Base Camp: Rules of Being a Dirtbag Darling

I finally got around to putting the rules up on the blog. Learn them, live them, play dirty.

Gear Review: Vasque Rift Hiking Boots

It's kind of amazing what a great sole can do. Take Vasque's Rift hiking boots for example: besides the gorgeous color combo (chocolate brown and sky blue, you steal my heart), they have Vibram soles. Vibram soles, ladies! That means they stick, grip, stay put, don't slide—however you want to say it, they provide the best traction out there for an approach shoe.

The other parts of the shoe are pretty darn reliable, too. The leather upper isn't totally waterproof, but it more than protects socks in wetter conditions, and it's pliable enough that you won't need to spend weeks breaking them in. Did I mention the color combo? Oh yeah, but it's worth talking about again...these babies look good with everything.

These shoes are my new go-to for regular hikes and climbing approaches that are too tough for my FiveFingers. Try the sticky grip for yourself at vasque.com.

Newsworthy: Should Outdoor Athletes Compete While Pregnant?

Kayaker Emily Jackson, photo via Women's Outdoor Alliance.

Last week, the word about town was that freestyle kayaker Emily Jackson was aiming for a spot on Team USA at the U.S. National Freestyle Team Trials in North Carolina. Being that she’s the 2012 World Cup champion and the daughter of whitewater legend Eric “EJ” Jackson, it should have hardly caused a ripple in the news pond. So why were people up in arms about it? 

Because Jackson is seven months pregnant. (Read more after the jump!)

Get Inspired to...Enjoy the Simple Things in Life with new Climbing Film "35"

If you’ve ever fallen asleep in a van with a coiled climbing rope for a pillow, be prepared to get hit right in the “feels” while watching the newest short film from Duct Tape Then Beer and outdoor brand Arc’teryx, “35.” It’s a five-minute exploration of growing older and a glorification of the simple joys of the climbing life, and its beautiful commentary will hit home with almost everyone. Stick with it until the end and I promise you you’ll have a tear in your eye and a whole new appreciation for climbing.

Travel Guide: Hiking Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park

Photo by Dirtbag Darling.

There’s a reason the beaten paths in Zion National Park and so, well, beaten. Classic hikes like Observation Point trail offer unbeatable views of one of our country’s most beautiful parks—think rusty red rock formations, crisp greenery, and purple-blue skies stretched out for miles. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming “America the Beautiful” for the majority of the 8-mile trek—we did the same thing.

What: Observation Point trail.

Where: Zion National Park, Route 9, Springdale, Utah.

The stats: 8 miles roundtrip, 2100 feet in elevation gain, strenuous. No permits required.

What to do: You can’t leave Zion National Park without trudging up the intense but satisfying Observation Point trail—it’s a Zion classic to rival Angel’s Landing but without the latter’s exposure and fear factor. There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to the trail either, and you’ll start feeling the elevation gain in your legs almost immediately while following switchbacks up the eastern walls of Zion Canyon. Rest often to soak up the views before being swallowed up by Echo Canyon, a deep-water gorge with impressive sandstone waves and pockets. You’ll come out the other side and continue your steep zigzag ascent until you find yourself at Observation Point. What’s waiting for you? A beautiful panorama view of sandstone reds against clean blue skies.

How to get there: From April 1 through October 30 Zion Canyon should be accessible by shuttle—the trailhead at Weeping Rock parking lot is stop seven (but double-check for changes before you go). Others can pick up a map at the park office to find the parking lot.

What to bring: Sturdy shoes, a camera, enough food and water to last you at least five hours, and a fleece or an insulated jacket and windproof shell in the winter—the canyons can get pretty cold.

Do: Pick up a guidebook at the park’s office if you want to explore tangential paths like the East Rim Trail, which heads to Cable Mountain, and Deertrap Mountain. You’ll probably pick up tips most hikers never notice!

Don’t: Underestimate temperature fluctuations and ice. It may be hot at the trailhead but residual spring snow requires micro spikes and wind at the top of your hike could throw you for a loop if you aren’t prepared with an extra layer. Better warm than oh so sorry!

Get Inspired To...Slow Down

All photos by Johnie Gall.

During the week my life is a blur—the type of blur where I have to schedule time for yoga between conference calls and editing. On the weekends things slows down; I get to revel in two full days of doing the things that make my soul sing. Slowing down may not be the right word for it—but taking a bike down a mountain and paddling across a lake are types of meditation for me. Sand between my toes, grit under my fingernails, poking around some trees...you know what? It's better than the spa. 

Girl Gone Wild: Surfer Mary Osborne's Journey with 5 Gyres

Patagonia surfer Mary Osborne aboard the Sea Dragon.

It’s a sickening image: A decomposing albatross, its stomach pried opened to showcase a collage of plastic lighters and colorful bottle caps. But the famous photograph, taken by Chris Jordan as part of his Midway series, is quickly becoming just a highlight in a saddening collection of portraits of marine animals stuffed full of plastic waste. The scary part? They weren’t out feasting on some mythical “Island of Trash” floating through the ocean, much like we’ve been led to believe by our morning news hosts. If they had, the problem would be manageable—the reality of the plastic pollution situation is much worse. 

“All I knew was there was this big ‘pile of trash where currents cumulate and it’s the size of Texas,’” says Mary Osborne, a Patagonia Surf Ambassador who, in 2010, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean with the 5 Gyres team to witness the pollution firsthand. “I didn’t understand why we couldn’t just fly there, document the gyre, help clean it up, and fly back.” With a team of 13, Osborne voyaged from Brazil to South Africa aboard the ship the Sea Dragon to the South Atlantic Gyre, a massive, slow rotating whirlpool where plastic waste accumulates. We caught up with the 31-year-old Ventura, California, native to learn about what exactly she discovered on her month-long expedition:

Read our interview after the jump!

Rhea's Bucket List

Rhea in Lolli swimwear. Photo by Allan Nadel. 

Rhea, our Swim and Surf Ambassador, works as a freelancer like me, so I can relate to her summer goal of going totally off the grid. No email, no cellphone, no blogging. For us, it's close to impossible, but it's exactly what we need to reconnect with the great outdoors. Nothing ruins the feeling of being wild and free like the *ding* of the email alert. I'm so thrilled she's ready to try rock climbing—fingers crossed next time I'm out her way she'll teach me how to cross-step and I'll teach her how to pull some gear.

What's on your summer bucket list? There's still time to scribble down some goals, take a picture of your list, and upload it to Instagram. Tag @dirtbagdarling and #growyoungbucketlist and you'll be entered to win a rad shirt from Element Eden!

Guy Lines: Webbed Hands' Burg Thurston

Guy Lines: The men we love, sharing their love for us. Also: A rope that keeps a tent from blowing away.

The Guy: Philip "Burg" Thurston is a fish born without gills, always swimming toward some massive wave with fins on his feet and a camera in his hand. Sure, he gets beat up sometimes, but it's worth it when you see the incredible photographs and videos he creates (often with his brother, pro bodyboarder, Glen Thurston, by his side). Case in point: The Morning Shift.

The Girl: "Often girls can be so different from guys when it comes to adventure," Burg tells me, "but in my opinion it's the similarities that are exciting to see. I recently went on a trip out into the bushland of outback NSW; there were six girls and six guys staying in a remote cabin. The girls mostly stayed at the cabin while the guys scaled the mountains and went exploring. One particular girl, Natasha, came with us one time to a giant rope swing that was semi-intimidating even for the guys, but she was the first to step up and have a go and was actually the first one of us to push the limits and go fully vertical on it! That was so inspiring to see, the enthusiastic, 'let's go' kind of attitude that pushes even the guys and inspires the other girls to do new things. Personally, I think that's an incredible attribute for a girl to have." 

Burg, we couldn't agree more, and when we make it down to Australia we'll have to show you what we're made of! Check out more of Burg's work at webbedhands.com.

Dirtbagging 101: Three Yoga Moves to Try On Your SUP Board

Imagine this: Your day job involves tasting wine made for outdoor lovers. You live in Hood River, Oregon, one of the most picturesque places in the country. In the winter, you teach children how to snowboard, and in the summer, you head up an outdoor SUP-yoga program that teaches people yoga while balancing on a stand-up paddleboard. Bliss, right? It’s the life of Naked Winery’s tasting room manager Emma Rossoff. While she may not have a lot of stress to release, she was one of the first yogis to take her sport to the water (read my chat with her HERE!). Here she shows us three easy ways to find Zen above H2O:

Photos by Jock Bradley.

Pose: Navasana Variation

Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

What it does: Strengthens the core muscles. Tones the legs, arms and back.

How to do it:

Sit facing the front of the board with outstretched legs. With the paddle in your hand, bend your knees and lift them as you lower your upper body slightly back. When you feel your core engage, you are there. Variations include holding this position, bringing the opposite elbow towards opposite knee and alternating, or performing a sit-up.

More moves after the jump!

Lizbeth's Bucket List

It's funny how mutual admiration can spawn some great things. I've always admired Lizbeth for her drive and the no-holds-barred enthusiasm she has for every project she's working on (seriously, the girl never stops)—so imagine how stoked I was that my recommendation made her Summer Bucket List! Not sure which hike I'll send her on just yet...still deciding if I want to make her really sweat or not ;)

I love Lizbeth's bucket list because it's so her—creative, spontaneous, daring. What's on your bucket list? Scribble yours down on some paper or draw one up on your computer and upload it to Instagram or Twitter. Tag @dirtbagdarling and #growyoungbucketlist. Lizbeth, Rhea, Lea and I will decide on our favorite list at the end of the month and that person will win a "Grow Young" T-shirt from the new Element Eden X Jac Vanek collection. Here's to a summer of dirt, salt, new trails and adventure!

Girl Gone Wild: Gillian Gibree Shares SUPYoga Tips

Yoga isn’t easy to begin with (not many people can readily twist themselves into figurative pretzels), and it’s gotten progressively tougher thanks to variations like sweat-inducing Bikram and inverted trapeze yoga. But no form of yoga fires up those little (and rarely used) muscles quite like standup paddleboarding yoga, the art of stretching out while perched on a SUP board in the middle of the water.

SUP yoga is relatively new, too, with the first weekly classes sprouting up in San Diego about three years ago. The woman behind the craze? Paddle Into Fitness’ Gillian Gibree, the lanky blonde beauty you may recognize as one of the models from the new Roxy Outdoor Fitness campaign. The Massachusetts native grew up lifeguarding, ocean swimming, and surfing on Cape Cod, but it wasn’t until she moved to San Diego that she decided to combine two of her favorite fitness pursuits—yoga and standup paddleboarding—and launch the first set of weekly SUP yoga classes through her company, “Paddle Into Fitness.” Here, we catch up with Gillian to get the scoop on the benefits of yoga on the water and her tips for getting started.

What are some of the benefits of practicing yoga on a SUP board versus in a studio?

It’s a fun way to get outdoors when the weather is nice. The unstable surface of the board makes it a little more difficult—even planks and other simple poses become harder and they fire off muscles you may not be working on stable ground or in a studio. It’s a nice change from the mirrors and the studio—our goal is to have fun and enjoy the elements, to get out on the water and try something different.

Gibree wearing Roxy Outdoor Fitness apparel. Photo by Shadow Van Houton.

What are some beginner yoga moves we can try on our boards?

Anything from a seated position—eagle arms to open the shoulders, even meditating from a seated position to get into the routine. From there coming to all fours, doing some cat-cows to warm up the spine before extending the opposite leg and hand, which will get the core firing. Work on some balance moves and you’ll start noticing the board making something like the table top position more difficult. Get into plank pose for a few breaths, then move to downward dog.

More after the jump!

Get Inspired To...Camp in a Van

Photos via Tumblr, collage by yours truly. 

My boyfriend recently bought a Sprinter and...it's huge. And awesome. And hugely awesome. Not only can we fit all of our gear into it and then some (that's kayaks, mountain bikes, surfboards and more), but we can sleep in it, which means less time setting up a tent and more time hiking or whatever it is we're doing. If you ever get the chance to camp out in the van, do it. In fact, add it to your bucket list. 

Editor's Letter: Tipping the Bucket

One of the best things I've done for myself recently was to write down my reverse bucket list (you can read about that here). Reflecting on the past year was refreshing and inspiring, but summer is my favorite time to look forward, so I'm changing my pace once again: This month is all about the bucket list.

Starting out with some little coral watercolors...let's see if I can get something on the wall!

On my to-do list this summer? A cross-country road trip, a bit of education, a hobby I've been meaning to practice and a new climbing spot. On a more personal note, I'm making it a goal to stop fixating on how I look and focus instead on how I feel by eating clean, lifting heavy and thinking positive. To help accomplish this, every time I think a bad thought about myself I'm doing five pushups—let's just say my arms are getting jacked!

Enough about my goals—what are yours? I want you to write down your summer goals (make them as specific as possible so you'll actually feel like you can accomplish them), snap a picture of your list and tag me on Instagram @dirtbagdarling with hashtag #growyoungbucketlist. At the end of the month, I'll be going through every list with Element Eden to pick a favorite. That follower will win this tie-dye tee from the Element Eden X Jac Vanek collection!

The Element Eden X Jac Vanek Grow Young collection is all about quitting your day job, falling in love, going on an adventure...whatever it is you've been putting off. 

To get your brain ticking, I asked my editors and some Dirtbag Darling friends what's on their bucket lists. Watch out for their lists all month long!

Live Adventurously,
Johnie

Ed Picks: Little Luxuries

Photo by Dirtbag Darling

I enjoy the little things in life: the sunscreen that smells like vacation, the bikini bottoms that make my butt look good, the camera that listens when I talk to it. Yep, that's why this month my Editor's Picks aren't dirtbagging necessities, they're just the little luxuries that make me smile. All the info on where you can get them after the jump:

Dirtbagging 101: How to Tie Into A Climbing Harness

So you’re learning how to climb—time to learn the basics. To tie yourself into a climbing harness, you’ll need to know how to create a Figure-8 Follow-Through knot, followed by a Fisherman’s Backup knot. They don’t just look pretty—they’re your lifelines should your grip slip, keeping your harness attached to the belay rope. While nothing beats hands-on practice (it makes perfect, after all), visual learners might benefit from brushing up with this photo tutorial. Just make sure to practice tying these knots with the help of an expert before you try them on your own and in the field.

Step 1: First, make sure you’re holding the correct end of the rope. One end will be hanging from a belay device and one will be coming down from a top rope or the top of a climbing wall. Use this end.

Step 2: Measure out about an arm’s length of rope. Pinch the rope here (you’ll need this excess rope to tie your Figure-8 knot and your backup knot).

More instructions after the jump!

Get Fed: Healthy DIY Energy Bar Recipe

Photo by Rhea Cortado

This is a guest post by Surf and Swim Ambassador Rhea Cortado.

I love the energy bars at the supermarket, but they can add up to be expensive, and I don’t like that the second ingredient is often brown rice syrup, which is used as a binder to get all the dry ingredients to stick together.

I use dates, banana, honey and coconut oil as the glue. Honey and dates are sticky and have a lot of sugar so it satisfies a sugar craving, but it’s the natural kind of sugar that your body will be burning in a jiffy while you get sweaty. This recipe offers volume (whole rolled oats), the right amount of fat and crunch (nuts) and some sweetness (dates)—it tastes like a bowl of cereal in portable snack form.

It's also super-customizable to your preferences. If you don’t have flax seed meal and cacao nibs, no big deal. If coconut’s not your thing (I don’t know how we can be friends), or if you prefer walnuts instead of pecans, just make sure that the volumes are the same proportions when you make a substitution. 

Ingredients after the jump!

Newsworthy: Stephanie Gilmore Proves Surfers Aren't Just Party Animals in CNN Interview

Photo courtesy of ASP.

Leave it to that golden-haired champion of women's surfing Stephanie Gilmore to prove that surfers aren't what Hollywood makes them out to be—in a recent interview with CNN, the 25-year-old Australian and four-time ASP champ explained that, unlike the characters in films like Point Break, not all surfers are washed-up, drugged-up party lovers.

"The biggest misconception about surfers is they all talk the surf lingo," she told CNN's Human to Hero series. "It's probably been 30 years now that it has been a professional sport and it hasn't grown too much. But now it's really turned into this phase where it's about treating the surfers as professional athletes and not just party animals."

Maybe it's just because Steph was the first surfer I ever interviewed, but I think she's a eloquent, poised example of what an athletic role model should be. She's also a dedicated professional, and I think many other female surfers (like Alana Blanchard) are catching onto the idea that surfing is a true sport, and one that takes just as much training and dedication as others. Read the full interview here.

What do you think? Is she right about surfers?

Running Advice from North Face Ultra Runner Rory Bosio

Photo used with permission by The North Face.

Think racking up 26.2 miles in a marathon is impressive? Allow Rory Bosio to knock you off your high horse: as a North Face ultra runner, she consistently finishes 50- to 100-mile races on steep, mountainous terrain—and she kicks most of her competitors’ butts in the process. She placed second at the prestigious Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run last June in California, and she placed fourth at the famed ultra-race North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Europe’s Alps in September.

But take a quick glance at the Tahoe, California-based athlete and you’d never know she’s logged some serious hours on the trails—no laboring gait, no aching knees. She’s quick and light on her feet, with enough energy to work as a pediatric emergency room night nurse after a day of training. And her secret isn’t really a secret at all—it’s yoga.

More inspiring pics after the jump!

Get Pretty: Coola's Organic, Cruelty-Free Suncare

Photo by Johnie Gall.

Quick: What's worse than flat waves and sand in your ice cream? Try skin cancer, which is why I slather on some form of SPF or another pretty much everyday (I'm not a fan of wrinkles either). But picking a go-to sunscreen has been quite a journey, especially with the FDA's recent major overhaul on sunscreen regulations. One bottle's too sticky while the next smells bad—but I think I've finally found my favorite: Coola.

I went off a recommendation from the Tone It Up girls, who swear by this stuff, and had the chance to test a few bottles out for free for a review on GrindTV.com. Bottom line: I'm obsessed. The cult-favored sun care collection of mineral sunscreens, sunscreen sprays and lip balms is made with 97 percent certified organic and locally-made ingredients, is manufactured using solar power, and is supported by PETA for cruelty-free testing.

What really won me over was the unscented mineral sunscreen in Matte Tint. It feels almost like a makeup primer, smoothing out redness with a barely-there tint, and it makes your skin look close to perfect and feel silky smooth. It's a little expensive for me at $36 for 1.7oz, but it's an investment I'm sure to make again because its just so damn perfect for everyday use. I have no qualms with investing in good skin. Coola, one request: Please come out with a sunless tanner!!

Dirtbagging 101: How To Prevent A Car Break In

I speak from experience...sadly. 

Let me preface this piece by saying that I've learned from experience how NOT to get your car broken into while your traveling. It was during a half-mile hike when our rented minivan had its window smashed in. Casualties included two GoPros, a Canon DSLR, a purse with all of its contents, a stuff sack filled with gadgets and a Gap scarf. Not sure why that last item was abducted but whatever.

I was inspired by this article from Surfer Magazine which details—in words direct from a robber's  mouth—how not to get robbed while surfing. It has a lot of practical tips that can be of value to other outdoorsmen because we're so often away from our cars with no way of bringing our valuables with us. I highly suggest reading the article at surfermag.com but here's a quick, adapted takeaway for the rest of us:

1. Don't advertise you're outdoorsy
I can proudly say I'm not a bumper sticker kind of girl, and now I feel validated for that—having a surf, kayak or climbing sticker on your car helps thieves identify you as someone who will be away from their car for longer periods of time.

2. Park in crowded areas
The shade from a tree will keep you car cool, but definitely unprotected. Park in a highly visible spot.

3. Keep gear to a minimum
As I can tell you, that's easier said than done, especially while traveling. But whenever possible, lock up your extra gear in the hotel room (or better yet, leave it at home) instead of in the car.

4. Don't rent a soft top
Convertibles and Jeeps are just so easy to break into (heck anyone with a knife can do it). Make sure all windows and car doors are locked...always.

5. Take the key with you
Don't hide it under your car, tuck it under the wheel or near the engine. If you can reach it, they can, too. If that means tucking it into your bra or bikini top, so be it (but keep in mind the Internet is full of solutions for something like this).

6. Get a better car
That's harsh, but a crappy car is just easier to break into.

What are your tips for keeping your car and valuables safe when you're outdoors?

Girl Gone Wild: Katie Boué's Cross-Country Van Trip

Photo by Katie Boué. The "Craggin Wagon."

In May of 2011, climber Katie Boué and her "big hairy boyfriend," Niko Monteiro, embarked on a five-week cross-country trip in Boué's parents' Pilot—a dream many of us have. After stint doing the whole "normal person" thing back in Miami, the duo decided they wanted to expand on their trip—for an entire year, to be precise.

So they're back on the road again, living in a van with just enough Internet service to stay connected and a stockpile of baby wipes to stay clean. They're calling it Simply Adventure, a year-long jaunt across the country in their van—dubbed the "Craggin' Wagon"—to practice climbing, educate people about the importance of caring for our crags and National Parks, and prove that real adventure is not only possible—it can be practical and inexpensive if you do it right. Two months into their trip, I caught up with Boué, a 24-year-old freelance copywriter, to see how her plans have changed so far and get her tips on making a simple cross-country trip a reality.

Aw so cute! Nike and Katie enjoyed the scenery.

You'd originally set out to visit every state in the country except two. Now that you're on the road, has the plan changed?
During the planning of the trip, Niko and I originally wanted to visit all 48 states on the mainland, but quickly decided to nix Oklahoma and Kansas because we've driven through them so many times. After finding out about some supposedly sweet climbing in the Wichita Mountains, we might be changing our minds again. Nearly two months into the trip and we've visited 10 states, from Florida to California to Utah.

Dirtbagging 101: Intro to Minimalist Running

Jon running, photo by Shiggy Ichinomiya.

Before I go and cause an uproar between believers and skeptics, let me say this: Minimalist running is not for everyone, but those runners who want to give it a try should do their homework, and I'm just touching on the basics here.

Minimalist running is, as the fashion glossies might say, all the rage right now, blossoming into a $1.7 billion industry in the past few years. So what is it? It involves wearing a running shoe that doesn't restrict on the body's natural biomechanics. Traditional, well-cushioned running shoes have built-in ankle support and an elevated heel, while minimalist shoes provide close to no cushioning and just enough material between your foot and the ground to prevent cuts and the spread of disease. The idea is that while you train in minimalist shoes, your feet will get stronger, you'll return to a more natural gait, and you'll be less prone to running injuries. Minimalist runners believe that the human foot will function at its best without synthetic and restrictive shoes.

Get Inspired: Write Down Your Reverse Bucket List

For some reason I thought I'd never see the Grand Canyon. I thought wrong!

It starts when we're kids and haunts us well into adulthood: "What do you want to be when you grow up? "Where do you want to go to college?" "Have you set a wedding date yet?" The endless onslaught of questions about the future has left most of us overvaluing what's next. It's why we tend to rush through our days with this sense of urgency, our weeks blurring into an endless scramble for some unattainable "tomorrow." And it can be exhausting.

So when Rebecca of The Uncaged Life introduced the idea of The Reverse Bucket List, it was like I finally had an excuse to chill out and look away from that light at the end of the tunnel. The idea's pretty simple: Instead of listing your goals for the future, you list the accomplishments you've already had. It's a great exercise in being appreciative in the success and adventures you've experienced instead of stressing yourself out over ones you may or may not ever see come into fruition. After all, we explore and travel to make memories—why not look back and enjoy them once in a while? Here's a taste of what's on mine:

-Did my first lead climb.
-Learned how to surf.
-Moved across the country by myself.
-Tried deep-sea fishing (and baited my own hooks).
-Started a blog.
-Became a magazine editor just a few years out of college.
-Rode dirt bikes with Jolene from Nitro Circus.
-Went to the Billabong Big Wave awards.
-Flew in a two-man plane.
-Hiked in Yosemite and Zion.

My list goes on from there, but just that chunk made me both grateful for the past year and even more stoked for this one. Try it!

What It's Like: To Be A Surfing Magazine Swim Issue Model

Amanda Booth in a Beach Riot bikini shooting Surfing Magazine's Swimsuit Issue 2013. Photo via the Swim Issue Facebook page.

Most of us are shy about letting someone take our photo in a bikini, let alone plaster it on the pages of a glossy like Surfing Magazine. Not Amanda Booth, the gorgeous-as-all-getout blonde who graces Surfing's 2013 Swim Issue for the second year in a row. We caught up with her to find out what it's actually like to be a swim issue model— turns out she's a pizza-eating, real-deal surfer with honest advice for living out of a van, and we love her to death:

You've appeared in Surfing's annual swim issue before. Were you excited to get the call again?
I was very excited! I don't often have the chance to partake in modeling jobs that involve things I actually like in my "real" life. Not to mention it was a location shoot—I never get to go on those, so I was most looking forward to traveling with such a rad crew.

Behind-the-scenes. Photo by Amanda Booth.

Tell me about preparing to be in a swim issue. Do you train or eat differently?
I don't do what you would imagine a model to do before shooting swimwear. I guess I eat one less slice of pizza...but I still eat the pizza! The only thing I worry about is poop babies (is that okay to say?). You're up at the butt crack of dawn—pun intended. Four in the morning was our usual call time to be sure to shoot during the best hours of light during the day. Traveling around the world is enough to give you a belly ache, let alone being up that early in a house of 15 strangers. So I just be sure to eat a lot of good fiber a few days before.

WATCH: Alana Blanchard's Training Routine

Alana modeling for Rip Curl.

Alana Blanchard is the vixen of the surf world—fluid and strong in the water but feminine and sexy on the beach—leaving brands clamoring after her as a model and team rider. At this moment, she's got the whole package, but after watching the new video from her Surfer Girl series, I think she's realizing exactly what goes into having longevity in the surf world:

Training is so crucial to every aspect of your outdoor life, even surfing (I should say especially surfing). The more flexibility, strength and stamina you have, the better you'll perform and the longer you'll stay in the game. I think Alana realizes in this video how far she has to go to level up with Kelly Slater, a 41-year-old force of nature beating out kids half his age in competition. You don't get like that by eating cupcakes and jogging once a week. So get out there, get sweaty, and improve your situation (no matter how good you look in a bikini).

Editor's Letter: A Little Elbow Grease

Dear Darlings,

An editor's letter? Really? I know DirtbagDarling.com is far from magazine pedigree, but it never hurts to share a sneak peek at what's next.

It's getting warmer, which means it's almost time to put on my bikini and lay around all day—just kidding! Spring means I can dive full-force back into my favorite activities: rock climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, camping, biking, surfing and trail running. But a long list of activities means I need to be in tip-top shape if I want to advance my skill level—it's time to Get Sweaty.

The next few weeks are devoted to getting fit and training smart. We'll delve into minimalist/barefoot running, trail running and standup paddleboarding yoga while trying out every class our gyms offer. We'll also be unrolling two new sections: What It's Like—where we walk in the shoes of interesting people—and Dirtbagging 101, a series of easy-to-follow how-to lessons for beginners.

In addition to all of this, watch out for workout tips (including some from the most kick-ass celebrities), a Clif Bar-inspired recipe, nutrition ideas, more product reviews, and even printable training plans. If you notice some changes to the website, bear with me—I'm trying to make it a little more navigable.

How do you get in shape? Tweet me or Instagram me a photo @dirtbagdarling #getsweaty—I'll be giving away random prizes throughout the month.

Live Adventurously,

Johnie and the Dirtbag Darling Team

Girl Gone Wild: SUP Yoga Instructor Emma Rossoff

Have you ever met someone who you thought was going to be awesome, then she turned out to be even better? That's kind of what I have going on with Emma Rossoff. I got in contact with her when I wrote this piece about Outdoor Vino and immediately wanted to know more. It started with her covetable position as Tasting Room Manager at Naked Winery near Hood River, Oregon, where she gets hands on with sales, staff and, yes, tastes wine. Then it was her summer job running an outdoor yoga program, followed by her winter job running the Sno-Blasters Kids Snow Sports program at Mt. Hood Meadows. To top off it all off, the girl is stunning. Amazing home base, dream jobs, killer body and personality to boot? I think it's safe to say she fits in here.

Oregon is such a wonderful place to live for an outdoorswoman. What activities do you take part in?
I love to ski and snowboard on Mount Hood, and standup paddle board and kite board on the Columbia River. Down winders on the SUP [standup paddle] are some of the best adventures.

You were one of the pioneers of SUPYoga—what are the benefits of practicing on the water?
It challenges your core stabilization muscles and your senses more than on dry land. You're surrounded by beauty, which can sometimes distract or overwhelm you, so you have to be more focused. The consequences of falling in the water are way more fun (and refreshing) than falling on a studio floor, so one might be encouraged to get into an inversion, for example. It's a total confidence booster.

What's one piece of gear you're loving right now?
I'm loving my Marcy ear-flapped beanie by Pistil and my Omni Mitts by DaKine—both essential for winter in Hood River. The Naish 12'6" Glide is the best all-around SUP for me. It's wide and stable enough for SUPYoga, fast in the flat water and easy to carry.

Tell me about picking up kiteboarding.
I had a nightmarish adventure learning how to kite off Jetty Island near Seattle a few years before moving to Hood River. I launched myself into the air and crash-landed into the sand. My friend had to spend an hour saving the kite I was using. When I moved to Hood River, I invested in five or more hours of private lessons...essential! Even though the gear is much safer, everyone should learn from a certified instructor. Kiting on the water together with my husband is one of the coolest things we share, although one of us is usually on the beach with toddler duty.

Working at a winery seems like a great job—how does your career help you lead an outdoorsy lifestyle?
At Naked Winery, "we aim to tease!", so it's always fun. Several of us also work for Mount Hood Meadows during the winter, including one of our owners. He understands the importance of keeping it real and we even have a brand of wine that represents that with Outdoor Vino.

What are the top three items on your bucket list right now?
1. Standup paddle the Colombia River to the Pacific Ocean.
2. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail south to north with my family.
3. Hold Pinca Mayurasana on a SUP.

Check back next month because Emma is showing us three easy yoga moves to try on our SUP boards right here!