Dunham's Sports » Outdoors

Paddle Your Way to Adventure

SportsFan — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:07:52 +0000

Today’s kayaks offer safe, inexpensive fun for the entire family.

If you’re a frequent visitor to our lakes and streams, you’ve likely noticed that more people are enjoying the same waterways while paddling a kayak. In fact, according to The Outdoor Foundation, 32 percent more participants took up the sport between 2009 and 2011. That’s not surprising when you consider that it can be enjoyed by young and old, is relatively inexpensive and the equipment requires little maintenance.

“Kayaks are friendlier today than they have ever been. They are more stable, more comfortable and easier to use. They’re also safer. The cockpit opening is longer and goes past your knees, making it easier to exit the kayak in an emergency situation,” said Mark Palinsky, of Old Town.

If you’ve considered joining this extremely enjoyable and relaxing activity, here are a few options and suggestions.

Fishing and River Kayaks

As our experts pointed out, we’re seeing two significant kayaking trends in: people are buying them to fish and to paddle along our scenic rivers.

“The river kayaks are simply an extension of what people have experienced for years. They have rented kayaks and canoes at liveries and have enjoyed the experience so much that they have decided to purchase the kayak for personal use. Our Swiftwater 10.5 kayak is ideal for this use. The fishing kayaks are great for those who want to get away from fishing from shore and don’t want to use a powerboat. I recommend our Patriot or Blast models. They are designed to carry fishing rod holders and come in camouflage colors,” said Greg Larson of Confluence Water Sports.

Another option for anglers is Pelican International’s Castaway 100 sit-on kayak. It offers plenty of speed, capacity and storage space. Mark Palinsky, of Old Town kayaks and canoes, offers yet another approach.

“You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy an angler kayak. Kayaks that are serviceable, with a large cockpit and high level of stability, such as our Vapor 10 model, are very good for people who like to fish. What many of our customers have found is that it’s less expensive to buy a base model and customize it to their specific needs,” Palinsky said.

Kids’ Kayaks

As many parents are discovering, kayaking is an ideal activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, including children. Before you purchase a kayak for junior, Palinsky offers the following advice:

“Like shoes, the kayak has to fit the child. Shoes that are too big make the child clumsy and shoes that are too small are not comfortable. Frequently, parents will buy a 9-foot boat and will have their kids grow into it. It’s not necessarily the best approach,” he said.

Palinsky recommends making sure the kayak is designed to accommodate the child’s weight and that the foot pegs can be easily reached, since they help provide stability.

Stand Up Paddleboards

Also extremely popular nowadays are stand up paddleboards (SUPs). In fact, The Outdoor Foundation reports that nearly 60 percent of stand up paddling participants tried the activity for the first time in 2011.

“SUPs are wide surfboards that you stand up and paddle with and are more versatile than kayaks. You can sit, kneel or stand up on them. Women are using them for yoga and core exercising,” said Lisa Senecal, Pelican International.

Dunham’s Sports carries three different Pelican International models: Vibe, for smaller paddlers (up to 120 pounds), Flow, for intermediate paddlers and Surge, for more performance-oriented paddlers.

“We’re seeing an increase of SUPs in river use, especially in Michigan,” Palinsky added. “What a wonderful way to go down the river; they provide a much better view of what’s in front and around you.”

Kayak Care

One of the most appealing aspects of this sport is that the equipment requires little maintenance.

“Pretty much all of the kayaks that Dunham’s carries are low maintenance – even no maintenance,” Senecal said.

“We have sun protection built into the boat, but not on the seats. We recommend using a good UV protectant to prevent sun degradation,” Larson added. All of our experts recommended storing kayaks on their side when not in use.

Dunham’s Sports carries a wide range of kayaks and SUPs for a variety of purposes, configurations and price points. Be sure to consult with a sales representative to help you make an informed decision so you too can enjoy our area’s wonderful waterways.

-Paddle Bum

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Quick Preseason Workout to Improve your Golf Swing

SportsFan — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:50:46 +0000

As warm weather approaches, it is time for you to get ready to play golf again. As all golfers know, it is easy to start feeling tired early on in the season. Your swing can also suffer, because the rotational muscles of the shoulder and torso still feel the cramp of being unused all winter. This may take a toll on your scores, or worse still, may cause injuries.

A preseason workout routine is highly recommended for golfers. It involves as much stretching as possible because tension is the enemy of a well-coordinated golf swing. “Tempo” is a term often used by golf swing coaches, and it refers to the natural rhythm of a good golf swing. These exercises loosen and lengthen the muscles of your shoulder and torso, which helps you develop a consistent tempo more easily. So, the sooner these exercises make it into your daily routine, the more fun you’ll have during those first few rounds on the course.

It’s important to begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio exercise, just running in place or jumping jacks will do. This allows warm blood to fill your muscles, thereby loosening them and making the following stretches more effective. Allow yourself to breathe naturally, and take full, deep breaths as you’re performing these stretches.

Head rolls – 30-60 seconds: Roll your ear gently to one side, toward your shoulder. Tilt your head back, then forth, and repeat on the other side. This relaxes the tension in the neck, and encourages shoulder flexibility.

Shoulder stretching – 2-3 minutes: Raise your right arm directly in front of you, then bring it to the left, wrapping your left elbow around your right arm and using it to gently bring your right arm closer to

your chest. You will feel the stretch in your outer right shoulder. Reverse this process for the left side. This allows for much greater range of motion and smoother rotation in your golf swing, which translates into more consistent shot making.

Side stretching – 1-2 minutes: Raise your right arm directly above your head with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean your shoulders to the left and sway your right hip slightly out. You will feel a stretch along the right side of your body from your finger tips to toes. Reverse this process for the left side of your body. This stretch targets the outside of your arms, outer hips, and most importantly, your abdomen, which will further enhance your rotational stability and flexibility.

This routine can also be incorporated into a weight-lifting routine that focuses on developing the core muscles of your back and abdomen, as well as your shoulder muscles and hip flexors. Sit-ups, crunches, and push-ups are good exercises for when you’re unable to make it to the gym. Use this routine twice,

Improve Your Hunting Game with New Ways to Attract Deer

SportsFan — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:49:58 +0000

Most hunters know that whether you have a large number of deer in your herd or not, attracting and holding them in your area is the tricky part. In the past, hunters relied on the age old tactic of putting out food such as carrots, beets and corn to attract deer. However, with the new legislation which went into effect last fall, Michigan hunters have had to become more creative with how they bring in the herd. Food plots have been the answer.

A Growing Trend

Food plots are areas of land which are planted with the intention to attract, hold, and supplement the natural browse of deer and other game. Hunters create food plots by planting seeds such as clover, oats, rye grass, and brassica’s. Food plots have been around for some time and have increased in popularity over the last several years. Recent months have seen even greater spikes in the food plot market. Evolved Harvest, a company with one of the most comprehensive assortment of seed blends on the market, attributes this is to a variety of reasons. “People are looking for every advantage, says Evolved Harvest. “Most are attempting to draw them in, or hold them in a certain area, but the bottom line is that food plots work.”

Beating the Ban

Although Michigan has eliminated the ability to put out food to attract deer, food plots are not affected by the state’s legislation. With food plots getting the thumbs up from the DNR, hunters across the state have started growing plots hoping to gain every advantage they can in the woods. The results speak for themselves. The deer come in, they hold up near their high protein food source and hunters across the state have been reaping the benefits.

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Effective

Most hunters are familiar with how well food plots work, but some are still intimidated by the thought of actually planting them. Some say I’ve never planted, or I don’t have the equipment. However, as long as you do your homework, understand the area you’re planting, and select a blend that will work in your situation you are going to be amazed at how effective a food

plot can be.

Seed for Healthy Herds

For the most diverse blend of seeds on the market, hunters can turn to Evolved Harvest. This company prides itself on its seed blends, which are mixed to provide the herd with a variety of plant types to choose from. Some of Evolved Harvest’s most popular blends are Throw and Gro®, a No-Till plot which grows fast and is easy to maintain, and ShotPlot®, a blend composed of Forage Rape and Turnip Brassicas. “Most of our Harvest blends are so user friendly,” says Evolved Harvest. “If you can just rake the area to get good seed to soil contact the rest is up to Mother Nature. This is perfect for that hard to reach area.” This blend grows extremely fast as well; it can grow up to 24 inches in just 45 days, and will take you deep into the season.

Grow em Up!

Food plots have quickly become one of the most satisfying ways for a hunter to attract and hold the deer in their area. For good reasons, nearly every T.V. show and professional you see has been telling the consumers to put in food plots. This is because food plots provide a high protein supplemental food source for your deer herd and is critical to increasing weight, body mass, antlers, and overall herd health. Evolved Harvest takes this very seriously and continues to provide the highest quality of seed blends available. For more information feel free to look them up on the web at www.evolved.com. In the meantime good luck to all of you with your food plots, and we wish you luck in the coming season.

-Deer Abby

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Focus In on the Right Optics

SportsFan — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:40:05 +0000

Keeping your eye on the target is a whole lot easier with today’s optics. Optimizing your hunting performance with the right scope requires understanding optic features and assessing your hunting preferences.

Hunting optics can range in price from $30 to $2,000 . . . with plenty of choices in-between. The decision of what to buy is made tougher because a 4 x 32 scope that costs $30 may not appear to be much different than one that costs $200.

Lenses are the major difference between hunting optics. The least expensive scopes typically use plastic lenses. The next step

up in quality and price involves the use of glass lenses. Coatings added to glass lenses enhance brightness in low light situations and add a bit more cost. The most expensive optics use precision ground glass, similar to eye glasses.

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when shopping for optics:

Power

The power of a scope is described by two numbers that indicate its magnifying ability and the size of the lens.
A standard 4 x 32 scope will magnify an object up to 4 times larger than you could see with the naked eye. The 32 indicates that the lens diameter is 32 millimeters.
The larger the second number, the lens diameter, the more it will help brighten the view.

Fixed Power

The magnification set by the manufacturer.
Fixed power scopes are adequate for hunters who need a good view of 50 to 100 yards.
The most popular fixed scopes are 4 x 32.

Variable Power

More applicable to a wider range of uses.
Variable power scopes can be adjusted according to the field of view needed as
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well as the available light.
Variable scopes range from 1.5 magnification up to 25 times for long-range viewing and shooting.

Field of View

How much you can see through your scope at 1,000 yards.
Generally, the higher the magnification, the less the field of view.
This information is always printed either on the instruction sheet or directly on the scope.

Eye Relief

The distance between your eye and the scope, which allows you to achieve the entire field of view.
Can be adjusted once you have your scope and have it mounted.

The final key to selecting the right scope is assessing how you hunt. Hunting in the woods with shadows and less light requires a different scope than hunting in open fields with plenty of sun. Think about how you hunt, where you hunt and what the typical conditions are. Selecting the right optics becomes a lot easier when you can match your hunting needs with the right lens, power and view.

-Deer Abby

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HUNTING FROM BLINDS

SportsFan — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:54:21 +0000

A fundamental maxim of hunting is for you to see the prey before the prey sees you. This is why hunting blinds are so popular. They provide concealment for you, as well as a comfortable place to wait for that prey to appear. Whether you hunt deer, elk, turkey or waterfowl, blinds let you pick the perfect spot, help you blend into the environment, and protect you from the elements.

Buying a Blind

The obvious first question to ask is what are you hunting? Duck blinds and deer blinds are two completely different, well, animals. Waterfowl blinds can be set up on land or water. With deer blinds the fundamental question is bow or rifle. A bow means you’ll need more interior space. Draw your bow all the way back and then leave some wiggle room beyond that. You will also need some extra space depending on some other factors. For example, if you bring your son along, you’ll want more than a one-person blind. And if you travel via ATV you’ll want a blind big enough to hold the vehicle.

You also need to look at what you are hunting and the way you hunt it. Scent control is critical for deer, so you’ll want blinds with scent control fabrics. For turkey, that’s really not an issue. Camouflage is important, but don’t just assume any pattern will work. Take a look at the camouflage on the blind and make sure it will blend into the area you’re actually going to hunt in. Whether you stand or kneel will determine where you want visibility. Also, blinds with windows, screens or doors in all directions give maximum flexibility and the widest fields of fire. Portability is another big factor if you plan on moving often from site to site. Blinds vary greatly in how easy they are to transport and set up. If your site is semi-permanent, portability is not as big an issue.

Location, Location, Location

Just as in real estate, location is everything in hunting from a blind. Of course, you could say the same thing about any kind of hunting. You’ll want a high traffic location where you can blend in to your environment. That means finding appropriate cover. The best camouflaged cover in the world will stand out if it’s in an open field. Try to add bushes and/or tree branches to enhance the natural look and feel. If possible walk the area before you hunt it. Look for food supplies, cover and routes between the two. If possible, set up your blind a week or so before the actual hunt. That way the deer will get used to it.

But there is also an advantage to a portable blind. It lets you take into account prevailing winds so you don’t give away your scent. Try to identify several good areas for the blind and then you can set up in the best one for that day’s wind patterns.

Location and blending in are also important for duck blinds. You want to be on or near the water in an area you know ducks will be present. A high vegetation area will help attract ducks and will also help you camouflage the blind. You can cover the blind in camouflage netting to match the area, and cut a slit in the front where you are going to shoot.

Ultimately, the ducks will tell you how well your blind is set up. If circling ducks tend to fly away from your blind, you need to make some changes.

Tree Stands

Tree stands are another effective way to hunt deer. Their height gives you better visibility while preventing the deer from seeing you. While they may not be as comfortable as a blind, they give you clearer shots by allowing you to shoot over limbs and branches. There are four types of stands:

Ladder – Essentially a small platform at the top of some steps. Great for people who don’t want to climb and/or are insecure at height. Stable, but also heavy, not very portable and take time to set up.

Climbing – Involves two pieces, a chair and a platform below it. Allows you to ‘climb’ the tree while in the stand. Portable and easy to set up, but only for certain trees and for people comfortable at heights.

Hang-on (Lock-on) – This has a seat and footrest attached to the tree. Popular because of their versatility, they are lightweight, easy to set up and will fit most trees. The disadvantage is you have to carry the steps and climb the tree.

Tower – Not a stand, per se, but a separate platform with 3 or 4 legs. It’s necessary in areas without trees. It’s the only real alternative in prairie-like environments. It is comfortable and stable, but not at all portable.

-Deer Abby

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Smile! You’re on Candid Camera

SportsFan — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:53:54 +0000

A trail camera can help you scout your hunting area – all year long.

You take hunting seriously. Your weapons are first rate and maintained in near perfect condition. You research game counts and have access to top properties. You can shoot with the best of them. But if you’re hunting without the benefits of trail cameras, you’re at a disadvantage.

You’re also missing out on off-season fun. Most hunters are wildlife enthusiasts and enjoy studying the animals and their behavior. A trail camera extends the hunt to summer and spring, because capturing an image of a noble beast in its environment and observing its routine can be as rewarding as the hunt itself. And if you know where the game is and how it behaves, you’ll have better in-season success.

Choose Your Weapons
No, we’re not talking guns here. We’re talking trail cameras: inconspicuous digital cameras that reliably produce good results without spooking the game.

Many of today’s trail cameras use an infrared or “black” flash that is invisible to game and humans. Most are earth toned and blend well with a tree trunk. Some can produce both still photos and video, although video will fill a memory card more rapidly than will still photos.

Dunham’s carries a wide range of trail cameras, so there’s one – or more – to fit every budget. For example, the Wildgame Innovations Lights Out camera with infrared flash is palm sized and can produce four megapixel images. It can also generate 30-second video clips. Big Game’s Eyecon QuickShot Trail camera produces five megapixel color photos has a 50-foot range and a 1.2 second trigger speed.

The compact and camouflaged Moultrie Game Spy D-55IRXT is a five megapixel trail camera that can shoot color photos in the daytime and infrared at night. The flash has a range of 50 feet. Continuous shooting, time-lapse and video modes make it a versatile performer. It’s an affordable choice for hunters who scout with several cameras

Getting a Jump on Game
Preseason scouting with a trail camera is an excellent way to prepare for your hunt, and it can begin in the spring. That’s when deer are relaxed and recovering from winter hardships and the rut, so you can get a good idea of how large the population is in your area. In summer, you can study the bucks as they grow antlers and learn about the herd’s feeding habits and physical health. You won’t be firing a weapon,

but you’ll be hunting.

Time to Get Serious
Late summer and autumn is the time when trail cameras provide lots of information about the habits of the herd. Camera placement becomes critical, as well-located cameras can help you predict when and where deer will make an appearance when the season begins. Place cameras near food sources, near streams and along trails that appear to be frequently traveled.

What qualifies as a food source for deer? Generally, our whitetail friends like to snack on acorn, corn, alfalfa, and apples. So placing a camera near an orchard, farm field, or stand of oak is a good choice. And in regard to the travel plans of those deer, look for trails that lead from food sources to protected bedding areas.

Scrapes, where bucks have cleared the ground with their hooves to claim an area, indicate that a big guy may return. Scrapes are usually located on a trail and frequently a tree branch will be hanging low above the scrape. Place a camera nearby and aimed at the trail on which the scrape is located.

Marks on trees in early fall, where bucks have rubbed their antlers to remove the velvet, are another sign of activity, but there’s no guarantee that a buck will return for another massage. However a tree rub does indicate deer in the area.

Whether you’re scouting with a single camera or multiples, it’s best to stay away. Switch out memory cards as quickly as possible, at a time when you don’t expect deer to be nearby.

If you’ve been scouting the herd, you should now know where and when deer are most likely to

be seen. So as summer turns to fall, you can build your stands and blinds based on data you’ve accumulated.

The Rut Begins
The rut kicks off a number of weeks prior to the regular firearm hunting season, so deer behavior toward the beginning of October will be similar to what it will be when you take to the field. Bucks will be on the move, looking for a mate, so cameras placed on trails and scrapes may provide the most important information.

-Deer Abby

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Getting Cozy With A Crossbow

SportsFan — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 21:45:04 +0000

Used correctly, the crossbow is an accurate and reliable weapon.

Riding a wave of relaxed hunting regulations and good results in the field, the crossbow has become the weapon of choice for many hunters. “The crossbow market is still growing,” said Jackie Allen of Barnett Crossbows, ” and we’re happy to be part of it.”

The crossbow’s surge in popularity is good news because it enables more hunters, but crossbow hunting is not something that should be rushed into without preparation. Like all weapons, a crossbow is only as accurate as the man or woman releasing the arrow.

Crossbow Basics

Hunting with a crossbow requires stalking capability, because you must get within 40 yards of the prey. But crossbow hunters have an advantage over bow hunters in

that the crossbow can be pre-cocked, so when a deer is in range, the mechanics of shooting are less likely to spook it.

Two types of crossbows are in general use today: compound and recurve. Both offer advantages. A compound crossbow is capable of generating more energy, but a recurve crossbow produces less vibration and is quieter. A recurve crossbow can be serviced in the field if the string breaks, while string replacement on a compound crossbow is more complex.

Shooting either type of crossbow is a matter of drawing the string until it locks into place, loading an arrow, releasing the safety and pulling the trigger. Crossbow arrows — sometimes called bolts — are shorter and heavier than standard arrows. As with all weapons, a steady hold is essential.

A crossbow should never be fired withour an arrow loaded. Doing so can damage the bow. It’s also important to use arrows of the size and weight recommended by the crossbow manufacturer to ensure good performance.

While many crossbows make excellent hunting weapons, some are easier to use than others. The Quad 400 Xtreme is one of the most hunter-friendly compound crossbows available and is capable of delivering a 400-grain arrow at a speed of 345 feet per second. It’s available at Dunham’s in a package that includes a 4×32 multi-reticle scope, a quiver with three arrows and a crank cocking device that makes it possible for hunting.

Like all crossbows, the Quad 400 Xtreme is equipped with a safty that engages when the cross is cocked. Never release the safety until you’re ready to fire and the bow is pointed safely. It’s also important to make sure that no fingers are in the bowstring’s path. Upon release, the string moves with abundant energy and can cause severe injury.

Achieving Accuracy

Many factors affect accuracy, including damaged arrows, misaligned sights or scopes, hunter technique and mechanical defects. When shooting with a recurve crossbow, it’s important to achieve an even draw when cocking. In other words, if one of the crossbow’s limbs is displaced more than the other, the arrow won’t fly true. A compound crossbow will generally draw equally if it is in good mechanical condition, but care should be exercised when cocking.

Crossbow hunters should do some target shooting before going out in the field. This will not only allow time to achieve a smooth and steady release, but will also provide an opportunity to sight in your weapon and compensate for arrow drop over distance.

All crossbows have a sighting system that compensates for drop at a specific arrow speed and range, usually 20 to 50 yards. This compensation allows you to aim directly at your target. When the arrow leaves the crossbow, it drops continuously until it reaches the target. So a properly calibrated sighting device will cause the arrow to leave the weapon on an upward trajectory when you aim directly at your target. The arrow will then travel in an arc and arrive at the target.

Since arrow drop is continuous, the sighting adjustment is only correct within a specific range. But many sighting devices are gauged with multiple reference points that allow accurate aim at varying distances. Some

scopes display reticles, essentially lines, while others use dots. A three-dot scope, for example, might be set up accurate targeting at distances of 20, 30 and 40 yards. Range-finding reticle scopes are equipped with a scale that allows you to measure distance from target before selecting a reference point.

Sighting-in your scope is critical and best accomplished with a stationary target and the arrow you’ll use in the field. All scopes have an adjuster for windage, which determines the targeting accuracy left and right of center, and another for elevation, which dials in targeting above and below center.

Begin by shooting from 10 yards away to make sure you’re in the ballpark. If your results are close to target center, move out to 20 yards away. IF they’re not even close, your scope might be incorrectly installed or way our of adjustment. At 20 yards, you should be able to achieve a tight grouping of three shots within a 3-inch circle.

If you can’t achieve a tight grouping, there’s no point in twisting adjustment screws. you should practice your aim and make sure you’re shooting with a smooth motion and steady grip. Once you achieve a tight circle, you can tweak the adjustments to position your grouping of arrows at the target center. If your group of three arrows is consistently to the left or right of the bulls eye, you should turn the windage adjustment to compensate. Similarly, if the group is above or below the bulls eye, you should turn the elevation adjustment to compensate. Then retest and make further adjustments if necessary.

If your scope has multiple reticles or dots, you should dial in the top line or dot for your minimum shooting distance, then the other dots or lines will serve as targeting marks for longer distances. So if the top dot of a three-dot scope is adjusted for accuracy at 20 yards, the two lower dots may will be accurate at 30 and 40 yards. Test and verify. The extra time on the range will serve you well in the field.

-Deer Abby

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Who Says Roughing it Has to be Rough?

SportsFan — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:10:56 +0000

Ahh, the peace and tranquility of camping in the great outdoors! There’s nothing like it. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the beautiful lakes, and sleeping under a blanket of stars.

Oh, wait — don’t forget the biting bugs, the risk of getting lost in uninhabited wilderness, and the lack of toilet paper and running water. On second thought, maybe camping isn’t quite the summer vacation you had in mind. But, before you roll up your sleeping bag and pack up your cooler, give Mother Nature a second chance. Camping can be a great vacation option — and it’s fast becoming one of the most popular activities.

In fact, with uncertainties about the economy, falling home values, rising food prices, and a big decline in consumer spending, many people are looking to their own backyards for a “staycation” getaway — otherwise known as a more affordable vacation spent at or near home.

When you consider the fact that for less than the cost of a hotel room and meals in restaurants, a family can enjoy a weekend getaway camping, it’s not surprising that last year alone, nearly 33.7 million Americans chose to visit local campgrounds for backpacking, hiking and camping, while many others chose to pitch a tent right out their own back door.

If you’re one of the millions who’ll be roasting marshmallows over an open fire (or over the BBQ in the backyard), you may want to think about a few small investments that can make your camping experience memorable and fun without breaking the bank.

First, let’s talk about the most important piece of equipment for any type of camping excursion — the tent. It’s the staple of your outdoor stay — regardless of where you’re staying.

Tents can vary in size, shape, weight and price, and Dunham’s has something for everyone. From smaller tents like the Coleman Sun Dome and the Eureka! Apex 2XT, to a family tent like the Browning Cottonwood tents or the World Famous 18 x 10 tent, you’re sure to find one that will fit your needs.

Keep in mind, if you’re camping away from home, it’s a good idea to practice putting up your tent in the back yard before the trip. A dark rainy night is not the time you want to try to figure out which pole goes where!

Sleeping bags are also a necessity. You’ll want a bag that will keep you comfortable in different climates, so unless you plan to camp in the extreme cold, Coleman suggests a three-season bag that will handle temperatures that drop to about 30 degrees. That said, if you’re someone who likes to pile on extra blankets at night, you might want to opt for a bag that is colder-rated.

Regardless of where you’re camping, you’ll also need a place to cook your food. If you’re doing the backyard thing, your BBQ grill is a handy option. However, if you’re staying at a campsite, you’ll need to bring your own stove or use a grill that’s located on the premises. (While many sites do have grills for use, you’ll want to make sure to pack your own charcoal, lighter and lighter fluid.)

Speaking of cooking, you’ll want to make sure you have paper plates, napkins, utensils (disposable or metal), and of course, some sort of table to eat on. While most campsites have picnic tables available for use, there are several inexpensive folding tables on the market should you choose to purchase one. Again, if you’re roughing it in the backyard, your patio table will make a great picnic setting.

Flashlights, matches and lanterns are also important to have when camping. And, while you backyard campers can certainly use your porch light, an “official” camping lantern makes the experience feel more authentic.

So, now that you know the basics of what you’ll need to pack, have you figured out what you’ll do once you’re there? Well, here are a few suggestions to help make your family camping trip (home or away) a fun experience for everyone:

Make s’mores. Everyone loves them, and they are easy to make. Just toast marshmallows over a fire and then place between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate.

Give your kids 10-15 minutes to go on a nature viagra price hunt. Have them find things like “the biggest green leaf,” or “the smoothest rock.” Gather back at the campsite and talk about what you found.

Play flashlight tag. Every player gets a flashlight and everyone runs around the yard — or campsite, hiding from the flashlight beams while trying to spot other players with flashlights.

Remember, with a little preparation, and the right equipment, camping can be an exciting, inexpensive vacation option for the whole family. So lace up your hiking boots, pack up the cooler, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors. It will be a trip you’ll never forget.

Important tips to keep in mind when camping away from home:

Pack items that have multiple uses — this cuts down on the amount of gear you have to take. For example, a poncho packs easily and can be used as a rain jacket, a windbreaker, a ground cloth or a mosquito shield.

Wear comfortable shoes — a hike in the woods could turn into a host of blisters if your shoes are too tight — or not the appropriate material for the terrain.

Dress in layers — this way, you can take clothing off if you get too warm — and put it back on when the weather starts to cool off.

Always let people know where you are going and when you plan to return — chances are, everything will be fine, but if something does happen, someone will know where to send help.

Other things to pack:
–First aid kit (bandages, cold compress, calamine lotion, antihistamine, aspirin/similar pain reliever, antibacterial ointment)
–Bug spray
–Plastic bags (storage for food, wet items, outdoor objects you find)

-Happy Camper

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Paddle Your Cares Away

SportsFan — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:33:35 +0000

A kayak or paddleboard can make summer special

Seldom has such a simple device brought so much pleasure to so many. First used by Native Americans before the beginning of recorded history, the kayak has been rediscovered by modern Americans and is now more popular than ever.

While the conventional image of kayaking is that of a brave adventurer shooting the rapids, the reality is different. Today’s best-selling kayaks are stable, easy to maneuver crafts, and most kayak enthusiasts enjoy paddling serene waterways, where nature can be enjoyed while getting moderate exercise.

Because a kayak is easy to transport, you don’t have to live on the water to enjoy it. Amita Guha, a New York City web developer, said she learned to kayak four years ago on the Hudson River. Today, she prefers rural settings.

“I love it,” she said. “I’ve kayaked Cape Cod a couple of times and the Elkhorn Slough off California’s Monterey Bay. I’m going paddling with a friend in Annapolis next month.”

Kayaks are available in various configurations. Most popular is the sit-in kayak, where the paddler sits on the floor, lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability. Sit-in kayaks are available for both single paddlers and two to three occupants. Wide kayaks are most stable, while long kayaks are fastest.

Recreational Sit-In Kayaks

Most kayaks sold today are recreational kayaks, which are moderately fast, yet stable and easy to maneuver. Dunham’s stocks a wide variety, including the entry- to mid-level Pelican Ultimate 100. According to Noël Basque of Pelican, it features an adjustable seatback, foot pegs, ample storage and tie-downs, yet it’s priced affordable. Another popular Pelican offering is the mid-level Escape 100 SE, which offers a quick-lock hatch, padded seat, dashboard and more. New from Pelican is the Solo, a six-foot kayak for kids.

“Pelican wants the whole family to get into the game,” says Mr. Basque.

Dunham’s is also proud to offer kayaks from Old Town, a Maine company that has been building watercraft since 1898. According to Old Town’s Mark Palinsky, the company is one of the world’s first producers of rotationally molded kayaks.

“We’ve had a long time to get it right,” says Mr. Palinsky, “and we’re proud of our history.”

Among Old Town products you’ll find at Dunham’s are the

entry level Otter, which features an adjustable seatback, foot braces, and a paddle-keeper attachment, and the top-of-the-line Dirigo, which is loaded with features including a dashboard hatch for storing cellphone, keys and other valuables.

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In addition to sit-in kayaks, Dunham’s offers sit-on kayaks. Sitting up top makes for a high center of gravity, so this type kayak is wider and slower than a sit-in. But sit-on-tops are great for fishing or scuba diving, where water access is more important than speed.

Dunham’s carries the Pelican Castaway 100 sit-on-top fishing kayak with rod holders, paddle tie-downs, two flush-mount rod holders, a swivel rod holder, an adjustable padded backrest, and more. It’s ready to take you up that narrow little stream where the big ones lurk.

The Pelican Apex 100 is a full-featured sit-on-top recreational kayak featuring a self-bailing design, plenty of elastic bungee cords, and an adjustable padded backrest.

Also available at Dunham’s is the Frenzy sit-on-top from Ocean Kayak. The Frenzy features a molded-in seat well, removable bungee cords, and side-mounted carrying handles.

Get Up and Go!

Adventurous water lovers might want to try the stand-up paddleboard. A marriage of kayak and surfboard, paddleboarding is more difficult than kayaking but easier than surfing. It can provide a good workout, but leisurely paddling is an option as well.

Stand Up Paddleboarding has roots in the earliest days of surfing. Some say it was developed by surfing instructors, who stood on their boards so they could observe students. Others say it was popularized by Waikiki beach boys who paddled out on their long boards to take pictures of tourists learning to surf.

Paddleboards follow the same rules of physics as kayaks, so wider boards are more stable than narrower ones. Beginners should start with as wide a board as possible and be prepared to spend some time learning to get on their feet. Pelican’s Noël Basque says, “Most people only need five to ten minutes to get the hang of it.”

Among the Paddleboards you’ll find at Dunham’s is the Pelican Flow 106 SUP, which can be paddled standing up, kneeling or sitting.

A Good Fit

Whether you choose a kayak or paddleboard, Dunham’s consultants can help you select a product that’s best for you. In addition to variations in craft design, paddles come in different lengths and should be matched to the individual’s needs.

Both kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. There’s nothing quite like moving silently across a calm body of water with a blue sky above and sunlight sparkling on the water ahead.

Enjoy.

-Paddle Bum

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