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Whitewater Rafting For The First Time

River rafting for the first time can be an exhilarating adventure. However, it can also be one that makes you a little unsure of yourself, especially if you’re not used to water sports as much. If you decide to head to the river this summer, don’t feel shy about asking as many questions as you want. The more understanding you have about your trip, the more confident you’ll feel and the more fun you will have!

Many people will go into the experience blindly, which is also fine. But if you’re someone who likes to come prepared then it’s best if you brush up on your white water rafting knowledge. That way, you can enjoy your rafting trip to the fullest! Each trip is different, and it’s strongly recommended that you stick with beginner courses at first. The rapids are a little gentler and you can adjust to it a little easier.

Some rafting adventures are also longer than just a few short hours. Many companies offer river trips that expand overall several days (and in some cases up to an entire week!) But for now, let’s stick to the basics so you’re not overwhelmed with the smaller details of whitewater rafting.

Before You Start

There’s a lot to consider before you even book your river journey. First and foremost, people are often concerned when their swimming skills aren’t necessarily up to par. Falling out of a raft can sometimes happen, but it isn’t something that you should fret over too much. Even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, guides will instruct you on what to do prior to boarding the raft.

You’ll also be provided with a life vest and more often than not with a wetsuit. Both of these are tremendously helpful in keeping you afloat and warm. You also don’t need to worry if you’ve never rafted before, because everyone has to start somewhere!

Remember to keep in mind that even on beginner trips you’ll come across rapids! You’ll have to use a little elbow grease to help your group steer through the water- but again, you don’t have to have the strength of 1,000 bodybuilders to do this.

The good news is that you’ll burn off quite a few calories. The bad news is you might be sore the next day but it’ll be well worth it! Your rafting adventure will require you to stay alert but will be a memory you can share with friends and family for life.

What To Bring (Or Not Bring)

Heading out on your first rafting trip will require you to carry a few things from home with you. While other stuff items should stay safely in your car or not be brought at all. It’s important that you follow instructions staff or a rafting website states. The last thing you want is to end up losing valuable items or forgetting something vital. The experience should be an exciting and enjoyable one and not one that leaves a bad taste in your mouth (so to speak).

Things you should definitely bring include:

A water bottle
Sunscreen
Water-resistant clothing or clothing that can get dirty and protects you from the sun
A change of clothes
A towel
A disposable camera or one that will handle constant water being splashed on it (but be warned-more expensive cameras can easily fall into the river so plan accordingly).

Things that might be best left at home:

Jewelry
Money in ALL forms (where are you going to go anyway while you’re on the river?)
Electronics (yes, even your beloved phone)
Purses, wallets, etc.
Tents

Staying Safe On The Water

The biggest priority for any rafting company is to make sure you’re of course comfortable, but that you’re also safe! Both the staff and guides painstakingly and thoroughly try to ensure that each element of your rafting trip is handled well. Many guides also have years of experience on the water and understand the landscape, weather, and surroundings better than anyone else.

The number one rule to follow is that you should take into consideration everything your guide recommends. They will make sure to remind you to reapply sunscreen and drink water for instance. Both are easily forgotten when you’re taking in all that nature has to offer. So be sure to heed what they have to say. They’re the experts and want to help you avoid things that can easily ruin your experience.

Rafting for the first time can be an incredibly thrilling activity, and even more so when you come fully prepared. Set yourself up for success by knowing the basics and ask important questions right off the bat.

You can even ask others who have already gone what it was like for them to give you the inside scoop. Also, stick to Class I or II rapids as well, and mention you’re new to rafting when you check in with the company you’ve chosen.

Find a new way to connect with nature and try out whitewater rafting! You’ll be challenged and left with a sense of wonder and might become more of an outdoor enthusiast than you already were.

What Do Ski Shops Do in the Summer?

One would assume that as soon as the season ends, ski rental shops close their doors until winter sets in again. While that might have been true many seasons ago, the same can’t be said about these shops now. Many resorts have found the benefits of staying open year-round, allowing people the opportunity to experience the mountain as the weather warms up.

You might miss the cold brush of snow hitting your face, but the summer packs just as much fun into its mountain activities as it does in the winter. Over the years, the crowds visiting resorts has increased, and ski rental shops have noticed the trend. It’s led them to provide much-needed summer rentals for all outdoor lovers and keeps them busy at the same time.

Ski shops will rent out gear for mountain biking, paddle boarding, water adventures, hiking, camping and more. The possibilities are seemingly endless! You’ll be covered for almost any of the fun summertime activities you’re itching to try out and you might also get into a new sport you didn’t know you’d enjoy.

It’s safe to say ski shops most certainly are juggling a lot of business even after winter has ended. Maybe this will be the year that you check out your favorite resort in the summer. But first, let us help you discover exactly what you can expect!

Bike Rentals

Biking might be one of the biggest selling points ski rental shops take advantage of. Both serious thrill-junkies and casual outdoor fans love hitting the dirt trails to explore the mountain and get away from the “day-to-day.” It’s a big draw for many families and ski rental shops took that into account.

Shops like Charter Sports in Breckenridge, CO has several options to rent bikes. They also offer some of the best deals on their equipment rental so you can have your adventure without feeling as if you spent far beyond your budget.

Likewise, if you happen to be in the Mammoth Lakes area in California you can head to shops like ASO Mammoth Lakes. At their shop, they have a wide assortment of summer gear waiting for you. You can even rent more than a bike if needed as well! If you need a helmet, bike locks or are interested in snagging an e-bike and trying it out, those options are available for you.

Hiking & Camping

Resorts during the warmer months of the year let you see your favorite areas in a new light. There are green fields that go on forever, while you’re surrounded by a plethora of fragrant flora and roaming wildlife that you normally won’t run into any other time of the year.

Big Sky Resort in Montana is one of those places that is bursting with life no matter what time of year it is. The resort is world-renowned for its jaw-dropping views, fantastic skiing and events abound. But in the summer it might leave you impressed even more! You’ll find several shops in the area eager to help meet your summer needs.

If you’ve been preparing to hike and/or camp then Grizzly Outfitters is the perfect place to go to. They have an array of bikes to choose from, as well as fly fishing gear if you’re interested in catching a little dinner while camping. Camping and hiking also require certain accessories and gear which they also offer! You’ll be entirely outfitted for your outdoor adventure and ready to tackle nature.

Water Sports Galore

A lot of people love their water sports and ski shops like Canyon Sports made sure to stay on top of the demand. Park City offers everything that an outdoor enthusiast could want. And that includes several places to dip your feet in the water. If you plan on going there, you can head to places like Jordanelle Reservoir, Rockport, Deer Creek, East Canyon, or Mirror Lake!

Each area is beautiful in its own right and will provide unique photo ops that are hard to beat. Shops will provide additional gear like life jackets and carry bags so you can enjoy your trip for a few hours or all day long.

A Summer To Remember

When you’re looking for a place to rent your essential summer gear, a ski shop might not be the first place that you go looking. But luckily for you, many of them stay open outside of summer. They follow in the footsteps of their respective resorts, making it easier than ever to set yourself up for success!

While not every location joins in on the festivities, it’s always best to check ahead of time whether ski shops are open in the summer. Calling ahead also gives you the opportunity to ask about any current discounts happening at the shop! And what’s better than saving even more when you’re on vacation?

Stay safe while you’re out exploring and discover a rental ski (or sports) shop near you for an unbelievable summer!

3 Easy Steps to Enjoy Your Camping Trip

The noise of the world is getting louder and louder, your senses assaulted from every direction with millions of distractions vying for your complete attention. If there has ever been a time to get away from the rest of the world it most definitely is now.

Has it been so long since you’ve taken the family camping that you can’t even think of the first thing you need to do? First of all, take a deep breath. Remember that all you need to do is pack the essentials, gas up the car, and keep these three tips in mind:

Keep Your Camp Clean

This should be common sense, but your cleaning skills need to approach ninja levels when you’re in the wild. That means cleaning up immediately and taking waste to designated areas sooner rather than later. Organize your camp to maximize its cleanliness. The old saying in scouting and Chief Seattle still applies: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”

This will not only prevent your campsite from being infested with any number of foul pests but also probably save you from having to fight off a bear. This scenario is totally avoidable if you simply keep clean!

Bring a Digital Camera/Camping Goods

You’d be surprised how many people make planning a camping trip so stressful that they forget to simply stop and take pictures of awesome and interesting things. Commercial cameras used to require film that could be expensive at times. Families were always sure to use the film in the camera sparingly.

Modern day digital cameras can take literally hundreds, even thousands of photographs (depending on the size of your memory card). Don’t miss a thing! Photograph anything and everything. Just keep an eye on your charge level and be sure to recharge overnight. Don’t let yourself think “When will I ever look at these?” In a few decades, when you’re sharing your best times with the grandkids or just reminiscing with friends, you’ll be glad you took those photos!

You may think you have this covered by just bringing your smartphone, but a digital camera is preferable. If you don’t have a camera just bring your phone but put it on airplane mode. To save battery and so you won’t be charged for roaming.

Not only should you bring some sort of way to capture your moments but maybe just bringing a journal to write down what you have done on your trip. Bring a few outdoor games and a deck of cards is always a great item. Obviously, bring your essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, water, and plenty of warm clothes for night time.

Leave Your Phone Off/Airplane Mode

This will be the most difficult task to carry out during your trip. Our personal and professional lives are now inextricably linked to our smartphones. Leaving the city and camping in the wilderness is an opportunity to tell everyone you’re unavailable, that you’re taking time for yourself and/or your family.

People with adolescent and teenage children will probably have the worst hard time doing this but agree with them to spend most of the time during the camping trip with the cell phones off. Implement designated hours during the trip where the family is together, no phones are out, and that is that.

Stated in the section above the only time the cell phones should be out is when you are taking amazing photos. Other than that disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world we live to actually be in the world we should be living in.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (commonly abbreviated as SUP) is the act of propelling oneself on a floating platform with the use of a paddle. Different cultures have embraced SUP throughout history. The discipline is thought of as originating in Africa, where it was common to stand on their canoes. Hawaiian surfers of the sixteenth century, though, were the first to embrace paddleboarding as a sport. Hawaiian surf schools began teaching SUP in the 1990s as an alternative to surfing. Surf instructor Brian Keaulana decided to add “Beach Board Surfing” to the world-renowned “Buffalo Big Board Contest”, and the response was overwhelming.

Here is the know how to Stand-up paddleboarding:

Those who want to paddleboard must first find a shallow part of the water they like. Smooth points of entry are ideal. Surfers should then walk out to a point of where they are sure the fin on the bottom back of the board is not hitting the sand, or floor of the pool. Users should then place their paddle so that it lies perpendicular to the board. Surfers can then attempt to bring their outermost knee on top of the board, followed by the innermost knee.

Photo Courtesy of Mammoth Lakes:

Beginners can see how it feels to paddle on just their knees. At this point, surfers can start paddling. The blade of the paddle should be oriented so that it is perpendicular to the board. Boarders should also ensure the blade is submerged under water each stroke. Users can then opt to either stroke the water once or twice before switching and doing the same on the other side. It is also a good idea to assume the kneeling position if one grows tired of standing, or if conditions become rough.

Here is where to try and the deals:

Trying a new sport can be intimidating but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it! Find yourself a body of calm water and give this a try. Depending on where you are in the country finding a place might be easy or a little more difficult. If you are in California try out Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, North or South Lake Tahoe this goes for Nevada too. If you are in Colorado try out Lake Dillon or Horsetooth Reservoir. If you are more towards New York give Lake George a shot. Minnesota is the Land of Lakes and you’ll find something easy there. New Hampshire has Waterville Valley for some easy calm water. Just do your research and find something near you!

Some SUP deals we have on Mountain Resort Coupons are Johnnys Rentals in California. They will get you a free delivery of Stand-Up Paddleboards and Kayaks too. Mammoth Lakes area the deals are also at Footloose Sports every Thursday you can rent a Stand-Up Paddleboard all day for a 4-hour rate. If you are closer to Nevada don’t forget about Slopestyle Sports where you can rent a Paddleboard for as low as $50 a day.

We also have a deal with Silver Star Ski and Sport in Park City, Utah. $60 dollars for the whole day and they will even transport your paddleboard for $40 each way. Don’t miss your chance for summer fun on the water!

At Mountain Resort Coupons it is our goal to get you outside and enjoy nature as much as possible. If you need more help feel free to reach out and Contact Us or look on our site for more summer fun ideas!

Summer Activities on a Budget for Families

What are some of your favorite summer activities?

Sometimes it can be difficult to think of new family-fun activities to do in the summer. We understand that many families stick to a certain budget and some activities may not be feasible for everyone at times. We have compiled a few summer activities below that are great for families, children of all ages, and won’t drain your savings account.

Family Fun Camping

Camping is such a great way to spend time as a family and there is always so much to do. We emphasize “old fashion camping” because you do not need to have an RV or camper to go camping with your family. Find a State Park near you, and check out the camping guidelines, costs, and any restrictions that specific parks might have. Find a campground that correlates with your families favorite activities such as hiking trails, lakes for swimming, rivers for rafting, shooting ranges, etc. For example, Lake Couer d’Alene in Idaho has many campgrounds in the area. If you want to bring your family pet, be sure to check if the campground allows dogs. Camping is an excellent summer activity for families and can be very budget friendly.

Plan a Fishing Trip

Spend quality time with the family and enjoy the thrill of pulling up a great catch. Take your family to the local lake or search online for good fishing spots near you. You can pack a cooler and bring some food to make a day of this. If you’re going to make this fishing trip an all-day event, be prepared and consider bringing some of the following:

chairs or blankets to sit on
sunscreen and bug spray
plenty of water and snacks
radio or Bluetooth speaker for music

Some of the best rivers to fish in the United States are the Colorado River, Arkansas River both in Colorado. The Bighorn River in Montana and the Yellowstone River that starts the Missouri River. The Sacramento River in northern California. Finally Soldotna River Walk in Alaska which may be hard to get to but could just be the best of all. Find Lodging information for these places, here, on our Mountain Resort Coupons site and more things to do in these areas.

If you would prefer something a little different, look into charter fishing trips in your area, for instance, Dvoraks in Buena Vista, Colorado has fishing expeditions. Guided fishing trips can be very exciting, as you typically have more luck catching fish – the guides know all of the great spots!

Take Up Kayaking

If your family has never tried out kayaking, give it a go this summer. It is always a great idea to try out new and adventurous activities. It helps to build new memories with your family and you will be experiencing the excitement together, as well. Kayaking is also excellent exercise, so that can’t hurt. Find a rental center at a local park in your area to rent kayaks. If you end up falling in love with this fun summer activity, consider purchasing some kayaks for the family. There are kayaks that seat multiple people, but the most common are one-seater kayaks or two-seaters.

If your family is experienced and already enjoys kayaking, consider taking a trip to a new spot to make new memories. Places like Lake Havasu in Arizona, the Colorado River in Colorado, Big Bear Lake in California, and Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. Find rental shops like Johnnys Watersports in Big Bear Lake or Dvorak’s Expeditions in Colorado. Search online for great spots to kayak. There are so many excellent kayaking spots with beautiful scenery and landmarks.

Experience Adventure with Whitewater Rafting

If you’re looking for an exciting activity to try this summer, whitewater rafting is a perfect opportunity to try. No matter your level of experience, there are whitewater rafting activities that will fulfill your spirit of adventure! Read on to learn more about what you need to know before going on your first whitewater rafting experience.

Whitewater Rafting for Beginners

If you’re ready to get wet, but want a little more excitement than the community pool, hop on an inflatable raft and paddle through the rapids. While you may have seen whitewater rafting portrayed in the media, it isn’t always about flying through rushing water and narrowly missing boulders. There are different classes of rapids, with the lowest class bring slower and easy to navigate. If you’re just starting out, this is a perfect place to begin. As you build strength, endurance, and skill, you can move onto higher classes for a more thrilling experience.

And don’t worry about having to go out there alone! Whitewater rafting is a team activity, with everybody paddling the best they can. An experienced guide may lead the activity, taking on much of the more difficult navigating, but for easy rapids, no guide or experience is necessary to have fun!

The Benefits of Whitewater Rafting

No doubt, whitewater rafting is great exercise. Paddling through rapids can burn hundreds of calories an hour, and can help you build strength and endurance. In addition, regularly rafting can tone your back, arm and shoulder muscles. Being outdoors and in nature can help relieve stress and relax your body, especially on an easy course, so it’s great for your mental health. And if you head out with friends or family, the bonding experience will last a lifetime. Even if you decide raft with a group of strangers, you’ll develop team-building skills and self confidence. As you get better, your confidence will grow and you’ll develop a great and healthy skill.

Get Out There!

If you’re hungry for a new challenge, and want something that’s good for your health too, whitewater rafting should be in your plans this summer! When you stick to easy rapids, the risk of injury is minimal, and the rewards to your body and mind are beneficial. Before you dive in, a few words of advice:

Wear protective gear – don’t ditch the helmet or life jacket, no matter how confident you are! And lather on the sunscreen too – look for the kind that’s waterproof
Dress right – you’re going to get wet, so pack your bathing suit! And pack a few towels and some dry clothes for when you’re finished
Avoid accessories – jewelry, hats, and sunglasses are likely to get lost during your adventure, so keep them in your bag.