Company NewsJuly 7, 2021July 7, 2021 by Meg Carney

Join our Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Tour – Top Overall Experiences in the World

Colorado is a wonderland of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and doing the Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour is one of them you need to add to your bucket list.

While we construct all of our tours as top-of-the-line, first-class activities, the people have spoken for us!

Our Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour was recently voted to be one of the top 10 overall world experiences on Tripadvisor for 2021. The Traveler’s Choice experiences are chosen by other travelers worldwide that love adventure trips like white water rafting, hang gliding, or zip-lining.

There are three categories in the Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best, including United States, World, and Regions.

“Such a breathtaking experience! The views were amazing, the bridges were a rush, and the ziplines? Well worth the price alone!”

Experience one of the top zipline courses in the world with heights up to 500 ft, two rope bridges, five zip lines (250-1800 ft long), and a 180 ft assisted rappel. With so much adventure jam-packed into one zipline course, it is no wonder that the Fins Course is an extreme adventure seeker’s delight.

While we have other zipline courses, The Fins Course has steeper drops, added exposure, and includes high altitude zip lining. This course isn’t for the faint of heart, but the good news is that we do also have a milder option, our Woods Course. Some travelers like to combine both the Woods Course with the Fins Course to build up to the adventure with our Combo Course.

Ziplining is an activity that the whole family can enjoy, and the Fins Course takes you on a breathtaking tour, immersing you in nature as you zip through Seven Falls canyon in Colorado. The scenic surroundings make the experience far more memorable, and the adrenaline boost helps a bit too.

“A must do on a Colorado Springs trip! The course was awesome with some of the most beautiful views of the mountains and Colorado Springs. The guides were knowledgeable about the area and had great tips, recommendations, and jokes! 100% recommend adding this to your trip to Colorado Springs! This was an amazing time!”

You’ll spend 3-4 hours on the Fins Course, and it does start much like our Woods Course with two warm-up zips before you have a chance to experience the cliff condition zips that increase with length. Per the name “Fins Course,” our course takes you through one of Colorado’s most breathtaking areas of Seven Falls Canyon and Colorado Springs to land you near the “fins.” The fin formation of the rocks is where our course gets its name.

The gradual build-up to the cliff-style zips prepares most adventure seekers enough to truly enjoy the views of the canyon. Once you’ve made your way across the foot rope bridges and all five ziplines, the adventure is just beginning. The Fins Course has a unique finish as you rappel 180 feet to reach the canyon floor.

Fins Course Zip Line

The Fins Course is genuinely a zipline people from all over the world can enjoy. Come and see for yourself why we were voted into the top 10 Tripadvisor tours worldwide!

“For the last few years, ziplining is how I spend my birthday. The zipline at Seven Falls surpassed the other ziplines I have been on by far. A breathtaking experience. The bridges and last two zips definitely got my adrenaline going. Beautiful views, a wonderful experience.”

“Wow!! I’ve ziplined many places and this has some of the best views, highest dropoffs, and most extreme platform locations I’ve seen. Super safe with double redundancy on the trolley, and a shielded cable makes for a very quiet and smooth ride. Great enthusiasm and energy among the guides, too! Can’t wait to go again.”

individuals, LifestyleJuly 2, 2021July 5, 2021 by Ian Standard

Beginners Guide to Archery

Have you ever dreamt of riding horseback, firing arrows off to pin apples to the trees behind your target?

You’re not alone in the fantasy of becoming Legolas, Robin Hood, or the Green Arrow. We all watch these movies and shows and imagine what it would be like to have the skills that these legends have developed over time.

One wildly misleading part of these archery depictions is the lack of intense training over years and years that one needs to become a professional. There was someone training baby Legolas and giving him archery tips as he missed his target repeatedly. We all have to start somewhere.

Archery is a great sport to get into as a beginner. There isn’t a huge initial investment, it’s easily accessible, and you don’t need a ton of gear to try it out. There are shooting ranges all around that will gladly let you explore the bow and arrow, even as a beginning archer. While the internet and other resources around you are filled with a wealth of archery tips, we’re going to dive into the best way to get started on your new journey.

So, nock your arrow, take sight, and let’s see what targets we can hit.

Broadmoor Outfitter’s Beginners Guide to Archery

Bows

It can’t be said enough that archery is a simple sport at its roots. There aren’t too many moving parts, and you don’t have complicated technology. It’s a tool that people have been using for thousands of years, way before we relied on smartphones to do everything for us.

Now, you can easily Google, “What is archery?” and have your answer in an instant. Still, the bow takes time to practice, learn, and truly master. Fortunately, archery for beginners is much more simple than mastering it.

You can’t practice archery without is the bow. This may be common knowledge, and you may be sitting there saying, “Duh, of course, you need a bow,” but there’s a little more to it. There are several styles of bow, and each has pros and cons.

So, to get you started on the right foot, here are the two basic designs of bows.

1. Recurve

A recurve bow is the simpler of the two bow styles. In essence, this bow style utilizes the curve of fiberglass, or sometimes wood, limbs to provide power to your shot. These limbs are attached to a handle that houses the arrow rest, where you will be looking while aiming.

A single bowstring attaches these two arms and curves them against their natural direction, amping up the potential force. All of this power goes into the arrow as soon as you pull back the bowstring and take aim.

A recurve bow looks more like a traditional Robin Hood style bow and is probably what you will want to try using on your first time shooting. They aren’t complicated, they give you a good idea of how to control a bow under pressure. Plus, they are much cheaper than their counterparts.

Recurve bows are typically a relatively low draw weight that won’t make your arms shake uncontrollably while pulling back the first time. If you’re looking to do some more complex or powerful shooting, you can look towards other bow styles.

2. Compound

A compound bow is an ingenious invention that allows the shooter to hold aim without putting too much strain on their arms and shoulders. This was accomplished by engineers in the 1970s, using cams to relieve the pressure once the string is fully drawn. The bow itself is a bit more complicated, looks much more modern and high-tech, but is perfect for anyone who goes hunting and patiently waits at a full draw for the right moment to fire.

There are more traditional bows, like the longbow that you may imagine an elf carrying into war. There are bows specially designed to be fired from horseback and bows with all the bells and whistles for Olympic archers, but we’re talking about archery for beginners here.

One of the best archery tips we can give you is to start easy, don’t grab a bow that will be too high of draw weight. You will most likely end up not enjoying the sport because it’s too difficult to come near a target while straining to draw the bow.

Arrows

While there are many styles of arrows for hunting and target practice, the best idea for starting up is to buy a cheap archery target and some target arrows that are relatively affordable. A lot of these are going to be aluminum or carbon, which are great materials for beginners.

Learning how to re-fletch your arrows is another invaluable tool. The little feathers, called fletchings, are going to pop off over time. It’s an easy fix with the right glue and tools, and it’s worth getting to know how to do your own maintenance. This will save you money in the long run and keep you shooting for longer.

Shooting Sequence

As this is a beginner’s guide to archery, having the gear isn’t enough. Learning how to shoot is essential.

You’ve acquired the bow and the arrows, and hopefully, you’ve found some other safety equipment such as an armguard or finger guard. Now you’re ready to shoot! The entire shooting sequence gets down to fine, delicate details when working on becoming a master.

For now, though, we’ll glance over the basics of an archery shooting sequence:

Find a safe area where everyone is clear of down range, mentally prepare, and it’s time to take your stance.
With your feet shoulder-width apart, extend your bow arm towards your target.
Nock your arrow on the bowstring and place it in the arrow rest with the index feather (normally the odd colored fletching) pointed away from you.
Placing one finger above the arrow and two below, draw the bow back and bring your hand to the corner of your smile, all while keeping your elbow high.
With both eyes open, take aim down the shaft of the arrow towards your target.
Take a deep breath in, and slowly exhale.
On your exhale, release.
Celebrate.

Okay, maybe you won’t be celebrating the first shot, but keep at it. Learning archery is a process, and it requires a lot of patience and practice. Keep working on your form and pay attention to the little details.

Top 5 Outdoor Tours in Colorado Springs, CO

Where to Practice

Since archery can be pretty dangerous, one of the safest ways to start is with a guided introduction to archery.

When beginner archery in Colorado is done right, it is a fun family activity that everyone can master. Set up a small target range at home if you have the outdoor space. If you don’t, find the closest archery range. The range is a great place to meet fellow archers who can share archery tips and are willing to build community through the sport.

Soon, you won’t need the beginner’s guide. Nocking an arrow and pinning five into the bullseye in a row will feel natural. Keep on practicing, and remember, we were all beginners at some point.

Wild West Experience

Families, individuals, Lifestyle, Team BuildingJune 18, 2021June 24, 2021 by Brooke Raines

Top 5 Outdoor Tours in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, located an hour south of Denver, CO, attracts many outdoor enthusiasts, families, and thrill-seekers to explore and play in its rugged wilderness each year. The city sits at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains and is home to some of the state’s most iconic sights, such as the Garden of the Gods. The area is ripe with opportunities for outdoor adventure. So ripe that when planning your excursion, you may be wondering which Colorado Springs outdoor tours to experience.

Luckily, there is no shortage of premium tours in the area to match its diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. Outdoor tours are a unique way to experience wild places and activities through the eyes of a seasoned guide. Regardless of one’s experience level, partaking in a guided tour is a gratifying and fun experience. On a tour, you can expect to learn a new skill, meet new people, and gain firsthand knowledge that you will carry with you long after it ends.

So whether you’re planning your first or thirty-first trip, check out these Top 5 Outdoor Tours in Colorado Springs, CO.

Guided Hiking Tours

Guided hikes are an enriching and memorable way to explore new trails beyond simply following signs, maps, or apps. Based out of Colorado Springs, Broadmoor Outfitters provides top-of-the-line guided hikes on the city’s most iconic trails. Visitors of all ages can explore Colorado Springs’s breathtaking mountains in small groups of up to 12 people.

For those who would like to learn about the Rocky Mountains’ flora and fauna while immersed in it first-hand, Broadmoor Outfitters also offers the option to have a naturalist as your guide! Tours take place daily at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm and last about 3 hours, with the opportunity to extend the hike’s duration when booking a reservation. Visitors are encouraged to let the staff know the kind of hiking they’d like to experience so that the guides can curate an itinerary aligned with each group’s wishes. This tour has something to offer for anyone looking to explore the Rockies on foot, regardless of if you’re a solo traveler or a family of four.

The Broadmoor Hunt

If a mild hike that combines problem-solving and a bit of history sounds like a blast, then look no further than the exciting and one-of-a-kind Broadmoor Hunt. The Broadmoor hunt is not your typical outdoor tour but instead a thrilling app-based scavenger hunt. During the hunt, individuals will put on their metaphorical Indiana Jones hat to learn about the historic Broadmoor Hotel while solving problems as they explore the hotel grounds and surrounding landscape.

This tour is open to individuals of all ages but is the perfect fun outing for families with children looking to stretch their minds (and imaginations). The tour runs daily from 10 am to 3 pm and lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Broadmoor Outfitters also offers a corporate version of the scavenger hunt for businesses looking to strengthen teamwork among coworkers.

https://pixabay.com/photos/pikes-peak-mountain-1269035/ — Image by Beverly Lussier from Pixabay

E-Bike Tours

If the idea of cruising down scenic roads with the wind in your hair and mountains to your left and right sounds like a dream, but steep inclines and never-ending hills sound like a nightmare, then Colorado Springs E-Bike Tours are a perfect happy medium. E-bikes are gaining popularity as a fun and accessible way to experience the thrill of conventional bike tours with ease and speed.

This tour takes attendees on a 5-mile ride through the Garden of the Gods on Trek Rail 7 E-Bikes. The 3-hour tour runs daily at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm and is open to individuals over the age of 10. As a heads-up for any mountain bikers (or purists) reading this article, you can also find epic guided mountain bike tours in Colorado Springs.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tours

Our Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tours in Colorado Springs are the perfect option for individuals looking for an aquatic adventure despite being 1,200 miles from the nearest coastline. Stand Up Paddle Boarding developed as a relaxing and fun sister sport to surfing in landlocked areas. During this 2.5 hour tour, individuals of all ages will glide atop Colorado Springs Lake as the Rocky Mountain ridgeline reflects along the water’s edge. Seasoned SUPers know that the sport can have a big learning curve, which is why joining a tour your first time is essential for learning proper technique and form.

Tour guides will teach attendees foundational skills, such as paddle strokes, footwork, self-rescue, and how to get on the paddleboard (which is more challenging than one might think). Tours run daily in groups of 8 at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. The tour is open to all ages, but individuals who love sports that involve balance and coordination and being on the water will likely enjoy this tour the most.

Fins Course Zip Line Tour

Last but certainly not least, Fins Course Zip Line Tour is the perfect option for adventurous souls looking to experience Colorado Springs from the sky. You will zip through the crisp blue Colorado sky, surrounded by high peaks, and soar over Seven Falls Canyon as the waterfall roars below. This tour is not for the faint of heart. The Fins Course Zip Line consists of a staggering five zip lines, 250 to 1800 ft long that reach heights of 500ft, two rope bridges, and a 180 ft assisted rappel.

Due to its technical nature, this tour is rated intermediate to advanced and is only open for individuals aged 10-80. Tours run hourly each day from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and last a total of 3-4 hours. So if you’ve ever looked up at the sky and wondered what the mountains looked like from the perspective of the birds flying overhead, this tour is your chance to finally find out.

This list only covers the Top 5 Outdoor Tours in Colorado Springs, so make sure to check out all of the other outdoor tour offerings in Colorado Springs to find the experience that is right for you.

individualsMay 21, 2021October 1, 2021 by Johanna Flashman

What is Falconry?

Witnessing the beauty of large birds of prey up close is an unforgettable experience. Falconry (hunting with a bird of prey) is a thrilling sport with a rich history and culture that offers a unique connection with nature and provides a different view of the world around you. You quite literally get a bird’s eye view!

Head falconer at Broadmoor Outfitters, Deanna Curtis, has been enamored with raptors ever since she first saw a live presentation with them in 1999. Curtis now has over 16 years of experience as a licensed falconer. Here, she’ll answer the question “what is falconry?” and share a little of her falconry expertise along with what you can expect from a Broadmoor Outfitters falconry experience in Colorado Springs, CO.

What Is Falconry?

“Falconry is to hunt wild quarry with a trained raptor in its natural state,” says Curtis. “So the birds are out there hunting, and when they catch something, we convince them to give it up for us to eat.”

The type of wild game you hunt with your raptor depends on the type of bird you’re working with.

“For instance, a red-tailed hawk is generally going to be hunting rabbits – so cottontails, jackrabbits, squirrels,” says Curtis. “If you’re hunting with a peregrine falcon, you’d be hunting pheasants, grouse, quail, ducks.”

While falconry does mean working with a trained bird, they are also still wild animals with free will, and the sport requires a tremendous amount of work and dedication.

A Brief History of Falconry

Falconry is an ancient sport people have practiced for thousands of years both as a form of hunting for food in nomadic societies and as a sport for nobles in Medieval Europe, Middle East, and the Mongolian Empire. In empires, the nobility would hire master falconers to trap, train, and care for the hawks and other birds of prey so they would be available for hunting with kings and other high nobles.

Falconry has a history worldwide, though the exact origin of falconry is unknown and could date back as far as 8,000 to 10,000 years.

Nowadays, there are strict laws around falconry to ensure the raptors are properly cared for and trained because of the potential impact improper care could have on wild raptor populations.

What Does a Falconer Do?

For Curtis, being a falconer doesn’t just mean training and hunting, but also educating people about falconry and raptor conservation. Curtis has trained and worked with 22 different species of raptors and has spent much of her career working with non-releasable raptors for educational purposes.

When Curtis takes any of her birds hunting, she goes with her hunting dog, who “flushes” the game out of bushes or tall grass for the raptor to chase.

“And hopefully [my hawk] ends up catching one, and then I give her a large reward, and I take the rabbit and cook it up the next day,” says Curtis.

How Are Raptors Trained?

“People are [often] amazed by how fast one can train a bird to hunt with humans,” says Curtis. “Usually, it’s about 2 to 6 weeks.”

The actual training process is all through food. The falconer limits the bird’s food intake to keep the bird both motivated to follow commands and light enough to fly with the speed it needs to catch prey.

Curtis says, “If your bird is fed up, then I hold no value, and there’s no reason for it to come back to me.”

In fact, that’s where the term “fed up” comes from!

Like working with any animal, the training happens incrementally with getting the bird to fly to a post or the falconer’s hand from longer and longer distances. Eventually, the bird can fly free and will still fly back when the falconer calls (most of the time), knowing they’ll get food.

How Can I Learn Falconry?

Learning falconry and becoming a falconer requires a significant time and monetary commitment. It requires money for all the bird equipment, shelter, food, veterinary costs, permits, and other fees. With time commitment, it requires the time to go through at least a two-year apprenticeship and then take at least another five years to become a master falconer.

Throughout this time, your bird needs daily care and training. Being a falconer becomes a lifestyle rather than just a hobby.

Experience Falconry at Broadmoor Outfitters

Now let’s move on from “what is falconry” to how you can experience it! If you’d like to get a taste of what falconry is like and spend time with these magnificent birds, you can also take one of Broadmoor’s falconry experience lessons. During these sessions, you’ll meet Curtis – or Broadmoor Outfitters’ other falconer, Roger Tucker – and the birds they work with while experiencing Colorado falconry firsthand.

Falconry Experience

Beginner Falconry Lesson

During the beginner falconry lesson, your falconer will go over the natural history of the birds they have, discuss the history of falconry, and how they train and hunt with the birds. The group then goes to Broadmoor’s outdoor space in beautiful Colorado Springs, where your falconer will have a Harris hawk fly over and in between the guests. Finally, guests get the opportunity to hold the raptor using specialized leather gloves – making this lesson the perfect opportunity to explore falconry for beginners.

“I think the flying portion honestly is where people light up the most,” says Curtis. “They get excited about the birds flying so close to them and over the top of their heads.”

Broadmoor Outfitters currently has 3 Harris hawks, 3 falcons (a Saker falcon, a Lanner falcon, and a Peregrine falcon), a barn owl, a Eurasian eagle owl, and an Ornate Hawk-eagle.

Intermediate Falconry Lesson

The intermediate falconry experience is even more hands-on, where you’ll go out on one of Broadmoor’s outdoor trails with an expert guide and a trained Harris hawk. On the trail, you’ll have an opportunity to work with the hawk. Either Curtis or Tucker will guide you through using the falconry glove, holding the hawk, and casting the hawk out to one of the nearby pine trees. You’ll then be able to watch it fly from tree to tree and eventually return to your glove.

This experience is only available to folks who have taken the beginner’s falconry experience within the past year. However, if you fall in love with the raptors that first round, this is the next step!

individualsMay 14, 2021May 21, 2021 by Morgan Wilder

Should I Book a Mountain Bike Tour or Rent a Mountain Bike?

Headed out to Colorado Springs for a family vacation? Or are you traveling solo and looking to pack as much outdoor activity into your trip as possible? Perhaps you’re a nature lover and want to spend some time leisurely exploring the Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, or Ute Valley Springs. No matter where you fall in these categories, mountain biking is a fantastic way to make the most of your time in world-renowned Colorado Springs!

Now, your adventure boils down to two options:

A mountain biking tour in Colorado Springs

Or,

A mountain bike rental in Colorado Springs

On a bike tour, you’ll have various trails to choose from and get to do your exploring with a knowledgeable guide. On the other hand, if you rent a bike, you’ll have free reign over your trip length and can hit the trail without a guide.

At Broadmoor Outfitters, you’ve got both options! The main points to consider when deciding are skill level, budget, and interests. This article will help you decide which route to choose so your mountain biking in adventure in Colorado Springs is a wonderful experience.

So, let’s dive into what to consider when deciding on a mountain bike tour vs. mountain bike rental.

Skill Level

For people who can ride a bike but aren’t super skilled at navigating curves and rocks, a mountain bike tour in Colorado Springs, CO is definitely the way to go.

Did a young family member recently ditch their training wheels? Our bike tour is perfect for families with children. Our tour guides are happy to speak with you about your comfort on a bicycle in order to fine-tune the tour to suit everyone’s unique needs. Your guide will also factor in how long you want to ride, and they’ll be able to navigate you back to “base” easily if anyone decides they’re done with the ride early.

Photo by **Darcy Lawrey** from **Pexels**

For athletic or even semi-athletic folks who are looking to pack in as much scenery as possible or can comfortably work up a sweat, a mountain bike rental might be the way to go.

The rental option can also be ideal for families who have children that are close in age and riding level. It can be a fun and unique bonding experience for families to decide which trails to explore, navigate the trails together, and even choose when to take breaks for water and snacks.

Cost

Mountain biking in Colorado Springs is something anyone can enjoy on any budget. No matter how much you’re able to spend, there’s an experience for you. Here are some items to keep in mind as you consider your budget.

How much time do you want to spend mountain biking? If it’s just one item on a long list of adventures you’re preparing to go on at Broadmoor Outfitters, you should go with a mountain bike tour.

Image by Fabricio Macedo FGMsp from Pixabay

Seeing as you’ll have lots to do and only want to spend a few hours on a bike, a guided tour is a cost-effective way to optimize your time. You pay for a few hours of riding versus renting a bike for an entire day when you plan to use it only for a short time. Your guide will help you make the most out of your trip. Then, you’ll have plenty of time left in the day for other activities.

If mountain biking is your thing and you want to dedicate a day – or even more – to biking, then consider mountain bike rentals in Colorado Springs, CO. When renting, you’ll have a whole day or more to ride your bike to multiple areas of your choosing. You won’t pay for a guide, and you’ll have total freedom to make it an epic and unforgettable ride.

Interests

What do you want out of your trip and, specifically, this mountain bike ride?

If the purpose of your trip is to spend some solo time in nature, and you enjoy looking at trail maps and selecting your route, you’ll enjoy mountain bike rentals in Colorado Springs, CO. Just make sure you’re comfortable with navigating the area and, of course, follow all safety protocols.

If your goal is to relax and let someone else do the planning, consider mountain bike tours in Colorado Springs, CO. We’ll take all the fuss out of figuring out which trail is perfect for you and your family. That way, all you’ll have to do is show up and enjoy the ride!

Bringing it Together

Mountain Bike Tour in Colorado Springs

Pros:

Efficient method to see the beautiful sights.
Stress-free! It’s already planned out.
There’s a guide with you – you won’t get lost, and you’ll have someone who knows the area in case of an emergency.
The trail is well-maintained.

Cons:

The tour may not cover the area you want to see.
Can only ride for a few hours or the duration of the tour

Mountain Bike Rental in Colorado Springs

Pros:

Total control over where to ride.
You can rent the bike for a whole day or more.
Great for people looking to ride for exercise.

Cons:

It may be difficult to transport bike(s) depending on where you plan to ride.
The trail may not be maintained/easily navigable.

Still not sure? Don’t worry; you can’t choose wrong! The main characteristic that both mountain bike tours and mountain bike rentals have in common is that they’re a great way to experience nature and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Have any questions before making your decision? Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you pick the perfect activity for your trip.

individualsMay 7, 2021May 21, 2021 by Benjamin Panico

Beginners Guide to Stand Up Paddleboarding

If you’ve ever watched people gracefully paddling on water and wondered how to stand up paddleboard, you’ve come to the right place. Stand up paddleboarding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s easy for beginners to learn. Check out our stand up paddleboarding tips below, and when you’re ready to join us, book your spot in our Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Colorado Springs.

What Is Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding involves standing on a paddleboard, which is not unlike a surfboard, and using a paddle to propel yourself across the water. Unlike surfing, however, these boards are wide and stable, so it’s easier to stay upright. Beginner paddleboards are usually 10’6” long and 31” wide. They are easy to maneuver and don’t require as much balance as you might think. Plus, the benefits of learning how to stand up paddleboard are totally worth the potential of falling off in front of your kids.

There are plenty of benefits to this fun watersport. First, stand up paddleboarding is an excellent full-body workout, using core muscles for balance and paddling. Second, it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty that Colorado Springs has to offer. You can paddleboard on a river, ocean, or – as we do here – a lake. Since you are standing, you can easily take in the sights while relaxing on the water. Finally, it’s a fun social activity for friends and families. This is an excellent adventure for older kids to tackle alone, and little ones can stand on a board with a parent.

Gear Needed for Stand Up Paddleboarding

Your Paddleboard

There are three required pieces of equipment for learning how to stand up paddleboard, and we provide them all on our tours. The first is a paddleboard, and we use only high-quality and reliable boards. These solid boards with slip-proof coating are ideal stand up paddleboards for beginners to learn on. All boards come with a velcro leash to secure around your ankle. This prevents the board from drifting away if (and when) you tackle a tumble into the water.

The Paddle

The second is a paddle, and our lightweight paddles are comfortable to use. The paddles are adjustable and should be nine or ten inches taller than you. One simple trick for sizing your paddle is to raise your hand straight up above your head and put the paddle handle in your palm. When you can comfortably grip the paddle from this position, that’s the perfect height for you. It’s easy to learn how to use the paddle to navigate through the water, and our Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour in Colorado Springs covers this and other techniques.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

The third piece of gear is a personal flotation device (PFD), which is essential while paddleboarding. A PFD allows you to stay safe while paddleboarding over deeper waters, and it also makes it easier to remount the paddleboard from the water. PFDs come in multiple sizes for adults and children, so be sure to get one that fits snugly without being restrictive.

Finally, let’s talk about clothing. If it’s cold, you may want a wet suit or rash guard. You can also wear water shoes to keep your feet warm while paddleboarding. Make sure to pick shoes that will stay on (flip flops are sure to get lost) and won’t slip on wet surfaces. In warmer weather, don’t forget to lather up with sunscreen before hitting the water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding Tips and Techniques

When you first get on the water, you’ll do so from a kneeling position. Having your center of gravity a little lower keeps you more balanced and prevents falling in shallow waters. You can stay kneeling or sitting the whole time, but then you wouldn’t be stand up paddleboarding. What’s the fun in that? So the first thing you need to learn about how to stand up paddleboard is, well, standing up!

Standing Up on Your Paddleboard

The key to standing up on a paddleboard is to go slowly from kneeling, to squatting, to standing. When you stand from a kneeling position on solid ground, you move all your body weight to one foot and then the other. If you tried this on a paddleboard, you would tip over and end up in the water. This is an easy enough mistake to make, but it’s also avoidable if you know the proper technique!

Photo by **Elise Bunting** from **Pexels**

To maintain your balance, first move into a low squat to keep your center of gravity closer to the paddleboard. It’s easiest to put down your paddle first – across the paddleboard in front of you. Then, place a hand (or both) on the board while you move into a squat. Place your foot in the same place your knee just left to ensure balance and stability in your stance.

Once you’ve made it to a low squat, you can stand straight up. Don’t forget to bring the paddle with you! Now standing, make sure your feet are hip-width apart with your toes facing forward. Keep your knees bent and engage your core for balance. This is especially important while paddling, which is next on the list.

How to Paddle a Stand Up Paddleboard

First, let’s go over the proper technique for holding a paddle. If the paddle is to the right of your board, your left hand should be on top, holding the T-grip in your fist. Place your right hand a few feet down the shaft. To keep the paddleboard moving straight, switch sides every few strokes. When you do this, also change your hand positions so the opposite hand is always on top.

The Forward Stroke

Let’s start moving with a forward stroke. Both of your arms should be fully extended, with your top arm parallel to the board and your bottom arm at a forty-five-degree angle. The angle of the paddle blade should point away from you. Bury the whole blade in the water to get maximum power with each stroke. Be sure to pull your paddle back as far as you can; try to get your body past the paddle before you take it out of the water for the next stroke.

Reverse Stroke

Once you’ve got the forward stroke down, you can also do a reverse stroke. As the name implies, it’s just the forward stroke backward with the paddle starting next to or slightly behind you. Make sure to bend your knees and engage your core! Doing so provides stability and power as well as protecting your back from injury in this twisted position. You’ll most often use the reverse stroke for stopping or slowing down.

The Sweep Stroke – For Turning

The last aspect to paddling a stand up paddleboard for beginners is the sweep stroke. This stroke allows you to turn quickly, even when your board is standing still. Start by placing the paddle near the nose of your board with the blade perpendicular to the paddleboard. Then, using your legs and hips for power, sweep the paddle in a semicircle backward towards the tail of your board. This motion will cause you to turn away from the paddle. If you do a reverse stroke, starting at the tail and sweeping toward the nose, you will turn toward the paddle.

This technique gives you a couple of options for turning in the water. If you want to turn to the right, for example, you can do a sweep stroke on the left side of the board or a reverse sweep on the right.

How to Get Back on a Stand Up Paddleboard from the Water

The last of our stand up paddleboard tips, especially important for beginners, is how to get back onto a board after you’ve fallen in the water. The first step is to locate your paddle and place it across the nose of your paddleboard. If it has drifted too far away, you’ll need to get back on your stand up paddleboard first (since you’re connected via leash) and paddle with your hands to retrieve it.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Join an intro to paddleboarding class today!

Families, individuals, LifestyleMay 16, 2020July 26, 2020 by Darlene Zobrist

Why Visit The Garden of the Gods

Why Visit Garden of the Gods?

Consider visiting Garden of the Gods with all the recent discussions on social distancing and getting out for some fresh air. Hiking, rock climbing, Jeep, and Segway tours are just a few of the recreational activities to enjoy during your visit.

Welcome to Garden of the Gods

Formerly known as Red Rock Corral, Garde of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offer up some impressive geological features. Unique rock formations that have evolved over the early years have created some remarkable hogbacks, such as the Kissing Camel and Cathedral Valley.

The most visited public park in Colorado Springs is undoubtedly Garden of the Gods, attracting over two million outdoor enthusiasts every year.

What to do at Garden of the Gods

Rock Climbing

During your visit to Garden of the Gods, gear up and hit the rocks. Rock climbing is extremely popular here thanks to the steep rock formations. Should you be a beginner, consider trying out Cowboy Boot Crack.

More daring climbs include Anaconda, Triple Exposure, and Scarecrow. Watch out for the deception of the routes and always remember safety. All climbers that wish to traverse the rocks of Garden of the Gods need an annual permit. The yearly application is on the City of Colorado Springs website.

Climbers must also adhere to the Technical Climbing Regulations and Guidelines. Safety measures include proper equipment, having two or more in your party, and not staining chalk. There is also no climbing after rain or snow, as the rocks become unstable after they are wet.

Hiking

Lace-up your best pair of hiking boots and enjoy the 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail. This trail is excellent for wildlife viewing, walking, running, is paved, wheelchair accessible, welcomes dogs on a leash, and is open all year round.

Perkins Central Garden Trail starts at the North Parking Lot and leads you across Garden of the God’s gigantic and beautiful red rocks.

Should you be looking for longer trails, consider any of the twenty trails that are available when you visit Garden of the Gods. Any of these trails are excellent for social distancing and exercise.

Jeep and Segway Tours

Hook up with one of the local companies that provide jeep and Segway tours through Garden of the Gods. Enjoy checking out Cheyenne Canyon, waterfalls, spectacular views, and historical districts. Take in the flora, fauna, and geology the park has to offer.

Electric Bike Tours

Enjoy the magnificent beauty of Garden of the Gods and conquer the hills easily with an electric bike rental. Hook up with a group for a bike tour or venture out on your self-guided tour when you pick up a rental.

Mountain Biking

Load up your mountain bike and venture out onto a designated mountain bike trail when you visit Garden of the Gods. Hikers also utilize these trails, and equestrian riders, so watch out for them

Remember to abide by Garden of the God’s regulations for mountain biking as you are enjoying your day. Stay on the trail, be sure to dismount from your bike when you see a horse coming towards you, watch for wildlife, pack out what you pack in, control that speed, and most of all, have FUN!

Conclusion

Social distancing, along with exercise, is natural when you visit Garden of the Gods. Going out into the fresh air and enjoying all the park has to offer is a win-win situation.

For more information, or to plan your trip to Garden of the Gods, contact Broadmoor Outfitters for all your planning needs.

Tag: Colorado Springs Activities