Springtime brings not only April showers, but also an end to the winter ski season. There are several things that outdoor enthusiasts can do during this time to prepare for the summer season.
Clean and Organize Gear
Check ski/snowboard edges for rust, and consider taking them to a tech shop to be cleaned. Also, send winter clothing that needs laundering through the washing machine, and store stuff in plastic boxes that are labeled in order to identify what is inside. Set aside old items that are not going to be used any more for donation.
Once the winter gear is stored away, pull out the summer equipment for a once over. Clean and oil the camp stove, waterproof the hiking boots and rainwear, and check to make sure everything else is in order.
Get in Shape
Burn off winter pounds with activities that get the heart pumping. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, and biking work well. For more information on exercising, check out The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Remember to always consult with a physician before beginning an exercise regimen.
Know How to Treat Injuries
Consider enrolling in a first aid and CPR course from organizations that specialize in wilderness medicine, such as the Wilderness Medical Associates, Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities, or the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS. These organizations teach not only how to treat medical injuries, but how to manage those injuries in a backcountry situation. They even teach students how to adapt typical outdoor equipment to solve problems, such as using trekking poles or a foam pad as splinting material for a broken leg.
Reading
Do some reading to get up-to-date on what is going on in the outdoor world. Suite101’s Outdoor and Adventure section is a good place to start. Another resource is Outside Magazine’s website, which has not only full-length articles, but also tips on physical fitness and outdoor equipment.
Training
Sharpen technical skills by taking a course in order to be more proficient in a particular sport. For example, the American Mountain Guides Association, or AMGA offers a list of guides who are certified by that organization to teach rock climbing and mountaineering skills. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers courses in a variety of human-powered outdoor sports, including rock climbing, whitewater rafting, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, sea kayaking, mountaineering, and backpacking.
Get Motivated
Take time to plan out goals for the summer, as they offer something to reach for during the season. Read through the guidebooks or search the internet for trails to hike, mountains to climb, or rivers to run. It is also a lot of fun to find new places to get out and play!
Remember
· Clean and organize winter equipment as well as summer gear.
· Work out to improve respiratory rate and increase strength for hiking.
· Brush up on first aid and CPR, and consider taking a wilderness medicine course from a company such as the Wilderness Medicine Institute, Wilderness Medical Associates, or SOLO.
· Take a skills course to become more proficient in a particular activity.
· Do the necessary research and set goals for trips.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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