We didn't all grow up in a large family of outdoorswomen and men. Many of us weren't taught survival skills passed down through generations, or even how to start a campfire. Maybe you grew up in the city, or your parents didn't have time or weren't interested in spending a weekend by the lake.
Exploring the outdoors might not be a part of your modern-day family history, but somehow, you feel a spark inside of you, calling out for you to explore the oceans, mountains, to hike out into the wilderness - an innate desire that you can't ignore.
You may feel like an outsider, waiting for someone to welcome you into the club of the great outdoors. Well if you need a sign, here it is: Welcome to the great outdoors, sister! This lifestyle is yours for the taking!
If you need a sign, here it is: Welcome to the great outdoors, sister! This lifestyle is yours for the taking!
The outdoors is exactly that: GREAT. FREAKING HUGE. Our planet is filled with larger-than-life mountains and ocean depths deeper than your wildest dreams. There are tropical coral reefs, lush forests, expansive deserts, and endless snow-covered mountain peaks to explore.
Adopting an adventurous lifestyle will make you feel alive and full of vitality. Conquering hikes, trails, and catching waves gives us an amazing feeling of confidence and resilience that we can carry into all areas of our lives.
But it can be difficult to dip your toe in the water when you are a novice in a new adventure or activity. After all, exploring the outdoors comes with some risk, which is part of what makes it so fun and rewarding. You might look at others skiing down the mountain, catching waves, and hiking difficult trails with confidence thinking she has something that I don't.
But her confidence, technique, and physical and mental strength are all learned skills - and you can learn them, too. It's all about putting in the time, gaining experience, doing the research, and committing to learning and getting better.
There's a saying that Billabong used in their marketing campaigns in the 90s: "Only a surfer knows the feeling," explaining that the only people who truly understand surfing are the ones who do it. And that's the same with all outdoor activities: once you start exploring the outdoors, you're an outdoorswoman. You are what you do.
Once you get out there, ditch the imposter syndrome - acknowledge those thoughts and tell them to go away! Rewrite your story now; you already are by reading this article. We see you, girl!
You didn't miss the boat; it's not too late to become a total outdoorswoman and teach your kids and family members to feel confident and embrace exploring the outdoors, too. Commit to it, stick with us, and get inspired. Take these tips on how to become the first outdoorswoman in your family, and be the brave one to make the change and pass along your passion to others in your family.
How to Become the First Outdoorswoman in Your Family
Take a lesson
In childhood we take lots of lessons, both in school and extracurricular. When we're younger, it was normal to take a lesson and learn a new skill, but as an adult, you might feel some hesitation. If so, shake it off! There are lots of adult lessons, including skiing, snowboarding, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, and climbing.
Lessons are also available for different experience levels, if you're looking to build on the skills that you already have. Check for lessons at your nearby mountain, lake or beach town, and go for it!
Download an app
You know those people who totally look like they know what they're doing, and have all of the confidence in the world? How is she so confident setting out on a long solo hike, or paddling out to surf? Chances are, they did some research ahead of time, and you should too.
Part of exploring the outdoors is knowing what conditions you're in for, when the best times are to go, and what to expect. Thankfully we have lots of information available to us now through apps like AllTrails for hiking and mountain biking, and Surfline for surfing. Also check the app store for your local mountain resort and Recreation.gov for camping. Doing your research will make you feel and be better prepared to take on a new challenge.
Join a club
It might be surprising to learn that you don't need to be an expert in an outdoor activity to join a club. Most clubs have some beginners who end up picking up the skills quickly, as they're surrounded by mentors and passionate people willing to share their knowledge.
You can find clubs for surfing, outrigger canoeing, skiing and snowboarding, hiking and more. These clubs get together regularly and spend lots of downtime chatting and bonding over shared interests. There's a good chance you'll make some fantastic local friends while learning a new skill and having fun.
Go on a guided tour
If you feel like a lesson isn't for you, consider joining a tour. There are hiking tours around the world for all experience levels, as well as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Joining a tour can help you relax about things that might stress you out (like getting lost!) and help you dig deep and find the extra boost of confidence you need to push your limits and get further out there.
Find a local shop
If you don't know anyone who is experienced in your new interest, head to a shop and ask the store employees your questions. People working in surf shops, ski shops, and bike shops are knowledgeable, local, and happy to answer your questions. Ask them about everything from gear to the local spots.
Shop workers can also help you set up your gear and show you how to make adjustments. If you have more questions, you can always go back! Soon you'll be a shop regular and feel more included in the community. You'll be happily surprised at the friendships you may form at your local shops, and many host events.
Make it your vacation
Have you ever gone on a trip and felt like a totally different person? Suddenly you're curious to try new things, not afraid of embarrassing yourself in front of all of those people you'll never see again, and feel a sense of adventure you never experienced at home. This is why vacations offer the perfect opportunity to try a new outdoor activity.
If you decide that you want to learn how to downhill mountain bike, find a resort with rentals and lessons, rent a cabin and make a weekend out of it. Or you could find an Airbnb near the beach, rent a stand-up paddleboard and be paddling with confidence by the end of the weekend.
Find what inspires you and make a vacation around your new hobby.
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