Just move it
Enjoy the season with fun outdoor activities for all levels and ages
Summer is right around the corner—time to put away your skis and snowshoes in favour of hiking boots, golf clubs and maybe even a surfboard. If the warmer weather and longer days have you itching to get outdoors, here are a few fun activities to keep you moving.
Call of the wild
Canada offers countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including 174 national historic sites and nearly 50 national parks. “Whether visitors are looking for adventure, fun for the whole family or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has 450,000 square kilometres of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit their needs,” says Claudia Crépeault, media relations contact for Parks Canada.
Are you ready to go but not sure what’s nearby? Parks Canada (pc.gc.ca) offers the Parks Canada National App, a mobile app to help make trip planning to a national park even easier. “Visitors can plan their entire itinerary, check out trail options and download trail maps right from the app,” says Crépeault. And if you’re planning to camp and hike, the app offers information you need to plan and enjoy your camping trip, including recipes, checklists and insider tips.
You can also check social media for local trail and hiking groups, which often share recent updates on trail conditions and recommendations for must-see hikes in your area.
Surf’s up
Summer is a great time to consider surfing lessons either along the coast or in some of Canada’s many rivers. Costco member Krissy Montgomery is a surfing instructor and owner of Surf Sister in Tofino, British Columbia, a surf school created to encourage more women to join the sport. Today, the company offers coed classes with a mission to provide fun, safe and easy access to people of all ages and abilities to get into the sport of surfing.
Surfing is a great exercise because it combines cardio, strength and flexibility. “Surfing is so healthy because it forces you to be present and it’s a great workout,” says Montgomery. “It’s also a great way to experience the ocean.”
Montgomery offers a few tips for finding the best surf school when you’re travelling to new destinations. First and foremost, make sure you go with a reputable company. “Ask a local who they recommend,” she says. “Also make sure the instructors are certified in lifesaving and first aid and that the company provides quality equipment for the lessons.”
A match made in heaven
Golf is another outdoor activity that will keep you fit and challenge you mentally, and with more than 2,300 golf courses across Canada, you’ll have plenty of locations to choose from. Jason Sedan, a PGA certified professional and lead coach for Golf Channel Academy, is recognized as one of the Best Young Teachers in America by Golf Digest and is always happy to introduce people to the sport.
“Golf is a great outdoor game, and lessons can really jump-start your readiness to get on course and have fun,” he says. “There’s no shortage of top teacher lists, but often it comes down to location. If you are able to get to your coach easily, the chance of seeing them as often as you should increases significantly. Finding a coach with a group class schedule is of tremendous value as well.”
If you’re completely new to golf, Sedan says to keep in mind that there is much nuance to the game and it can’t be rushed. “Trust your coach to provide the building blocks you need to nail the basics,” he urges. “The rest will come from the time you spend practicing on your own.”
While Sedan believes that there are no fitness prerequisites, he does say that good posture can help your game by reducing the chances of back pain and improving upper body rotation for better swings. He specifically notes the importance of the hip hinge—an exercise that promotes using the hips rather than your back.
These are just a few fun ways to stay active this summer; you might also consider yoga, tennis lessons, bike outings or fishing trips. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your summer fun today.
● Choose a hike based on the experience and physical ability of everyone in your group.
● Hike with others, especially if you're new to hiking.
● Wear proper shoes and clothing, and bring enough food and water.
● Tell someone where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.
● Stay on designated trails and keep your distance from wildlife.—JM
Check out Cardiello’s tips for success:
● Choose the right shoes and replace them every five months or 800 kilometres, whichever comes first. Write the date of purchase on the inside to remind you.
● Wear red, yellow or orange during your workouts. Research suggests that these colours can increase your energy—JM
Costco Connection: Costco offers gear for a variety of outdoor activities, including surfboards, golf equipment, hiking footwear and walking poles, hydration packs and more in Costco warehouses and at Costco.ca.