The TripOutside Podcast

In this episode of the TripOutside Podcast, we sit down with Colin Courtney, founder of Meraki Mountain Adventures, based in Durango, Colorado. Colin is an incredible guide who creates inclusive outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities, making it easier than ever to connect with nature in the San Juan Mountains.We talk about:🌄 Why the San Juan Mountains are truly special🚶 Hiking, biking, climbing, and paddleboarding adventures in Durango🤝 The value of guided trips compared to self-planning🌱 Leave No Trace education and sustainable tourism💚 How supporting local guides helps build stronger communitiesWhether you’re planning your first visit to Durango or looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this conversation will give you the beta you need — and maybe even the push to finally book that guided trip.👉 Learn more about Meraki Mountain Adventures: https://www.meraki-ma.com/👉 Compare and book guided trips directly on TripOutside: https://tripoutside.com/browse/location:us:co:durango#OutdoorAdventure #DurangoColorado #SanJuanMountains #TripOutsidePodcast

In this rafting podcast episode, we dive deep into the wild beauty of northern Canada with Joel Hibbard, second-generation river guide and co-owner of Nahanni River Adventures, one of the most respected wilderness outfitters in North America. Joel joins us to talk about what it’s like to grow up guiding rivers in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and beyond—sharing stories of childhood summers spent paddling canyons, flying into remote bush camps, and learning the rhythms of the land from his family’s legacy.If you’ve ever dreamed of Yukon River rafting or navigating untouched waterways where caribou roam and grizzlies fish for salmon, this is your episode. We explore the incredible variety of guided rafting trips and canoe expeditions Joel and his team lead on some of the most legendary rivers on the continent, including:🛶 Nahanni River trip – home to Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), twice the height of Niagara, surrounded by 1,000-meter canyons, hot springs, and Indigenous history.🛶 Firth River trip – a pristine Arctic whitewater river that cuts through unglaciated Beringia, offering unreal tundra hiking, wildlife encounters, and geology that hasn’t changed in over a million years.🛶 Tatshenshini River trip – wild, coastal, glacial terrain flowing into British Columbia with Class III whitewater and massive mountain backdrops.🛶 Horton River – a lesser-known gem for packrafting and canoeing in the tundra, ideal for spotting caribou, wolves, and expansive Arctic vistas.This episode is packed with storytelling and insight for fans of outdoor adventure podcasts, aspiring expedition paddlers, and anyone curious about what goes into leading multi-week trips in some of the most remote wilderness on the planet.We cover:🌄 What it’s like to run a family-owned outfitter in the North📆 The short but spectacular rafting season in the Yukon and Northwest Territories🐻 How guides manage grizzly bear safety in remote camps🚁 The logistics of flying guests, gear, and guides into off-grid rivers🛶 The differences between raft, canoe, and packraft expeditions—and who each style is right for💬 Why Joel says these trips are less about adrenaline and more about connection🌱 The critical role of conservation, Indigenous stewardship, and keeping wild places wildWhether you’re a seasoned paddler or just curious about stepping off the grid, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the wild rivers of Canada’s North—and maybe even inspire your next great adventure.🎧 Listen now to one of the most inspiring rafting podcast episodes of the year.🧭 Book a trip or learn more at: https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:water-sports:raftingKeywords:Rafting podcast episode, outdoor adventure podcast, Yukon River rafting, Nahanni River rafting, Firth River rafting, Tatshenshini River rafting, Arctic rafting trips, guided rafting Yukon, packrafting Canada, canoeing Yukon, rafting podcast, wilderness expedition podcast, Nahanni Wild, Náįlįcho Virginia Falls, Beringia, Northern Canada rivers

Join us as we chat with adventurer, creator, author and ultra-runner Ryan Van Duzer about the transformative power of human-powered exploration. From bikepacking across countries to running 100-mile races, Ryan shares how slowing down can help us connect deeply with nature, our communities, and ourselves. Discover his journey from Peace Corps volunteer to global storyteller, hear tips for getting started with adventures like bikepacking, and learn how pushing through discomfort can unlock personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to fuel your next journey. Tune in for stories, laughs, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly live adventurously.

Guest:Kurstin Graham – Vice President, Friends of the Black Rock High Rock and bikepacking enthusiast. Episode Summary:In this episode, I chat with Kurstin Graham, a conservation leader and bikepacking expert, who has spent over a decade exploring and advocating for the protection of Nevada’s wild landscapes. Kurstin shares his journey from working with the Reno Bike Project to leading conservation-focused bikepacking tours in Northern Nevada. We dive into the challenges and rewards of bikepacking, the importance of conserving public lands, and how Kurstin uses adventure as a tool for advocacy. Key Topics: [00:00:00] Introduction: How I met Kurstin at Burning Man and why I invited him to the podcast. [00:01:00] Kurstin’s role with Friends of the Black Rock High Rock and the Reno Bike Project. [00:03:00] How the FIRE movement allowed Kurstin to retire early and dedicate his life to conservation. [00:05:00] The Reno Bike Project: Its mission, operations, and the role of Burning Man in keeping it sustainable. [00:10:00] Bikepacking in Nevada: Why it’s the perfect state for pedal-powered adventures. [00:13:00] How Kurstin uses bikepacking trips to raise awareness for conservation in Nevada’s public lands. [00:18:00] The importance of protecting the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon areas. [00:21:00] Ways to get involved with Kurstin’s bikepacking trips and the Friends of the Black Rock High Rock. [00:24:00] Burners Without Motors: Encouraging people to bike to Burning Man and reduce their environmental footprint. [00:28:00] Closing thoughts: How adventure can be a platform for conservation and Kurstin’s future plans. Links Mentioned: Friends of the Black Rock High Rock: blackrockdesert.org Reno Bike Project: renobikeproject.org Kurstin’s Bikepacking Blog: bikepackingnv.blog Learn more about TripOutside: tripoutside.com Connect with Kurstin: Instagram: @bikepackingnv Substack: Bikepacking NV Support Conservation: Donate to Friends of the Black Rock High Rock: Support Conservation Join a bikepacking trip: Bikepacking Northern Nevada Call to Action: If you’re passionate about the outdoors and want to combine adventure with conservation, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Join Kurstin on one of his bikepacking tours or support the Friends of the Black Rock High Rock to help protect Nevada’s incredible public lands.

In this episode, Reet interviews Fred Drake, founder of Snorkel Alaska, about the unique experience of snorkeling in a cold water environment like Ketchikan, compared to the tropical locations that we often associate with snorkeling. What Makes Alaska Snorkeling Unique? - Thick 7mm wetsuits, hoods, boots, and gloves keep you warm despite cold waters reaching 65F in summer - Abundant marine life - fish, kelp, plants, invertebrates like sea stars, urchins, cucumbers - See wildlife like wolf eels, sea lions, otters, whales (orcas, humpbacks) up close - Steep underwater rock walls and ability to free dive down 100ft walls right off shore Tour season for snorkeling in Alaska is May to September, coinciding with cruise ship arrivals. You'll find the warmest water June through August, while April, May, September tend to have clearest water visibility. While the cruise ship industry is crucial for bringing tourism to the area, Fred and his company are keenly aware of the environmental impacts. Their tours start directly on the beach, limiting local boat traffic, and they educate guests about the sustainability of marine life in the area. Ketchikan is a beautiful area for an extended visit, with abundant opportunity for activities like hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and kiteboarding. Tune in now to learn more and immerse yourself in the unique world of snorkeling in the glacial waters of Alaska. Resources Mentioned: Snorkel Alaska Book a Tour on TripOutside

Reet talks with Jayci Ferrimani, founder of Arizona Climbing Guides and AMGA Certified Rock Guide, about the vast array of outdoor adventures available in southern Arizona. Jayci shares his journey from growing up exploring the mountains of Colorado to becoming a professional rock climbing and canyoneering guide. They discuss the underrated and surprisingly rugged wilderness found in Arizona's mountains, canyons, and deserts. Jayci highlights how despite its desert reputation, Arizona is teeming with untapped outdoor treasures waiting to be explored. The conversation dives into the various trips offered by Arizona Climbing Guides: Canyoneering Tours: - Tanque Verde Canyon - half-day with 3 rappels up to 90 feet - Seven Cataracts/Willow Canyon - full day, 5 rappels up to 200 feet Rock Climbing Areas: - Cochise Stronghold - granite domes, moderate to hard routes - Mount Lemmon - year-round sport and trad climbing at 2,000-9,000 feet - Queen Creek - popular sport crag near Phoenix - McDowell Mountain Preserve - adventurous trad climbing near Scottsdale JC also provides an overview of the three main rock climbing disciplines: - Bouldering - Sport Climbing - Traditional (Trad) Climbing He offers advice for beginners looking to transition from indoor climbing to roping up outside, emphasizing the low-consequence way to start with top-roping. Jayci and Reet chat about the unique advantages of Tucson - a city surrounded by a multitude of outdoor playgrounds, allowing visitors to combine urban amenities with morning canyoneering, afternoon hiking, and evening breweries all in one day. JC also highlights other local activities like mountain biking and backpacking right from Tucson's doorstep. Throughout the show, Jayci shares his profound passion for exploring Arizona's wilderness and connecting others to the thrill of adventuring in these rugged landscapes. The episode provides inspiration for visitors and locals alike to get out and experience Arizona's great outdoors. Resources Mentioned: Arizona Climbing Guides website Book A Trek on TripOutside

In this episode, we interview Elizabeth Biron the owner and founder of Trek Sierra, a premium backpacking guide company based in Mammoth Lakes, California. Elizabeth shares her journey from starting as a sport climber and backpacker on the East Coast to making Mammoth her permanent home and launching Trek Sierra. She discusses the unique aspects of Trek Sierra, including the use of ultralight gear, through hike support, and themed treks like art classes and stargazing experiences. Elizabeth also highlights the custom training plans and coaching support offered to help clients prepare for their treks.Key Topics:- Elizabeth's background and how she got into the outdoor industry- The philosophy and unique offerings of Trek Sierra- Popular treks like the John Muir Trail, Yosemite summits, and Mount Whitney- Living an outdoor lifestyle in Mammoth Lakes- Leave No Trace practices and responsible recreation in the Sierras- The personal impact of spending time in the wilderness- Raising awareness about underpaid guides in the industryThis insightful interview with Elizabeth provides a fascinating look into the world of guided backpacking adventures and Trek Sierra's mission to elevate both the client experience and the guiding profession.Links:- Trek Sierra (https://treksierraadventures.com/)- Leave No Trace principles (https://tripoutside.com/leave-no-trace-outdoor-recreation/)- AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) (https://amga.com/)

In this podcast interview with Joel Gratz from Open Snow, we dig into his journey and expertise in snow forecasting. We discuss the unique challenges in predicting snow conditions, emphasizing the unpredictability and joy of chasing powder. Joel and his team nerd on mountain weather to bring their app users the highest quality of snow forecasts that are built into the app and also have a human reporting element layered on top. I learned so much during this chat! Things like: How does wind impact snow quality? How far out can you get predictable snow forecasts? What factors to look for when planning a ski / snowboard trip? How does snow quality differ by month? Whether you like to geek out on weather or just want to find the best option for skiing, I think you'll love this podcast.

Exploring Bellingham: A Mountain Biker's Paradise In Conversation with Ike Bancroft of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours Introduction Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham, Washington, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. With its lush forests, stunning bay, and rugged mountains, it's no wonder that Ike Bancroft, owner of Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours, chose this picturesque town as the backdrop for his mountain biking adventures. From Boston to Bellingham: Ike's Journey Ike Bancroft, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, found his love for mountain biking in the hills of Vermont. However, it was a brief stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the age of 18, that fueled his passion. Ike's days were spent shuttling up and down the pass trails, hitchhiking with his downhill bike in tow. At 21, he moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. The allure of outdoor pursuits drew him to this vibrant town. But it wasn't until later, in 2019, that he decided to establish Dig Deep Mountain Biking Tours. COVID-19 momentarily halted his plans, but in 2021, the venture finally took off to an enthusiastic reception. Bellingham's Mountain Biking Paradise Bellingham offers an array of mountain biking experiences, and Ike is the perfect guide to navigate this mountain biking paradise. Galbraith Mountain: Boasting over 70 trails suitable for all skill levels, Galbraith Mountain is a local favorite. It's conveniently located near the town, making it easily accessible. The Chuckanuts: Also known as Larrabee State Park, this area, particularly in the southern section, offers shuttle-accessible advanced-level trails. The Chuckanuts provide breathtaking views. Lookout Mountain Preserve: For those seeking a more backcountry experience, Lookout Mountain Preserve offers a serene escape. The Cougar Ridge trail is a highlight, surrounded by Lake Whatcom's beauty. East Side of Lake Whatcom: On the east side of the lake, you'll find the Brown Pow trail, another gem for mountain biking enthusiasts. Greenway Trails: If you prefer a more relaxed ride or even a leisurely stroll, Bellingham has an extensive network of greenway trails, including routes along the base of the Chuckanuts. Beyond Mountain Biking: Exploring Bellingham While mountain biking is a central activity, Bellingham has much more to offer. Ike recommends exploring the stunning bay, which sets Bellingham apart from many outdoor towns. Rocky sandstone beaches, sandstone cliffs, and ocean views are perfect for unwinding after a ride. Water activities abound, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and even sailing. Don't miss the chance to embark on a whale-watching trip; the local orca pods make it a memorable experience. For a complete Bellingham adventure, consider hiking in the craggy mountains, especially during the summer months. Ptarmigan Ridge, starting at Artist Point, is a popular choice. And of course, make time for the local breweries and entertainment options, which add a delightful dimension to your visit. Responsible Outdoor Recreation in Bellingham Visiting Bellingham comes with a responsibility to preserve its natural beauty. Ike emphasizes that it's essential to be mindful of the impact visitors can have on this pristine environment. Show curiosity and respect for the area, recognizing that you are a guest. Educate yourself about the region's history, native populations, industry, and environmental context. Be aware of your actions, respect the environment, and stay on designated trails. Support local trail-building organizations to contribute to the sustainability of these outdoor locations. Find Bellingham Mountain biking tours https://tripoutside.com/browse/activity:biking:mountain-biking/adventure-type:guided Find Outdoor activities in Bellingham https://tripoutside.com/browse/location:us:wa:bellingham

This one is from the archives, we wanted to share our favorite places to visit, eat, and grab a coffee or a beer near Mammoth Lakes California. We hope that you like this behind-the-scenes podcast of our travels in our RV.  Please drop us a note or a question, we would love to help plan your next adventure! Julie and Reet

What is The Conservation Alliance? How is it funded? The Conservation Alliance was established 34 years ago with the goal of uniting businesses and outdoor communities to support and advocate for the protection of North America's wild places. Founded by industry leaders from renowned outdoor companies like Patagonia, REI, North Face, and Kelty, the organization aimed to increase industry support for conservation by fostering cooperation among competing businesses. Over the years, the Alliance has grown to include 270 member companies from various industries that share the values of protecting wild places.   Can you share some of the conservation work that The Conservation Alliance has done over the years? In its 34-year history, the Conservation Alliance has achieved significant accomplishments with the support of its members. They have collectively contributed over $30 million to grassroots conservation groups, resulting in the protection of more than 82 million acres of wildlands and 3500 miles of rivers. The Alliance has also played a role in removing 37 dams, with plans for one more this year, and designating five marine reserves, as well as acquiring 21 climbing areas. Why is it important to protect wild places and outdoor spaces? There are multiple personal, ecological, and societal reasons for protecting wild places. Personally for Nicole, these spaces are crucial for spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being, offering solitude, challenge, and character-building experiences. Ecologically, wild places contribute to biodiversity and climate resiliency by storing carbon and providing natural buffers against greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting large-scale landscapes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Preserving these areas is essential for a healthier future and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Additionally, wild places offer economic value through outdoor recreation, stimulating local economies and generating billions in revenue. Ensuring equity and access to these places is important, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits they offer. As the population grows and more people reside in urban centers, the need to protect and expand these areas becomes even more critical. Outfitters or businesses, please consider joining as a member along with TripOutside. https://conservationalliance.com/join/Support and donate to TCA https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-conservation-alliance/the-conservation-allianceVisit their website to learn more https://conservationalliance.com Follow their IG for a social feed that will inspire you https://www.instagram.com/conservationalliance/

Ride bikes, not horses at this new type of Ranch in Southwest Colorado. On this podcast, we are joined by Jake from Zuma Bike Ranch from the southwest corners area of Colorado.  They are located on the corner of 3 different cities in the area, Dolores, Mancos, and Cortez Colorado. Jake is a mountain bike instructor for over 5 years and has been coaching with Ninja Mountain Bike Clinics.  He has been hooked on working with people on their skill development and is passionate about teaching riders how to be stronger, more confident, and more skilled riders. 

Jake has created a purpose-built mountain biking-specific property in the area that is dedicated to teaching and coaching mountain biking. The 40-acre property is right next to Phils’s world mountain biking trails and joins the new section of Phil’s world. He has taken time to build features that are great for teaching different skills by taking inspiration from the different areas in the country where he has taught mountain biking. Different areas of the country present with different features that make the trail networks unique like bedrock use or a side of a hillside to make some nice benched-in switchbacks. The first year, he walked the property with his dog and identified all the places where interesting features could be built for teaching. 

They have camping and trails right on the property for riders to camp and ride right on the property. Find Zuma Bike Ranch on TripOutside  Follow them on Instagram 

Darcy is the author of the book, The Amazon Woman and the co-owner of the Whitewater Kayaking business Smallworldadventures.com How did you get into Whitewater Kayaking and what do you love about it? A college friend invited her to skip the fall semester and go kayaking in Nepal. She was stoked about the adventure and traveling internationally. By going kayaking in Nepal, she was able to get away from the big tourist areas and find remote places to explore and she truly enjoyed that style of expedition traveling and which made her fall in love with kayaking. That's the style of kayaking that has kept Darcy loving whitewater kayaking. She enjoys getting as far off the beaten path as possible and challenging herself while seeing new places. How do you see the big challenges and overcome the obstacles that appear in the big adventures that you take on? The way she has learned to overcome it is by embracing the challenges. Going into these trips with the mindset with the attitude that things are going to wrong. You can hope everything goes well, but the reality is that there are definitely unexpected things that will go wrong. She really believes the stoic philosophy shared in the book, The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday. She thinks of this phrase often when she finds herself faced with expedition challenges. How did the Amazon trip come about and what was your motivation to join Midge on the trip? The trip came about in an unlikely way by David Midgley, "Midge" a brilliant programmer from London who was having a midlife crisis and thought he was going to waste his life away sitting behind a computer writing code. During this time he started thinking that if he could do one big adventure in his life, he could die a happy man. While he was searching for his adventure, he came across an interesting stat that more people had walked on the moon than descended the Amazon river from source to sea. Everyone who had gone down the river had hiked around the white water, or did it on a raft, or only did certain sections. He decided he wanted to be the first person to whitewater kayak the Amazon river. He reached out to SWA to train him to turn him into an expert whitewater kayaker.  After a decade of training, Midge invited Don and Darcy to join him on the trip. Could you share a bit more about the Amazon river trip? What were some of the challenges you had to overcome on the trip and how long did it take? Learn more about the physical, mental, and emotional challenges the group overcame during the 148-day adventure on the show What message do you have for anyone that is feeling external societal pressures and think that the big goals are unachievable for them? When Darcy was younger, she drew a lot of motivation from anger. She would be mad when people told her that she couldn't do something, she wanted to prove them wrong. When she realized that other people are watching her, and that she is inspiring others, she now feels that she draws inspiration from the idea that her actions are inspiring others. Links: Website https://darcygaechter.com/ Order the book, Amazon Woman https://darcygaechter.com/amazon-woman Send Darcy a note if you enjoyed the podcast! https://darcygaechter.com/contact Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/darcygaechter/

In this episode, I talked to Stephen Hatfield, the founder of Ptarmigan Collective, which offers regenerative tourism solutions to foster thriving communities and vibrant regional economies. Stephen brings 25 years of experience designing, developing and managing programs and experiences related to regenerative tourism, community engagement, natural and cultural history, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation. Regenerative vs. Sustainable Tourism Sustainable tourism has been around for a while and at its core is about mitigate the impact and reduce the harm. Regenerative however takes it even further, and rather of just reducing the impact of the lighter footprint, it's about developing and generating value for communities. Tourism has long provided economic benefits, but those economic benefits can often come with some extractive side effects that over time can turn what was once an incredible place to live, travel and explore into a busy, overcrowded destination for people that call it home and for the people that visit. Regenerative Tourism looks at not just the economic benefits, but also incorporates the wholistic view of social, cultural and environmental needs of the community and visitors. Rather than just starting with the traveler's needs, it starts with the residents, the communities that live there and call it home as they are the natural stewards of the place. It finds ways to find their values and what the values of the place are and developing new systems and ways to travel to these destinations. It started in Europe and New Zealand and has now become a global phenomenon. An example of Regenerative Tourism at work: In Oregon, outfitters worked together with communities and developed regenerative multi-day itineraries where visitors could come to the McKenzie river and do adventures like rafting,  mountain biking, day hikes along with opportunities to rebuild trails, plant trees, remove invasive species and other restoration projects. They worked in close partnership with the local dining facilities and supported the overall local community and businesses. We can all begin to think differently about how we travel to new destinations, which destinations we choose and the impact we leave on the towns/cities and wild places with our tourism. If you're an outfitter and would like to develop a Regenerative Tour or Itinerary, we want to hear from you! Reach out at [email protected] and let's work together to promote Regenerative Outdoor Adventure Tourism. Links: Connect with Stephen Hatfield: Visit https://ptarmigancollective.com/ or email [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatfieldpdx

In this episode, I was joined by Marianna Cevallos. Marianna, who is originally from Peru moved to Colorado in 2015 for college and fell in love with the outdoors. She lived in Avon and her friends would participate in a lot of outdoor activities, including floating in the river. Unlike most of her friends, Marianna didn't have a car or enough space to have kayaks or paddleboards and when she came across Pack rafting, she loved the idea of being able to pack the raft in her backpack and take a bus to go join her friends on the adventures. She wanted to solve this pain point for everyone that doesn't have storage or transportation and make the sport more accessible for all so she started her own Packrafting company with her partner Mike, Alluviarafts.com How did packrafting start? Initially, Packrafting started with the need to access remote areas in the backcountry and want to do intense multi-day, multi-adventure trips. Although it initially started with the need to access the backcountry, there are a lot of people in cities or in the front country that really benefits from having a Packraft. How to get started with Packrafting? Packrafting is just as easy to learn as kayaking, canoeing, or any other water sport. If it is possible, take lessons for kayaking or other water sports so that you know how to paddle. Even though the paddling sports may be different, understanding the concepts of water bodies (rivers vs. lakes), weather, and safety preparation is the most important thing to learn. To dig further into packrafting, The Packraft Handbook is a great resource for everyone, from beginners to advanced paddlers. Tip: go through scenarios of getting in and out of your boat in water, and know how to get back in, in case you flip over. How long does it take to inflate a Packraft? Using the inflation sack, it only takes about 3 minutes to get the Packraft to about 90% inflation and then using your mouth, inflate to 100% with about 30 seconds of blowing. What are your favorite places to go Packrafting? Canyonlands National Park is a great place that we love to go to because it is mostly flat water with only a little bit of white water. We love paddling the Colorado River in Grand Junction as the river runs right through town. In Austin, TX we love going to Ladybird Lake One of the coolest places we have ever gone to is Alaska, there are so many different places that you can go there but it is a bit more intense and backcountry focused. Packrafting is also very popular in Europe and New Zealand as there are many places that you can't access any other way. Leave No Trace tips while Packrafting: Plan ahead and prepare: Pack out your poop! Wag bags are a great idea Fire preparation: Skip making a fire in remote places if you can to minimize campfire impacts. Links tripoutside.com/podcast https://alluviaraft.com https://thingstolucat.com/packrafthandbook/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alluviapackraft/

Outdoor things to do in Breckenridge in the summer: Live music, fly fishing, rafting near Breckenridge, paved path biking (electric and regular) and mountain biking What's the best time to visit Breckenridge for the summer? July 4th is the official start of the summer. July, August, and September are the best. In late September there can be a chance of early season snow. It's not as busy as the winter because people are outdoors and spread out. The cycling culture in Breckenridge: Varied bike culture, something for everyone Bike Path / Paved biking in Breckenridge: Bike path - you can bike all the way to Dillon even Vail. In town riding, there are bike lanes and bike paths all over town. E-bikes are an incredible way to get around and are a great equalizer because you're at 9600 feet. Mountain biking in Breckenridge Mountain biking: There is everything for beginners to advanced riders.  There is a bus that you can load your bike on and a shuttle and Breckenridge Ski and Sport also offers a shuttle Breckenridge Ski Resort offers Lift service / Downhill biking Skate park - Frisco bike park for dirt jumps, pump track, and slope slide lines. The park is great for improving skills for pumping, jumps, and turns. Breckenridge mountain biking trails Beginner: Blue river trail is a great beginner biking trail that locals use for commuting.  Flumes trail - bike out of town. Fast and flowy without too many obstacles.  Intermediate/advanced - Eastside trail, it finishes in town and you can grab a snack when you're done.  Natural style cross country trails without the worry of massive drops or jumps Riding downhill is a workout but don't have to worry about elevation as much Mountain biking tips in Breckenridge MOST IMPORTANT TIP: Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms Wear sunscreen It's easy and accessible to get your lift ticket and get out on the mountain. Check Breckenridge Resort's website for the opening date for lift assist mountain biking season start. E-biking Breckenridge We rent e-bikes, they are very user-friendly and come with built-in bike racks, you can run errands around town. With electric-assist bikes, you have to pedal but it helps tremendously.  Riding from Breckenridge to Frisco offers some beautiful views, especially around Lake Dillon Range: They have a long range due to 4 modes. The range can vary based on weight, extra load, how much uphill, and how much assist you're using. Visiting Breckenridge without renting a car Visit Breckenridge without renting a car and get around on your e-bike! You can get multi-day rentals and keep the charger and even have the bike delivered to you.  Links: https://tripoutside.com/s/breckenridge-co/any/

Learn to Freedive in Kona Hawaii What is Freediving? Freediving is basically going underwater and hanging out. You don't need much except your body and it differs from Scuba Diving as with scuba diving you have gear and air that aids you in staying underwater longer. Over the centuries and millennia, people were free diving for food. For shellfish and sponges and utility purposes. Recently it's a more recreational activity and when you're doing it for fun, it's a little bit like snorkeling but maybe you're staying down a bit longer or going a little bit deeper using a bit nicer gear. Freediving on the coast looking at reefs and critters or deeper in the ocean and looking at whale sharks or whales and it's another tool in an aquatic person's toolbox for exploring the underwater world. Challenges that you'll overcome in the Freediving course: Equalization - clearing your ears so that you can dive deeper without your eardrums exploding Fear or intimidation of the unknown and the depths. Water comfort is a big part. of it, if you're a surfer or a water polo player, you'll have an easier time because of your comfort in the water. Physical ability: the ability to listen to your body and get your body to do the things that you need to do to complete the skills and follow the techniques. Most people don't realize how long they can hold their breath. Getting over the urge to breathe is one thing we go over in the course and how to get over the reflex of the urge to breathe. You'll learn to defeat the urge and maximize your ability to hold your breath as long as you can. You can apply the breathing techniques to your yoga, meditation practice, or your everyday life to destress. Freediving Course | What you can expect to learn: Level 1 freediver course is like the foundation of the house. It takes 1.5 days, with about 4 hours in the classroom going over the history, physics, physiology, technology, and the gear. Post lunch, we do practice work in the pool with breathwork and safety work.  The next day, we go into the ocean and work up to 20 meters, which is 66 feet. Technique: Freediving is all about using your body in the most effective way and that's what the course is focused on.  Safety: most people aren't aware of safety, and how to practice safety, and it is one of the biggest takeaways from taking the courses. It's like climbing, the higher you get the further you have to fall but with freediving, it's the opposite, where the deeper you go, the further you go from the surface and a higher likelihood that you'll run into issues should you push yourself too hard. Gear: Choosing the right gear and how to use it.  Leave No Trace and Responsible Recreation: What do we need to know about being good visitors to Hawaii? Ocean - the better thing you can do is use Reef Safe sunscreen. Even better is to wear a rash guard or something to cover your skin. You can get better protection and you don't need sunscreen or any chemicals. When you're in the water, don't' touch marine life Don't stand on the reef if you can avoid it Respect the ocean and be careful when you're coming in and out of the water Go with certified operators. Ex, we do the Manta Rays night dive, we are certified to protect the Manta Rays. They are magnificent creatures and they are a protected species. Choose the right operator: look for certifications and ask how they interact with resting animals.  Where to find KonaFreedivers: Website / YouTube Freediving movies: My Octopus teacher, The Big Blue

Hiking in the Rockies Find the full episode show notes on TripOutside.com/podcast Book your Denver Hiking Adventure: https://tripoutside.com/s/denver-co/trekking/ Learn about some great hiking options around Denver Chief mountain: 360-degree views from the top, at 11700 feet. You can see six different 14ers on a clear day. Takes about 2-4 hours depending on your pace and it offers incredible views without being too difficult of a trail. After a 2-4 hike, you feel energized instead of exhausted and you can still enjoy the rest of the day or later into the night. You feel that you earned your drinks or your ice cream but do not have to be stuck to the couch for the rest of the day. St. Mary's glacier - it's a great hike but it also gets very crowded, especially on the weekends. Rocky hike and bit on the steeper hike but short. 3/4 of a mile to get to a lake and has a snowfield on the top. It has snow all year long and you may see people hiking up and skiing down. Benefits of getting outdoors and connecting with nature Forest bathing - we'll take a break on the hike and spend some time connecting with nature and with each of our 5 senses. We'll spend 30 seconds each on each sense while in nature and it really helps people respect nature. If you're only connected with technology, going from your home to your car to your office and not spending a lot of time in nature, you not feeling the connection with nature. By spending time on a hike in Colorado, we hope that people connect with nature more, respect it and in turn work to protect it. Boost in serotonin: Social media likes that can give you a boost in serotonin, but getting out in nature can give you such a great boost that is really underappreciated! How we can help save the outdoors Hiking In The Rockies discusses LNT principles on the hikes and focuses on "taking only photos and leaving only footprints". Even taking rocks over time from hundreds of people and hundreds of trips can have an impact. Do a trash pick-up with some rubber gloves and a trash bag and clean up the trails. The most important thing is that we learn to appreciate nature by spending more time outdoors, respecting nature and working towards protecting it.  Getting started with an outdoors business There are a lot of opportunities out there to start with a low overhead with marketplaces like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and TripOutside. Write down your goals and steps that you need to get there. Don't let the challenges stop you. Part of growing a business is solving problems day after day and solving problems doesn't have to be a roadblock, it can be part of the fun. Start small and see where it goes. Permits required: trails are managed by different entities and land owners. National Parks, National Forests, ex. Jefferson County Open Space. Get certifications to be certified guides Get CPR training Wilderness first aid training Guides to have wilderness first aid training

How many miles do you think you've paddled in your entire life? Is it more or less than 650? Get this, between September 18th - 28th there is a 650-mile long paddle race across the state of Alabama called the Great Alabama 650.   The race begins in the northeast section of the state and finishes at Fort Morgan in Mobile Bay, AL. This week, we had Greg Wingo on the podcast to learn more about the race and what it's going to take to finish it. Learn more by listening at the link in our bio. Learn more about the AL650 here: https://www.tripoutside.com/ep-29-the-great-alabama-650/

Fun Unlimited is an outfitter based in Post Falls, ID that offers rentals in three major areas: Spokane, Washington and Post Falls / Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A husband and wife team, we were joined by Keith Quien from Fun Unlimited today to talk about his love of the outdoor industry and the different outdoor opportunities there are in the Northwest. Segments from this episode: 00:00 - Intro 1:05 - Opportunities for SUPing and kayaking 2:35 - Best times to visit Spokane, WA for outdoor activities 10:30 - What Keith likes to do for adventures 13:30 - Uber’s positive impact on outdoor adventures 15:45 - Stillwater Paddle Boards 17:05 - Different types of paddleboards in the market 20:45 - Things to keep in mind when going to Spokane Book your next human-powered adventure at TripOutside.com! https://www.tripoutside.com/ep-28-fun-unlimited-with-keith-quien/

Sedona Mountain Bike Academy is an outfitter based in Sedona, AZ that helps mountain bikers become better riders. In fact, Julie and I took a lesson with them a little while back and I felt like I had improved overnight because of it. In today's episode, we were joined by Evan Puglia to talk through everything mountain biking and give you a few pointers on how you can become a better rider yourself. Segments from this episode: 00:00 - Intro 2:10 - Evan's background as a rider 7:15 - The team at Sedona Mountain Biking Academy 9:45 - Common errors in mountain biking 17:00 - The fears of getting into mountain biking 22:20 - Evan's favorite trails to ride 25:00 - Some of the challenges Sedona trails are facing 29:30 - How to properly set up your mountain bike To book your next human-powered adventure, visit us at TripOutside.com Listen, watch or read https://www.tripoutside.com/ep-27-sedona-mountain-bike-academy/

Pure Aloha Adventures was founded in 2014 and is a locally owned, woman-owned, and woman-ran small business in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii! They offer up snorkeling, stand-up paddling, and scuba diving adventures in Hanauma Bay and now also operate near Dauphin Island in Alabama. In today's episode, we were joined by Eva Ramos to talk about everything she's learned in her career after leaving everything behind in 2008. Segments from this episode: 00:00 - Intro 1:18 - The inspiration that led to Eva leaving everything behind 4:45 - Dauphin Island in Alabama 9:00 - Swimming with turtles in Hawaii 11:30 - Best adventures in Hawaii 16:30 - Paddling in Alabama To book your next human-powered adventure, visit us at TripOutside.com https://www.tripoutside.com/ep-26-pure-aloha-hanauma-bay-dauphin-island/

8-day classical music rafting trips, climbing 14ers, and lobbying for wildlife conservation. Outdoor educators and outdoorsman, Bill and Jaci Dvorak founded Dvorak Expeditions in 1985 in the scenic Arkansas River Valley of Colorado. As early pioneers of western whitewater river rafting in the Rocky Mountains, Dvorak Expeditions owns the first outfitter license by the state of Colorado. At last count, Dvorak Expeditions has accumulated over 60,000 miles of river running experience, and Bill Dvorak has personally instructed the Dvorak Expeditions guide-training course for over 35 years. In today's episode, we were joined by Bill Dvorak to talk about everything they've built and learned over the last 40 years of being in the rafting industry. Segments from this episode: 00:00 - Intro 03:58 - Different adventures in the Arkansas River Valley of Colorado 8:00 - Impact of cleaning up the river 12:26 - Wilderness bills and lobbying for wildlife conservation 16:00 - The beauty of the Arkansas River 21:00 - The best time to go rafting in Colorado 24:45 - Trends in outdoor recreation 26:05 - Tips for climbing a 14er 28:55 - 8-day classical music rafting trips? 32:30 - Day to day operations of running an outfitter Book your next human-powered adventure at tripoutside.com

Founded in March of 2020, Adventure Explorations is an outfitter based in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. Climbing, hiking, and kayaking are just a few of the things that they do. In addition to these smaller adventures, they offer fully customizable trips into the wilderness in and around Pennslyvania.   Cody and Chris's purpose at Adventure Explorations is to be the bridge between people’s discovery of their potential, their possibilities, and choices, and the freedom it creates. All that they are and do is devoted to building this connection.   We hope that you enjoy the conversation as much as we did and if you find yourself in the Northeast, check out Adventure Explorations for a wilderness adventure.    Segments from this episode:   00:00 - Intro  04:00 - Starting an outfitter during the pandemic  7:37 - The benefits of being in the outdoors  17:00 - Kayaking in Pennsylvania  20:20 - The types of trips that Adventure Explorations offers  26:30 - The top outdoor things to do in Pennsylvania   Book your next human-powered adventure online at https://www.tripoutside.com/

Fall in love with Laguna and the marine reserve with Justin from Laguna Ethos. In this episode, Justin shares his passion for the wildlife below the water and how they're helping spread the stoke in the world by taking people out on kayak trips, surf lessons, and hiking trips.    Segments from this episode:  00:00 - Intro  4:02 - How Laguna Beach is Being Preserved  9:00 - The Tours Laguna Ethos Offers  13:07 - Other Things to Do in Laguna Beach  15:20 - What It’s Like Starting an Outfitter During the Pandemic  18:45 - Sea Lions in Laguna Beach  20:45 - How to Get Into Free Diving  23:47 - Running an Outdoor Business  28:15 - What Justin Does for Fun in Laguna Beach   Book your next human-powered adventure at TripOutside.com

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Oregon with Jared Kennedy from The Blue Mountains Trail Project.   Jared Kennedy co-founded a company called The Outdoor Project in 2012 and built the company to be a global brand offering resources and travel guides for over 8,000 locations across the globe. In the last year, the company was acquired and since August of 2020, Jared has been the project lead for The Blue Mountains Trail Project.   His thoughts on tech-enabled conservation and connecting communities make this episode definitely worth a listen. --    Segments from the episode:   00:00 - Intro   4:10 - The Origins of the Blue Mountains Trail Project  8:15 - The Founding of the Outdoor Project  11:10 - Challenges of Maintaining Trails  15:10 - How technology can help protect wildlife  20:45 - Current status of the Blue Mountains Trail  25:00 - Hells Canyon National Recreation Area  26:11 - When can people start hiking the Blue Mountains Trail?  30:02 - How to get started with backpacking    -- To learn more about the Blue Mountain Trail Project, check out their website here: https://www.hellscanyon.org/   To register for the hellraiser, you can do so here: https://www.hellscanyon.org//hellraiser    -- Here are a few of the other organizations that are supporting The Blue Mountains Trail Project...   Oregon Natural Dessert Association - https://onda.org/  Six Moon Designs - https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/  Travel Oregon - https://traveloregon.com/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Crested Butte, CO with the Burton's from Wheelies and Waves Adventure Co.      With a love of everything warm and water sports-related and a desire to live in this beautiful mountain town, CB SUP (Courtney and Braden Stand Up Paddle) was born in 2015 to make it easier for people to find their beach in their high mountain paradise.    As they continued to expand, they realized they had so much more to offer than just paddleboards, and are constantly working on spreading their conscious business efforts e-biking and even across the globe to be able to help more people enjoy the outdoors.      Segments from the episode:   00:00 - Intro   05:45 - Pro tips for visiting Crested Butte   6:45 - Starting an outfitter business   10:15 - Best places to paddle in Crested Butte   14:45 - Hot springs near Crested Butte?   16:00 - What Wheelies and Waves offers for adventures   21:30 - What the Burton’s like to do in their free time   24:20 - Planning for the 2021 Season   26:00 - What to be mindful of when visiting Crested Butte   29:45 - The importance of conservation     To book your next human-powered adventure visit us here: https://www.tripoutside.com/crested-butte-co/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Oahu, Hawaii with Kelsey Moore from Yoga Floats. Yoga Floats came about out of the desire to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and serenity of Oahu, Hawaii. An avid yogi and enthusiastic paddler, Kelsey, the founder of Yoga Floats, wanted to find a way to combine the deep sense of peace she found through yoga with the inspiring and uplifting feeling of being on the ocean.   They take daily yoga trips out into the Pacific Ocean to help others find their inner peace in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.   Segments from the episode:   00:00 - Intro  00:45 - Getting into SUP Yoga  05:00 - The steps leading up to launching Yoga Floats  08:30 - What it’s like to do SUP Yoga and best practices  13:30 - What guests need to bring for a SUP Yoga lesson  15:30 - Things to do in Hawaii   22:30 - Pros and cons of being in the outdoor industry  28:00 - Living in Hawaii during COVID   To book your next human-powered adventure visit us here: https://www.tripoutside.com/honolulu-hi-sup-yoga-lessons-yoga-floats/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Rincon, Puerto Rico with Brenda Cerezo from Rincon Diving & Snorkeling.    Brenda left her career as a paralegal to open up a diving and snorkeling school in Puerto Rico and hasn't looked back. Since 2013 she and the team at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling have had over 3000 happy guests join them on underwater adventures.    Have you ever been on an underwater adventure?   Segments from the episode:   00:27 - Intro 2:57 - What it’s like to drive in Puerto Rico 4:27 - What most people do when they visit PR 6:35 - Why most people visit Rincon 7:27 - Best time to visit Rincon 9:30 - Coral Reefs in Rincon 14:55 - Using Underwater Scooters 16:25 - Why Brenda opened her Rincon Diving & Snorkeling 19:10 - FAQ’s about Scuba Diving 24:45 - Costs for scuba courses 31:55 - Brenda’s favorite dives from throughout the years 37:55 - Reet’s favorite human-powered adventures 41:00 - Wildlife species that are disappearing underwater To book your next human-powered adventure visit us here: https://www.tripoutside.com/rincon-pr-diving-snorkeling-tours-lessons-rincon-diving/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Miami, Florida with the "Island Guys" from Clear View Kayaks.    There is more to Miami than just the partying. Brooke and Santi thought so as well and decided to pursue their passions and start exploring the canals, the backwaters and the islands around South Florida.  They love taking visitors and locals out to explore the hidden gems of Miami by water on clear view kayaks by day and night, and have their own unique mix of outdoors and exploration. They're innovators who enjoy creating fun new outdoor activities while preserving nature.    Fun fact: Clear View Kayaks is the only kayaking company to be acknowledged by the Miami Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves Adopt-An-Island program. They contracted the "Island Guys" to maintain & cleanup the island.   Segments from the episode:   00:00 - Intro  1:30 - How Clear View Kayaks got started  8:45 - What people miss when visiting Miami  10:25 - Exploring the waterways of Downtown Miami  11:45 - Costs for tours and rentals in Miami  14:40 - Other outdoor things to do in Miami  19:00 - Kite surfing near South Beach  20:30 - Clear View’s busiest time of year  21:55 - How they adopted an island  26:00 - The importance of human-powered activities  32:00 - Embracing Nature    To book your next human-powered adventure visit us here: https://www.tripoutside.com/s/miami-fl/any/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico to visit David Norden, the CEO of Taos Ski Valley.   We caught up with David and learned about what makes Taos a unique ski resort and what it means to be a B-Corp ski resort. We were delighted to learn about the initiatives that Taos is leading to be a great organization for its staff, the environment, and for the skiers and snowboarders.    Taos is also doing a lot of work with their ski school to help the beginners get into the sport and enjoy their time on the mountain as much as possible.    Did you know that there are over 65 departments that come together to make a great day at the resort possible? From snowmaking, lift operation, lessons, rentals, retail, ski patrol, hotel, restaurants, maintenance.... the list goes on!  Segments from the episode:    00:00 - Intro  4:25 - Taos Ski Valley’s History  9:20 - What Taos Ski Valley does with their B-Corp Status   16:10 - Taos Ski Valley’s Ski School  22:00 - Why Ski School is important  26:00 - How David ended up running a ski resort  30:30 - What does it take to operate a ski resort?  34:25 - The culture in Taos Ski Valley  36:52 - What’s in the works in Taos Ski Valley in the next few years?    To listen to today's full episode or book your next human-powered winter adventure visit us here: https://www.tripoutside.com/winter-sports/

The next stop on our virtual adventure was in Orlando, Florida to visit Greg Pflug, the Owner of Adventures in Florida, Wekiva Outfitters, and Econ Outfitters.   One of the most passionate adventurers we've met, Greg has been actively exploring the great outdoors since he left college in the early '90s to hike the Appalachian Trail.   These days he spends most of his time guiding tours and exploring the waterways of Florida and around the world.   Segments from the episode:    0:00 - Intro  2:00 - What's the most popular tour they offer in Florida?  3:45 - What causes bioluminescence?  4:30 - When's the best time to experience bioluminescence in Florida?  6:45 - What to do while paddling with manatees  12:00 - Should you be worried about alligators?  13:10 - Greg's favorite expedition trips  18:00 - How to book a trip with them while in Orlando  20:40 - How did Greg get into paddling and running an outfitter?  25:34 - Advice for anyone interested in starting an outfitter business  26:50 - Working with the county to start an outfitting business  30:00 - Responsible recreation when padding  34:00 - What's so special about paddling sports?    To listen to today's full episode or book your next human-powered trip in Florida, visit us at https://www.tripoutside.com/orlando-fl/

Our journies in Moab continue. This time we dive into one of our other favorite adventures - mountain biking.    Today, we spoke with Kirstin Peterson at Rim Tours to talk about the history of mountain biking in Moab and the different adventure opportunities there are in the area.   In addition to our conversation about the different tours they offer and her love of mountain biking, we chatted about some of the craziest stories she's experienced as a guide.  Segments from the episode:    0:00 - Intro   0:05 - When did Rim Tours start?   4:15 - How far does Kirstin ride per year?   14:23 - What are some of Kirstin's personal favorite tours?   24:45  - What did the early days of mountain biking in Moab look like?   31:20 - How to book a tour with Rim Tours...   36:00 - Memorable stories from the days before cell phones and GPS   43:25 - Level of experience required to take tours with Rim Tours in Moab   49:00 - Kirstin's favorite things about mountain biking   To book your next human-powered bike trip in Moab, visit us at https://www.tripoutside.com/s/moab-ut/mountain-bike/

Have you ever been to Moab? Have you ever gone canyoneering?   Today, we chatted with Melissa and Herb Crimp from Desert Highlights to talk about their stories canyoneering in and around Moab.   In addition to our conversation about the different tours they offer and their leave no trace mentality we talked about some of the other unique experiences that you can be a part of in Moab.   Segments from the episode:    0:00 - Intro  1:40 - Canyoneering in Moab and Outfitters  5:12 - Flying over Moab to find new routes  6:30 - Leave no trace approach and ghosting canyons  9:13 - Understanding Cryptobiotic Soil in the desert  12:50 - The Different Adventures to experience in Moab  22:25 - How inflatable kayaks compare to kayaks and pack rafts  25:30 - What to do in Moab on a weekend trip  31:45 - Desert Highlights Open Season  32:25 - Other areas to visit near Moab  35:00 - How Melissa and Herb Met    Link to Alpacka Raft: https://www.alpackaraft.com   Book your next human-powered adventure in Moab here: https://www.tripoutside.com/moab-ut-canyoneer-climb-packraft-desert-highlights/

Take a kayak rental or tour through the historic Manchac Swamp just 30 Minutes from New Orleans. Today, we chatted with Josh Hermann, the Owner and Tour Guide for Wild Louisiana Tours about the beauty that is the Manchac Swamp.   In addition to our conversation about the swamp tours, we talked about photography and the unique photography training sessions that Wild Louisiana Tours offers.   Segments from the episode:    - 8:25 Overcoming the fear of alligators  - 11:00 Best time of year to visit Louisiana  - 1:10 Photo excursions in the swamp with Wild Louisiana Tours  - 16:00 Photography tips for beginner Kayak Photographers  - 21:40 What we can do to protect the swamps of Louisiana  - 26:30 Voting with dollars to fund things you're passionate about   -- To book your next human-powered adventure, visit us at tripoutside.com

Based in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo Bike Tours gives you the opportunity to see all aspects of the city while burning and earning calories along the way.   Travel via bike through historic Buffalo New York and explore all of the local food places and culture that Buffalo has to offer.    Known across the united states for their Buffalo chicken wings, Buffalo shares many more rich cultural aspects and is a great place to explore. Thanks again to Marc Moscato for joining me and sharing more about Buffalo Bike Tours.   Things covered: Erie Canal Trail from Buffalo to NYC The story of John Young, the Original King of Buffalo Wings 00:34​ What was the inspiration behind starting Buffalo Bike Tours  04:20​ Combining your passions and your life with your business  07:28​ How did you get start running the tours?  11:00​ Bringing exciting new entertainment tours to Buffalo  17:03​ What are some fun things to do around Buffalo?  20:25​ What’s the best time to visit Buffalo?  21:00​ What are some of the tours that you offer?  23:20​ The story of John Young, the Original King of Buffalo Wings To book your next human-powered adventure in Buffalo, visit us at TripOutside.com

Take an eco-tour or SUP Safari in Folly Beach on your next visit to the Charleston, SC area. Today, we chatted with Jon about the safaris that offer dolphin viewing in their natural habitat. I had a pleasure chatting with Jon about his personal journey and what led him to start the company as well as his draw to the southeast after traveling the world and visiting 38 countries.    I hope that you enjoy this episode as much as I did and take a trip to Folly Beach soon!   Fun facts from the episode:  - The Folly Beach area is one of the most biodiverse wildlife areas in the world  - Dolphins live in pods and the adults have to leave the pod and find one of their own after they are 2 years old  0:23 How'd you get into paddling and paddle surfing?  07:56 How did you start Charleston SUP Safari?  11:00 What are some of the tours that you offer? What makes it a Safari?  15:15 More on the Dolphins, their family and pod structure  19:25 How the community outreach program helps the children in the area find a passion for nature  22:36 How Y2O (Youth 2 Ocean) is helping kids get outdoors  24:25 How getting out in nature has an impact on kids  27:45 How do SUP lessons work and getting started with SUPing?  31:00 How hard is Paddle Surfing to start as a sport?  34:00 What are some other fun things to do in Folly Beach?  Please consider donating to Y20 to help kids get outdoors: http://www.y2o.org/ To book your next human-powered adventure, visit us at https://www.tripoutside.com/s/charleston-sc/any/

Choosing the right skis or snowboard as a first-time buyer can be overwhelming, so we sat down to chat with the experts at Black Tie Skis - Mammoth. Colin explains the decisions that go into picking out the right skis based on height, weight, snow conditions, and style. We also talk about whether you should rent or buy and what you should buy (boots) vs. rent. I hope that you find this conversation as helpful as I did. We got to learn so much about gear selection and the amount of work that goes behind the scenes of getting us on the mountain. Chapters: 0:00  Welcome Colin from Black Tie Ski Rental Mammoth  0:48 Is Mammoth Mountain open for skiing for the 2021 season and what are the COVID restrictions?  04:10 What should you consider before booking a ski trip to Mammoth in 2021?  06:00 How to decide what type of skis or snowboard to buy or rent?  08:50 The importance of boot fitting  11:00 How does the style of skiing impact the ski and snowboard selection?  16:00 What are the factors to consider when buying or renting a snowboard?  18:25 What goes into Black Tie Ski Rental on the backend to get you the perfect ski fitting  21:26 What's a good time to buy used or demo skis?  23:00 Renting skis vs. buying? How many days do you need to ski to make a good ROI on the ski purchase?  25:40 Benefits and reasons to buy your boots   26:40 FAQs on ski rental delivery  28:30 What do you love about Mammoth Mountain?   32:29 What do you love about the town of Mammoth? We also chat about Mammoth Mountain and what makes it an amazing ski destination that needs to get added to your "must ride" list. To book your Mammoth Ski Rental, check out Black Tie Ski Mammoth. They offer an exclusive 10% off discount to Trip Outside members.

The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau Alaska is one of the most magical places in Alaska and Liquid Alaska Tours provides human-powered adventures that get you up close and personal with the glacier. You get to canoe to the glacier and then hike and climb on top of it. If you're lucky and the conditions are perfect, you can explore the ice caves that get created naturally in the glacier. Here is a reason to skip the helicopter tour and paddle across a beautiful lake, reduce your environmental impact and save the glaciers for future generations to come.    Chapters 0:00 Intro  00:25 How did Liquid Alaska Tours start?  01:35 What are some of the tours that you offer at the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska?  03:45 Learn about the Ice Caves on the Mendenhall Glacier  06:00 What is the wildlife like around Juneau?  08:45 What are the popular places to visit in Alaska? Summer vs. winter  11:35 When do the Mendenhall Glacier Tours start for the season?  12:45 What is the town of Juneau like? How many people get to be on the glacier?  17:35 What is it like to run a tour company? --   To fuel your next human-powered adventure visit us at TripOutside.com

Paddle through mangroves on the wild side of Florida. See manatees, alligators, turtles, dolphins and more on an eco-tour with Nauti Exposures. This beginner-friendly tour will allow you to see how diverse the wildlife in Florida is. Chapters 0:00 Intro  0:39 What led you to start Nauti Exposures? What do you get to see in the Naples, FL area?  02:20 What are some animals and birds that you can expect to see on an eco-tour?  03:55 Where are the mangroves located in South West Florida?  05:05 What is it like to paddle with Alligators?  09:00 What's the best time to visit to see Manatees?   10:45 What are the different sides to the Everglades National Park?  11:55 Learn about the photography tours of Nauti Exposures  13:10 What is it like to start an outdoor business and how did it do during the pandemic?  16:00 Can anyone take a kayaking tour or is there experience needed?  17:20 Why is kayaking a great sport and activity? Book your paddle experience in Naples, FL

Surfing can be a very challenging and scary sport to get into, but the rewards that it offers are truly worth giving it a shot. Take the stress out of learning surfing and try a lesson with iSurf. This conversation was more than just surfing. It was about trying hard things, things that are not going to be easy to master right away, and not always a 100% guarantee of a good time. But, these hard things teach us more about ourselves and can provide so much value to our life like finding a state of presence, being patient, and helping us find calm in our daily lives. We absolutely love what iSurf is doing to help support women with their non-profit organization. I hope that this conversation inspires you to go out and try hard things, whether it is surfing or another activity. Find yourself overcoming your fears and gaining confidence in the process. Chapters 0:00 intro  0:40 What is iSurf school? Do you offer rentals and lessons? SUP tours?  05:00 What are the benefits of a surfing membership?  06:45 What are some of the factors when getting started with Surfing?  10:05 How many lessons do you need before you can start surfing?  12:30 What is the hardest thing about surfing?   14:20 How has surfing helped you in your life outside of surfing?  16:40 What keeps people from trying surfing and common fears?  18:25 What are some things that people end up loving after they get over their fears?  19:40 What are some reasons to love surfing?   29:00 What is the checklist for getting into surfing and how much does it cost?  33:44 What is the best time to visit Santa Barbara and try surfing? Book your surfing lesson, SUP tour, and more in Santa Barbara https://www.tripoutside.com/s/santa-barbara-ca/any/​

The biggest threat to wildlife is trophy hunting and Wyoming Wildlife Advocates are doing amazing work to raise awareness of this issue and help save and protect the Grizzlies, Wolves and Elk populations for generations to come. We also talk about how outdoor recreationalists can work to save wildlife. A discussion that forces us to look inside and ask if we want to save wild places and their amazing inhabitants for future generations and how our outdoor recreation hobbies impact their lives and their habitats. Let's work together to minimize an impact, coexist, and #RecreateResponsibly   -- To fuel your next human-powered adventure, visit us at TripOutside.com

Plug-in to unplug. This episode captures the tagline of the podcast. Did you know that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in MN expands over a million acres and over 2 million acres when combined with the Quetico Provincial Park in Canada, making it one of the largest wilderness areas and the most visited?   Explore all of the details shared in this podcast in the blog post. There are over 1200 miles of canoe routes, over 2000 campsites spread over 1 million acres of wilderness. In this episode, we chat with Steve Piragis, who moved to the small recreation town of Ely, MN in the 70s on a research project and has spent over 40 years guiding and helping people explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. We chat about so many things including:  - what makes the Boundary Waters unique compared to other wilderness areas or backpacking trips  - what the best times to visit are, learn the permitting process - what to bring and what you can rent - how has the wilderness area changed over the last 40 years and what it was like to take a canoe trip in the 70s and 80s There is so much to see and explore in the BWCA, we hope that you find inspiration in this episode to take a trip up to the glacial lakes of Minnesota and feel the beauty of this wilderness first hand. To get ready for your trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area visit us at TripOutside.com

In this episode, we chat with Corey from MST adventures and learn about the hidden gems of New Mexico, the land of enchantment. We cover how Corey started the business to fill his passion for getting people outdoors and helping others appreciate all that nature has to offer. The amazing outdoor destinations within New Mexico. You can find the full details, maps, and links on the blog post here. https://www.tripoutside.com/podcast-things-to-do-in-new-mexico-3/ Places to visit and things to do in New Mexico Sandia Mountain Recreation Chaco Bandelier National Monument Via Caldera National Preserve San Antonio hot springs Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area Gila National Forest and Gila Wilderness Things to do: Paddleboarding the Rio Grande and seeing the balloon festival Snowshoeing (sometimes to visit hike in hot springs) Backpacking around Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area Exploring the small towns and wilderness areas 

In this episode, we explore the off the beaten path areas in Zion National Park with Zion Rock and Mountain guides and talk about Canyoneering, rock climbing, and finding the hidden gems in and around the park. You can find full details in the blog post that lists all of the details shared in this episode.  Book your canyoneering, climbing or hiking adventure Learn about protecting and preserving Zion National Park, about Graphene, the Human Condition, and much more from Larry, the Wizard.

Explore the hidden gem of Colorado, Pagosa Springs and the amazing summer and winter activities that surround you. Amanda from Pagosa Mountain Sports shares her favorite areas and road trip itineraries. Full details of the podcast and the show notes can be found here https://www.tripoutside.com/podcast-pagaosa-mountain-sports-2/

Not wanting to wait in line never goes in or out of style, it’s a pain point that is always there with someone's vacation. In this episode, Ian Prichard from Black Tie Skis shares how he went on a journey to solve ski rental pain points and developed a business out of his garage which is now serving 41 ski resorts around the country. Full details of the podcasts and show notes can be found here https://www.tripoutside.com/podcast-black-tie-ski-rental-1/

The TripOutside podcast offers Inspiring interviews for those who love exploring new places, human-powered adventures, and the outdoors. Host and co-founder Reet Singh interviews world-class guides, outdoor industry experts, and entrepreneurs about outdoor places and activities. Human-powered experiences can lead to the highest level of self-realization of what our minds and bodies are capable of achieving. -- Check out our website here: https://www.tripoutside.com/ Follow me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reet-singh-8874a717/