Tag Archives: adventure

Anytime Fun, Summer Adventure, Summer Travel, Travel

Water Safety: What Every Lifeguard Wishes You To Know

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As a one time 19-year-old lifeguard and now a, er, not so 19-year-old parent, I’d like to give you, my fellow parents, the straight scoop.

what lifeguards wish parents knew

Even as a teenager, it amazed me  just how lackadaisical some parents can be about watching their kids around the water. And that’s putting it nicely. So here’s what I wished parents knew from my days of being on the frontlines of water safety:

Water can be deadly

It’s no joke. Kids can drown in a very shallow pool of water. Never take your eyes off them, even if they know how to swim.

I know you really want you to be able gab with your friends or chill by the waterside and read your book. You deserve it. But sorry, you have a kid with you. There’s a reason we require that small children be accompanied by a guardian. So put the book away. Listen to an audio book on your phone or listen to music instead so you can keep your eyes on your kids.  As for gabbing, you can still do it, just do that weird eyes on the water thing while talking to your friend thing that parents do. If your friend thinks you are rude for not looking at her while you are talking to her, get new friends. And it would be a great idea to take this water safety for parents class through the Red Cross.

I am probably a teenager, maybe early twenties. Capish?

I know you are thinking, well the lifeguard is getting paid to make sure no harm comes to my child while I’m at the beach. She SHOULD be watching my child. But let me ask you this. Do you know me? Do you really know how responsible I am?

Chances are I’m very responsible but you don’t know that for sure. Even on a good day I might be a little distracted thinking about some guy or girl I’m crushing on, where I’m going to college, that party I’m going to tonight, etc. So you know that innocent creature you gave birth to, nurtured for years, invested in and will invest an immense amount more of your love and time, do you really want to just assume I am watching them like you would? Word to the wise, in your mind, pretend I’m not here and be your own lifeguard.

Keep your eyes on your kids the way you want me to. I’m probably doing everything right, but if I’m not, there’s no second chances. No do-overs. I screw up and miss your child drowning, not only do I have to live with the repercussions but you do too. Be smart and don’t put me to the test.

Don’t ask me to watch your child so you can go to the bathroom

Are you kidding me? Do you not see the 50 bobbing heads in the water I can’t take my eyes off of while you have to go pee. You are certainly taking your chances leaving them in the water while I’m watching the other 49 bobbing heads, but now you want me to watch your beachside kids too? And what am I supposed to do if they start misbehaving, or run off? Should I jump down from my chair to chase after them?

Use some commonsense. Don’t ask me to watch your kids. Take them with you to the bathroom, call them out of the water if you have to. Pack em up and take them to the bathhouse, sorry. I know it’s a pain, but if you don’t have another person with you to watch them, it’s what you have to do.

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Don’t put things in front of me, including yourself

Don’t put things in my line to the water that can block either my view or get in my way as I jump down unexpectedly and run to the water to assist a swimmer. I need to be going top speed and if I trip over your beach chair, it might mean the difference between life and death for a swimmer.

One time I had two mothers who were annoyed because there was seaweed floating in the water. They took the time to gather it all up on a water float and then dumped it right in front of my lifeguard chair. The were trying to teach me a lesson. One loudly told the other one, “now she’ll have to do something about the seaweed on the water.” I then called my manager and told him what they’d done. I looked at the women and said, “do you think I put the seaweed in the water? Now, what will you do if I have to jump down to save your child and I slip in the seaweed and break my neck instead?

My manager came down, removed the seaweed while I watched the water and informed the two Einsteins that if they did that again and put anyone else at risk because of their behavior, they would lose their membership. And they can go pound sand if they don’t like it.

Keep track of your kids even when they are out of the water

If you lose track of your five-year-old who may have wandered up to the playground or into the woods, and you come and tell me that you can’t find her I have to act immediately. I must assume that she is under the water because if she is, she doesn’t have long before she drowns.

I can’t assume she’s just somewhere out of sight where she can breath. So that means I need to call everyone out of the water, call the other guards and systematically search the water. If we can’t see the bottom it will take some time to search. That means everyone has to stay out of the water until we’re finished. So if I’ve pulled everyone out on a 90 degree day to hunt for your child, and it turns out she was on the swings, you’re going to be super popular. And by the way, you don’t want her to be under that water where we can’t see the bottom. If she’s there, chances are really not good that she’ll come out of it OK. So don’t take your eyes off your kids.

Don’t give me a hard time if I make your kids sit out for a time as punishment for bad behavior

I don’t want to spoil people’s fun. But if your kid is misbehaving it can be distracting and put other kids’ lives in danger. If I pulled them out and make them sit on the beach or pool-side, it’s for a good reason. Take that as your cue to discipline and manage your children so that I don’t have to.

Back me up. If I tell your child to stop doing something, make sure they don’t do it again.

And don’t you do it either. Don’t argue with me in front of your child. I am an authority figure on the beach and I have to maintain order. There are a lot of people watching. I’m not going to just let it slide because that will mean losing respect from the other beach goers and kids in the water. Even if you think I’m wrong, respect my role.

Talk to me or my manager afterward, but don’t start a confrontation with me while I’m in the chair. I can assure you I’m not going to allow it. I’ll ask you to leave or call security or the police if I have to, and I don’t have time to debate with you. I have people’s kids to keep safe.

I’m not just paid to sit in a chair all day. Don’t be jealous.

I know I have an awesome tan and I look good in my lifeguard uniform. I look good probably because I got up this morning and swam or ran or did whatever I’m required to stay in shape in case I have to rescue you. Please understand that I spent all winter training so that I was ready for this job. I’ve got a pocket full of safety certifications. This winter I likely renewed or received a certification in lifeguarding, first aid, water safety, basic life support, and anything else required by your state. And lifeguard training is rigorous. I’ve learned how to drag a guy twice my size out of the water, handle all kinds of emergencies and I’ve swam a lot. Give me some credit. I’m more than just a pretty face twirling a whistle.

People don’t actually yell, “help I’m drowning’ when they are drowning.

They go quiet and keep their mouths shut trying to save that last bit of air. So keep your eyes open especially in the ocean or lake, or anything with an uneven bottom. A kid standing in the water can walk off a ledge and start to struggle in the water. There are countless tales of kids drowning right next to their parents while they chatted away right in the water. They even show us real footage of close calls they’ve captured on beach cams, during our training classes to prove it to us.

Don’t count on arm floaties or rafts

I can’t tell you how many kids I see get in trouble with those stupid floaties that parents have an over-reliance on. They put them on their arms and let them go out past their heads when they know they don’t know how to swim well. Little, plastic, blow up things that can slide off a kids arm, and also impede movement. My personal opinion is I think it’s even harder for a kid to correct themselves when they lose one floatie. Can’t swim right and you are thrown off balance. If you want to use the floaties use them but don’t assume your child is good to go because she has them on. Watch your child in the water as if they have no floaties on. And if we are talking about any body of water with a current, be even more like a hawk because they are likely not going to be able to deal with the current and can float out past the swim area.

Even with a swim vest or jacket, don’t assume they are bulletproof. Some of them still allow a child’s face to go in the water. Kids get tired, throw up, get spooked, anything can happen. So don’t lull yourself into a false sense of security because they have some kind of flotation device. that little bit of plastic shouldn’t be the only thing between child having fun in the water and tragedy. Same goes for rafts. Nothing beats swim lessons. Make sure as young as possible, they get at least basic swim lessons. Babies under one are even easier to teach. They are like little fish because they still remember the womb and so the water doesn’t stress them out. So invest in some kind of lessons before swim season starts.

If you see someone struggling in the water, let me know. Don’t just head in and be a hero

I am trained to handle the situation and I can handle it likely better than you. For example I know that many drownings turn into double drownings because someone went in to try to save someone.

When someone is drowning they are not in their normal state of mind. They are in survival mode. They will grab you and climb on top of you to get to safety, but instead both of you just go under. They also become very strong. The last thing you want to do is let a drowning person get their hands on you in the water. There are ways to get them out of the water safely, for both of you. So I appreciate you want to help, but if you see something, say something. Please.

Also, don’t assume if I don’t go directly into the water, or throw them a ring first, that I’m just lazy or don’t want to do my job. I have a whole scene to be in charge of. I have to go save someone while also deal with the rest of the people in the water. You don’t want one person drowning while I’m off saving another. I may need to radio for support, or at least eyes on the water to a lifeguard in another chair. There may already be a guard closer that I have already signaled to.

In lifeguard class, they teach you to make contact with a person only as the last line of defense. First use something like a buoy or a board to bring to the swimmer and put some distance between you and that person. People under stress can panic and get a burst of adrenaline so it’s best to avoid getting into grabbing range if there’s another way to assist them. A lifeguard may also get closer to a tired swimmer and watch, talking with the swimmer and assess whether they need to get up alongside of them. They are always analyzing the entire scene at the beach as they know things can change in an instant.

Lastly, by all means, think about taking a water safety class so you too can potentially avert a crisis someday if there’s no lifeguard present.

Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash

Summer Travel, Travel

Just Because You Have Kids Doesn’t Mean Your Adventurous Life Has to Stop

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Just because you have kids doesn't mean you can't be adventurous anymore.

You’ve spent much of your early life traveling and being adventurous. But now you’ve settled down a bit and had a family. All those visions of traveling as a family together are now right at your doorstep.

Are you panicking a little? No worries. We all do that at first. However, families that travel together, really benefit from the quality family time and learning experiences.

So in your years before you had kids you got really good at knowing how to be an adult traveling. Now, as an adult traveling with a tiny human completely relying on you it can be intimidating. Some people think they need to just wait it out until their kids are grown. No way! 

Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to give up on being adventurous. While some aspects of your adventures might need to be adjusted to accommodate your child’s needs and safety, there are still plenty of ways to have exciting experiences as a family.

Ideas on How to Take The Kids on Fun Adventures

Here are some tips on how a parent can still be adventurous with a child:

Family-friendly adventures: Choose activities that are suitable for all family members. Hiking, nature walks, picnics, and visiting child-friendly attractions can be enjoyable for both parents and children.

Travel with kids: Explore family-friendly travel destinations that offer a mix of fun activities for both parents and children. Consider destinations with kid-friendly attractions, parks, and nature reserves.

Outdoor activities: Engage in outdoor activities that are safe and suitable for children, such as camping, fishing, biking, or playing sports together.

Adventure within your community: You don’t always need to go far to have an adventure. Explore local parks, museums, festivals, and events that offer unique experiences for the whole family.

Adventurous storytelling: Encourage your child’s imagination and creativity through adventurous storytelling or reading adventure-themed books together.

Teach and learn together: Involve your child in learning about nature, wildlife, or history during your adventures. It can be a fun and educational experience for both of you.

Safety first: Prioritize safety during your adventures. Plan and prepare adequately, especially when trying new activities with your child.

Embrace spontaneity: Be open to embracing spontaneous moments during your adventures, which can lead to unexpected and delightful experiences.

Set a positive example: Demonstrate your own enthusiasm for exploration and adventure, as your child often follows your lead and enthusiasm.

Balance and flexibility: Find a balance between adventurous activities and family responsibilities. Be flexible with your plans to accommodate your child’s needs and moods.

Remember, being adventurous as a parent doesn’t have to be extreme or risky. It’s about exploring new experiences together, fostering a sense of wonder, and creating lasting memories as a family. Your child’s presence can add a new dimension of joy and discovery to your adventures, making them even more special and meaningful.

About

I’m an Adventure Parent

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Hi, so it’s been a few years while life got in the way and I paused my work on AdventureParent. But I’m back now. I’ve spent a lot of years traveling with my daughter, going on all kinds of adventures and pushing her out the door to go on her own with her friends. Even though my daughter’s a little older now, I’ve realized that I’m really good at this taking kids on adventures thing. And I want to share everything I’ve learned, and still learning so that you can cherish this time with your children. 

Travel is the Best Teacher

I can’t tell you how glad I am that I made the effort to take my daughter around traveling whenver I could. 

2014-07-07 18.01.41And here’s me with my favorite adventure buddy when I first started this blog. There were earlier versions, but we won’t count those. I learn from her every day and hope she looks back on all the fun we’ve had and pay it forward. This was taken on her first day of Sports camp at Chelsea Piers. And here she is now, on the Spanish Steps with me in Rome

My daughter and I at the Spanish Steps in Rome Italy
Morgan and me standing at the base of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, August 2019

I played Women’s Rugby in England and the US.  I’ve been dogsledding in Quebec. I’ve toured all the major castles in Wales, traveled all over France, England, Ireland and Scotland. I’ve donned a survival suit and zipped around in Zodiacs on the St. Lawrence just to get up close and personal with Blue Whales. And don’t think I just like sports.  I trekked to Trinity College Dublin just to see the Book of Kells, I climbed every duomo I could climb in Italy, I’ve laid on the floor of the Sistine Chapel and looked up, I’ve visited Juliet’s balcony and had pints at the Dirty Duck in Stratford upon Avon, the big man’s home town (twice), I’ve visited the classrooms of the Jason Project in Belize and am a frequent visitor to the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Oddly, I was obsessed with Ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology, yet I haven’t been to those places, but they are on my bucket list. I had dragged my husband along with me on travels, mostly mountain biking to Moab, camping in the Grand Canyon, biking the old Creeper Trail in Virginia, scuba diving in Belize, and more.

And Then We Had Kids

In 2004 I had my daughter. I had planned on doing all the kinds of things I had done before, with her and my husband. But the reality of taking a wee little thing on these crazy adventures scared me a little. Other things in life happened. I gained a little weight, my marriage fizzled, went through a hairy divorce, and the result was me putting my adventurous side  in a deep freeze. But then one day I got sick of it. I missed the old me and snapped out of whatever funk I had been in. I dusted off my bike and I starting doing a lot more of it, getting the old me back every step of the way.  The same went for skiing.

So I started to introduce adventure back into my life and this time I’m bringing my daughter along with me. I took her whitewater rafting. I taught her how to ski. I taught her how to ride a bike, rollerblade, kayak, took her surfing, scuba diving, and ran her around on her first wavejammer. We even took kickboxing together. Now I’m an adventurous parent again. And I want to squeeze every inch out of the health and vitality I have left in me before it’s gone.

Passing Along the Travel Bug

I also want to teach my daughter that this is how it’s done. I like to go with people on my adventures but when I can’t find anyone, I just go it alone. And most importantly, I let my daughter know it’s perfectly normal for a girl to want to do all these things. I had wanted to start this website for a long time because I often found it hard to find good stuff to do for parents who wanted to do a little bit more than gymboree or the local swimming pool with their kids. 

I live on the Upper East Side of New York City, where that’s an adventure in itself. I’d love to hear your ideas for adventure and what kind of articles you’d like to read more about. Look for anything adventure-related, whether it be mind, body or both. Life is an adventure, so don’t be afraid to get out there and set an example for your kids. Life is what you make of it.

Educational Adventures, Summer Adventure, Summer Travel, Travel

Great Destinations for Family Adventure

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Looking for an exciting way to spend quality time with your your family? Families that travel together build bonds that last them throughout their lives. Going on an adventure is also the perfect way to not only create lasting memories but give the kids a chance to learn more about themselves and what they can accomplish. Here are some of the best destinations for parents to take their children on a one in a lifetime adventure!

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is an excellent destination for families who love the great outdoors. With over 750,000 acres of wilderness to explore, there are plenty of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and waterfalls to discover. Kids will love getting up close to the wildlife, such as bears, deer, and coyotes.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Banff National Park is a stunning destination that offers endless adventure opportunities for families. With hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, there’s something for everyone. Families can also enjoy kayaking on the clear waters of Lake Louise, skiing in the winter months, and exploring the famous Icefields Parkway.

Moab, Utah

Moab is a destination for families who love to explore the great outdoors. The town is surrounded by beautiful red rock formations, making it the perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Families can also enjoy rafting on the Colorado River or exploring the nearby Arches National Park.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for families who want to combine adventure with relaxation. With beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes, there’s plenty to see and do. Families can enjoy zip-lining through the jungle, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or spotting monkeys and sloths on a wildlife tour.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is an adventure playground for families who love to be active. With a range of outdoor activities, such as bungee jumping, skiing, and jet boating, there’s something for everyone. Families can also explore the stunning Milford Sound or take a scenic helicopter ride over the mountains.

These destinations offer excellent opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories through adventure. From hiking in Yosemite National Park to skiing in Banff National Park, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Photo by Bailey Zindel on Unsplash

Summer Adventure, Summer Travel

5 Things You Should Know When Taking Your Kids to The Lake

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1) Water safety:

Lakes can be dangerous for kids who don’t know how to swim or are inexperienced swimmers. Always supervise your children when they’re in or around the water, and consider having them wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times. Teach them about water safety, including the dangers of rip currents, sudden drop-offs, and underwater hazards.

2) Sun protection:

The sun’s rays can be intense on the water, so make sure to apply sunscreen to your children’s skin and have them wear hats and sunglasses to protect their eyes and face.

3) Water quality

Check the water quality before taking your children to the lake. Avoid swimming in areas where the water is murky or there are signs of algae blooms or pollution.

4) Boating safety

If you plan on boating, make sure to follow all boating safety rules and regulations, including wearing life jackets and avoiding excessive speed. Children should be supervised at all times and follow appropriate boating rules.

5) Hydration and snacks

Bring plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep your children hydrated and energized throughout the day. Heat and sun exposure can cause dehydration, so make sure your kids are drinking plenty of fluids. Also, avoid feeding them sugary snacks that can cause an energy crash.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Educational Adventures, Fall Family Adventure, Summer Adventure, Travel

Getting Your Kids Scuba Certified

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So before I my daughter I had been scuba diving for years. I couldn’t wait to get her certified one day as I envisioned being under the sea with exploring fish and seeing turtles and finding big Caribbean lobsters together. It took me awhile to get around to it, but after Covid I said that’s it. Let’s go live!

Getting Started in Scuba

We had done one recreational walk in dive at Cokie Beack with Cokie Beach divers, which was so much fun. They gave us a dog biscuit in the water and we watched the little fish go nuts. Got some great shots. That got Morgan comfortable with the idea and ready to go for more.

Getting an Open Water Certification

We made an appt with the local dive shop up on 90th street. Met a really nice man who walked us through the paperwork, and then fit my daughter for gear. He found her a great mask that fit her eyesight. He walked her through the program and gave her her new PADI book.

When I took scuba you had to do all the lessons in a classroom and then do the other half in the pool. Now you’re able to do it online. So she went through all the online lessons with PADI and once she had passed everything she was ready to go to the pool. They had two nights of pool training and she loved it. As I sat up in the bleachers I was so proud watching her work with her group. Since it’s NYC, we walk everywhere, so we walked home smelling like chlorine and hungry. We had some great conversations talking about everything she learned.

Certification Dives in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

So while the dive shop offered local cert dives out in Dutch Springs, PA, we decided to do something a little more exotic. So I booked a trip to St Thomas and her cert dive with the Red Hook Dive shop.

I could not have been happier with the owners and the instructors. They really made us feel like home. We still had to wear masks inside the store and on the boat (unless we were eating or drinking) so we did so that we’d not get anyone in trouble. I went on three dives with another group while Morgan went off with the cutest scuba instructor and he put her through her paces.

Last Certification Dive

Her instructor invited me along for the last dive and we had a great time. He gave her his dive watch so that she could do orienteering. She led the dive and I got to watch her take us around the coral reef. She was a little fast and we had to keep up and very excited. I learned that it’s different to dive with an excited teenager. Twice she bumped me with her fins and banged in me and she almost lost her mask. So I learned I have to give a new diver a bit more leeway and also keep a close eye.

After that we had a great rest of the trip, sitting back in our room and looking through the GoPro videos. It was something I’ll never forget. Our hotel was up on a hill that had a million steps, but it was fun because there were iguanas all over the place.

Here’s our favorite Dive shops. Highly recommend. And Adventure Scuba does all their training at Asphalt Green in NYC, which has a beautiful, huge pool.

Here Are Our Dive Centers that We Highly Recommend

Contact

Adventure Scuba in New York City

Cokie Beach Dive Center in St. Thomas, VI

Educational Adventures, How To, Parenting, Travel

Why You Should Consider Overseas College for Your Child (US Students)

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It’s an Adventure!

You can do what everyone else does and just follow the herd to your local, overpriced university or you can try something new. Not only will your child get a college level education, they will learn about the world around them and meet people from other cultures. This one could argue is even more valuable than the classroom work they do.

It’s Cost Effective

The cost of a college education has risen outrageously over the last four years. It’s an absolute tragedy how many kids come out of school with huge debts that make them risk adverse. They can’t afford to start a business because they have to start paying off those debts in six months, so they have to find a job and be on someone else’s payroll. They can’t even goof around and travel for a year if they want, because these education debts are weighing them down.

The US should be ashamed at what they are doing to our young adults, at the most vulnerable periods in their lives. It’s a form of indentured servitude if you ask me. It’s the only loan that can’t be thrown into bankruptcy, so there really is no way out. You either pay it off or have it haunt you for years. Europe and other countries do not do this to their students. In Germany, it’s even free to non-residents after a year.

There are also so many programs now in English taught in Europe that with a little extra work, and a little nerve, your child can walk away with a solid education, great connections and little to no debt.

Your Child Can Learn a New Language

Didn’t do as well as you’d hope they would in those couple of language classes they taught your kids in school? Not surprised. It’s really tough to learn a language and stick with it, in the US. Unless you go out of your way to find those that speak the same language–some are easier than others depending on the language–it’s tough to maintain it.

I have always regretted not speaking at least one other language and am always so impressed when I hear someone switch back and forth. It will open up a world of doors and give your child a competitive advantage in this global economy. By going to college abroad, even if your child’s program is taught in English, they will still be exposed to another language outside the classroom. And, since it’s going to be used for practical purposes, the language your child picks up with be more functional and stay in their heads longer, than if they learned it in a classroom.

It Builds Confidence

As adventurous parent types, we know getting out there into the unknown and trying new things and meeting new people, and seeing that you can succeed, is the biggest confidence booster you can have. When I was an exchange student I remember being terrified at first, but then realizing, this isn’t so bad. I think I can be dropped anywhere and be able to figure it out. That lesson stayed with me from my 20s all through my life. Finding out that the world is not as big and scary as you thought, and people are not as different as you thought, gives you the confidence to know you can make it anywhere, even if it’s only for a few days. It changes your mindset to think globally, and understand that you are part of this big world, and not on the outside looking in from just your little corner.

You have an Excuse to Travel

Selfishly, I’d love my daughter to go to Italy. We joked that if she goes to Florence, I’ll just show up with empty suitcases. When you go to look at colleges or visit your child at school or on break, you have a good excuse to do amazing travel you might not have otherwise done. If your child goes to college in Europe, maybe you can crash at their place for the week and head out for some sightseeing fun either on your own or with them as your tour guide of wherever they have landed. Since they are already there, that’s one less ticket for you to buy. You can catch them at the end of the school year and do a little touring before heading home. I know cost can be a factor, but think about all the money being saved by having them go to school in another country to begin with.

Where to Find Out More

There’s a site I love, and when my daughter goes away to college the year after next, she’ll be leaning heavily into this site. It has everything you need to know about going to college overseas. Check it out. It’s called BeyondtheStates.com.

Photo by Amit Lahav on Unsplash

Anytime Fun, Fall Family Adventure, Summer Adventure, Things to Do, Winter Adventure

Take Your Kid Indoor Rock Climbing, NYC

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Take your adventure kid indoor bouldering when you need something to do.

Are you are like me, with a teen at home who is constantly on her phone? And you might even be worrying that she or he might be spending too much time on that phone? You want to get him or her out doing something a bit more adventurous, amIright? Does it make you climb the walls?

Well, I have a great idea. Instead of you climbing the walls, let’s get them climbing the walls. OK you can too if you want. Here in NYC it’s a little on the cold side and my daughter likes to use that as an excuse to do nothing but draw, listen to music, text etc. It’s also the holiday break so amazingly she doesn’t have a ton of homework to do.

Indoor Rock Climbing

I had enough looking at her laying around so I signed her up for a $50 group lesson at Steep Rock Bouldering on the Upper East side in NYC that covered the day’s admission and shoe rental. It turned out even better because no one else showed up for the lessons so we had the instructor to ourselves.

Morgan started out all gung ho thinking it was going to be easy. She did well for the first twenty minutes and then kept shaking out her hands. Since the most exercise her arms has gotten lately is texting her ligaments up and down her arms were screaming at her. It’s OK though, she’s pretty psyched and wants to go back next week. I’m going to get a $22 day pass myself and we will climb together. If we like it we can sign up for a monthly fee or right now I can buy a 10 punch pass special for $150 that is normally $200.

Adventure Kid Indoor Rock Climbing in NYC
Morgan, trying out the different handholds with her instructor.

The place is pretty chill and the walls aren’t crazy high so there’s no need to be on belay. You just put your climbing shoes on and head on up. The handholds are color coded from easy to hard and you follow the route based on the difficulty. So you can spider your way all over the walls all day if you want. There’s a nice big pad at the bottom and a little bit of a gym to work on your upper body strength.

Good for Your Kid’s Back Muscles

My daughter is totally psyched to go back next weekend and is thinking of signing up for the after school program. I think it’s great since it’s way cheaper than skiing, which is the only other thing I can get her out of the house for in the winter. She’s also really excited because at school she has to drag around a really big backpack and she thinks this might give her a chance to stretch out and build up her back and shoulder muscles a bit more. I haven’t seen her this excited about something in awhile so I’m looking forward to going with her next Sunday and hanging out on the walls with her.

Morgan and her instructor discussing strategy while waiting for the feeling in her fingers to come back, while indoor rock climbing in NYC.

And my daughter has asthma so she’s been a bit worried about sports that make her wheeze. This didn’t make her wheeze at all and she could go at her own speed.

If you’d like to get your child into bouldering check out what’s available in your area. If you are in the New York City Area, Steep Rock Bouldering has two locations, one on the upper east side and one on the west. For pricing and classes, check it out here.

Educational Adventures, Fall Family Adventure, Summer Adventure, Summer Travel, Travel, Winter Adventure, Winter Travel

Scuba Diving at Coki Point Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

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So my daughter and I needed to get out of the city and get in some beach time. I thought the US Virgin Islands would be the easiest thing for us to do because it’s not a long flight, and there were several direct flights to St. Thomas. We went for Spring break.

Renting a Car

The best move I made was rent from Paradise Rental Car instead of going through a more well-known rental. I set the whole thing up by email and a nice man was waiting for me right at the airport with the keys to our car. In true island style we got in the car, pulled to the side in the parking lot and exchanged paperwork. It’s not a big airport and doesn’t have a lot of parking so it was great to be able to hop in and get going. I highly recommend renting a car. It made it a lot easier to go where we wanted to go. Yes the roads are a little tight, but just take it slow.

Morgan’s first discovery dive in the Virgin Islands.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Crystal Cove Villa on Sapphire Beach, which is not far from the ferry to St. John’s. It was a nice clean beach and reasonably priced. Our condo was pretty dated, with all the wicker furniture and the ancient utensils I felt like the Ropers had left it for us for the weekend. That said, I think each condo is different as they are rented out through the resort. So before I stayed there again I’d ask about the unit itself. It was a nice quiet resort though. The beach is chill, perfect views and there’s a restaurant on the premises. Just know that it closes around 6 so don’t plan on getting drinks at the bar unless it’s the weekend. The location was great though. Close to the ferry, beaches and grocery stores and a bit away from the main city part of St. Thomas.

We could see the damage still left over from the Hurricane a few years ago so I was happy to spend our money there and put some back into the economy.

We did a number of awesome things while in the Virgin Islands so I’ll I’ll focus on scuba diving here

Scuba Diving at Coki Point Beach

I am a certified scuba diver and I wanted to introduce my daughter to the wonderful world of diving . So it was important for me that we find a good spot and she had a good enough time that she’d want to go back. She absolutely loved it. We did a Discovery dive with Coki Dive Center and it was perfect. We got there about two hours early, which was perfect because they gave us some snorkel gear and we snorkeled around, getting my daughter used to using the goggles and flippers in ocean water as it had been awhile.

Putting on our scuba gear at Cokie Point Beach thanks to Cokie Dive Center.

The guy I worked with at the Dive Center couldn’t have been cooler. He hooked us up the day before and had everything waiting for us when we got there. And the instructor was very patient. We had another girl in the group who just was too afraid to try and so she backed out. No big deal but I thought the instructor was very good about it while not holding up the rest of the group too much. As for the man who set up our reservation, he also set us up with an underwater rental cameral so I got some really great shots of my daughter snorkeling and feeding the fish. By the way, SO MANY FISH!!!

Morgan getting acquainted with the local fish

And what a brilliant idea. They gave us each a big dog biscuit and the fish went nuts over them. I can’t believe I’d been scuba diving for thirty years and never thought of that. So we got some amazing shots. My daughter is now completely hooked on diving and is planning on getting her open water cert. shortly.

Close by there’s also Coral World maybe 500 feet away. After you dive, you can hang out on Coki beach itself. It’s very chill. There are some food shacks, good places to get some good drinks and a couple of spots to buy some things like T-shirts and sun tan lotion. Also, during the day they were playing some music. Very relaxed, cool place and different than the rawness you’ll find at most of the beaches at St. John’s for example. Parking can be a bit tricky so get there early if you can.

No Morgan, that means you want to go up. But glad everything is OK. Discovery Dive at Cokie Point Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Ski & Snowboard, Things to Do, Travel, Winter Adventure, Winter Travel

Family Ski Vacation: Stowe Mountain, Vermont

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Stowe Mountain, Vermont

Stowe Mountain Resort is just totally lux and I got very used to having the ski valets run up to me at the end of my run and grab my skis, tag them and whisk them away to storage. The next morning they were magically waiting for me. At $400 a night the rooms were not cheap, but the views were stellar, the restaurant food superb, and the spa was ultra relaxing. Our in-room fireplace made it the perfect evening with a blustery snow storm just outside.

Stowe Mountain Resort, is the definition of the luxury Eastern resort, and provides quality skiing and riding for all levels of family abilities. The area’s lift system includes a gondola to shuttle guests between Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and its “sister” mountain, Spruce Peak.

Mt. Mansfield  gets 333 inches of average annual snowfall that falls over it’s 2,360 foot vertical drop and 485 acres of skiable terrain.

The Stowe Mountain Lodge, located in the base village, is a 312 room luxury hotel and spa that has been recognized as one of the greenest, most sustainable luxury hotels in the world.