“Attendees always leave feeling inspired to adventure outdoors in their hometown and consider planning more extensive outdoor adventures away from home,” said Lucy Sanchez, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor recreation event coordinator.
Whether you’re an armchair adventurer, a weekend warrior or a hardcore outdoor enthusiast, there are many reasons to check out this year’s Adventure Summit at the Wright State Student Union.
10 Reasons to Check out the Adventure Summit
1. No limits: After contracting a rare illness at 19, Amy Purdy underwent a double leg amputation. Challenging herself to move on with her life, Purdy is now a world class snow boarder, a 2014 Paralympic Medalist, Dancing with the Stars finalist, author, model, clothing designer and a testament that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. Purdy will speak about Living Beyond Limits on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
2. Take it in stride: Luke "Strider" Jordan will share his varied experiences while on his Thru-Hike of the North Country Trail on Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m. From the vast plains of North Dakota to the high peaks of the Adirondacks, Jordan's story is one of overcoming obstacles, personal growth and achieving goals.
3. Work up a sweat: From a mindful yoga session to a sweat-inducing TRX class, the Adventure Summit Fitness Studio will offer a wide variety of sessions geared toward accelerating your heart rate, calming your soul and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether you want to increase your flexibility or learn more about stretching, instructors will lead free fitness sessions on Saturday.
4. Learning experience: The educational sessions are at the core of the Adventure Summit with programs running the gamut from inspirational stories to technical outdoor skills. These sessions are designed to exemplify the theme of the Adventure Summit – outdoor skill, outdoor culture and outdoor experience. For a complete schedule, visit http://theadventuresummit.com/presentations/.
5. Mix and mingle: A variety of local, regional and national outdoor clubs, specialty retail shops, outfitters and resorts exhibit at the Summit, so check out the expo in between sessions.
6. Competitive spirit: You can test your skills in the bouldering competition, canoe battleship or the Adventure Summit Triathlon or just watch the fun. Registration information is available online at theadventuresummit.com/competitions/.
7. Give it a try: Where else can you take a kayak out for a spin, test your balance on a slackline and scale a rock climbing wall without stepping foot outdoors? And it's all free.
8. Shopping spree: Pick up some lightly-used outdoor recreation equipment in the Used Gear Area. It's a great place for outdoor adventurers to recycle their used gear and rookies to pick up equipment for a new outdoor adventure at a bargain rate.
9. Chill out: If you don't want to climb, paddle or compete, the Adventure Summit has some more laid-back options. There will be live music both days and free craft beer tastings on Saturday — be forewarned, these sessions fill up quickly.
10. Join up: Some clubs and organizations will offer an incentive to join, like a discounted membership, 2-for-1 special or a free gift. For each club or organization you join, you will receive a free raffle ticket and be entered to win a prize. The more clubs you join, the more raffle tickets you get.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit http://theadventuresummit.com/.
About the Author