The Skydiver
Luke Church jumped out of a plane for the first time 14 years ago on a Saturday afternoon. It was so thrilling, he went back the next day and jumped three more times. Since then, Church has completed more than 7,000 jumps of varying degrees of intensity, while helping fellow skydivers get their fix. “It makes me feel like a superhero,” says Church, the co-owner of Skydive St. Louis. “It’s about as close to flying as you can get.”
- When he approaches the exit door of an airplane at 13,000 feet, Church isn’t thinking about anything but the next few minutes. He encourages students to follow his lead. “That’s one of the most attractive things about it,” Church says. “You’re not worried about your schedule, bills, or the grocery list. You’re just living in that moment.”
- Two jumps stand out to Church: a wingsuit jump from a hot air balloon and his first night jump on New Year’s Eve 2011. “I jumped naked, actually,” Church says with a laugh. “I could see all the fireworks going off below me.”
EQUIPMENT
1. ALTIMETER: Skydivers time the parachute pull according to altitude. When jumping from 13,500 feet, most deploy their chutes at 3,500 feet.
2. GOGGLES: To withstand the 120-mile-per-hour winds, skydivers need these to see.
3. CAMERA: To share your daredevilry with the world. “Some people joke that the helmet is just the mount for the camera,” Church says.
4. HELMET: No, it won’t protect you from a catastrophic fall, but it will protect your head from bumps during a formation jump.
5. PARACHUTE BACKPACK: Contains two chutes. The handle that deploys the main parachute is on the right side. The handle that activates the reserve parachute is on the left.
THE LINGO
“Canopy flare”
Braking/decelerating the parachute.
“DZ”
The designated drop zone where jumpers will land.
“Hard deck”
Altitude by which a parachute must be deployed.
“The beer light is on”
When the last jump of the day is complete and it’s time to celebrate with a cold one.
PRO TIPS
Be curious. Just about anyone who is willing to try skydiving can make it happen. Church has overseen jumps for divers young and old, as well as those with physical disabilities.
Watch from the DZ. For newbies who are interested but have cold feet, Church recommends spending time at a drop zone watching other divers glide safely back to Earth.
Don’t sweat the landing. Parachutes have brakes that allow for soft touchdowns. “It’s really easy,” Church says, “like stepping off a curb. There’s really not much to it.”
Kevin A. Roberts
The Climber
Hannah Koberstein swears that she’s afraid of heights. But on her days off, you’ll find her outside, scrambling up huge boulders at Robinson Bluff, about an hour south of St. Louis. She’s an avid rock climber and a manager at Upper Limits climbing gym. The exhilaration that she finds when she conquers a new route up a rock face keeps her pursuing the sport.
- Koberstein’s first climb? When her dad strapped her into a harness in front of a rock wall at the YMCA when she was 4 years old. “He basically pulled me up the wall,” she recalls, but his love of travel and outdoor adventure inspired her to continue climbing.
- For climbers, yoga is great cross-training for strength and flexibility. Body-weight exercises, as well as hiking and backpacking, also help develop the endurance needed for the sport, Koberstein says.
- A touchstone moment in Koberstein’s climbing career happened when she was in college and went on a climbing trip to Red River Gorge in Kentucky. She was the lead climber for a route and took a big fall, about 20–25 feet down a 100-foot face. All she wanted to do was quit and come down. She was both terrified and invigorated, but when she persevered to finish the climb, she thought, “I’m going to do this for the rest of my life.”
- Bouldering is Koberstein’s favorite type of climbing. It happens close to the ground without the use of a rope or harness, typically on boulders or at the base of a rock face.
- A common misconception of outsiders and newbies is that the aim is to try to climb a route as quickly as possible, but the sport is actually more of an art. Koberstein recalls the words of a climbing coach who told her the point of climbing is to make the “seemingly impossible look effortless.” Her goal is to perfect technical skills, such as footholds and grips.
- Having a climbing community is “essential,” says Koberstein, especially for those starting out. It’s a sport that requires preparation and practical know-how. Shared “beta”—knowledge about a route from other climbers who have done it—can be invaluable.
- Koberstein’s climbing dreams include someday climbing at Yosemite National Park and trying deep-water soloing—climbing without ropes or harness over the ocean—in Southern Spain.
EQUIPMENT
1. ANCHOR: A fixed point of connection for a climbing rope, which can be at the top of the route or in bolts within a rock face.
2. CARABINER: A self-snapping metal loop that connects equipment components
3. QUICKDRAW: Also called a dogbone, this equipment consists of two carabiners connected by a short run of nylon. One side clips into anchors, while the other allows the rope to run freely.
4. CHALK BAG: A pouch with powdered magnesium to absorb moisture and improve grip
5. TRAGUR: Many climbers, including Koberstein, swear by the Crux pants created by this climbing clothing company, started by a
6. LA SPORTIVA SOLUTION COMPS: Koberstein’s climbing shoe of choice. St. Louis family.
THE LINGO
“Top rope climbing”
A climber uses ropes and a harness to an anchor set at the top of a route.
“Lead climbing”
A more advanced climbing style, in which a climber sets anchors into the rock while ascending.
“Belay”
A system that stops a climber from falling too far; it involves a rope, pulley device, and partner who exerts tension on the rope for counterbalance.
GET MOVING
Mountain Project
A crowd-sourced website where athletes share beta about routes, with info about more than 250,000 climbs.
Upper Limits
The St. Louis climbing gym includes multiple locations, as well as opportunities for all skill levels and styles of climbing.
Climb So iLL
Likewise, this popular climbing gym offers multiple locations, including near Lafayette Square and in St. Charles.
Vertical Voyages
This local company organizes climbing adventures for a range of skill levels.
Robinson Bluff
An hour south of St. Louis, it’s Koberstein’s favorite nearby spot to climb outdoors.
TAKE A DIP
5 spots within 100 miles
Lake Aspen: You deserve a break. Book an A-frame at Innsbrook for a weekend, then get out on one of the lakes, where you can rent a canoe, fish, and swim.
Lake Lincoln: At the heart of Cuivre River State Park, near Troy, the 55-acre lake includes a designated beach and swimming area, as well as fishing and kayak rentals.
St. Joe State Park: A destination for off-roaders, the 8,243-acre park near Park Hills includes two beaches, at Monsanto and Pim lakes, for swimming or scuba diving.
Castor River Shut-Ins: An hour east of the more famous Johnson’s Shut-Ins, it’s the state’s only known pink granite shut-ins.
Carlyle Lake: Just an hour east, lllinois’ largest human-made lake boasts four beaches—McNair, Keyesport, Coles Creek, and Dam West—and is a popular destination for sailors.
Kevin A. Roberts
The Fly Fisherman
Growing up in Massachusetts, Frank Ciccone bonded with his father while fishing the freshwaters of New England. He caught his first brook trout when he was 6 years old and developed formative memories standing alongside his dad and casting into the waters that he learned to love. When Ciccone was 13, his father died. Fishing no longer had quite the same pull. That is until four years ago, when Ciccone took a Father’s Day trip with his son to Westover Farms, a regional fly-fishing destination in Steelville, Missouri. All it took was one father-son trip for Ciccone to get hooked on fly fishing. Now, he’s excited for all of the bonding that he plans to do with his son in the years to come.
- Anyone can learn the techniques of fly fishing, but Ciccone says the best anglers are the ones who approach the sport with an appreciation for conservation. “Maintaining healthy fish populations here is a really important aspect of it,” Ciccone says. “Donate your time to clean up streams and learn and teach others how to properly care for the fish.”
- After casting, anglers stay focused on a narrow zone before rapidly retrieving the fly. “You’re casting probably 1,000 times a day,” Ciccone says. “It’s an intense focus on that fly and its presentation and attitude on the water. When you land the fish in the net and you look down, you’re looking at a fish that has spent probably a decade in that river. It’s absolutely beautiful. The smallmouth bass in Missouri can be tiger-striped or bronze, and they’re just a beautiful, beautiful fish.”
- It’s difficult for Ciccone to choose a favorite catch. There was the 35-inch redfin that he recently caught in New Orleans, and there was the time when he and some friends were using poppers, a top-water fly for smallmouth bass, which were effective for an eight-hour stretch. “There’s nothing more exciting and invigorating than having a smallmouth come up and absolutely attack that fly on top of the water,” Ciccone says.
EQUIPMENT
1. EYES: “A lot of new fly anglers feel like they need a lot of stuff,” Ciccone says. “The reality is, you just need the basics and the power of observation.”
2. GOPRO: Ciccone documents his fishing trips for his YouTube channel called Fish Hands Franky.
3. NET: The more modern the better to keep fish healthy for their release.
4. SUBMERSIBLE HIP PACK: These contain all of the essentials, including net holders, tippets, and extra reels.
5. LANYARD: A strap worn around the neck for easy access to various accessories. “I recently started wearing one so I don’t have to go into my pack every time I want to change a fly or work on my rig,” Ciccone says.
6. NIPPERS: Anglers need something to cut leader and tippet, which make the line connecting the fly look nearly invisible underwater. Toenail clippers will also suffice.
7. QUICK-DRYING CLOTHES: During warmer months, anglers will shed their waders and hop in the water and cast among the fish.
8. WADING BOOTS: To get to some of Missouri’s best fishing destinations, you’ll need to hike to the access point.
9. FLY BOX: Storage for varying fly patterns, of which Ciccone carries dozens at a time.
THE LINGO
“Dry fly fishing”
The classic approach of dropping bugs on top of the water and encouraging fish to rise and dine.
“Nymphing”
Artificial flies, which resemble subaquatic insects, are suspended beneath the surface of the water.
“Streamer fishing”
Larger flies, built to mimic baitfish (minnows, for example), are swung downstream to encourage big fish, such as trout, bass, catfish, and more.
PRO TIPS
Patronize a local shop. Store attendants are some of the best resources newbies can lean on for gear advice, trip recommendations, and more. Ciccone recommends T. Hargrove Fly Fishing Inc. in Brentwood.
Join online groups. Find the best spots while interacting with local anglers on Facebook.
Hire a guide. An experienced angler won’t just help you catch fish; they’ll teach you about the ecosystem, local fish food sources, and improve your fish-locating tactics.
WHERE TO GO
Bennett Spring State Park (Lebanon)
The recreation area offers a diverse array of activities, including dry fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing. “It’s my personal favorite,” Ciccone says.
Maramec Spring Park (St. James)
Located an hour from St. Louis, this spot is home to the state’s fifth-largest spring and is a great place to go for rainbow trout.
Montauk State Park (Salem)
Anyone who’s up for a 150-mile drive from St. Louis will find some of the state’s best trout fishing here.
Kevin A. Roberts
The Caver
The question seemed so straightforward. Twenty-two years ago, when a high school friend asked if he wanted to go to a party, Dan Lamping eagerly said yes. But this wasn’t some booze-fueled backyard bacchanal. The party, it turned out, was actually a weekend-long regional caving event attended by several hundred spelunkers. “I loved it,” says Lamping, who’s now president of the Missouri Speleological Survey Inc., a nonprofit that promotes cave research. “I immediately felt connected to the culture. This is original exploration. I can say that I’m the first person to have seen parts of the Earth.”
- The hobby yields useful, important results. Experienced cavers such as Lamping are often tasked with mapping and surveying new caves, while collecting and completing biological inventories for state and federal agencies.
- A cave survey trip typically takes eight to 10 hours. Some excursions have required Lamping to spend more than a week underground. “It’s a major commitment to get involved at that level,” Lamping says.
- Although it’s important to have an informed awareness of caving’s risks, testing one’s comfort threshold can lead to profound discoveries. “Exploring a small, water-filled passage that’s cold and uninviting might be completely unappealing to most people,” Lamping says. “For a caver doing original exploration, that’s maybe where you want to go. Is it going to break open into something big and grand?”
- Ten years ago, while mapping a large cave near the Current River, Lamping and his crewmates happened upon an unexpected find. They thought the small, dark hole before them wouldn’t lead anywhere. While a few more experienced cavers took time to complete cartographic work, a new team member slithered through the tight entryway and found an enormous open space that had been previously untouched by humans. “He was like, ‘I’m standing in a giant room, it’s 40 feet tall, and there’s no end in sight.’” Lamping recalls. “We got into it and found this large chamber with paleo guano—poop from thousands of years ago. It was a pretty exciting find.”
- Caves can be found in the Ozarks, as well as along river valleys throughout Missouri. Lamping says Perry County has more than 700 caves, while another 800 are in Shannon County. Most are located on private property, and many of those that aren’t are now closed due to white-nose syndrome, a fungal infection found in bats.
EQUIPMENT
1. HEADLAMP: LED lights have changed the game, providing brighter views and offering longer battery life.
2. HELMET: Protect your head from unseen stalactites.
3. CAVING SUIT: The nylon outer layer retains warmth and keeps adventurers dry. Wetsuits are also commonly used, especially among cavers who know they’ll be wading through cold spring water.
4. GLOVES: Protect your hands and enhance your grip.
5. SRT GEAR: To repel into and climb out of caves, you’ll need Single Rope Technique equipment, like rappelling devices.
6. KNEEPADS: Even if a cave is billed as walkable, prepare for the inevitable crawlspace.
PRO TIPS
Pack three light sources. In total darkness, a loss of light could be disastrous. Bring a backup for your backup.
Explore in groups of at least four people. That should also include someone on the surface who knows when the party is expected to exit the cave. If something goes awry, that person is the lifeline.
Get permission. Because so many caves are located on private land, it’s crucial for cavers to make sure they’re welcome. “When people try to access sites where they don’t have permission, that winds up being detrimental to the caving community as a whole,” Lamping says.
TAKE A HIKE
5 area trails with a view, for all skill levels
Pere Marquette State Park: Although relatively short, the 1.5-mile Goat Cliff Trail offers three scenic overlooks, including McAdams Peak, high above the Illinois River near Grafton.
Cliff Cave Park: The cave itself is gated to protect the endangered Indiana bats, but the park’s Mississippi River Trail offers plenty of other sights, including a scenic overlook.
Castlewood State Park: Climb the bluffs (the park’s so-called “castles”) along the 3.25-mile River Scene Trail for breathtaking views of the Meramec River Valley.
Weldon Spring Conservation Area: The Lewis and Clark trails wind through the woods along the blufftops above the Katy Trail, offering picturesque views of the Missouri River.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area: Take the 9.2-mile trail loop to the viewing platform at the confluence. (Bonus: The sunflower fields are an Insta-lover’s dream.)
Kevin A. Roberts
The Kayaker
When Anthony Beasley was growing up in Illinois, the one thing that he knew about the Missouri and Mississippi rivers was that they were dangerous. “They’ll kill you,” he heard—and he believed it. But as an adult, Beasley began to get more involved with outdoor activities, namely hiking, backpacking, and camping. Four years ago, he took up kayaking. In 2020, he went on a five-day, 100-mile river trip that ended at the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. The experience changed his life.
- Although Beasley had kayaked before the 100-mile tour, much of it was on lakes. He felt intimidated during his first day on the Missouri River, with its commercial barges and strong currents. After a few hours, however, he realized that he loved the adventure. He’s been sticking to rivers ever since.
- There are many types of kayaks, including recreational, white water, and sea kayaks. Beasley uses a touring kayak, with a body design that makes it suitable for fast-moving water and cargo holds where paddlers can stow food, a tent, and camping supplies.
- As a member and volunteer leader of Outdoor Afro St. Louis, a group of nature enthusiasts committed to reconnecting Black people with the outdoors and one another, Beasley challenges the idea that Black people don’t enjoy the natural world: “I’m out here. There are a lot of us out here.”
- One of his most challenging kayaking moments: When the group that he was kayaking with had to travel 40 miles down a river in one day to reach the island where they planned to camp. Beasley spent the daylight hours encouraging, cajoling, and trying to motivate himself and others. It took nearly 11 hours of paddling. They made it in time, but it took a push he’ll never forget.
- If you’re doing it right, paddling doesn’t rely solely on arm muscles. “It’s all in the core,” Beasley says.
- Beasley hopes to plan a trip on the Potomac River, from West Virginia through Maryland and into the ocean at the Chesapeake Bay. He also wants to paddle the entire Missouri River—but the river stretches 2,341 miles, so he knows that it will be a long-term quest, done one stretch at a time.
EQUIPMENT
1. DRY BAG: The waterproof sack helps keep essentials from getting wet.
2. BLADE: The wide part of the paddle that helps propel a boat forward.
3. PFD: Personal flotation device, or life jacket—find one that’s Coast Guard approved.
4. COCKPIT: The section of the kayak where the paddler sits.
5. KAYAK MODEL: Touring kayaks like Beasley’s are typically 12–16 feet long. The kayak he has his eye on next is a Wilderness Systems 14.5-foot model.
6. SKIN COVERING: No matter how hot it is, Beasley wears a light, long-sleeve shirt for sun protection. Also essential: sunscreen and bug repellent.
7. HULL: The bottom of the kayak.
8. HATCH: A storage compartment in a kayak. With plenty of room for cargo and lids that close, it’s indispensable for longer tours.
9. PORTAGE: To carry a kayak over land to avoid rapids or connect to a different waterway.
GET MOVING
Current River
One of Beasley’s favorite spots to paddle in Missouri. It’s a three-hour drive from St. Louis, but the clear and cold spring-fed water is worth it.
Marine Traffic App
The app shows kayakers how to avoid commercial traffic on the river.
RiverApp
This popular app shares water levels and river conditions.
Alpine Shop
The place where Beasley took his first kayaking class, Alpine Shop has a well-informed staff who can share helpful kayaking advice.
REI
The store offers a range of gear, and knowledgeable employees can help you get started.
Big Muddy Adventures
The St. Louis river outfitter opened a new store in the Central West End in 2021. Have you ever dreamed of floating the Mississippi past the Arch at dusk? They can help.
Stream Teams United
The nonprofit supports the protection and improvement of Missouri’s waterways. Its fundraiser river trip, Paddle MO, was Beasley’s life-changing 100-mile tour.
Kevin A. Roberts
The Trail Runner
As a high school track athlete growing up in India, Shalini Bhajjan never dreamed of running ultra distances (up to 100 miles). After having children and hitting middle age, though, she craved time to herself and began to train more seriously. In 2014, she founded Terrain Trail Runners, which developed into the beating heart of the burgeoning St. Louis trail and ultra-running community. With race-directing and coaching chops as well as podium finishes among her 24 ultra-distance races, Bhajjan turned her hobby into a way of life.
- Trail running in the Midwest doesn’t have the reputation that it does in other parts of the country, particularly the West. But Bhajjan is an advocate for the “gorgeous, gnarly” trails of our area. The Ozark foothills provide a level of technical difficulty that prepared her to race among some of the country’s best.
- One of Bhajjan’s innovations is the Women’s Trail Summit, a weekend event that encourages women to take up trail running, connect, and improve their skills.
- Don’t let anyone tell you that a runner’s high isn’t real, Bhajjan says. It’s not just the physical benefits that she embraces, but also the camaraderie and support of the tight-knit ultra-running community.
- One of her most unforgettable days of running is one in which she didn’t finish. In 2019, Bhajjan was 35 miles into a race in the Alps when bad weather stopped her. She ended up stranded in Zermatt, Switzerland, with a random group of other international runners. None of them spoke the same language, and they couldn’t figure out if the race was canceled, but they pooled their money and shared a memorable meal in the mountains. “In that chaos, there was that deeper connection with each other. That’s what it’s all about,” she says.
- Volunteers are vital to races, and as a race director, Bhajjan values them immensely. It’s often a 30 or more hour volunteer commitment to work a race. “But if you are an ultra runner who’s never worked one, it’s time to see it from the other side,” she says.
- Bhajjan qualified for the prestigious Western States 100 race in 2016. Two miles from the stadium finish line, she heard the spectators lining the streets start chanting her name. “It was electrifying,” she says.
- Alhough she can’t stomach eating immediately after finishing a race, Bhajjan will often toast at the finish line with a single stout beer or dark ale. After her body returns to normal, she craves a burger and tater tots or a pint of Häagen-Dazs.
EQUIPMENT
1. BLADDER: Hydration is key for ultra runners, and a hydration pack, also known as a bladder, is a necessity. In a typical race, Bhajjan carries a 1.5-liter bladder; longer runs require a 3-liter bladder.
2. GELS: When running for 24 or so hours (that’s how long a 100 miles can take), the body burns its store of carbohydrates. That’s when energy gels, specially formulated to efficiently deliver simple sugars, can help.
3. COROS APEX MULTISPORT GPS WATCH: Battery life is crucial for accessing data while distance running.
4. 50K: Though anything above a 26.2-mile marathon is considered an ultra distance, the 50K (31.069 miles) is the entry-level race for most ultra runners.
5. DROP BAGS: Before a race, runners will often stash supplies at set points along a route. Bhajjan says they must assume total self-reliance on longer courses.
6. SHOES: Bhajjan estimates that she has 30 or so pairs of running shoes. She retires a pair when its mileage hits 300.
GET MOVING
Terrain Trail Runners
The running group welcomes all for Sunday group runs. Beginners can run just a portion of the trek and step out whenever they’d like.
Castlewood State Park
The popular West County park is the perfect spot for trail-running novices.
Rockwoods Range
Bhajjan recommends the area for runners looking for a more advanced challenge with elevation.
Alltrails
A subscription to this website and a smartwatch can help keep athletes on the right path.
Dark to Dawn
Terrain Trail Runners hosts this race in June. It’s ideal for starters, with little elevation on the course, as well as 10K, six-hour, and nine-hour options available.
TAKE A BREAK
5 places to work up a sweat—and then cool down with a drink
Pickleball & Pints: St. Louis’ hottest sport and a new brew spot collide in Francis Park, which has several pickleball courts located adjacent to the popular Rockwell Beer Garden.
Stroll & Sip: After a jaunt along Grant’s Trail, take a break at The Barn in Crestwood, and enjoy a bloody mary on the porch overlooking historic Sappington House.
Links & Lager: Play 18 holes at the acclaimed Annbriar Golf Course, near Waterloo, Illinois, and then take a short drive to Hopskeller Brewing Company for lunch.
Pedal & Pinot: Rent a bike from Kickstand Augusta, ride the Katy Trail, and unwind on the patio at Montelle Winery before the return trip—and another stop at Mount Pleasant Estates.
Dogs & Drinks: Let your pooch play at Tails & Trails Dog Park in Queeny Park (where it’s $5 for a day pass), and then head to the wraparound patio at nearby Wild Crush Wine Bar(n).
Kevin A. Roberts
The River SUP-er
Trey Kerby learned to surf while stationed near the ocean as a U.S. Marine. When he returned home to the Ozarks, he decided to give stand-up paddleboarding a try on the James River, south of Springfield. Soon he was hooked on “river SUP.” “It’s like you’re walking on water,” he says. “You’re connected to the elements of nature.” Kerby and his buddy John McCart liked it so much, they launched a board company called ORW.
- For beginners, it’s best to start on a lake with still water to learn to balance while doing paddle strokes. Standing and kneeling engage different muscle groups, so it’s good to try both.
- SUPs glide quietly on Ozark rivers, Kerby says, so “it’s easy to sneak up on wildlife.” He has seen wild turkeys, deer, eagles, and otters. “I’ve seen a beaver swim right under John’s board,” he recalls. “I couldn’t get to the GoPro fast enough.”
- SUPs do have fins, which can sometimes hit a submerged rock and throw your body forward, so keeping your knees bent helps to stabilize you.
- In 2021, Kerby attempted the MR340, the paddling race on the Missouri River between Kansas City and St. Charles, but heat exhaustion and sleep deprivation prevented him from reaching the finish. This year, he’s preparing to try again on a custom-built 14-foot board.
- Most SUPs are designed to let users attach gear with bungee cords. Kerby takes a 40-liter dry bag with his one-man tent and other camping items. “What’s great about inflatable boards,” he says, “is you can sleep on them at night.”
- The craziest whitewater Kerby and McCart have navigated is the Hailstone River—the headwaters of the Buffalo National River, in northwest Arkansas. But the Buffalo is 135 miles long, Kerby points out, and “the whole damn thing is pretty.”
- Within the emerging world of river SUP, Kerby says, there’s whitewater SUP and SUP racing. Then there’s river surfing, which a lot of folks do on a SUP. “There are all these niche categories popping up,” says Kerby. “It’s cool to watch it grow.”
EQUIPMENT
1. SUP: The stand-up paddleboard shown here is inflatable, but you can also get a solid one with a foam core. Longer boards move faster and straighter.
2. PADDLE: SUPers use single-blade, telescoping oars that you can adjust to fit whether you’re standing or kneeling.
3. LEASH: Helps prevent separation from the board. If you use a leash, make sure it has a quick-release attachment to decrease the risk of entanglement.
4. HELMET: Although it’s not necessary while learning technique on a lake, a helmet is a must-have on Ozark rivers that feature rapids, branches, and boulders.
5. LIFE JACKET: Type III is a common choice for water sports. Jackets with room at the sides help avoid arm chafing while paddling.\
THE LINGO
“River SUP”
The outdoor sport of moving down a river on a stand-up paddleboard.
“Wipe out”
To fall off your board into the water. Depending on the circumstances, retrieving the board downstream may result in a “walk of shame.”
“Strainer”
Submerged tree roots, branches, or trunks that let river water pass through but a human or board cannot. Can be dangerous.
GET MOVING
