June 16th, 2010
Now that winter is over and summer begins in less than a week (Monday June 21 is officially the first day of summer!), it is time to enjoy the Colorado rays of sunlight with outdoor sports. Fort Collins is a great hub of outdoor activity for Northern Colorado with Horsetooth and the Poudre River.
One of Fort Collins locals’ favorite activities to do during the summer months is whitewater raft along the Poudre River.
Although whitewater rafting is considered an extreme sport, and can be incredibly dangerous if the proper planning is not done and safety cautions are not taken, almost anyone can do it. Whitewater rafting is more about paddling smart than paddling strong, so don’t rule out the sport simply on the basis of “I don’t think I can do it.”
Here is a list of things to do to prepare a safe whitewater rafting trip:
- Read up on the course or courses that you are interested in rafting, and plan around water levels. Water levels vary depending on the time of year, the amount of rainfall, and dam schedules. You want to make sure you can take on the situation that you put yourself in, and if you are a beginner, there are plenty of mild locations to raft.
- Call a rafting outfitter. Rafting outfitters can offer information and advice and give a general idea about water conditions and local weather and water predictions. You should be able to get a good timeframe for a trip while making sure that you are sticking within your own limits. Water is generally much calmer during the hot time of year.
- Make reservations ahead! You don’t want to show up and not get a raft because you didn’t realize it was the busiest weekend of the summer!
- Figure out which class you want to raft:
- Class I (Easy)
Class II (Novice)
Class III (Intermediate)
Class IV (Advanced)
Class V (Expert)
Class VI (Extreme)
- Wear water friendly clothing, but we’re sure you already knew that! You are going to get wet!
- Do NOT go barefoot, rocks hurt! When climbing in and out of the raft you want your feet to be protected.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN! (Preferably waterproof).
- Do NOT bring valuables (camera, cell phone, expensive sunglasses, hats, etc…)
- HAVE FUN!
Posted in Equipment, Safety, Summer | No Comments »
June 9th, 2010
Outpost Sunsport knows how important helmets are during the snow season, because snow sports can be very dangerous—it is important to protect your number one asset! During the summertime, helmets can be just as important. You skateboard, bike, in line skate, etc… those are all reasons to wear a helmet and protect your noggin.
Well Outpost Sunsport has exactly what you need. GoPro’s HD Helmet HERO combines two important aspects of extreme sports: protection and video. The HERO is the world’s highest performance wearable 1080p HD video and still photo camera. This means you can protect your head and catch all your sweet tricks on camera. The camera is professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p HD resolutions and record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60 fps in 720p). You can record up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours total on a 32GB SD card.
The camera can also shoot automatic 5MP photos at 2/5/10/30 and 60 second intervals during your activity, hands free. Press the shutter button once at the start of your activity and record up to 2.5 hours of poster-print quality photos of you and your friends, living it up.
Check out our helmet selection and get more information online at www.outpostsunsport.com
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June 2nd, 2010
Due to the large number of people who have either had or will have skin cancer, sunscreen has become a hot topic and a hot commodity. But sometimes, using sunscreen isn’t always the best way to protect yourself, especially if your sunscreen isn’t as safe as you think.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit that uses the power of public information to protect the public health and environment, has come out with its latest version of its sunscreen “shame” list. These are the sunscreens that contain ingredients that can be harmful to your health or don’t work they way that they promise or claim to.
EWG looked at 500 beach and sports sunscreens and ended up recommending only 8 percent of them. EWG explains that many products carry confusing claims or contain ingredients that could pose health risks, and that a lot of people fail to cover up properly due to the belief that sunscreen alone will protect them from skin cancer risks. Some of the products offered a “false sense of security” from sunscreens with an SPF of 50 or higher, and others contained oxybenzone, which the group says is linked to cancer and reproductive problems, or vitamin A, which has recently been linked to accelerated development of skin tumors and lesions.
The group said wearing a hat and shirt in the sun should be “your first line of defense,” then using one of their top recommended sunscreens, which consists of none of the familiar brands like Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat or Neutrogena.
You can find the entire list and more information about protective sunscreen at the EWG website www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/, or learn more about EWG at www.ewg.org.
EWG also lists a set of tips to avoid sun damage including:
- Find shade – or make it. Picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella, take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade – they lack tanning pigments (melanin) to protect their skin.
- Sunglasses are essential. Not just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation, a cause of cataracts.
Check out www.outpostsunsport.com for the best set of umbrellas and the best sunglasses in town and protect yourself from the sun!
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May 21st, 2010
Barbeques are about more than grilling burgers and hot dogs. Barbeques are also about getting together with your friends and family and having a good ol’ relaxing time while enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather outside. The key word here is “relaxing.” Hosting a barbeque should not stress you out more than you already are, it should offer you an escape and an opportunity to bond with important people over good food.
So what is the recipe for the perfect barbeque?
There are 7 ingredients:
1: About a week before the barbeque (plan ahead!), organize messy areas of your home. You know those areas that are cluttered with things that you promise you are going to sort out tomorrow—don’t wait to do this until the day of your barbeque, or you may find yourself running out of time! The sooner you get this done the better!
2: Start thinking about what food you are going to serve early. How many guests are you expecting? Ask your guests to RSVP (yes, there will probably be a handful that show up and a handful that don’t– but it is better to have an idea). Split up the items—ask someone to bring a salad and someone else to bring a dessert. That will leave you to provide appetizers, meats, and bread rolls.
3: The day before, go shopping for groceries. This not only gives you more time on the day of your barbeque, but it leaves you some space for those things you will forget (uh-oh hot dog buns!)
4: On the day of, prepare the meats in the morning to give them time to marinate.
5: Butter the bread rolls, make a tasty dip or other appetizers that can be easily made and easily eaten (think something that can be served on a toothpick).
6: After setting the table, you should have finished all the preparations early in the day. Use the afternoon to run errands, relax with the family or do any other activity you choose.
7: Take a little bit to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for your visitors. Light your favorite candles, and get some good music playing
When your guests arrive, kick back and relax! All you will have to do is grill the meat you have already prepared!
Posted in BBQ's, Summer | No Comments »
May 10th, 2010
For those of you outside enjoying your lemonade sitting on your porch in the blistering heat, you understand the importance of shade. You can build an enclosure, put a roof over your patio, or you can come to Outpost Sunsport and find the perfect umbrella for all of your shading needs.
The Easy Track by Treasure Garden
The perfect umbrella to add a splash of color to your patio! Also a great umbrella if your patio gets sunlight from multiple angles. The easy movement and versatility of the Easy Track means you can hide from the sun in any direction. The Easy Track comes in a variety of shapes including octagonal, triangle or square, and a variety of colors.
Cantilevers by Treasure Garden
Cantilevers are a funky, modern looking umbrella, perfect for both under and overstated patios. If you have a simple, understated patio, a Cantilever is just the accessory to bring your patio alive. Cantilevers are available in both octagonal and square, and can be found in just the right color to blend in or stand out.
Aluminum and Wood Umbrellas by Treasure Garden
These aluminum and wood umbrellas are perfect for the ultimate outdoor patio look. The wood umbrellas blend in with the background and look great next to wooden furniture surrounded by greenery. Both aluminum and wood umbrellas come in octagonal and rectangular.
Colors and Finishes
When it comes to color, Treasure Garden has you covered. They offer a wide selection of 100% Solution-Dyed fabrics available in Acrylic, Polyester, and Olefin. With their wide variety of vibrant colors, beautiful patterns, and fine textured fabrics, you have a variety of design possibilities to achieve your desired look.
Since 1984, Treasure Garden has manufactured the widest selection of shade products in the world. Treasure Garden offers more than 25,000 variations of shade solutions and accessories.
Posted in Equipment, Patio Furniture, Summer | No Comments »
April 28th, 2010
….with one of these!
Image from http://www.owlee.com/
Outpost Sunsport carries O.W. Lee’s finest casual firesides. These outdoor fire pits and accompanying accessories give your patio a little something extra (and we don’t just mean heat). They are stylish, modern, and made to match whatever your patio personality is.
Whether you want one in the middle of your table, big enough to have drinks around, or a smaller one in the corner that offers just a touch of warmth and mod, Outpost Sunsport can help you find what you need.
The fire pits also come with covers that transform the fire pit into a table, with just as much style.
For over sixty years, O.W. Lee has been dedicated to the design and production of fine handcrafted casual furniture. From their 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Ontario, California, artisans combine centuries-old techniques with state-of-the-art equipment to produce beautiful casual furniture.
Come pick out your favorite fire pit at Outpost Sunsport, and transform your patio into the perfect patio!
Posted in Patio Furniture, Summer | No Comments »
April 18th, 2010
They are the way most of us experience the world. They are the way we connect with one another. They are the way we express ourselves. And they need to be protected.
They are our eyes.
Not only is eyewear necessary for keeping blowing powder out of our eyes, but we also need to protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Basically, there are three different types of UV rays. UVA rays, which are the rays that contribute to the aging of our skin, and the pigment coloration (tanning) of our skin. UVB rays, which are the rays that cause burning and wrinkling of the skin, and can cause cataracts of the eyes. UVC rays, which are the most dangerous type of UV ray- the type that causes cancer.
Make sure to look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Most sunglasses don’t block all glare types, meaning that UV rays can still penetrate your sunglasses and reach your eyes via direct glares (glares that reach your eyes from above), reflected glares (glares that reach your eyes from in front of you), bounce back glares (the glares that reach your eyes from the sides and behind you). These glares also cause your vision to be dulled because the light that is needed to see a balance of colors is mismanaged. By carefully seeking out good, polarized sunglasses, like Maui Jim Patented PolarizedPlus ®2, you can eliminate all glare types.
Many sunglasses claim to be polarized, but the truth is that most manufacturers use a polarization-spray which can eventually wear off, rub off, or come off in water.
When you are looking for that perfect pair of sunglasses, look for sunglasses that:
- reduce glare
- filter out 99-100% of UV rays
- protect your eyes
- are comfortable to wear
- do not distort colors
At Outpost Sunsport we carry eyewear that will fit every style and budget including the following lines: Maui Jim, Kaenon, Oakley, Smith, Suncloud, Mountain Shades, Optic Nerve. We also carry “Reader” styles from Suncloud and Maui Jim that range from $75 – $200. Don’t be afraid to splurge on eyewear- you are protecting your most powerful asset.
Posted in Equipment, Safety, Summer | No Comments »
April 13th, 2010
Outpost Sunsport knows the importance of relaxation and serenity. You are all busy people, and you can’t forget to take care of the most important person in your life- you!
The first thing that you need to do is create your happy place. Colorado’s warm sun and cool breeze means that the patio is a great 
place to ease your mind and relax your body.
- Stick to blues and greens; add splashes of your favorite color for some fun.
- We know your outside, but surround your happy place with plants and flowers.
- Make sure to pick patio furniture that suits you and your lifestyle, and make sure it is comfortable! (The Lloyd/Flanders furniture pictured left has just the right amount of cushion.)
Now that you have your happy place, here are some tips for relaxing and easing that daily stress:
- Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
- Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.
- Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.
- Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Count slowly as you exhale.
Posted in Patio Furniture, Summer | No Comments »
April 7th, 2010
Spring snow storms followed by sunny days are an indication that summer is near. You know what that means: it is time to get your patio ready for block parties, BBQ’s, and those relaxing summer evenings sitting outside and soaking up the warm breezes Colorado loves to offer.
Three things you need to create the perfect patio:
- A relaxing sitting area. For a truly relaxing sitting area, keep the color scheme neutral, and make sure there are enough seats for you and your summertime guests.
- A heater. In Colorado, you can never depend on the elements to stay steady. An outdoor heater will provide you and your guests with the warmth you need to conquer the unpredictable temperatures.
- Just the right light. Lighting is everything when it comes to setting the mood. Try to find something adjustable and sturdy, and of course it must match the rest of the patio!
Outpost Sunsport has everything you need to create your perfect patio. We carry Northern Colorado’s finest selection of quality patio furniture: Cane-line, Gloster, Jensen Leisure, Kettler, Lloyd Flanders, O.W. Lee, Telescope, Treasure Garden, Tucci and Winston.
Trying to go “green”? We’ve got you covered. Breezesta 100% Recycled Poly Furniture features the largest color selection available on the market today. That’s right. 20 different colors and every one of them is green. Stop by today and find your s
hade.
Posted in BBQ's, Patio Furniture, Summer | No Comments »
March 28th, 2010
Easter is often looked at by many as the end of ski season. It looks like this year the snow is still flying and conditions will prompt most resorts to stay open one week longer.
Prior to this week’s snowfall, closing dates at most Colorado ski resorts are listed as:
- Arapahoe Basin – June 2010 (actual date TBD by… the snow)
- Aspen Highlands – April 4
- Aspen Mountain – April 11
- Buttermilk – April 4
- Copper – April 18
- Crested Butte – April 4
- Echo Mountain – May 2
- Loveland – May 2010
- Ski Cooper – April 4
- Snowmass – April 11
- Steamboat – April 11
- Winter Park – April 8
Most resorts are closing in April, but for those of you who haven’t gotten your fix yet- make sure to hit up the usual late closers like Arapahoe Basin and Loveland. If the end of the season has your pockets tight, try out another late closer, Echo Mountain, where a regular season ticket will only set you back $45. They also have late-day tickets starting at 3 p.m. for $28. And of course, be sure to stop by Outpost Sunsport to check out our great end-of-season deals on winter inventory.
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