Wait, so why don’t outdoor communities do more to accommodate beginners? Some do, but others are indifferent or downright hostile towards newcomers who haven’t “proven themselves.”
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It’s not always about hiking 6+ miles, gaining 1000 ft in elevation, or taking a selfie at the top of a mountain. It’s really about immersing yourself in nature and feeling grounded.
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Starting a new sport or activity as an adult can be intimidating or downright scary. We worry about making mistakes, getting hurt, and even not fitting in. I interviewed two women of Color who are sharing their skate journeys on social media and was surprised to find out just how accessible roller skating is.
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Some People of Color don’t like the outdoors and that’s okay. They don’t need you to convert them. Here are eight reasons why you should leave your friends and family alone.
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This is the story of how I learned to stop worrying and embrace outdoorsy ‘stuff white people like’. You’d be surprised what got me there. So let’s go.
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In 2019, I suffered a devastating spinal injury that left me with weak noodles for legs. In November 2023, I finally bit the bullet and had surgery. The road to recovery has been difficult. I’m going to share my first progression of rehab exercises—hip bridges. Remember, only try these if you’ve been cleared by your doctor and physical therapist.
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Equestrian life is definitely eye-catching, but it’s not known for being diverse. Here are five Black equestrians trying to change that.
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Spending time outdoors and starting a family can seem like they are at odds first, but it’s possible to maintain outdoor hobbies while also being an involved parent.
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Before you book your one-way ticket, you should probably know how your favorite Pacific Northwest town ended up so white in the first place. Hint: there’s nothing natural about it.
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Climber’s are known to have rough skin, filled with sharp calluses. But whenever I shake people’s hands who know I’m a climber, they comment how (relatively) soft they are. But my soft skin is still tough skin. I can climb outside 5 days a week without skin pain and no flappers!! Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to maintain my tough skin:
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On your next trip to a U.S. national park, we invite you to visit a historic site tied to a community or Person of Color for a unique learning experience.
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Nicole Snell has a passion for sharing her love of solo travel with others. “I love the freedom of being outdoors,” said the lifelong backpacker. “ As a child being outside was safety for me — for others, it is their scary place.”
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It’s true that for some, participation in outdoor sports may change as you age. I interviewed several people, in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who are redefining their goals by prioritizing health over fitness, embracing new opportunities, and building supportive communities.
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The movements behind the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts didn’t actually produce more clean air or water, they just moved the dirty and hazardous conditions somewhere else.
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The following Asian women backpackers are using TikTok to inspire others to get outside. Looking for great content to help you get off your phone and on the trail? They’ve got you covered!
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The BFL Combine is hands down the most unique climbing competition out there. Half weight lifting and half climbing, it is based on the NFL and NBA combines, where athletes showcase their athletic and mental skills to pro scouts. The BFL Combine started in 2021, and has attracted world class climbers, including Natalia Grossman, Zach Galla, and Drew Ruana.
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Why do people take unnecessary risks? Extreme risk takers have been in the news in the past few years from billionaires in SpaceX shuttles or OceanGate submersibles to climbers free soloing in national parks. You might think that risk taking is only for the very rich, or for white people, but that isn’t quite the whole story.
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Even though we may face similar obstacles - like safety, access and representation - our stories and journeys are not the same. If you identify as a LGBTQIA+ Person of Color, you know just how hard it is to find a truly-inclusive outdoor community: Do you join the melanated affinity group with zero queer/trans leadership or the all-white queer outdoor meetup?
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About a year ago I answered interview questions for a brand about how the outdoor community can move forward in its efforts to expand access to natural spaces and outdoor activities for marginalized groups.
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Affinity spaces can be pure magic. Being in a space where your baseline safety requirements are met opens up your capacity for learning. Being in a community where you are not ‘the only one’ means the ability to physically relax and shift your energy towards having new experiences and building lifelong friendships.
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