ADVENTURE SKILLS TO ACQUIRE

Maps and Getting Around
Outdoor Safety Skills
Good Attitude Goes a Long Way
Drive Like a Little Old Lady
Watersports for Non-Gilled Creatures
Hiking: the Most Accessible Means of Transportation
A Day at the Beach
Biking is Not for Kids Only

1. Maps and Getting Around
For some of us, maps are confusing. You may even hate our simple TreasureMaps®, even though we've tried to distill them down to "get to the X". If we blow it sometimes on simplicity we apologize. But the time will come when you really are about to set off for a little adventure in a wild place far from home. YOU NEED GOOD MAPS. TreasureMaps® are just idea maps and links to deeper information.

Here's the kind of maps you'll have to acquire: Wilderness Maps- the USFS (United States Forest Service) produces general area maps like National Forest and National Parks. These are available from some ranger stations and better outdoor stores. Topographic quad maps which have trail and altitude details are available from some ranger stations and better outdoor stores. Make a big effort to get a detailed map to hike with because it can literally save your life. NEVER go into the wilderness without a detailed map of the area. Here's some advice on map & compass. Highway Maps - I know this seems obvious, but do not go out in a car without a highway map of the area you'll be travelling in. It's a really bad idea to get lost because you don't have a road map.
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2. Outdoor Safety Skills
If there are small inconveniences in the outdoors, our view is that they are more than made up for by the incredible benefits you'll receive. Get advice from a local outdoor store or club about outdoor experiences. The biggest hassles and dangers are:

Cold - more people die of hypothermia (loss of body heat) than any other cause in the woods. Take lots of extra clothing. Don't wear cotton against your skin. It gets sweaty and it doesn't dry. Get a polypropylene undershirt that "wicks" away perspiration and keeps you warm and dry. Really, do this, it will make a big difference in your experience in any season.

Being unprepared - carry the "Ten Essentials" every single time. Get more info in the Tools section.

Sun & Heat - sun and heat are dangerous so don't overdo it, take and drink plenty of water and high tech sports drinks. Wear a hat, stay in the shade. Cover up. Take sunscreen even in winter.

Bugs - bug repellant of some sort is a must. Go to a reputable outdoor store and get some advice on the new products that are available.

Getting lost - stay found. Don't hike off marked trails. If you go 1/4 mile without seeing a trail marking turn back and retrace your steps until you find one. Don't hike close to dark. ALWAYS leave word with someone close to you about exactly where you are going and then stick to your plan. If you don't return when you said you would, at least they'll have an idea about where to start looking. If you are really lost, STAY IN ONE PLACE. Don't wander aimlessly, that makes it super hard for people to find you.

Getting hurt - We hope you never get hurt on adventure. But here's a piece of advice: before doing something even remotely risky always "measure the consequences of a screw-up". For example, if you were out alone in a remote wilderness area, 100 miles from a hospital trauma center, it it not a good idea to rock climb cliff walls, jump 50 foot chasms, use an old rope ladder that looks like an easy way up a wall, mountain bike at high speed, and about a thousand other things that can really hurt you in the real world. Common sense, common sense, and large measure of restraint, always. Always carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
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3. Good Attitude Goes a Long Way
Got a good attitude about going on an adventure? Good. Now what happens when things go wrong? When you forget some critical piece of equipment or information. Do you go into jerk mode and get all worked up... or do you go into problem solving mode with a good attitude and work out the problem? If you can't learn to have a flexible, problem solving attitude while out on adventure, you're going to be having a bad day a lot. And bad day can range from poison ivy to a brain hemmorage.

Some people should not go on adventure, even though they really want to. If you honestly can assess yourself and you know you have a short fuse, are easily frustrated in new situations, panic sometimes, you should go on adventure first with a knowledgeable guide who you can learn from. We all started as novices in any activity. And even experts in fields are novices in other area of their life.
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4. Drive Like a Little Old Lady
More people get hurt driving to adventures than being on adventures, so take note. Be hyper-aware when you are driving. Your life depends on it. Doing drugs and alcohol while driving is just stupid. Rest often. And remember, if you drive long enough you are bound to be in some sort of accident. Enough said. Here's some mountain driving tips.
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5. Watersports for Non-Gilled Creatures
Until we get gills you can't breathe underwater, scuba aside. Watersports can be very dangerous. This is not the place to lack humility. From the git go, you'll need expert advice. Depending on your choice of water sport, find a school, watersports club, or outdoor store that has an instruction program and take some courses. There are no shortcuts to proficiency, and water is a wonderful but inherently dangerous adventure medium. (back to top of page)

6. Hiking: the Most Accessible Means of Transportation
No other simpler means exists to transport us into the adventure zone than our own feet. You can make it easier and safer on yourself by taking on challenges that match your skills and physical fitness level, being prepared with at the very least the ten essentials, and slowly acclimating yourself to the challenges of hikes, especially at altitude. Do yourself a big favor and buy the best hiking boots you can afford at a reputable outdoor store or mail order house. You'll be glad you did.
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7. A Day at the Beach
"A day at the beach" is sort of a misconception for a hassle free experience. Sun protection and limiting yourself to a brief period of exposure of solar radiation are two "must do" concepts or you will get hurt. The degree of which is up to you. Like second degree sunburn is not acceptable.

Do you have plenty of water? Cover ups? A plan for shade, even when you think you'll only be out a little while? Are you taking care of the people and kids you brought along? Drinking alcohol can be fun in moderation, but it is a big way to dehydrate. Not a great idea when sweating bullets. Prepare for each day at the beach as if you could have to spend a day or two out in the sun, and you may save yourself a lot of hassle some day. (back to top of page)

8. Biking is Not for Kids Only
Biking is so easy, you put a bike on the back of a car, zip off to the mountains or to a different part of the city, and off you go adventuring. Stop right there! Almost 80% of biking fatalities are head injuries. Most of those are because people were not wearing helmets. Get a helmet that fits and wear it. Every time you get on a bike. If you've ever known anyone with a head injury, it is a tragic, and sometimes wholly preventable condition if certain precautions are taken. Kids especially should be taught to always wear a helmet. Biking pros know it. You should too.

A simple tool kit, tire patch kit, and small bike pump that you carry every time will someday save your you-know-what. Carry that and a first aid kit. We promise that they'll come in handy some day. (back to top of page)