Camping and eyewear:   Select electronics and solar panels from Brunton, GoalZero and Spot  - 20% OFF
Select backpacks, daypacks from The North Face, Osprey and ULA Equipment  - 20-40% OFF
Select sleeping bags, pads from Big Agnes, Exped, and Western Mountaineering 20-40% OFF
More specials  throughout the department  20-40% OFF until gone!
Select premium sunglasses from  Smith, Kaenon and Native  -- 30-40% OFF

 Thifty Outfitters:

Mountain Hardwear Womens Ramesa Pants and comvertible Pants 50% OFF  The regular pants will be $31.99 and the convertible will be $34.99. 20 pair each - get 'em while supplies last!

 

 

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Ten Menogyn Camperships are available to teens whose families couldn't otherwise afford to send them to camp

Midwest Mountaineering sponsors a Venturing Crew.  Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help teens mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.  Venturing is a co-ed youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for teens who have completed 8th grade and are under 21 years of age.  The Venturing Crew follows Midwest Mountaineering's lead - non-political, non-religious and non-discriminatory.

The Venturing Crew goes backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping.  The Crew meets weeknights bimonthly at Midwest Mountaineering or nearby areas.  Many activities the Crew does are free of charge, some Crew activities have costs associated with them.

Venturing Crew members say that because of Venturing they:
- Made new friends.
- Had opportunities to go places and do things I had never experienced.
- Learned to get along with people different from myself.
- Practiced skills of cooperation and teamwork.
- Had an adult to talk with about important issues.
- Was encouraged to share my ideas and opinions.
- Being a Venturer has taught me to have more self-confidence.
- Activities in Venturing helped me prepare for the future.

In less than a year the Midwest Mountaineering Venturing Crew has kayaked, climbed, winter camped, snowboarded, and backpacked on the Superior Hiking Trail. In Venturing the youth initiate and plan activities and trips. However, leaders are needed as well.  We welcome parents of participating kids and other interested adults to volunteer their time to lead the Venturing Crew.  For more information contact Bear Paulsen bear@midwestmtn.com or James Swanson (Crew Advisor) swajam65@gmail.com

Venturing events for this year:
Thurs, 5/10 - Kayak lake Nokomis
Sat, 6/9 - Paddle the Kinnickinnic
Sat, 7/7 to Sun, 7/15 - Backpack the Tetons with Rod
Thurs, 8/23 - Kayak Lake Nokomis
Thurs, 9/13 - Kayak Lake Nokomis
2013 - Next Year -  August - backpack at Philmont Ranch in New Mexico

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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, June 6 - 6:30pm Kayaking 101
Discover why kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.  Ellen Nacik, one of our most energetic kayak gurus, will cover the basics of kayak and equipment selection and also share suggestions on places in Minnesota and Wisconsin to paddle. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday, June 7 - 6:30pm Canoeing: The Basics
Have you struggled to paddle into the wind?  Argued about whose fault it was that you ran into the only rock in the middle of the lake?  Bear Paulsen will share tips and tricks for paddling in a wide variety of conditions.  He’ll explain why canoes behave the way they do.  He’ll go over canoe nomenclature, design and basic paddling strokes.  If you don’t know why canoes feel less stable to bow paddlers you should come.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday,  June 7 - 6:30pm Divas Climbing 101
Women, take yourself to new heights and learn the ropes through hands-on experience in our Climbing Cave.  Wear comfortable  clothing and get ready to soar!  All equipment provided.  Instructed by Carolyn Hansen.  Sign up early because these classes are popular! Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Cost $5, no refunds.  Minimum age 15.  612–339–3433 Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Saturday,  June 9 - 12:00pm Midwest Paddlemania
Midwest Paddlemania is the premier whitewater event in Minnesota.   This event has really grown the last few years and draws paddlers from around the region.  Everyone is welcome!  Whitewater paddlers, families, pets, spectators.  600 cfs scheduled release Saturday and Sunday = guaranteed action! “Slot Machine” Showcase – Saturday 4:00pm
Raffle prizes from our sponsors including a Jackson Zen 65 whitewater kayak.
Guided trips down the Upper or Lower St. Louis River.
Demo Boats:  Courtesy of Midwest Mountaineering from Jackson, Pyranha, Liquid Logic, and Wave Sport.
Free camping at the Kayak and Canoe Institute (KCI) Saturday night.  No entry fee.
Paddlemania is hosted by Team Midwest Mountaineering on the St. Louis River.  For more information and updates, see the paddlemania facebook page. Carlton, MN.  Meet in the KCI parking lot.

Sunday,  June 10 - 1:00pm – 5:00pm Canoe, Kayak & SUP Super Demo Day  
Test-paddle canoes and kayaks with our expert staff.  We bring the boats, paddles, and personal flotation devices – You come dressed to play!   In addition to the demo we will have limited classes and demos available for both canoeists and kayakers.  See class and demo listings below for more information.  Limited boats and boards available for classes, bring your own if you are able.  No children under 13 or dogs in classes.  Cost $5 (receive a $5 gift certificate).  No pre-registration required.
1:00 – 2:00  Kayak Tour
1:00 – 2:00  Solo Canoe Control
1:00 – 2:00  Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
1:45 – 2:45  Tandem Canoe Paddling
2:00 – 4:00  On the Water Paddling Pointers
2:15 – 3:15  Women's Only Stand-Up Paddleboarding
2:30 – 3:15  Rigging Tarps Demo
2:45 – 3:30  Kayak Paddle Sizing and Strokes
3:00 – 3:30  Portaging a Canoe
3:30 – 4:30  Stand-Up Paddleboarding
3:45 – 4:45  Tandem Canoe Paddling
3:45 – 4:45  Rescue and Rolling Demonstration
4:00 – 5:00  Solo Canoe Control
Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 1:00pm – 2:00pm  Super Demo Day — Kayak Tour
Join Midwest's own Brian Bahn for a leisurely one hour tour around Lake Nokomis.  He'll give some pointers to refine your paddling technique and suggestions to make your next outing more enjoyable.  Preregistration required – limited to 6 participants.  Specify when registering whether you have or need a kayak.  Cost $5 – no refunds.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday, June 10 - 1:00pm – 2:00pm Super Demo Day — Solo Canoe Control
Spend an hour learning how to effectively paddle a solo canoe.  Dan Cooke, an avid freestyle paddler and former ACA instructor, will teach you everything from how to paddle in a straight line to how to turn your canoe 180° in a single maneuver.  Learn how to coax the most out of every paddle stroke.  Some solo canoes will be available, bring your canoe, paddle, pfd and kneeling pad if you are able.  Preregistration required – limited to 7 participants.  612–339–3433.  Specify when registering whether you have or need a canoe.  Cost $5 – no refunds.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 1:00pm – 2:00pmSuper Demo Day — Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding can be very fun and easy for beginners.  People of all ages and physical abilities can easily stand up on the SUPs.  Just standing on the board improves balance skills and makes for a great physical workout.  Chris Bank will help you learn to balance on the board.  He’ll also teach board control, turning and self-rescue.  Some stand up paddleboards will be available, bring your own board, paddle and pfd, bring your own board if you are able.  Preregistration required – limited to 6 participants.  Specify when registering whether you have or need a board.  Cost $5 per person, no refunds.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 1:45pm – 2:45pm Super Demo Day — Tandem Canoe Paddling
This class will focus on strokes, portaging and working with the canoe’s secondary stability.  Bear Paulsen, a long time wilderness canoeist will introduce paddlers to the basic skills they need to portage and paddle a canoe on lakes and gentle rivers.  Some tandem canoes will be available, bring your own canoe, paddle, pfd and kneeling pad if you are able.  Preregistration required – limited to 10 participants.  Specify when registering whether you have or need a canoe.  Cost $5 per person, no refunds.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 2:00pm – 4:00pm Super Demo Day — On the Water Paddling Pointers
Members of the Mississippi River Challenge Paddling Team will be on-hand to share paddling pointers while you're on the water.  There will also be a stand-up paddle boarder to discuss river touring via paddleboard.  They'll also let you know about the metro area's largest paddling event: the Mississippi River Challenge.  For more information: www.mississippiriverchallenge.org.  No limit on class size.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 2:15pm – 3:15pm Super Demo Day — Women’s Only Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding can be very fun and easy for beginners.  People of all ages and physical abilities can easily stand up on the SUPs.  Just standing on the board improves balance skills and makes for a great physical workout.  Chris Bank will help you learn to balance on the board.  He’ll also teach board control, turning and self-rescue.  Some stand up paddleboards will be available, bring your own board, paddle and pfd, bring your own board if you are able.  Preregistration required – limited to 6 participants.  Specify when registering whether you have or need a board.  Cost $5 per person – no refunds.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 2:45pm – 3:30pmSuper Demo Day — Kayak Paddle Sizing and Strokes
Jerome Rausch will help you find the correct size for your paddle.  Then he’ll focus on forward stroke essentials.  He’ll demonstrate paddling strokes and then he’ll coach participants on their strokes.  Class taught on land.  Preregistration recommended – limited to 12 participants.  Bring your own paddle if you are able.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 3:00pm – 3:30pm Super Demo Day — Portaging a Canoe
Bear Paulsen will demonstrate three different techniques (tricks) for portaging canoes.  After the demonstration everyone will have the opportunity to tryout the techniques for themselves with coaching from Bear.  Preregistration required – limited to 12 participants.  612-339-3433.  Check in at the Midwest registration table.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach Sunday,  June 10- 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Super Demo Day — Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Please see description above. Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 3:45pm – 4:45pm Super Demo Day — Tandem Canoe Paddling
Please see description above.Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Sunday,  June 10 - 3:45pm – 4:45pm Super Demo Day — Rescue and Rolling Demonstration
Jerome Rausch will demonstrate a wet exit, two different rescues and a roll.  He’ll describe each technique as he does it and explain the basics of how to do it.  Best way to view the demonstration is on the water.  No boats provided for viewing, bring your own boat if you want to watch from the water.  No limit on class size.  Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

Monday, June 11 -  6:30pm Climbing 102
A Climbing 101 clinic is a prerequisite for this clinic.  Carolyn Hansen will provide this opportunity to expand your technical skills and help prepare you for more advanced climbing.  We’ll review knots, commands, and belaying, along with more in-depth explanations and uses of climbing gear.  Don't worry; we will still have time to climb!  Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Cost $5, no refunds.  Minimum age 15.  612–339–3433  Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday,  June 12 - 6:30pm BWCA: Everything You Need to Know
Find out everything you need to know about paddling in the BWCA.  Bear Paulsen, one of our wilderness-paddling experts, will share his knowledge of permits, routes and general wilderness tripping techniques.  He'll give you hints on avoiding the crowds whether you’re basecamping or travelling daily.  He'll also share ways to avoid the two most threatening parts of canoe country – bugs and bears.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday,  June 13 - 6:30pm Crossover Kayaks – The Do Everything Boat
Do you want to kayak on lakes, calm rivers and whitewater?  Do you want to try whitewater kayaking?  In recent years, manufacturers have developed kayaks that bridge the gap between whitewater and flatwater and make the whitewater learning experience much easier.  Come learn about this new type of kayak that does it all and makes learning the exciting challenge of whitewater kayaking much more accesssible.  Join Tommy Norton to learn about the fastest growing segment of paddlesports. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday,  June 14 - 6:30pm Bouldering Divas
The second Thursday of every month is the all women, ONLY women, evening of bouldering in the Cave!  Carolyn Hansen will be on hand to answer questions and help provide a fun and relaxing atmosphere.  All abilities welcome from the, “I’ve never done this before”, to those who want to set routes, and everyone in-between.  Preregistration recommended – limited to 10 participants.  Minimum age 15.  Climbing shoe rental is $3.  612–339–3433  Climbing Cave, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday,  June 14 - 7:00pm Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail is one of the top trails in the US and it’s in our own backyard.  Currently there are over 285 miles of trail completed with about 20 more left to complete.  You'll also learn about volunteer opportunities to help build & maintain the trail. Kim Fishburn will talk about efforts to realign the North Country Trail to include the Superior Hiking Trail, the Border Route, and the Kekekabic Trail, and find out how you can be part of what will be the longest trail in the US when it’s completed.  For more info: shta.org.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Saturday,  June 16 - 9:00am – 2:00pm Climbing 103 – Outdoors on Rock!
Climb on the cliffs above the scenic St Croix River.  Put the skills you have learned at Midwest Mountaineering’s Climbing 101 and 102 classes to use in the great outdoors!  This class is offered by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Outdoor Adventure; you’ll also find the familiar face of Midwest Mountaineering’s Carolyn Hansen too. All participants MUST take Climbing 101 and 102 at Midwest Mountaineering – no exceptions.  Pre-registration and pre-payment required.  Cost $60, no refunds.  Class size: minimum 7, maximum 12.  Class will be cancelled the preceding Tuesday if minimum is not met.  Minimum age 15.  612-339-3433.  All climbing equipment provided.  Interstate State Park, Taylor’s Falls.  Meet at the far end of the Minnesota side parking lot.

Monday,  June 18  - 6:30pm Introduction to Adventure Racing
Have you ever watched Adventure Racing on TV and wanted to try it?  Does the idea of mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering and climbing over 12, 24, 36 hours or even days sound interesting or insane ... or both?  Members of Team Midwest Mountaineering will explain the fundamentals of Adventure Racing.  Learn the basics from what gear is required to training tips and where to find a team and/or race.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Tuesday,  June 19 - 6:30pm BWCA Paddling Techniques – On the Water Canoe Class
Midwest Mountaineering and Three Rivers Parks are teaming up to bring you an on-the-water canoe class at Hyland Lake.  This course is the second session of the BWCA: Everything You Need to Know (June 7th).  It will introduce you to the basics of canoeing, including beginning strokes, proper canoe packing and how to be safe on remote waters.  Preregistration and prepayment required.  612-339-3433 Registration information at www.threeriversparks.org, click on Events.  Cost $20.  Canoe, paddles, pfd included.  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Saturday,  June 23 - 6:30pm City of Lakes Tri-loppet
The Tri-Loppet is designed to give families, recreational paddlers, bikers, runners, and serious athletes alike an opportunity to experience Minneapolis from a different perspective.  It features an 8k paddle, 5k trail run and 11k mountain bike.  Midwest Mountaineering is a proud sponsor.  For more information: tri-loppet.com. Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Wednesday,  June 27  6:30pm Wind, Weather, Waves
Come learn some of the meteorology basics around what makes kayaking fun.  Join seasoned (in this case "salty") sea kayaker and weather-forecaster-wanna-be, Ellen Nacik to discuss how oceans of air and differential heating of the rock we live on make for some good (and not so good) paddling times.  We'll discuss kayaking techniques when in conditions as well as proper equipment.  Finally we'll evaluate when it's better to enjoy the day on the shore watching the whitecaps instead!  Expedition Room, Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday,  June 28 - 5:00 pm – 7:30pm Try Before You Buy Kayak & SUP Demo 
Test-paddle kayaks and stand up paddleboards with our expert staff.  There will be no canoes at this demo.  We bring the boats, paddles, and personal flotation devices – You come dressed to play! Cost $5, receive a $5 gift certificate.  No pre-registration required. Lake Nokomis near the main (northwest) beach

All Midwest Mountaineering events are at www.midwestmtn.com/current-events