Shawano County has a variety of natural offerings for those who enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s in the water, land or air.
A relatively new group, Shawano Adventure Sports, is making good use of those resources to have some fun while meeting new friends with similar interests.
“The idea actually came from Matt Hendricks (Shawano parks director) in a meeting we were having about building a mountain bike trail in Shawano,” said Brian Grieves, an organizer of SAS. “We had worked together already on a windsurfing and sailing program, and he half-jokingly — I think — said, ‘You guys should start a club.’ So we did. Initially we thought to call it Shawano Silent Sports, but we didn’t know if the term ‘silent sports’ was widely recognized. So we changed it to adventure sports.”
Organizing the group and its activities is an adventure in itself. Members participate in a diverse set of activities.
“We’ve hosted a variety of events, including downhill skiing, indoor rock climbing, yoga and mountain biking,” Grieves said. “Looking ahead to this summer, we’re planning a low-cost community sailing, SUP yoga and free windsurfing event next week. Times and sign-up are available through the Shawano Park and Rec website. We’re also planning another mountain bike outing, along with assisting the Shawano Paddlers in the Paddle & Pedal event (June 21).”
Members include Dan Wilhelm, a former member of a ski patrol, and Jasmine Wiley, a cross-country ski instructor. Steve Eliason is the founder of International Youth Sailing of Oshkosh. Garrett Smith races mountain bikes; Brian Moristad guided white water rafting.
“We continue actively working to increase awareness, opportunities and participation in various outdoor adventure sports in Shawano, and build community around them,” Grieves said. “This is a great place to be active outside.”
The group is a subcommittee of the larger and well-established Shawano Pathways.
“The Shawano Optimists have also been amazing to work with, as we also have a youth focus, and the bike rodeo they do is a natural fit with our pump track,” Grieves said.
SAS has been working with the city parks and recreation department for almost two years to plan to build a pump track at the far east end of Kuckuk Park, incorporating the existing bike path.
A pump track is a continuous loop of rollers, berms and other features designed to be ridden by “pumping” – using body movements to generate and maintain speed, rather than pedaling. The tracks are popular for various wheeled activities like cycling, skateboarding and scootering.
“Our initial fundraising push was very successful, and we are about 75% to our anticipated build cost,”Grieves said. “After working with a few larger contractors, we believe we have found our best fit and hope to be under contract with them within the next few weeks. If all goes as anticipated, it should be ready to ride next summer.”
Grieves believes there are many benefits to their “silent” sports.
“Being in nature and on the water in these ways offers a unique combination of mental and physical benefits,” he said. “They provide a peaceful escape to connect with and enjoy nature and take you into the present moment, in a way that fosters mindfulness and relaxation.
“There’s something special about the feeling of gliding over the water powered only by the wind that’s hard to describe. You can also get exercise without even realizing or feeling like you are.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the group can contact Grieves with a text to 715-851-1722 or email to bmgrieves@hotmail.com.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Adventure sports group gaining momentum
