talented it has ever been. The overall vibe of the female surf scene is playful, young, attractive… They are constantly talking on camera about going shopping, eating, dancing and just “living the life.” But if you catch glimpses of the girls off camera, there is more going on in those heads than they let on. I’ve seen this personally at contests too… There is the face-to-the-media and the face-outside-of-the-media. So, there is the “scene,” the one that is the façade and then there is the internal world that is quite different. Some may argue that “this is just the way it is” and there is nothing to be done about it but this misses a very vital point about the new challenges facing today’s generation of female surfers.

...

See the rest of the article on their site!

Freedom Climb

2011-09-20T05:30:00.000-06:00

The Freedom Climb is a sponsored hike of Mt.Kilimanjaro to raise awareness... for justice projects around the world.

Women from across the globe will begin their ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on January 11, 2012, the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the U.S. Climbers will be raising awareness and finances for women and children being oppressed, enslaved, exploited and trafficked.

The Freedom Climb goal for 2012 is to affect the lives of 10,000 women through projects that break the cycles of poverty, shame, slavery, and despair. These projects include micro-loans, education, skills training, and protection from exploitation.

"As a climber in the upcoming Freedom Climb I am excited but also overwhelmed as I learn how large the sex-trafficking problem is in our world. Each day as I live in extreme comfort and safety I imagine that so many girls are being taken, exploited, beaten, and raped." - Susan McCabe

Carissa Moore Surfs for the Triple Crown

2011-09-19T05:30:00.000-06:00

Looking forward to this...

Moore on the North Shore

By Jake Howard
ESPN Action Sports

Jason KenworthyCarissa Moore will be one to watch as the North Shore season gets underway this November.

In barrier shattering news, Carissa Moore has been awarded wildcards into the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa and the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach. The 2011 ASP Women's World Champion will be competing alongside 200 of the world's most talented men. Both events are jewels in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series that takes place on the North Shore of Oahu every year.

"We were trying to keep it quiet," said Moore today while down at the Hurley Pro. "But seems like the cat's out of the bag now. I'm really excited about it. I'm feeling no pressure -- there are not points involved for me, and everybody's probably be expecting me to lose, so I'm just going to have fun out there."

Don't kid yourself, when Moore paddles out she means business. In 2010 Moore won the women's events at both Haleiwa and Sunset Beach and has built a career around solid North Shore fundamentals. She will be the first female in the modern era to attempt to capture a men's Triple Crown title.

See more...

2011-12 Outerwear: Armada Arms Women Skiers With New Threads

2011-09-09T07:24:00.001-06:00

Wondering what to wear this winter season? Check out the new styles of ski wear from Armada:

As We Are: A Women's Ski Film

2011-09-08T05:45:00.000-06:00

Made for the 2010 ski season, this is hands-down (or fist-pumpingly up) a jump out of your seat, Hi5 your sista, make you proud to be a female skier type of movie. Our question: where's 2011-12?

From the makers of the film: "As We Are" is a celebration of women's skiing in a male-dominated world of sports where female athletes are notably absent in most ski movies.Austrian freeskier Sandra Lahnsteiner decided to take matters into her own hands and in winter 2009/10 created an all-female ski movie together with Mathias Bergmann, sweetshots productions.

Sandra invited some of the best female freeriders of the Alps to be part of this unique project: Laura Bohleber, Lorraine Huber, Giulia Monego, Melissa Presslaber and Pia Widmesser. The girls visited their home spots on a roadtrip through the Alps.

"As We Are" is more than just great ski action in the backcountry. It tells the story of six freeride girls who started their journey as strangers and end up being friends. A journey which takes them to the best snow and backcountry terrain in the Alps.

Outdoor Retailer: A First-Timer Tackles the Tradeshow

2011-08-17T06:07:00.004-06:00

Torsten's Review:

Last week was the famed Outdoor Retailer show and I was in attendance. With over 1,300 exhibitors, it was the biggest show I've been to and plenty of things going on to keep a first-timer busy for hours on end.

Field testing at the Outdoor Retailer's Open Air Demo

Photo: Torsten Bangerter

The show kicked off with an open air demo at the Jordanelle Reservoir, situated between Heber City and Park City, Utah. There were lots of cool things going on such as stand up paddle board (SUP) course on the water, a bike course, and lots of amazing new products to check out.

Festivities continued at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. As I stepped inside, the place was buzzing with excitement. Jam-packed with people and exhibitors, the show had everything you can imagine in the outdoor world, from paddle boards to a rescue sled for evacuation. Activities were a constant; for example, Keen put on a few company picnic-type games like the three-legged race, "Red light green light", and wheel barrow races. My participation was rewarded with a pair of Keen shoes and loads of fun.

However, the biggest reason for going to the Outdoor Retailer Show is to see, up close and personal, all the new gear before it hits the shelves. The amount of goods were incredible but there were a couple that particularly caught my eye.

Debuting at the Show:

MSR's Whisperlite Universal runs on pretty much everything...

MSR came out with some new backpacking stoves. One that really stood out was the Whisperlite Universal. This stove is the first hybrid stove from MSR; it runs on both canister and liquid fuels. This stove can run white gas, kerosene, gasoline, and canister fuels like isobutane. You won't have to worry where you'll find your next fill-up with this! Expect it on the shelves in January 2012. MSPR $139.95

Your little tike is trail ready with Osprey's new
Poco series of child carriers

Osprey has come out with some cool new child carriers called the "Poco" series. Osprey brought everything you have come to expect in their packs and created these child caries. That means these carriers are comfortable, safe, supportive, light, well ventilated and supremely easy to adjust for fit.

The child carriers enter the market in Spring 2012. MSRP ranging $199-299.

Recommendations, Tips & Advice:

With the number of exhibitors and the amount of things going on, it is easy to lose track of time and suddenly realize that the day has nearly disappeared. I would recommend looking at the list of exhibitors beforehand and planning out your day.

The Chaco lineup

Photo: Torsten Bangerter

Second, from my experience, it seemed the companies really appreciated when attendees made appointments to see them, especially when it comes to some of the more well-known brands. For example, the Merrell reps were booked two months ahead of the show. In addition, I would recommend wearing some really comfy shoes, because you will be doing a lot of walking. Housing over 1,300 vendors means this place is huge.

Parking for the show was a mess. The parking garage at the show was full, and there are feq places to park in the surrounding area. Besides being full, the price for parking is also a bit cost restrictive with the garage running at $10 a day. Instead of messing with that hassle, I just parked and rode the TRAX (the public light rail train). Not only did it save me a headache, but some cash, too, as using public transportation anywhere downtown is free.

Help Yourself: A sampling of food at the show
Photo: Torsten Bangerter

This was a great experience, even as a first-timer. Meeting with some of my favorite companies and seeing all the new products in the field I love was beyond amazing. I am already counting down to Outdoor Retailer's Winter Market show in January.

CamelBak All Clear UV Water Purification System: A Preview

2011-08-09T02:26:00.001-06:00

Leave it to CamelBak to have something cool up its sleeve. During the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City last week, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the thirst-quenching company. Its most noteworthy new product? The All Clear water purification system.

The All Clear device uses an ultraviolet light to neutralize 99% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and is extremely easy to use. There are only four steps required to ensure drinkable water:
1. Fill the bottle with water;
2. Secure the cap;
3. Press the button for 2 seconds;
4. Rotate the rotate the bottle for 60 seconds allowing the ultraviolet light to neutralize waterborne viruses and bacteria. (The built in LCD panel tells you when 60 seconds are up and the water is safe to drink.)

The UV bulb lasts more that 10,000 cycles which is equivalent to purifying three liters per day for almost seven years.

Jon Austen, Director of Product Management for CamelBak, explained the reasoning behind creating this system. "We recognized that the activities and travels of our consumers often take them places where clean drinking water isn’t readily available, so we wanted to provide a portable, easy-to-use system to overcome that challenge. We’re using the same technology that has been safely and effectively used as a germicidal disinfection agent in water treatment facilities for decades, but in a simple, take-anywhere system.”

The price of the system weighs in at $99 and can be found in specialty stores by February 2012. Keep your eye out!

Key Components of the All Clear System:

• Fast / Energy Efficient:

o 60 seconds per cycle

o Energy efficient design purifies 80 cycles per full charge

• Easy-To-Use: LCD screen provides critical information

o Cycle start, cycle time, successful cycle completion, battery life, charging status

• Simple instructions permanently printed on the bottle

• Long lasting: UV bulb lasts 10,000 cycles

• Classic Cap: Versatile cap for use after the water in the bottle has been purified

• Protective Cover: Protects the UV bulb when not in use

Seeking a Single Track Soul Mate: A Mountain Biking Love Story

2011-08-01T10:30:00.005-06:00

As I've grown and developed as a biker, my bikes have changed and progressed. Some riders have the money and can buy the nice bikes whether their skills match their bikes or not. I have had what I consider to be the great fortune of having to earn each bike I buy or receive.

Bikes have been my passion since I can remember. My first bike, a white Huffy with purple tires and a purple seat, introduced me to many adventures including a fall (before I thought it prudent to wear a helmet) that put me in the hospital for 5 days with a severe concussion. I don't think my parents knew what they were getting me into... and the many more injuries that were to come.

My second bike was a real Mountain Bike: a hard tail MTN TEK, navy blue with a front shock. I really thought I had moved up in the world. However, I realized how insufficient it was when, in no time flat, I had already beaten the bike up.

In my second year of college I decided to take a mountain biking class. It was there that I met a friend who would shape the future of my riding. This friend informed me that I still needed something burlier and instructed me to get a better bike. I set my sights on a full suspension GT I-drive which had the newest technology of the time. I got a job with my friend at the bike shop he worked at and dedicated myself to getting my GT. I put in countless hours that summer, working hard to save the money I needed and also learning the skills that come along with working in a bike shop as a mechanic. I'm still the quickest girl I know with tire irons.

The GT i-drive turned out to be the right match for the riding I was doing at the time. The bike made its way around the state, frequenting Moab, Park City and whatever other fun single track I could find in my region. I entered- and won- a few super D races with my new bike. I was hooked.

Then came the day when I lost it all. The i-drive was snatched off the rack of my Subaru. However, Fate would have it that this was not to be the end of my biking career. Luck was in my corner: my supervisor at the time felt pity on me and donated a top of the line Specialized Stumpjumper to my biking cause. The Stumpjumper had all the fancy parts and served me well for many years, taking a beating more then once as I consistently pushed it down trails made for bigger bikes.

My appetite for biking was insatiable and because of this, I eventually outgrew my "fancy" Stumpjumper. I searched for a full year for my soul mate of bikes and it paid off: a black Santa Cruz Bullet frame, bottom bracket, cranks, rear Fox air lock out shock, and a Chris King headset for $350. Translation: I cleaned up. A close friend was so excited about my score that, after picking up the bike, he built it with his spare parts so we could go ride together the next day (he was just supposed to keep the bike overnight for me).

Parts have been updated here and there, I replaced the "borrowed" fork with a Fox Talas (so nice, by the way!). I upgraded to a shorter stem and a much wider handlebar. I have the Juicy mechanical disc brakes which are great for now; I can adjust them even while on the trail. All this piecing together has made this bike truly mine as I've loaded it with the components that fit me and my riding style.

I am very lucky to have had many close friends along the way who have given of their skills, their connections, their parts, so that I can just keep riding. Many of us can't get along without those beautiful two wheels in our lives and each set has been important for different reasons. For now, my Bullet fits me like a glove, but I will grow out of it, too, at some point. Until then, I will keep making memories and keep rolling the dirt.

LOTOJA Is Like Having A Baby

2011-07-28T00:20:00.009-06:00

I have not yet gone through what I consider the most horrific thing a woman is asked to do in life: childbirth. I often wonder why women repeat this misery by having more than one child. It's understandable with the first; you've only heard of the pain and have no experience. But when you have a second baby you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. The reason most mothers of multiple children give is that the miracle of life and the blessing of having a child make those memories of hour upon hour of labor so distant that the pain is only remembered when the process is repeated. As time passes, the dominant memory is not pain but joy.

This is exactly how I feel about riding in LOTOJA.

For those who don't know, LOTOJA is the longest one day race sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation. The race runs from Logan (LO), Utah to (TO) Jackson (JA), Wyoming for a total of 206 miles and 10,000' of elevation climb.

From orgtheory.net

The memory of adrenaline and elation after finishing a big ride like this masks the dark truth of the day. A few months after completing my first LOTOJA all I could think of was the beautiful scenery, people cheering for me, riding into Teton Village, and having my family and friends congratulate me with pizza. This, along with the overall feeling of accomplishment, is what pushed me into riding a second year.

After about the first 50 miles of my second LOTOJA, all those good feelings vanished. A flood of realization overwhelmed me as I started the first big climb. I literally hit myself in the head: this was the most difficult, exhausting, painful thing I had ever done. Yet here I was, foolishly doing it again.

Only four sentences escaped my mouth as I pulled in and out feed zones :

1. “This is so much harder than I remember!”

2. “I don’t want to eat anymore.”

3. “Why did I sign up for this again?”

4. “How far ahead is Ross?” *

Because of this harsh realization during the beginning stage of my 206-mile ride I promised I would not forget how I felt that day. Remembering those things would make it unlikely I would sign up for a third LOTOJA. Yet, here I am: signed up and preparing for my third LOTOJA.

If you had asked me the day after completing my second LOTOJA if I would be participating again I would have given you a resounding "NO." I would be willing to bet that 99.97% of LOTOJA riders would say the same. In reality, a large percentage of LOTOJA riders repeat the torture year after year. I'm no different.

You may ask why I keep putting myself through this? In response to your question I pose another: Why did my mom have 7 children? Though I remember the pain and telling myself I

wasn’t going to do it again, what stands out more is how great it was to ride across the finish line. I am not looking forward to riding my bike in the race this September 10th but I am excited to bask in the glory of accomplishing something extremely painful and exhausting. That feeling is what I live for. That feeling is what keeps me coming back.

*Side note: Ross is my husband. In our first LOTOJA I beat him by a solid 4 hours or something ridiculous like that. I enjoyed rubbing this in tremendously; he promised he would not let that happen again. He beat me our second year by about 24 minutes, or something miniscule like that. (I wanted him to have some dignity to claim, hence why he was allowed to

beat me.)

This year I will have no such pity.
___

Keep up with OWA's LOTOJA team by following their progress on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Fezzari's Catania Road Bike (aka "The Fezz") Performs!

2011-07-26T17:37:00.005-06:00

What: Fezzari Catania Road Bike
Where to Buy: Retail Location and Online
Would I recommend to my best friend: Yes
Rating: 5/5

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go. The past four months have provided me with ample opportunities to take "The Fezz" (aka Fezzari's Catania road bike) out to test on the open roads. After four months of riding and progressing on The Fezz, I feel it's time for a review.

Ever since obtaining my Catania, Saturdays have been set aside for testing the bike using the many long scenic rides around Utah county and Salt Lake City. However, before starting my rides I made sure I was going to be able to clip in and out of my Shimano 105 pedals with my Shimano WR41 Road Bike Shoes, which I purchased at the Fezzari shop. The shoes fit perfectly and were comfortable the whole ride; they clipped in and out after fixing the tension without any problems. One thing I will have to confess (being new to the clip on shoes) that I took some nice falls going up steep hills. I'm not one to be deterred, though!

Once I was up and smooth on my clipless pedals, I started paying attention to how my bike rode; "The Fezz" certainly did its job. I should let you know: before this I had a generic bike. I now understand why investing in a well-made bike makes such a difference. The one I purchased from Fezzari was custom built to my measurements. In return for the custom build, I have a bike which I can ride for hours without any aches in the usual places (shoulders, back, seat); these are all areas in which I experienced in spades whenever I took out my less-expensive and one-size-fits-a ll bike.

T he details of the bike: The Shimano Ultegra derailleur and the Shimano105 shifters were as smooth as they promised to be and having 30 speeds available was great in the diverse terrain I covered. In addition, the Maxxis tires offer low-rolling resistance, outstanding traction and great cornering. I had no problems when riding them through both flat and rockier paths. The bike fit me perfectly (good job, Fezzari staff!) and, thanks to its R2A frame and compact geometry, there were times I couldn't believe I was actually on a road bike. It was just so comfortable! (If you don't know, compact geometry shortens the seat tube slightly which makes the bike a little lighter, reduces lateral flex and leaves you in a more upright position.) And the seat? Well, we all have probably experienced the way a road bike's seat feels; generally sitting on them for hours is not comfy! However, the Fezarri racing saddle does a good job of defying that discomfort.

Overall, I couldn't be more impressed. I'm still learning the road bike lingo with friends help and working up to being able to call myself a legitimate cyclist. But one thing I am already certain of: once you get on a Fezzari bike, you'll fall in love.

Climbing Big Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah

2011-07-05T06:30:00.010-06:00

Dogwood Climbing Area, Big Cottonwood

Little and Big Cottonwood: these two canyons are synonymous with the phrase “Steep and Deep” when it comes to skiing in Utah. As the winter winds down, another sport takes over these burly canyons: climbing. Though visually very different from each other, both canyons offer excellent climbing that is easily accessible, making them a popular off-winter spot for those with a hunger for heights.

I spend most of my Salt Lake City climbing time in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The lower canyon, which is more rugged and less vegetated, has a noticeably different character than the upper. The views in from the bottom portion are spectacular; the rock juts out in a decidedly diagonal manner, with defined strata making the canyon look like a lopsided layer-cake. A swift mountain river flows by the base of many climbs, lending cool air (and a bit of the otherwise unheard of Utah humidity) to climbers who flock to the routes near it.

If you’re looking to get someone into climbing or just want a place where you can get on and off several routes in a short amount of time, you'll find a perfect solution with the climbs at the Dogwood picnic area. Just two miles from the mouth of the canyon, this area offers climbing that takes just minutes to walk into. The area is unique in that you belay from a narrow bank between the wall and the river. Go too early in the season and you’ll find that this unique feature means many of the routes are inaccessible because the snowmelt has raised the water level, covering the belay areas. And don’t expect to have the place to yourself… this area is popular with boy scout troops, college students and families.

Another must-climb area in Big Cottonwood is the “S-Curves” which is a nickname for the stretch of road directly below the climbs. Find this spot by heading about four miles up the canyon until you see the caution sign for some serious curves and slow speed ahead. The road here basically makes an “S” but you only want the lower S-curve to access the trail… if you trace the entire S with your car, you’ve gone too far. Park between the two curves and find the trail head to the northeast section of the lot. You will have to cross the road- definitely use caution here as there is a blind corner and canyon drivers are known to take their curves at speed. There are many routes to be had here, from novice (5.5) to you-gotta-be-kidding-me 5.13d. This area is south facing so if you’re looking to stay warm, this is your spot. Make sure to come early, though, as parking is limited and the area is popular.

These are just two of the climbing areas Big Cottonwood features but they will give you a taste of what the canyon has to offer. Make sure to get acquainted with the area: the locals are friendly and are ready to help if you would like to venture beyond Dogwood & the S-curves. And if you’ve got a favorite spot or route in Big Cottonwood, share it below!

Biking is Best: An Ode to My Favorite Sport

2011-07-03T08:16:00.003-06:00

This is a shout out to my favorite sport.

From the time I was a young child pursuing my dreams to become a professional baseball player I have always had a love for sports. Although my MLB pursuit didn’t really make it past the 4^th grade I’m glad that I have dabbled in many different sports. All this extensive experimenting has taught me that biking is best. Here's how I came to this conclusion:

In college I decided to cross an item off my bucket list and run a marathon. I started running and it was great. I will never forget the cool night runs through rural Logan, Utah with the smell of spring and cow manure filling my lungs as I pushed the pavement. I accomplished my marathon and continued to run almost everyday. Long runs have always been one of my favorite things because I really love feeling completely exhausted. The bad thing is that after long runs my body would be in pain, sometimes for days.

Hearing my complaints, my brother-in-law convinced me that biking was better. He told me stories of 8-hour rides that would leave me pain free the following day. When I showed some interest, he jumped on the opportunity of converting me to the sport by finding a killer deal on a road bike. I decided to commit. I purchased the bike.

Since my acquisition, I have never looked back. This is my fourth cycling season; every year has brought different adventures and appreciation for the sport.

I love biking. I love not just the biking, but everything about it. I love that I can leave my house and ride in any direction and see so many beautiful and diverse places. I love that a "small ride" will take me miles and miles. I love how biking jerseys have little pockets where you can stash things. I love seeing people in there 60’s riding and knowing that will be me. I love getting chain grease on my hands. I love that I can ride 206 miles in one day and feel absolutely normal 2 days after. I love that I can bike even when I have injuries that make it to painful to do other sports. I love going downhill on a canyon road. I love spandex. I love how awkward it was when I learned how to clip into my pedals. I love tears streaming from my eyes when reaching top speeds. I love saving gas and pedaling to work. I love eating a nice meal after I have spent every ounce of energy on a ride. Oh and of course, I love my bike.

I deeply enjoy many other sports, but anytime I get on the saddle I realize that biking is best.

The lad in this video sums it all up.

Baffin Polar Proven: For Trail to Rapids in Less Polar Regions, Too

2011-06-29T16:52:00.000-06:00

What: Baffin Polar Proven Footwear Trail to Rapids Series Atlantis Women's Shoe
Where to Buy: Check the Retail Locator and Online
Would I recommend to my best friend: Yes
Rating: 4.0/5

With a name like Baffin Polar Proven, you may think this footwear company only offers shoes that keep your toes toasty in the middle of a Canadian whiteout. Not so, as I found out while researching their products pre-departure of The Most Epic Trip.
Baffin has what they have named the "Trail to Rapids" series of shoes that, well, do exactly as they say. They are designed to drain water right out since there are no "solid" walls on the shoes and have rugged soles which provide rugged traction on the trail.

I received these as sponsored shoes from Baffin to test and try out on the trail for The Most Epic Trip. Here's what I think, after wearing them every single day of the 12 days we've had of the trip so far:

Review:

What first caught my eye about the Atlantis shoe (the one I chose from the styles in this series) is the color options they come in. I know it's a bit out there, but I LOVED the coral color. It's super unique for footwear in a sneaker and they look great on the trail. I was a bit worried about them with dirt as standard trail running shoes are brown or gray, but the dust hasn't done much to diminish their good looks. They are easy to shake out and dust off.

Once I got them out on the trail, the first thing I noticed is how well they stick to the terrain. No joke, this shoes has, hands down, the stickiest rubber I've ever seen in any sneaker. I have found myself walking confidently down pretty darn steep grades (and up them as well, but coming down is always harder!). These are the best approach shoes I've ever owned and if a climbing company were to integrate Baffin's rubber on their soles, I would buy them in a heartbeat. I've never felt so confident on the trail and scrambling up rocks.

In general, I am not a shoe fan. I was born and raised in Florida, so flip-flops are my thing. But these shoes are like flips with protection. They are airy (hold them up to the sun and you can see through them), lightweight, and super easy to take on and off with the slipper-type design and drawcord to tighten them up. On the hottest of days, a slight breeze will blow right through these shoes and cool off your tired toes. For a flip-flop wearer, these things feel just like home.

What I would change: I don't wear socks with these, so while the shoe is actually quite comfortable, if the tongue moves to one side there is a seam which you will start to notice after a bit if you go sockless as well. This is pretty easy to fix if you tighten down the drawcord with the tongue in place, but if you get careless, you will notice a slight amount of rubbing where the seam is on the upper part of the shoe. It hasn't caused any pain or blisters at all (and I've been hiking lots with them on), but after about a half and hour, you'll just notice it is there. I would just recommend the tongue be a bit wider to compensate for movement. Also, I'd love if the shoe came in half sizes. I wear an 8.5 normally and the 9 is a bit large for me. Other than these two things, this shoe is by far the best trail shoe I have owned. These shoes won't get much time in the closet.

Verdict: These shoes won't see much time in the closet.

Love & a Time Lapse Video Over El Tiede

2011-05-04T09:24:00.000-06:00

I shared this on my personal site, but I thought it was Outdoor Women worthy as well. After reading this, I'm curious to know if you're consumed with love or if it's just a weekend affair?

...

I'm going on a trip.

It's five months long. I'll be sleeping in a tent. I probably won't have a place to take showers regularly. I could get sunburned, bug-bitten, and bruised. There will be dirty clothes to rewear and the same oatmeal-in-a-pouch breakfast every morning. There may be precious little in the way of cell phone reception, internet connection, and clean water.

But I'm in love. So none of those things matter.

I unabashedly declare that I want to be wrapped up in fresh air, kissed by the sun and the rain, covered under a majestic Milky Way evening. It's one of the most powerful, awe-inspiring, life-giving loves that I've found in this mortal life. I want to be physically consumed by it the same way it consumes every spare thought. I can only begin to touch that in a five month trip.

Words rarely do justice to why someone is in love... but maybe this still-photography film will. If you remain confused, you need an intervention. Run yourself to the mountains, to a wild river, to the ocean. Sit yourself down and fill your lungs with clean air. Lay back on the grass and let deadlines pass like the clouds overhead. Birds will serenade you... you don't need your iPod. Things are constantly changing- you don't need your television. Nature is talking all around you- you don't need to text. Just fall in love.

Thank you to @savagemountain and @newhiker for sharing the video that inspired this post.

Cotton Kills? Not Anymore: Polarmax Transdry Cotton

2011-04-21T04:30:00.010-06:00

What: Polarmax Transdry Cotton & All-Year Gear 365's
Where to Buy: Stores/Online (same shops)
Would I recommend to my best friend: Yes
Rating: 4.5/5

You slip on your favorite cotton shirt. It's soft. It's comfortable. And when it gets wet, you're shivering like a Mexican hairless dog in the Arctic.

Cotton has no place in the outdoors... or so you've heard. Polarmax decided to push the limits on this conventional thinking. The outcome? Polarmax Transdry Cotton fabric- a blend of regular cotton mixed with cotton treated to wick moisture away.

Polarmax Transdry
Women's Zip Mock

I was first introduced to this fabric at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City this winter. Absolutely dubious, as "cotton kills" has been my mantra ever since becoming an outdoors-girl, the rep for Polarmax told me to test it for myself. Handing me a pair of women's boy short and the Women's Zip Mock baselayer, he sent me on my way.

After owning, wearing and testing these pieces of clothing for a few months now, I feel I have come to some very conclusive results about this fabric.

Result: It works. Period.

Pros:

Does what it says: wicks moisture away. I felt these pieces performed as well as (if not better than) some of my other trusted base layers.
Comfortable: the fabric employs Polarmax's 4-way stretch to keep you agile
No odors: I've worn this in many situations for days on end and it didn't become offensive to the senses.
Extra touches on the shirt: seams lay flat; and chin/neck are protected from the top of the zipper with a little flap of fabric - no raw skin!
No shrinking: I didn't notice any shrinking from the original size when washed and dried. I did notice the shape came back to new when I dried it.

Cons:

Sizing: Shirts run large and can get a little stretched out between washes (just like your favorite cotton shirt, eh?). The boy-short bottoms tend to *ahem* ride up a bit. Or a lot.
Movement: While the shirt had excellent movement, the boy short just weren't as flexible; felt a little more restricted in movement.

Summary:

Polarmax All-Year Gear 365's Transdry Cotton
Women's Boy Short

I wore the Transdry cotton pieces both on and off the ski hill. On the hill: when cold days hit, it was a great layer coupled with a thinner base and shell on top, liners for the bottoms on top of the boy short. On warm days I wore it alone with a shell and it breathed well. I used it in both conditions hiking with skis and although on the warmer days I did get a little damp under the shell (not the fault of the shirt as the conditions were very warm for a shell), after stripping down to just the shirt layer, I was completely dry within five minutes. On the cold days I noticed no problems with retaining any perspiration at all.

Off the hill: I've used the pieces hiking & climbing both indoors and outdoors. The shirt itself has a great length for hiking and climbing, fitting well under a harness and keeping your backside covered when going for a long reach or scrambling. The boy shorts got a little uncomfortable in the fit with a lot of movement, but both pieces performed well as far as wicking went.

Conclusion:

Cotton rocks... I guess I'm going to have to change my mantra.

Thoughts? Questions? Let me know and I'll get them answered!

*Photos courtesy of Polarmax

Slow Water: Canoeing Juniper Springs- A Photo Journey

2011-04-20T08:26:00.003-06:00

"The most beautiful canoe ride I've ever taken"

A little friend sees us off

Such were the words of my sister (in-law), Susi. Juniper "Run" (officially Juniper Springs Recreation Area) is located in the north-central area of Florida in the Ocala National Forest. As a kid, we used to go canoeing on it but I hadn't done it since highschool, so I thought it would be fun for Susi (who is from New Jersey) and I to head out on.

There are more springs in Florida than in any other state and most of them are in this area. The water throughout the canoe trip is crystal clear and mostly wading depth, though they have restricted that activity to keep the habitat as little disturbed as possible.

It's hard to capture it in pictures, but we gave it a try. Keep in mind, this trip was taken in Florida's "winter" so a lot of the vegetation in the area is dormant and brown. Also, please excuse any skewed photos. We had to dodge low branches (once having to position the canoe perfectly and then lay back on each other as we passed under a particularly low tree) and steer through very tight areas until the river opened up. They had to be taken at a moment's notice without letting go of the paddle!

Gorgeous Water

River of Grass

Cypress dividing the river

Gotta use some navigation skills

Pretty acrobatic of you, Mr. Turtle

Many low-lying branches to maneuver around

Finally opens up... smooth sailing in the sun

Gorgeous Florida Skies

Training Tuesday- Climbing Leavenworth, WA: It's Not Just About Spinach, Popeye

2011-04-19T08:32:00.001-06:00

T, keeping booty-over-toes on 5.10 slab. Barney's Rubble

With our eyes on the prize, Sara and I headed out to Leavenworth to test our metal on the gritty granite of Icicle Creek. It was my first attempt at placing gear for the season and I was excited to pull triggers, slot nuts and squeeze my li'l hands up some rough crack. I use the word "attempt" because I got the heebie jeebies 6 pieces in and had to drop a top-rope to retrieve my gear and complete the climb.

Making lemonade out of lemons, it was 6 more pieces than I'd placed prior to this weekend and even included a (marginal, but best I could do under the circumstances) 3-piece anchor! And, I got practice at rope management. All are bonuses!

We have an AWESOME 70m rope (Petzl's beautiful 9.4 Fuse - review coming soon to Pemba Serves) and since it was quite a lot longer than needed on Twin Cracks, it offered me the chance to work on my mad rope management skillz. Alas, its been a while since I really practiced those.

It took me a solid 30 minutes to set the top-rope. You might call that a ridiculous amount of time for a short climb with a barely-4th class scramble to the top, but please consider this: I had to go up to the anchors not once but twice to get it right.

This weekend, I felt strong, happily left skin in cracks and rubber on slabs. My muscles are tired and my body wonderfully bruised. My training for physical strength is working. But its not all about pull-ups, my dear Amazons. Its time to train with tools.

Road Bikes: Fezzari Company Review

2011-04-14T08:00:00.009-06:00

Meet the newest member of the OWA Road Bike Team: "The Fezz"
Photo: Fezzari

As a first time road bike purchaser, looking for a bike was not a piece of cake. The search took me to lots of bike shops, asking lots of questions, and getting advice from friends that participate in the sport. After a few weeks of research and getting close to nowhere in my decision, I remembered driving by a company called Fezzari, a local company based out of Lindon, Utah. I decided to pay them a visit.

When I got to Fezzari, I was greeted by their friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a good thing they had both of these qualities because I had a list of questions ready to fire at them. One associate stepped up to help. Answering all my questions, he proceeded to show me the bike he believed brought together all the aspects I was searching for, the Catania. I examined all the components of the bike and was sold. Turning to the associate, I informed him of my decision. He asked for my height, went back to the bike shop, located a medium frame, and said that they could start building my bike right there and then. I was giddy...weeks of searching and I was finally going to bring a bike home!

What I liked about Fezzari is that they offer a 23-point custom setup with every bike purchase so that the bike will be fitted for you. After taking numerous measurements they were off to build my road bike.

Unable to wait patiently, I wandered around their shop to see what bike accessories they offered. This journey resulted in the additional purchases of a mileage tracker, upgraded pedals, and the must-have air pump. I then realized I needed to get a pair of biking shorts and a jersey. I was going to do this road biking thing right!

The waiting paid off in more than additional purchases... my custom-built road bike was soon rolling out my way. The associate and I went outside and instructed me on how things worked as well as made some quick final adjustments. He then turned the bike over to me and it was time to try my new ride. Practically leaping on, I took my first peddle strikes. The bike was so smooth, I felt as though I was riding on a cloud. I had some trouble with changing gears, but this was only my lack of experience and with some practice I'll get those down. Riding a few times around the shop had me in love with the bike. I was ready to take her home.

All in all, Fezzari gave this first time road biker a good experience. I just loved how the bike felt and how helpful the staff was in answering all my questions.

Follow-up article to come: how "The Fezz" performs out on the open road!

Getting Back on the Rock: A Response From Chicks Climbing Week

2011-04-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

Last week we celebrated the highly skilled women of Chicks Climbing with a week of articles dedicated to the organization. Through the magic of social media, one of the participants of a Chicks Climbing clinic found us on Facebook and sent us a message about her time with "The Chicks." This message is a testament to the organization's ability to teach every skill level in a personalized way and keeps you motivated to keep pushing yourself long after your time with them is done.

Here is Anne's story:

The years were slipping by, the gear was waiting, taking up valuable real estate in a cramped New York City closet, the shoulder surgery was five years ago, plans were made to climb again, plans were cancelled. The expiration date on calling myself a rock climber was fast approaching, the only choices left were to leave my rack and rope on the doorstep of a deserving, ambitious ,yet under-cammed trad aspirant, or get my aging feet on some friendly rock and work out my fears, my quads and my deltoids with some enthusiastic strangers.

Chicks Climbing to the rescue. What better place than Red Rocks, Nevada -my favorite venue, where I was schooled over twelve years ago on how to follow, how to lead and how to race back down the canyon at sunset to the car in order to avoid a ticket? As I packed my bags for the Chicks Climbing clinic, any trepidation I had about being older, being out of shape, about not being a rock climber started to fade away. My new harness, new helmet and new shoes were testament to my renewed commitment, my old, trusted gear was a reminder of who I wanted to be again. I was ready for the harsh reality that bruises were coming to my knees, my shins and my ego. I didn't care. I just wanted to tie in (providing I could remember how) and climb.

Everything was going to be great -that was my initial feeling as soon as I sat down with our group and our Girly Guides at the camp site near Red Rocks. And it was great. I couldn't have asked for a better, more supportive, loud mouthed group of climbing chicks. All of them inspired me. Kitty and Dawn were amazing. Not only did they offer encouragement and coaching, they were remarkable in their ability to understand just how best to give each individual climber feedback in a way that was meaningful to her. We were not there to be hauled up the cliff by expert guides, we were there to be taught technique, safety, respect for our sport and its ethics. Each day was thoughtfully planned to build our skills and boost our confidence on the rock.

I am sure that every one of us grew as climbers, and I know that I will hear a no-nonsense, South Carolinian accented voice in my ear, urging me to take on the hard challenges and climb on every time I rope up from here on out.

Training Tuesday: Rae's Road Cycling & STP Training Update

2011-04-12T05:15:00.001-06:00

Seattle to Portland in 48 hours or less. 206 miles. On a bike.

If you were to sit and think about it I bet you couldn't come up with more than a few people who would want to sit on a bike seat consecutively for more than 10 hours, but each year, 10,000 people do it- and do it willingly. They will do it again this July while participating in the bike trek from Seattle to Portland (STP).

When you ponder the number of people who actually do this ride every year it becomes less of a novelty, less of an inspiration. But for one girl (me), it's the greatest fitness challenge I have yet to experience.

I am learning that preparation for this type of race is key. I can't just pick up my bike and fake 206 miles. I set my goal high not really knowing how much time I could (and would) really spend training on my bike. I quickly learned that life is busy and fitting in hours of endurance cycling added a whole new dimension. You can't multi task while riding; you can't do it in little bits here and there. Perhaps that is part of its beauty: I can take a few hours just for me and my thoughts. And this has lead me to a real enjoyment in my preparation.

View Larger Map

Last Saturday was the first of my first "longer" rides: 50 miles. We (my friend Tiffany and I), rode north from Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA to Woodinville then headed east to Duvall, south to Carnation and Issaquah then back up the east side of Lake Sammamish to Marymoor again. There were a few big hills along the way. These places may mean little to most of you, so just take my word for it- we had a lovely ride. :)

This Saturday we plan on riding either 50-60 miles. We're not exactly sure yet, but we're looking to increase our speed just a bit.

One of the programs I am using to keep track of my progress and rides is Map My Ride. Sign up, add me as a friend (if you'd like) and we can train together no matter the distance between our cities. If you are interested, here is the link to our 50 mile ride I just described (send me a message to connect so you can view).

Keep up with my progress on the blog. Feel free to share your stories of cycling, training, etc!

Training Tuesday: Rock Climbing

2011-04-12T05:10:00.001-06:00

Days are longer, we're occasionally getting more time with the sun, and blooming trees and flowers are spicing up late winter Pacific North West dreariness with much needed color. Spring in Seattle is truly lovely and appreciated; better conditions outside make it easier for me to train.

Going into the 8th training week of 11, I'm still only at 71% completion but I'm up a few percentage points from my last post and- more excitingly- I can feel its effects. Sara and I went to Smith again the weekend before last. Two beautiful days of sun-warmed volcanic tuff helped me see where I need to continue working and where I've built strength. Here is my progress report:

Not me, but wouldnt it be great if it was? One for next time.

Movement: B+
Motion and sequences are fluid. I'm not afraid that I wont be able to "hang on," so I am not over-gripping and can therefore let myself flow through the moves.

Endurance: A-
Surprisingly, I have stamina to get through a weekend without fatigue or muscle failure (is that a sign I should push harder? Maybe). If not for the raw, thrashed ends of my finger-tips, I could've kept going and think I could've easily climbed Deirdre (at Squamish) without issue (that climb is my measuring stick). Over-sensitivity to finger-tip thrashing might knock me down a grade here; what do you think?

Power: B+
In a past life, I was a rock-hauler. If you've ever been to Hawaii and seen heiau (temples) of the ancients, you can appreciate the skill of the people who created them. They didnt use mortar or any sort of "cement." Rather, they fit each stone just so so that the walls and structure would hold together. Incredible. Tangent aside, someone had to haul that heavy, volcanic rock down mountains to build beach-front temples. That's what I did in a past life; I'm sure of it. Or credit my farming/ranching ancestors, my parents who fed me steak, potatoes and lots of leafy greens as a kid, or whatever: I'm a burly girlie.

Rest: C-
I'm trying, I really am! This is just tough for me. I didnt do anything this past Friday but walk the dog and spend time with friends. I've even stopped to study my Spanish vocabulario and numeros and to read Nat'l Geo instead of doing. I really am trying. Promise.

Fear: C-
Practice, practice, practice. That last weekend at Smith, I actually fell. It was a very reserved, strategic fall, but it was falling! I need continue working towards climbing until I can't continue and allow failure and letting myself pop; however, this was a start. Watch the video for proof. With more practice I will be strong enough, with skill and smarts to know when its ok to fall and when its truly dangerous.

So there you have it: an average C report card. Not bad, not stellar. I think I can pull my average up these next few weeks. Leavenworth is on the docket for the weekend - I'll let you know how it goes.

Training Tuesday: Teresa's Good Eats- Peanut Butter, Dates & Balls of Power!

2011-04-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Peanut butter - along with avocados and watermelon - deserves its own food group. I love the stuff. I'm a "grazer", my body functions better with snacks than with big meals and, while I hope to be babelicious on the beaches of Spain next month, I cant resist peanut butter when I'm out on high-exertion weekends. It sticks to my ribs, keeps me from bonking, and eliminates having to eat sugary processed foods. Here are two of my favorite home-made power snacks:

Date thingies

Loni's Date Treats

(from a dear friend and climbing inspiration. Take one guess what her name is, Smartypants...)

3 or 4 dates
Adams crunchy peanut butter (PB), stir-required (its magic!, has only a couple ingredients, and does not contain partially hydrogenated oils like most other already-mixed PB)
Pecans

Slice the dates in half, lengthwise.

Spread a small, tspn-sized blob of PB into the inside "reservoir" of the date.

Break a pecan in half, lengthwise, and press it into the PB.

Voila!

Store in a baggie or mini-glad tupperware.

A bit of healthy sweetness and protein packed into nutty, long-lasting calories = yum

T's Balls of POWER!

(shout it, you know you want to!)

One ball down, one to be rolled. Delish!

Packet of chocolate protein powder (I used Jay Robb's but use a kind you like)
Honey
Peanut Butter (see above recipe)
Chocolate chips

Dump 1/3 to 1/2 of the protein powder on a plate.

Scoop a tablespoon-sized blob of PB onto a spoon.

Use a finger to make a li'l dimple in the PB blob.

Squeeze a tsp dollup of honey into the dimple.

Smoosh 6-12 choc chips into the PB.

Fold outer edges of the PB around the honey/chop chip center so it makes a little ball.

Roll the ball in the protein powder.

Wrap it in a mini-square of plastic wrap.

Put it in a small, snack-sized baggie.

Dump remaining protein powder in your oatmeal.

FREEZE YER BALLS! (this is key esp. if you're climbing in a warm place - it helps them keep their shape instead of becoming a mooshy - but scrumptious - mess)

Packed with rib-sticking goodness; slow-energy-releasing protein and some fast-acting, natural sugars. Depending on the outing/trip duration... I'll eat 1/day on a rock trip, 2+/day climbing Rainier - these saved me on Rainier.

- Teresa Bruffey

Training Tuesday: Teresa's Training Schedule

2011-04-12T04:30:00.001-06:00

Want to follow along with Teresa Bruffey as she trains for climbing season? Here's her recipe for success:

Training

Outdoor Research, Osprey Packs & The Love Letter

2011-04-11T00:09:00.000-06:00

How do you express the intense desire you hold for the outdoors? How do you tell others the way your favorite mountain inspires you, pushes you to be better? How do you put into words the beauty you see when you gaze upon your go-to wilderness getaway?

Outdoor Research (OR) recently wrote me to tell of a film they are hosting that strives to do just that. The Love Letter, a movie which asks "in the clutter of the modern world, can wilderness still restore the human spirit?", follows two climbers as they backpack and climb the lesser-known areas of the Sierras. It documents the changes that come over them. It expresses the emotions that storm through them during their time in the wild alpine areas. It answers the "Why?" questions people ask that get us tongue-tied.

Stay tuned... the full-lenth movie makes its online debut tomorrow, April 12th on the OR website and Osprey Packs' site; it makes its on-screen debut later this month at the 5 Point Film Festival in Carbondale, Colorado. Until tomorrow, here's your teaser:

Chicks Climbing Contest!

2011-04-09T08:31:00.000-06:00

Are you convinced yet how amazing the group of women at Chicks Climbing are? Ready to become an ambassador of their greatness and have a chance of winning awesome gear?

We thought you might be interested... (wink, wink)

It's missing a Chicks Rock poster!
From Chicks Climbing

Chicks Climbing is looking for brand ambassadors to post up posters for them. It can be at your local climbing gym, the bulletin board at the rec center, your neighborhood coffee shop, etc. In return for this show of loyalty, three chicas will get one of the following trusted pieces of gear:
Osprey Hornet 24 daypack,
Julbo Guide Glasses,
Princeton Tec Fuel headlamp

Ready to get your hands on some posters?

Fill out this form indicating how many posters you can plaster (up to four). Each time you put one up, take a photo of your poster, post it up on your very own Facebook wall with a tag to Chicks Climbing. Make sure to add where it was placed! Each poster given a home gets you an entry when you follow these guidelines. Up to four and only until May 31!

...

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

Experience Chicks Climbing: Video

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

Experience Chicks Climbing: Video

2011-04-08T08:22:00.001-06:00

Meet Kim Reynolds, founder of Chicks Climbing as she lets you know a little about why she started the organization and how it all came together. Next, "climb on" with participants in a clinic in Devil's Lake, Wisconsin as they tackle cracks, flakes and ledges. Enjoy a campfire with s'mores at the end of your visual tour. Then realize- you could be experiencing this in real time with Chicks Climbing!

P.S. This also has some great music to get you inspired, Outdoor Woman!

...
Related posts:

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

2011-04-07T08:11:00.006-06:00

Just got word from Dawn Glanc who sent in her photos and a summation of her time spent acting as one of the climbing guides for the the Chicks Rock clinic this past weekend. Held March 31 through April 4 (including the optional multi-pitch day), this clinic gets women on the rock and improves their skills in the sport.

From Dawn:

Amanda practicing hand jams
The Chicks rocked this weekend in Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas. The three day program was full of fun and laughter. Day one we went to Moderate Mecca to get familiar with the sandstone. Day two we hiked an hour into First Creek Canyon to climb at the Romper Room Wall. It was a great day of crack climbing. Most women learned how to hand jam for the first time. Day three we put it all together and climbed at Ragged Edges.

Monday was an optional multi-pitch day, four women stayed to climb with Kitty Calhoun and I. I climbed Physical Graffiti with participants Anne and Lisa. Kitty took her ladies up Wholesome Fullback. Everyone had an adventure on that last day. It was a perfect was to end our Spring clinic in Vegas.

-Dawn

Serious about improving your level of climbing? Contemplating getting into the sport for the first time? Had a long hiatus and want to jump start yourself into climbing? This clinic is one that is not to be missed. All levels of climbing are supported here and the level of instruction is top-notch. One look at the Chicks Rock clinic guides will tell you why:

Dawn Glanc:

Dawn Glanc was born and raised in Brunswick Ohio.

In 1996, at the age of 21 she moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is where she learned to rock and ice climb. After 8 years in the hills, Dawn wanted to explore bigger mountains and more complex terrain.

In 2004, Dawn moved to Bellingham Washington to begin a career as a mountain guide. She now lives the life of a mountain guide, Spending the winters in Ouray, Colorado, and the summers in Jackson, Wyoming.

In the spring and fall Dawn spends her time traveling and road tripping to different climbing destinations. For the past 6 years Dawn has climbed all over the western united states, as well as Canada, France, Norway, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia.

Dawn has also competed in the Ouray Ice Festival Competition for the past 5 years, winning the women’s division in 2009 and 2011. She is an AMGA certified rock and alpine guide.

Kitty Calhoun:

Kitty Calhoun grew up in S.C. and began rock climbing in 1978. A year later, she took up ice climbing, while attending the University of Vermont.

She became a rock instructor for Outward Bound in 1981 and a guide for the American Alpine Institute from 1985-1990. She guided in Peru, Bolivia, Alaska, Argentina, and Nepal.

Among her personal ascents include the Cassin on Denali, the second ascent of the Bouchard route on Chacraraju, the first American female ascent of Dhaulagiri, the first female ascent of Makalu, two new Grade VI wall routes in Kyrkygzstan, a new Grade VI wall route on Middle Triple Peak in Alaska, four routes on El Cap (all with women), and most recently, an ascent of the rarely-formed Diamond Couloir on Mt.Kenya.

Kitty is an ambassador with Patagonia and lives in Castle Valley, UT.

...

Lisa & Anne on the summit of
Physical Graffiti

Margaret jamming her way
up the climb

...
Related posts:

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

2011-04-06T09:37:00.016-06:00

Getting Coached with Kitty Calhoun

Just what is the Chicks Rock Red Rocks climbing clinic? To sum it up: it's a downright incredible opportunity for women to become the best version of their climbing selves. During this four day hands-on clinic, participants learn from some of the most reputable and skilled female climbers in the world... and each climber receives ample attention as the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:4. An optional day will get you going on a multi-pitch route, testing the skills you honed in the previous clinic's days.

Worried you don't have enough experience or wonder if there will be a spot catering to higher level climbers? Chicks Rock has you covered with five different levels of instruction. From their site:

For those with minimum or no rock experience
Level 1 - Beginning
For those with minimum or no rock experience
Sending- double time!
Focus on:
a. knots and belaying and gear
b. lowering and rappelling
c. focus on footwork, technique for easy slabs, sport, and cracks

Level 2 - Intermediate

For those who are comfortable top roping up to 5.9
Focus on:

a. review of knots and belaying
b. focus on footwork, technique for intermediate slabs, sport, and cracks
c. intro to anchors

Level 3 - Advanced Intermediate
For those who can top rope 5.8-5.10
Focus on:

a. build top rope anchors
b. be a good second on multi-pitch climbs
c. more advanced movement skills on steeper routes

Danielle doing her first heel hook
Level 4 - Advanced
For those who are breaking in to the 5.10 level
Focus on:

a. clean anchors to lower off
b. focus on conserving energy, resting, and reading sequences
c. intro to protection placement
d. self-rescue and belay escape

Level 5- Intro to Leading
Must be able to follow 5.10a clean (no falls or hangs)
Focus on:

a. practice leading with toprope backup; get critiqued on gear placement and overall safety
b. work on anchors and systems that pertain to leading
c. strategies for on-sighting and red-pointing
d. self-rescue and belay escape

You may have missed out on the Spring clinic which happened this past weekend (March 31-April 3) but not to fret! Chicks Climbing offers this Chicks Rock Red Rocks climbing clinic in the Spring and the Fall. To find out more about the clinic and how you can get on board, visit the clinic page.

*Photos by Dawn Glanc

...
Related posts:

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

Chicks Rock Clinic - Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

2011-04-05T08:43:00.020-06:00

The beauty of moderate mecca

Anne working it out

Chicks Climbing started the season at Red Rocks near Las Vegas. The chicks in attendance are all excited to be climbing together with other women. There is a broad spectrum of abilities, but we have found a way to challenge everyone. Two women climbed their first outdoor route ever today. It was a great day full of fun, sun, and laughter. - Dawn Glanc

The "Chicks Rock" gang

Photos by Dawn Glanc

...

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

An Introduction: Chicks With Picks + Chicks Rock = Chicks Climbing

2011-04-04T01:39:00.012-06:00

Psyched With the Day
Photo courtesy of Dawn Glanc

This week Outdoor Women's Alliance is featuring the rock-steady chicas from Chicks Climbing. As I write they are wrapping up their first "Chicks Climbing" clinic of the year (with an optional day tomorrow) in Red Rocks, Nevada. We got the goods from each day via Dawn Glanc, professional guide and climber who was on site for the clinic.

These women really need no introduction; they are well known for their programs including the popular "Chicks With Picks" ice climbing clinics in Ouray, Colorado. However, we were raised that introductions are a polite way to begin a conversation, so without further adieu, meet our week's feature: Chick's Climbing.

About The Organization:

"Chicks Climbing promotes self reliance by teaching and focusing on technical skills to help women become more equal climbing partners. The theme of all of our ice and rock climbing clinics is “Women Climbing with Women, for Women”. We promote women’s empowerment, the spirit of service, and giving back to the community. Chicks Climbing gives back to the local Colorado community through our support of local women’s shelters: Tri County Resource Center and Starting Point. To date, Chicks Climbing has raised $145,000 for these shelters, making us their largest donor.

"In 2003, Chicks with Picks was awarded the “Community Partners Award” by the State of Colorado and The Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence for our dedication to service and helping local women in need.

"In 2006, Chicks was awarded the “Hometown Hero” Award from the parent organization Hilltop, who runs Tri-County Women’s Resource Center. Hilltop’s hometown heroes are people who, through either participation, volunteerism or working for one of the 25 programs of Hilltop, have made a significant difference in their own life or in lives of others."

(Taken from their site)

Doing good, getting women outdoors and being all-around inspirational? These are our kind of girls. Check back daily as they keep things rocking!

...
Related posts:

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 1

Chicks Climbing: About the Chicks Rock Clinic

Chicks Rock Clinic: Red Rocks, Nevada Part 2

...
Want more from the women who put on Chicks Rock?
Find Chicks Climbing on:

Twitter: @chicksclimbing
Facebook: chicksclimbingrockandice
Site: chickswithpicks.net

Snowbasin: Doing Right By Spring Skiers

2011-04-03T23:39:00.003-06:00

This is as hot as you can get off the press: Snowbasin is offering some fantastic deals for the rest of the 2010-2011 season. After reading our review of the resort and with these fantastic deals, you pretty much have to go. Below is the press release from Snowbasin, received just minutes ago:

So I guess we'll see you on the slopes, eh? =)

Snowbasin & Sneak Peak at Ramp Sports' 2012 Skis

2011-04-02T11:25:00.003-06:00

Needles Express, one of Snowbasin's Gondola

Yesterday, Stephen W. Weiss (of MountainEnthusiast.com) and I headed to Snowbasin Resort to do some testing on Ramp Sports' skis and snowboards. The approach to Snowbasin, as always, caught my breath. I love this rugged mountain tucked away to the east of Ogden. It is absolutely majestic. With the bright bluebird spring sky and the brilliance of the white mountain cutting into it, I was reminded how lucky I am to be so close to such beauty. And ski there... ;)

Love the wide-open spaces of Snowbasin

We met up with Jason Dyer, PR and Marketing Manager for Snowbasin, who took us for a few turns on the mountain. I was introduced to three terrain parks and a perfectly carved half-pipe. I had no idea Snowbasin had such an extensive amount of area for jibbers! The terrain parks come in varying levels of difficulty so skiers can start working on their freestyle skills at a comfortable level and move up to intermediate and advanced parks as they progress. Though I know other resorts have great terrain parks, this level of accommodation sets Snowbasin apart. I would feel much more comfortable improving my rail slides here where I can go at my own pace.

The day was hot- so much so that I wore my spring gloves for the first time this season. There were grills set up in the parking lot, music playing at the base lodges' deck and people milling around with beer and smiles. The mountain itself was at a perfect balance- enough people to feel like it was a spring ski day party, but still plenty of room to open up the skis for wide arcing turns on the slopes. Everyone was friendly- the employees were great at helping with getting skis on the gondolas, offered some conversation as you passed through, and even wrote little entertaining quotes on the message boards (my favorite: Repent! Repent! The end is nigh!- referring, of course, to ski season. Clever.)

Ramp Sports' Beaver Skis- a favorite!

Stephen and I tested out the boards to the max with the different features and terrain available at Snowbasin. I love that there are plenty of steep areas, natural and man-made jib features, and lots of open space to really push the skis and boards we were testing with regards to speed. We ended up loving the last set of Ramp Sports' boards we tried- the Tumbleweed (snowboard) and Beaver (skis). They offered a lot of energy for the conditions we were testing them in and were truly responsive to whatever we threw at them. In fact, after just half a run, we were grinning and giving each other the thumbs-up sign.

Other than the skiing, the base lodge is amazing- a must see if visiting the resort. Huge timber beams and oversized fireplaces complement the breathtaking outdoor surroundings which you can easily view with the nearly ceiling-to-floor windows that cover the walls. And if you really want to be impressed, check out the restrooms... the first time I ever visited the area I thought I had walked into a plush hall of offices instead of the restroom area. I actually asked the attendant on duty where the restrooms were and felt a little sheepish when she told me I was standing in them. The lodges at Snowbasin are by far the most luxurious I've seen in Utah - and anywhere else, for that matter.

Snowbasin's Needles Lodge

And the food? Well, with a lodge atmosphere like this, you wouldn't expect anything less than delicious and that's exactly what you'll get. I ordered a ham & brie panini but was allowed to customize it with a few extra toppings for no additional charge. The friendly cashier even allowed me to change out the side accompaniment of chips since I try to avoid processed foods in my diet. I appreciated this type of service; it's what I
would expect from a resort of
this caliber.

Last Run: MountainEnthusiast taking a final gaze at the views

After we wore ourselves out skiing, we headed over to the deck that was accumulating the day's skiers. It's perfectly angled to catch the sunshine, so we grabbed a couple of chairs and enjoyed listening to the buzz of conversation, laughter and music playing on the speakers. It's always a pleasure whenever I get the chance to come up and visit; it's long been one of my favorite ski retreats.

Full review of Ramp Sports to come with our 2011-2012 Women's Ski Review late summer 2011!

Meet Teresa... the Harvester?

2011-04-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

I also like bikes and boardwarlks

I looked up the history of my name today. Its Greek and means "Harvester" or "late summer" - I like the latter, not quite sure what to make of the former. Can I harvest climbing? While the pious actions of the saints and Mother who share my name are admirable, I'll never pretend to be so good. Here's my real story instead.

The origins of my love for the outdoors kickstarted with my mom and dad who took me on my first "camping trip" at the age of 6 months. I didn't always love nature, bugs, or dirt and took a "recess" from the ages of about 14-20 (this era coincides with an increase in my usage of hairspray, the word "like", and fingernail polish). But, when a boyfriend reintroduced me to the woods via my first backpack trip at age 21, I fell back in deep love with open spaces, the quiet of being far, far from pavement, air I can breathe in, and mornings that begin when the sun lights up my tent.

Then, about ten years ago, a small problem began reeking havoc on my life. An exaggerated, irrational fear of heights forced me to pop meds to fly without panic and required every drop of my courage to walk across a freeway overpass. It got fairly bad until I just couldn't take it any longer. My solution? Do what I feared. Go to high places. Learn to climb. For Christmas that year, my parents gave me intro lessons at the local gym.

Since those early backpacking and climbing days, my fear has become manageable, a "good" trip is one where I come back dirty, and my ideal Saturday starts at dawn with a backpack. My passion for being outdoors -climbing, hiking, skiing, learning to alpine climb, biking- has brought the most amazing people into my life, taken me so many adventures, and led to a job I love as a writer and webzine/blog editor for a Seattle-based outdoor company. I’m a gal with diverse interests…salsa dancing, working on home repairs, giggling at my pup bouncing through the field, lounging over brunch, or dreaming up big ideas around the creaky, wonderful kitchen table with my dear friend and roommate, Sara. But I find the most room to breathe and stretch my soul out there.

You can find more of my stories including the latest on my summer climbing project with Sara on Solo In Tandem or about other travels, adventures, and musings on my blog Snarky Bumbler.

Part II Solo In Tandem: Rock Climbing, Training and Progress

2011-03-31T06:00:00.005-06:00

I've been lucky to have encouragement and support while working on my training plan. It's burly and I'll be honest, so far I'm coming up short of my 86% completion goal by 18%. Most of the time I don't complete it's not for lack of motivation....So what gives?

I described myself to Sara today as a beetle who's been flipped upside down, wiggling all her 6 legs in the air in frenzied panic in attempt to flip over and right herself. And, here comes the stinging slap of Solo in Tandem's First Lesson of Training: The Climbing Chapters of Life Do Not, Alone, Make A Worthwhile Life. I have an enjoyable job, a sweet little house, a dog aptly named Maile the Great, relationships with friends and family to enjoy, a love life I'd like to exist someday if I allow myself opportunities to meet nice men, creative tendencies that need nurturing, and other interests that stray outside of climbing. These things are all incredibly important chapters of my life. But they get in the way of training All. The. Time. If I let all that extra stuff go, I'd certainly be at or even past my goals for training, and maybe even of climbing? Isn't that how the "pros" do it? They certainly don't talk about having to fix leaky pipes, wake up early for 8am meetings on Monday mornings, or wipe the pup's muddy footprints off the floor. Again.

But wait a minute... what is Solo in Tandem all about again? My ideal for what we're hoping to accomplish has had to check itself, or wreck itself. Yes, I want to call bull on the idea that only extreme athleticism is important by finding inspiration through Sara, myself, and our other amazing girlfriends who climb. I'm still pointing my sights on the goal of training to improve strength, sending the 5.9's and the real inspiration. But now I'm also calling bull on my long-held idea that to truly call myself a climber - and to have it matter - means giving up all the other goods in life.

- Teresa Bruffey

...

Want to see how it all began? See Part I in the series: Getting Ready for Rock Climbing Season - Training Project with "Solo in Tandem"

Getting Ready for Rock Climbing Season - Training Project with "Solo in Tandem"

2011-03-30T10:03:00.003-06:00

Introducing Solo In Tandem: Two girls, Teresa Bruffey and Sara Lingafelter, nixing the notion that only extreme athleticism is inspirational. What follows is the story of a project the two cooked up: going from recreational climber to a climber who takes it seriously and trains for the season. This is the first in a series of posts by the Solo In Tandem girls.

"How can you train for a passion?
We just live those, right?"

The season is still early in my book. Perhaps in yours- you lucky thing- the season never ends. But here in the Pacific Northwest, the landscape of my story, it precipitates frequently. This year in particular we've had an incredibly late ski season and our rock is still- surprise, surprise- very drippy and very wet.

While I'd love to be the kind of gal who can jet off to a drier part of the country or world for climbing weekends here and there, I'm not. My inner rock goddess usually hibernates from November through January during "The Drip" until at some arbitrary moment in February when I just cannot take it any longer. That's the point when I head into the rock gym to keep from going fully out of my mind while I wait for our mossy world to dry out. Such was the state I found myself in about four weeks ago, largely fueled by a special project of pre-season training.

Employing tools of training is not my norm when it comes to climbing. Marathons, mountaineering, cycling events: yes. But climbing rock...well...I simply love to climb. Its my passion. How can you train for a passion? We just live those, right? But in counter-argument with myself, I've never actually had this kind of project to dedicate myself to. I typically just climb because I love the feel of the rock, the breeze, my body, the goal simply being the climb at-hand. But one night earlier this winter, my radiant roommate, Sara, a climber, and I created a project over the worn, creaky, idea-fueling kitchen table unlike any I've been a part of before: Solo in Tandem.

"Solo in huhwhat," you ask? Solo in Tandem. We're calling bull on the idea that only extreme athleticism is inspiring. (You can get more of the backstory and join in on the project on our site.) While our goals are moderate by many standards, they nonetheless challenge us in big ways. To prepare myself, I designed a training program to get into the best shape I could; already it is pushing me in ways I wouldn't have imagined.

- Teresa Bruffey

...

Follow the girls of Solo In Tandem:

Twitter: @solointandem

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/solointandem

Get Amped- Music for Your Outdoor Pleasure

2011-03-28T11:33:00.000-06:00

Is this your take on music?
From musiclifetoday.blogspot.com/

These days most people have a few crucial things they grab before they head out the door: keys, wallet, phone and mp3 player. It is nearly impossible to walk down the street without seeing a handful of people plugged into their iPod. There's something about music that gives us the desire to listen to it while doing... pretty much everything.

Outdoor activities are not excluded from having a soundtrack. Many outdoor enthusiast keep one earphone in providing beats that get them going while the other ear if free for conversation and warning sounds (screams from out of control skiers hurdling towards you, perhaps). Our soundtracks are fine-tuned playlists created specifically for biking, skiing, running, bouldering, etc. The songs may get changed up once in a while but there are usually a few that we consider staples.

Take, for example, my playlist for skiing... I can't live without underground hip hop: Common Market, The Roots, Blue Scholars, etc... these are what make me feel like Super Woman while taking turns on steep powder lines. Add a few Dave Matthew songs in there, and I'm set. For climbing, I'm tuned into Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Bob Marley- definitely a more eclectic mix. And so on and so forth... a different musical genre for each outdoor genre.

So let's hear it... do you find yourself reaching for the iPod when you head outdoors? What's on your playlist?

Discovery Through Roadtrips

2011-03-25T08:45:00.008-06:00

Olympic National Park
photo credit here

Roadtrips are one of my favorite ways of discovering a new locale and seeing how well my skills in outdoor activities transfer to new terrain and climates. This is the tale of a roadtrip to the awe-inspiring west coast of Washington:

My first time to the west coast, and more particularly to WA, was on a midnight road trip. I was infamous within my little circle for leaving on spur-of-the-moment trips to some far off destination. This one was no exception. One close friend and one exchange student from Sweden joined me on this trip. There were no plans; I guess that's how we ended up, 14 hours later, in Olympic National Park. It was about 4am when we arrived & pitch black; I had no idea where I was. The only things I had seen of Washington at that point was what was included in the range of my headlights.

When I awoke the next morning, I honestly can't explain the feeling that came over me. The closest I can get is utter disbelief mingled with astonishment. I had driven to the most lush landscape I have ever laid eyes on- and I'm from Florida. I stepped out of my car (I fell asleep there after parking it); the air was fresh, cool, and smelled like damp pine needles. A twenty second walk behind the campsite found me staring down a deep, tree-covered ravine with a delicate waterfall tumbling down moss-covered rocks.

The rest of the trip was filed with exactly the same emotion as the first morning. Huge trees, rock-covered beaches strewn with massive trunks of driftwood, and a constant mist falling from the sky. Coming from the deserts of Utah, this place was out of a dream.

My hiking skills were challenged in this beautiful area. It was hard to keep eyes on the trail when there was so much beauty to take in. My feet paid the price; I slipped almost every five minutes on a slick rock or patch of damp ground.

Discovery: Not only a new favorite hiking area, but also a little bit of internal reflection. The hikes were worth the penalty of bruised toes. Walking along towering pine forests with low-rising undergrowth made me feel small and insignificant; it reawakened my appreciation for the power nature has both in the world and on us, individually. Washington quickly made itself a home in my heart and hasn't left since.

Where have you gone and what have you learned? What areas have kept you returning time and time again?

Shoulder Season - A Feast of Outdoors

2011-03-21T09:58:00.003-06:00

This sight will soon be gone - it's Shoulder Season, y'all!

Ski. Bike. Climb. You can do it all - even in one day if you plan carefully - during shoulder season.

A favorite of many outdoor enthusiasts, shoulder season occurs when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the normal summer-time activities but cold enough to keep the snow around. What results is a feeding frenzy of activity... people tuning their bikes, waxing up their skis, laying down their bouldering pads- all on a quest to make the most of these perfect days.

Utopia doesn't last long in the climates that experience shoulder seasons. In unpredictable mountain environments, the seasons can change rapidly from bitter cold to blazing hot. Because of this, some of the activity experienced during shoulder season can be attributed to those sensing that the end of their favorite season is drawing near, essentially "killing" their sport for another eight months. These folks log as many days as possible on muddy singletracks or on ski slopes that are down to the man-made base (also muddy).

With shoulder season upon us, we'd like to know how you are celebrating (or grieving) the days ahead. What are your plans? Any trips? Packing any multi-sport days? We'd love to hear!

Where Are the Women? Ouray Ice Climbing Competition 2011

2011-03-17T08:50:00.002-06:00

You may be familiar with our love of ice climbing and the concern we have over the lack of women represented in this sport. When we saw the following update from Pemba Serves (read more about them after the article) about women and the Ouray Ice Climbing Festival, we knew it was something we had to reshare. So without further adieu, here's the report:

Fighting The Battle On Two Fronts, Women And The Ouray Ice Fest

Dawn Glanc Powering To 1st Place at the 2011 Ouray Ice Fest - Photo courtesy Anne Hughes

You’ve heard about the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest, likely. It happens to guys, too. We kicked a great big one in the days prior to this year’s Ouray Ice Fest. The piece we posted then (referenced below), remains our most-commented piece, ever. In the discussion that followed there were several strong voices, and it seemed that several of them needed more space. We’ve been happy to provide it. Here we’ll hear from Jill Missal of GearGals.net. She points out – quite well – that when women try to be heard outdoors, they first have to fight the battle on two fronts…

.:.

If you’re reading this, you probably remember the kerfuffle over the women’sOuray Ice Festival climbing competition. If you don’t, I’ll sum up – PEMBA raised the question about why there were only five women in the competition even though there were more qualified female climbers – the PEMBA crew even personally knew some of the women who had applied and were turned away. Brad wrote an articlecritical of the situation, and the rumors started flying. I got my back up over it and so did a few others. Word went around that the other qualified women had backed out once they saw the difficult comp route and people scrambled to qualify this decision.

Later, we discovered that the fifteen men to five women ratio was the standard for Ouray and that the alternates were simply unable to attend the comp as they had made other plans after being turned down during the first round. That already-small number had dwindled to four by the date of the competition because one athlete had become injured and was unable to compete. Brad issued an apology for his rabble-rousing and I got snarky at him for apologizing because I thought he was right for bringing it up. It was Good Times all the way around.

The discussion continued (in a civil fashion) for a few days. Most people seemed satisfied with the resolution and the facts as were eventually revealed. Me? Not so much. Surprising, I know.

I was still smarting from the swirl of rumors and innuendo. Not only did it bother me that anyone even suggested that the women backed out because the route was too hard, but it also really got to me that this high-level comp was actively declining qualified women competitors based on an arbitrary ratio. I suppose that I was naïve, thinking that sports were mostly behind this kind of stuff and that there were only five women applicants in the first place. Finding out that there were more and they were turned away due to a “full roster” of only five athletes out of twenty possible spots was extremely dismaying to me.

You see, as it has famously been said, women have to fight every battle on two fronts. First, we have to fight for the right to speak our minds and be heard. Only then can we state our case about the actual discussion topic. Think I’m wrong? See this article I wrote about how men tend to look straight through women, shun our beta, and actively avoid accepting guidance or even friendly conversation from women in sporting situations. Read the many comments – it’s not just me. Before even getting to the meat of a conversation, a woman first has to assert herself and convince all present that she deserves a voice. Once this battle is won, and only then, can she be free to discuss the issue at hand. Most of the time the interaction doesn’t move past the first matter, and we’re dismissed before the conversation gets longer than a sentence or two. Men get to start every conversation at the second step.

Think about that for a minute. For a male to have to fight the first battle is unusual. If a man has to prove he deserves a voice, there is usually a reason – he’s new to the sport; he’s visibly less experienced than the people he’s talking to; whatever; there’s some tangible reason why he’s not given the same status as other conversation participants. I know this is true because there is rarely any hesitation at the crag, at the ice wall, on the trail, etc. when men encounter each other. They’ll walk right up to the male part of a mixed-gender group and direct their “where am I on the map/where does this trail go/what gear do I need for this route” question to the penis-bearer. If the man defers to the woman he’s with, the asker usually has a hard time making the transition to getting the desired information from a female. I’ve just seen it too many times to even mince words about it. Men assume that other men have the answers and that women are just there as tagalongs and can’t possibly know the trail or the climbing route. Women have to fight that first battle – the one to prove that we are humans of equal status – every single day. Women have to fight the battle every single time they meet someone new in the sporting arena. Men can mostly just skip it.

Our entire lives are shaped by these dynamics. Men are used to being listened to, to being valued and appreciated. Women are used to being treated as if we’re invisible.

Damn good thing we’re all getting really pissed off about it now.

Speaking of being pissed off, I was really pissed off about this ratio issue and it still grates on me. Look, I’m not directing my ire towards the Ouray comp selection committee, but I do hope they all read this and reconsider the structure of the competition. I’m reluctantly not pissed at them because they’re simply doing what’s always been done – fifteen men, five women, that’s how it’s always been done.

That’s not how it should be in the future.

Why this skewed ratio anyway? Where did it come from? Probably the dark ages of ice climbing when having five women even apply was a major victory for equal rights. I really have no idea. I only know that there is a limit on the number of athletes for Ouray because of the time constraints of the comp, and therefore a selection process administered by a committee that chooses the climbers who will be allowed to compete. They only allow five women to compete out of twenty possible spots in the completion, ever, full stop. The implication is that there will only be five female applicants who can climb at a level high enough to be competitive. This is bunk! From the results from this year, we can readily see that that isn’t true. The top woman climber, Dawn Glanc, was seventh overall, out of nineteen. The lowest scoring woman climber was sixteenth overall! I know the world is used to seeing the bulk of the women (you can thank me for that later, girls) come in behind the men, but it’s really time to let go of that tired assumption. ALL of the women at the 2011 Ouray comp beat at least three men, and the top woman climber beat twelve of the best mixed climbers the comp could find. Can everyone now agree that there’s no reason to restrict the number of female climbers?

I concede that maybe, just maybe, it might be tough to find ten women to participate in the Ouray comp next year. I have no idea why. For some reason it’s harder for women to find the time and freedom to drop everything and become a pro climber (and I’m looking into why this is), so maybe ten women won’t apply to Ouray next year. Maybe, like this year, only seven will apply. But if only seven apply, then all seven should be permitted to compete. Maybe nine women and one idiot competition neophyte (not saying who…ahem) might apply next year. If that happens, all ten should be allowed to compete. Fair is fair.

Ratio aside, more appalling to me is the rumor that the women alternates declined to compete because of the difficulty of the route. When I first read that, I felt sick. It couldn’t be true; surely no one would apply to a high level competition like Ouray and then back out because the route was too scary. If it were true, it would make a strong case for why there weren’t more spots for women on the roster. My blood was running cold; if in fact there were women who had backed out because the route was intimidating, it would essentially prove me wrong in my assertions that women deserved more spots in the comp. Most of all, it disappointed me and left me feeling dismayed that a top level woman climber would be frightened off by an M9 route in Ouray. Could women really be this wimpy? Could the ratio be logical? Could there really be so few women climbers capable of M9 competition?

No! There couldn’t. They’re not that wimpy, the ratio is arbitrary and archaic, and there are indeed more women capable of M9 competition than were allowed to compete. Whew! I’m right again! What a relief.

But seriously, people, the fact that this rumor even made the rounds is both astounding and horrifying. People still assume that women can’t do it, that they are weaker and less capable; that there’s a justifiable reason for their exclusion. When that rumor made the rounds, the Chicks Climbing folks and I even thought about believing it.

Well, now we have verifiable data to prove that women belong in the Ouray comp. The lowest scoring woman bested three of the men. The highest scoring women was in the top half of the comp and another female competitor, Emily Harrington (3rd in women’s comp, 14th overall) wrote that she only came off the route because of a poor tool placement; a simple mistake. A mistake is a mistake and it is costly in competition. But what is important here is that Emily didn’t come off because she was weaker, she didn’t come off because she was afraid, she didn’t come off because she was a woman. She came off because she’s a climber who made a mistake placing a tool. She’s a climber who could have done better in the comp if not for that one mistake.

Just like the other twelve climbers she bested, and the six others who bested her; she’s a climber.

(Jill Missal writes: “In a testament to our Internet-based game of telephone, I confused even myself by getting Dawn Glanc and Emily Harrington’s placements and blog posts mixed up. I’ve corrected my mistake in the last paragraph to reflect the actual standings and results, and to give credit to Emily’s brilliant article about making an unfortunate tool placement at the comp. My sincere and humble apologies to these two brilliant climbers and to all the readers who thought, “buh?” when they read the uncorrected article.” –Jill)

.:.

Jill Missal is the founder, editor, and all around Head Geargal at Geargals.net, a web site for the woman outdoor enthusiast who wants to get the most out of her gear, and for the beginner who needs some help knowing where to start. Jill was raised in Alaska and has spent most of her life in the backcountry skiing, climbing, and trekking. When not testing gear for Geargals, Jill works as a consultant in the disaster planning and emergency management field, which takes her to amazing places in the world to do exciting projects. Jill is currently on walkabout from Alaska and is exploring the southwest United States before she heads back to the Arctic.

About Pemba Serves: ..."a group of dynamic, dedicated outdoor professionals from diverse backgrounds and interests... [who] have been to 26,000′ on Everest, and climbed for 60 straight hours to put up one of the hardest climbs on Denali. We’ve run raging whitewater rivers, and paddled serenely through wilderness areas across North America. We’ve run Rim-To-Rim at the Grand Canyon, and been in too many triathlons, marathons, and bike races to count.

"Early on in our business, we realized that being a sales rep in the outdoor industry wasn’t about being a generic noun such as “Services,” or “Associates.” (Not that there’s anything wrong with these names…) We feel that what we do on a day-to-day basis is an active verb, and the one we chose is what we do mostly: “Serves.”

More about our venture to the Ouray Ice Climbing Festival.

Help the next generation of female ice climbers - spread the word about the Sue Nott Scholarship.

Tina Vs. Tree

2011-03-17T06:10:00.001-06:00

When one of our own is down, we step in and help out. We're asking you to do the same for a friend. In addition, if you donate $30 or more, you can choose a print from one of the two photographers, Michael Friberg and Joe Penacoli, who put up the site for this cause.

About the accident:

While shredding pow at Snowbird [Tina Nardi] had a run in with a few trees, taking the first to her left knee and the second impaled her in the chest with a branch. Due to the life threatening position of the branch she was Life Flighted to the Intermountain Healthcare ER. Thankfully at the ER it was determined that no vital organs or arteries were hit, and no bones broken. Since then her knee has also been cleared of ligament tears, the damage is limited to deep tissue and bone bruising. Tina is an extremely lucky individual. Had the branch entered less than 2 inches in any other direction this would have been a much more serious case.

We all know that Tina plays hard, but she also works really hard; with multiple seasonal jobs. Unfortunately, none of her employers offer health care coverage and Tina is uninsured. We all know the high price of medical care (especially helicopter rides) and want to help Tina with these expenses. So lets band together and show her our support and how much she means to us. We know she will sincerely appreciate any amount that you are able and willing to donate.

Please visit the site for more information on how to donate & receive photos.

Sue Nott Scholarship for Girls Learning to Ice Climb

2011-03-16T10:25:00.006-06:00

Our friends at Chicks Climbing just let us know about a fantastic opportunity to get the next generation of female ice climbers involved in the sport now. Read on!
...

Have you ever wished you were introduced to the sport of ice climbing at a younger age? Are there any young women in your life you’d like to give that gift to?

I just came across an AMAZING opportunity for young women between the ages of 9-17 to be introduced to the sport of ice climbing at the Michigan Ice Fest. This opportunity is possible thanks to a scholarship from Down Wind Sports in honor of Sue Nott who passed away on the Infinite Spur of Alaska’s Mount Foraker with our dear friend Karen McNeill in 2006. Sue served as an instructor for two years during the Michigan Ice Fest, teaching women’s courses. The scholarship will include admission to the ice fest, instruction in the women’s course, as well as some other surprises! There will be 1-2 scholarships awarded each year.

Do you know a young girl who might be interested in learning how to ice climb? Please contact Michigan Ice if you would like details on how to apply for the Sue Nott Scholarship. I hope those of you that can will take advantage of the opportunity to introduce a young girl to a sport so many of us love!

Race for the Cure, Adventure Race for Africa and Lotoja - Whew!

2011-03-15T08:05:00.067-06:00

Ready to ride... paddle... er... run?

How about all?

It's nearly race season and we're gearing up for three fantastic ones in the Utah/Wyoming area. If you'd like to join the OWA team, let us know by leaving a comment or emailing Maria who is the Captain of this year's teams: maria@outdoorwomensalliance.com. You can choose to join us in one or all of the events. Training schedules will be provided to help you get ready but our main objective is to raise awareness and have fun!

1. Race For the Cure

This particular race is near and dear to us as we run to help raise money for a friend, Lawanna, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. There is no cap on the number of people who can join this team. The more the merrier- and the more we can raise for Lawanna.

When: May 7th
Team Info: http://bit.ly/Lawanna (please share this link with others for donations or to join!)

2. Adventure Race for Africa

This race is definitely sure to be a good time... check out the different legs: canoe, bike, and 5k run/walk PLUS (and this is the kicker!) various humanitarian activities as you go. Sound fun? We think so.

Our team will consist of up to 3 people- must be willing to participate in each leg of the race because the requirement is that we stick together!

When: July 16th

Race Info: http://adventureraceforafrica.com/

3. LOTOJA

Ever see those bicyclist stickers with the weird LOTOJA name? Wonder what it meant? This classic race is the grandaddy of long-distance rides. If you're looking to go hard & push yourself, this is your chance. Starting in Logan, Utah (LO) it goes TO Jackson, WY (JA).

Get it now?

When: September 9-11
Race Info: http://www.lotojaclassic.com/

Go team!

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2011 :: A Dedication

2011-03-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

ep·ic
[ep-ik]–adjective Also, ep·i·cal.

1. heroic; majestic; impressively great; i.e.: the epic movies of Banff Mountain Film Festival.

When we say that the Banff Mountain Film Festival features some of the most epic showings of bravery, skill and human powered acheivement, we're not just throwing the term around lightly. We truly mean epic in its defined form. Banff is a festival to which a community's most active outdoorspeople flock and then leave feeling like couch potatoes. The stunning feats that the films showcase illicit gasps from those who regularly drop cliffs on skis, take 40 foot falls on lead climbs and gravity check in the roughest of rock gardens. If they are impressed, you will be, too.

Here in Salt Lake City we're lucky to be graced with three days of the Banff Mountain Film Festival plus a bonus night of Radical Reels- three full days more than many other places on the worldwide tour. Yet, we at Outdoor Women's Alliance find ourselves wanting more. Greedy? Sure. We chow down on adrenaline; it only makes sense that we love anything that also gets our visual taste buds going and our hearts pumping... which is exactly what the Banff film fest does.

Because of our insatiable appetite, we've decided to dedicate a full week to the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Join us daily for reviews and clips from each of the shows including the wrap-up of the Salt Lake City tour with Radical Reels.

Welcome to the most epic week of your year.

Go To:
Intro (you're here)
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Intermission: So Much More Than Films
Contest
Day 4 (Radical Reels - stay tuned!)

...

Like what you see and want more?

Follow on Twitter:
@ginabegin
@stephenwweiss
@BanffMtnFests

Giveaway! Banff Mountain Festival & OR

2011-03-11T13:58:00.006-07:00

You knew we wouldn't have a Banff Mountain Festival week without a little celebration in the form of a giveaway, right? Especially for our readers, Banff has donated a this sweet little piece of headwear from Outdoor Research (OR): the Radar Pocket Cap. It's pretty unique in its design. From the OR site:

Function lies at the heart of this street-styled cap. It will shield you from the sun with UPF 30 sun protection, keep you dry with the TransAction^™ headband, and store away in your pocket with the help of the folding bill.

Did you catch that? It folds up into your pocket. Great for backpacking and other summer activities- which are on their way so get gearing up! And! It's one of a kind since it's got a cute little Banff logo on the side. Win!

How to win:

You've got all the info you need here on the site. Starting with Day 1 and going through yesterday's post, leave a comment here saying which of the Banff Film Festival/Workshops we featured piqued your interest the most & tell us why - how does it inspire you or in the case of the workshops- what dreams do you aspire to? One entry per person with this method, but...

Extra entries? Yes, you got it:

We love social media. We hope you love it, too. Tweet about the contest for an extra entry, and include @womenoutdoors (our twitter handle) so we catch it. Want more? Like us on our (brand-new!!) Facebook page and leave us a comment. We want to hear from you!

Whatever methods you decide to use (or all) please let us know here in the comments.

Good luck and spread that word!

Go To:

Intro

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Intermission: So Much More Than Films (you're here)

Contest

Day 4 (Radical Reels - stay tuned!)

...

Like what you see and want more?

Follow on Twitter:

@ginabegin

@stephenwweiss

@BanffMtnFests