A guide for what you need to buy, read or consume to enhance your recreation experience
GEAR
• Bamboo ski poles
Soul Poles, $99-$295, www.soulpoles.com
Who would've thought retro ski poles would be all the rage on the slopes? The latest must-have for gear bums are bamboo poles handmade in Utah by Soul Poles, a company started by World Cup skiers Erik Schlopy and Bryon Friedman. Promotional material boasts that the poles are made from "sustainable" bamboo. Even the tip is made from 80 percent recycled aluminum. Oh, why the price difference? The $295 poles are painted exclusively by artist R. Nelson Parrish.
WATCH
• www.adventure-journal.com/2012/01/monster-surfing-session-at-teahupoo-caught-in-super-slow-motion
Videos of killer waves are all over the Internet, but this shot by cinematographer Chris Bryan from a Tahiti pro surfing event is worth a look even for nonsurfers.
READ
• www.outsideonline.com/blog/bike-testing-2012-mtb-highlights.html
Outside magazine tests and reviews the 2012 crop of mountain bikes. Their top recommendation, because of its versatility, is the Yeti SB-66. It's quite the smooth ride. The only bumps will be to your wallet. The bike costs – we kid not – $6,150.
THE TWEET
@lolojones (Olympic hurdler): "2-3 days before ur loved one competes in a race or marathon, they're stressed. It's called Runners PMS. Prior Marathon Stress."
– Sam McManis, smcmanis@sacbee.com
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