Learn Backcountry Basics At Alpental, WA For Free

If you are an avid backcountry traveller, you know that you must have "the standard " avalanche gear: beacon, probe and a shovel. But unfortunately, there are lots of people who think that having the right gear is all they need to venture beyond ski area boundaries. But just like the great American writer Mark Twain once said, "Knowledge without experience is just information".

What Is Wakesurfing ?

Being ExtraHyperActive, I have tried a lot of outdoor activities/sports over the past few years. Yet, there are a few that I still hope to try ! And wake surfing is one of them.

Snow Paddling With Kahuna Snow Stick

If you've been following my blog, you know that since recently I've been pretty obsessed with land paddling.

I think it's an awesome, fun and very effective cardio and full body workout. And it wouldn't be possible without Kahuna Big Stick invented by Kahuna Creations, a Hawaiian company famous for its longboards, surfboards, and of course, the Land Paddle.

But recently they came up with a new "invention" - Kahuna Creations Snow Stick

From Kahuna Creations website :

The Kahuna Snow Grip is used for snowboarding, and can be popped on any land paddling Kahuna Stick you already have, making it a functional, interchangeable piece of year-roundequipment. 

When the mountain levels out, snowboarders used to have to hop, jump, or kick off a binding just to get through the flat sections. Kahuna Snow Stick riders easily paddle through the flats and carve it up all over the mountain.

This is amazing for advanced snowboarders that want deeper carves. A Snow Stick also brings a world of entirely new possibilities in terrain parks.

This is another completely original sport by Kahuna Creations, but honestly, we can’t figure out why it hasn’t been done before. We worked with incredible engineers to create the perfect Snow Grip even in the worst snow conditions. Any snowboarder, new or advanced can appreciate the need for a Kahuna Snow Stick. 

Even though we didn't have a chance to try out the Snow Grip, we had tons of fun using our Kahuna Haka with snowskates ! Read our full story here...

Snowshoe Routes Washington

In my opinion snowshoeing is not rocket science. It's one of those outdoor sports/activities that doesn't require special training or great physical shape. Just put on your snowshoes and go. But where to ?

The biggest challenge with snowshoeing is not the activity itself, but finding the right destination. Where to go, how to find the trailhead, the distance, average time, steepness,landscape...

That's why Snowshoe Routes Washington is the must-have guide for beginners and advanced winter hikers who will appreciate the detailed trail descriptions, photos, and personal narratives. When it is raining during the Seattle winter - grab your shoes, this book and head out. Your are sure to find deep powder and a great trail.

Remember, don't solely rely on the book. I know people who use guide books as "the maps". Wherever you go, don't forget to bring a topo map of the region, check the avalanche conditions before heading out, let somebody know where you are going, check in with a ranger at the station ( if there is one), leave a note in your car with the details of your trip and expected return time ( did I forget 10 essentials ?).

The outings described in the book are for all skill levels, from beginner to experienced mountaineer. Many are within easy driving distance from metropolitan regions including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham, Olympia, and Yakima. Most trips start from Sno-Park areas for easy access.

Love Boardsports ? You'll Love Onewheel Electric Board !

Onewheel is a self-balancing electric board-sport, recreational personal transporter, often described as an electric skateboard/snowboard.

As I wrote in my previous post, I've been thinking about upgrading my longboard to an electric one. Riding a longboard ( or paddling a longboard ) is a lot of fun, and a great workout ! But I think it's more exciting cruising around effortlessly while enjoying the views, and catching surprised looks of bypassers.