GET ACTIVE: Philly's serious summertime adventures

Summer's in full swing and that means cookouts, swimming pools and summer adventures. For most people, weekends and vacay time means outdoor treks to explore and pretend you're in better shape than you actually are. But if you are growing tired of the tailgating campgrounds and ski resort mini-golf, you're in luck. Philly is playing host to numerous serious summer adventures.

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GET ACTIVE: Philly's serious summertime adventures

POSTED: Friday, July 22, 2011, 11:00 AM

Filed Under: Just Do It

From the Krista Griesacker Memorial Adventure Race

Summer's in full swing and that means cookouts, swimming pools and summer adventures. For most people, weekends and vacay time means outdoor treks to explore and pretend you're in better shape than you actually are. But if you are growing tired of the tailgating campgrounds and ski resort mini-golf, you’re in luck. Philly is playing host to numerous serious summer adventures.

Take TerraMar, for example. The “broker of expeditions” sets up wild adventures both abroad and locally. Developed by Carl Ewald, an adventure enthusiast who left his attorney-at-law gig to be a full time explorer, this group lives for adventure. But you don’t have to quit your job and grow a beard just to get involved. TerraMar offers quick day trips nearly every Saturday and Sunday. Unlike the typical camping and hiking groups, TerraMar wants to take you off the beaten path. One upcoming event follows a waterfall hike with wolf-watching (Sun., July 24, 10 a.m., $29) on a little-known wildlife preserve.

Wolf-watching not hardcore enough for ya? G.O.A.L.S presents races that require both endurance (think 12 to 24 hours worth) and technical skill. Put together by Bill and Anne Gibbons (who will also host a Wilderness Survival class with TerraMar), G.O.A.L.S. uses the expertise of the top search-and-rescue trainer in PA to put together their challenging events. The upcoming Krista Griesacker Memorial Adventure Race (Sat., July 30, $130 ) is a 50-mile, 12-hour mountaineering-style course set amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Hawk Mountain. The course takes you through 20 miles of orienteering, 20 miles of biking (road and mountain) and seven miles of canoeing, all while rappelling and working on assignments with fellow teammates.

On-Point Tactical is for those who prefer their excursions less mountain-man and more James Bond. The military-like tracker and survival school is geared toward law enforcement and military professionals, but eagerly takes ready civilians. This August, take the Urban Escape and Evasion (Thu.-Sat., Aug. 11-13, 7 a.m., $795) class to brush up on your MI6 skills. The course runs all-day, Thursday through Saturday, with “homework” such as lock-picking to keep you occupied in the evening. The real-life scenario begins with you being handcuffed and thrown into the trunk of a car, so faint-of-heart need not apply.

Summer adventures don’t have to be only for the fit and fearless, though. You just have to be ready to have fun and perhaps unleash your competitive edge. The Great Urban Race (Sat., Sept. 24, noon, $45) pits friends against neighbors in a race against time. Use your brain, not your brawn, in this adventure race as you try to unlock clues around the city. Winning teams could score some major cash — which could come in handy when you start to plan your autumn explorations. Happy adventuring!

(megan.augustin@citypaper.net)

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