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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Looking for a fresh start to your year? Look no further than the polar dip, the popular annual tradition of dunking yourself in cold water with fellow weirdos to welcome the New Year.

We give the newness of the next calendar year a lot of weight. Expectations are high, resolutions are at the ready and we’re all set for a fresh start – a feeling perhaps no better symbolized than by a polar dip. For the unfamiliar, a polar dip or polar bear swim is the act of submerging oneself into a body of water during the height of winter purely for that *carpe diem*, you-only-live-once, why-the-heck-not feeling,  much to the delight (or horror) of nearby spectators.

Sound crazy? Hear us out. It’s a perfectly exciting answer to the inevitable “what did you do for New Year’s?” question and certainly the flip side to the house party/staying in and splitting growlers and burritos option. If you do plan on burning the midnight oil, there’s no better next-day wake up than cannonballing in -5°C (or colder) weather.

The payoff? Bragging rights, and hopefully, a fuzzy towel and something deliciously warm to sip afterwards.

## Where to polar dip
Polar dips are best experienced with a group of similarly enthusiastic friends and strangers. Luckily there are lots of organized polar bear swims across Canada to join in. Before you change your mind, here are some places to get your swim on:

#### British Columbia
[Vancouver Polar Bear Swim](http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx)
[White Rock Annual Polar Bear Swim](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/calendar.aspx?eid=3336)
[Peachland Polar Bear Swim](http://www.peachland.ca/polar-bear-swim)

#### Alberta
[Calgary Ice Breaker Polar Dip
](https://calgaryicebreaker.com/)

#### Ontario
[Ottawa Chill
](http://searsgreatcanadianchill.ca/ottawa-polar-bear-dip-home/)[Toronto Polar Bear Dip
](http://torontopolarbear.com/)[Oakville Polar Bear Dip](http://www.polarbeardip.ca/)

#### Nova Scotia
[Halifax: Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip](http://www.herringcovepolarbeardip.com/)

Have any others? Post the link on our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/mec) to share with our community.

## 5 polar bear dip essentials
- [Travel towel](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bath-and-sanitation-products/towels/c/811): It’ll have you dry in no time and stashes easily in your bag.
- [Vacuum bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/vacuum-bottles-and-tumblers/c/1232): Filled with [something delicious](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter), of course.
- [Waterproof case](/en/products/electronics/electronics-cases/phone-cases/c/1126?filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=waterproof): To capture #polarbeardip.
- [Warm jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/c/1018) and [pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/c/1002): Bring something to cut the wind chill.
- [Toque](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/headwear/toques-and-beanies/c/1000): Because there’s nothing more Canadian than rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time.

*Note: If you take the plunge, stay safe! Here are some [polar bear swim safety tips](https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2019/12/everybody-freeze-tips-you-should-know-for-a-safe-polar-bear-plunge) to keep in mind.*



Get Canadian by rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time. Use this list to find a polar bear swim near you.

Where to polar dip (and why) | MEC Blog

Where to polar dip (and why)

There’s a stack of old MEC catalogues in our office and online, and I’ve mined through the pages to find gems from the 1970s onwards. Here’s a look back at the evolution of style for ski outfits over the last four decades – we’ve come a long way.

### Ski pants and jackets
**Evolution: lighter, stronger, stretchier**

When it comes to outer layers, one of the biggest changes over the years involves the fabrics. When neon ruled, ski suits were padded and oddly stiff. In the past few decades, ski jackets and pants have become more lightweight with lots of stretch for easy movement, and are also more durable. “The whole point of good gear is that you don’t feel like you’re wearing it,” says MEC Production Coordinator Nicholas L.



*Left to right:*Water-repellent and windproof Nyldown and Supermicroft gear, circa 1992 MEC winter catalogue, alongside some layers from this year, including the [MEC Steepside Jacket](/en/product/5044-736/Steepside-Jacket) and [Khione Jacket](/en/product/5044-743/Khione-Jacket).

Another obvious change? The cuts and designs themselves. “Today’s jackets have built-in snow skirts so you don’t have to wear bib pants or a one-piece suit,” says Nicholas. The colours have also evolved since the classic royal blue/jade/red palette (but solid turns never go out of style).



*Left to right:* The “Co-op Powder Fiend Wind Suit” made its debut in 1987, and “The Extreme Fiend” followed shortly after. Both were lightweight for their era, with lots of zipper options for ventilation, and were made to “break the breeze during spring and fall, and shed powder in winter.” Fast-forward 25 years to the jackets like the [Patagonia Reconnaissance](/en/product/5047-563/Reconnaissance-Jacket).



### Base layers
**Evolution: performance plus patterns**

While you can’t ignore how badass past styles were – along with the photoshoots – it’s intriguing to see how base layers have changed over the years. Wool, nylon, cotton and polypropylene were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, our catalogue said that “technology has hit lowly long johns in a big way” with Lycra added to the fabric “for a smooth and comfortable fit.”



*Left to right:* MEC Light-Weight Underwear in classic ivory or purple from 1993. Today’s patterned base layers, the [MEC T2 Long-Sleeved Crew](/en/product/5043-644/Merino-T2-Long-Sleeved-Crew) and the [T1 Long Johns](/en/product/5033-447/T1-Long-Johns).



*Left to right:* More classics from the archives, including silk layers that were “truly unsurpassed in this age of synthetics in its divine feel” (1992/93 MEC winter catalogue), and some made with wool, cotton and polyester blends and polypropylene (1982-83 winter catalogue).

Today’s base layer fabrics include recycled polyester and merino wool that’s soft and itch-free. “Back then, wool was thicker and not necessarily oriented toward performance,” says Nicholas.  Modern fabrics wick moisture away from your body, plus many feature anti-microbial treatments to help keep them smelling fresh after ski weekends, and some even have UV protection. Another bonus? They come in prints as well as solids.



*Above:*[MEC base layers](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/underwear%2C-long-johns-and-base-layers/c/1053) come in a 3-tiered system to categorize them from coolest to warmest (T1, T2 and T3), and give you the choice of synthetic or merino wool.

### Headwear
**Evolution: more cozy, less cowl**

From balaclavas to toques, headwear basics haven’t changed too much over the decades. You could even argue that some of the prints and colours from the past are showing up again today. Some things that have changed? Well, we no longer carry cowls (below, bottom right)…



*Left to right:*Balaclavas and toques from the 1981/82 MEC winter catalogue, and a round-up of headwear from the 1992 catalogue.

… and we’ve become a lot more strategic about the placement of certain fabrics. For example, today you’ll find wool beanies lined with soft fleece around the ears, which increases the cozy factor. There are even [goggle compatible facemasks](/en/search?text=goggles+facemask) that attach with magnets, so you don’t look like a lobster at après.



*Right:*Some retro style showing up in today’s toques, like the classic-looking [MEC Pom Pom Hat](/en/product/5042-139/Pom-Pom-Hat) and the [Patagonia Powder Town Beanie](/en/product/5053-228/Powder-Town-Beanie).

### Kids’ wear
**Evolution: over two decades of little rippers in MEC Toaster Suits**

If you can believe it, kids who wore the first one-piece MEC Toaster Suits are now in their twenties… which means they may very well have their *own* kids in Toaster Suits. It’s like a child’s rite of passage signifying the start of an epic snow season. While there have been plenty of tweaks and improvements to the design over the years, it’s quite timeless and keeps kids so comfortable they’ll fall asleep wearing it in the stroller or on the ride home.

If only they came in adult sizes.



*Left to right:* Some classic kids’ ski style from the back page of our 1981/82 winter catalogue, and the MEC Toaster Suit as seen in our 2009 winter catalogue.

The [MEC Toaster Suit](/en/features/hood/search?text=toaster+suit) is still going strong (along with the [Toaster Parka](/en/search/?text=toaster+parka) and [Toaster Bib Pants](/en/product/5047-840/Toaster-Bib-Pant)) and ready to get handed down to the next generation of little rippers.



New school vs. old school. Which do you prefer? In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing, as long as you’re warm and comfortable, have a good crew and are set for a day on the hill.



## More ski articles
- [What to wear when you go skiing](/en/article/bluebird-to-whiteout-how-to-dress-for-ski-days)
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



What you wear when you go skiing has come a long way – it’s throwback time. See some vintage ski clothing plucked from the pages of the MEC catalogue, compared side-by-side with looks from today.

The evolution of ski style | MEC Blog

The evolution of ski style

It’s the time of year when our excitement for snow on the ski hill is picking up momentum (kind of like a giant snowball). Naturally, that means a lot of skiers – newbies and powderhounds – are thinking about gear.

If you’re just learning to ski or want to upgrade your gear, it can be daunting to sort through the various models to find which skis suit your style. Exhibit A:



MEC Ski selection



Enter: the MEC ski quiz. You’re only a few questions away from finding the right pair or skis to carve, rip and shred your local hill.

[*Take the ski quiz to find your perfect skis*](/en/products/gear/snowsports-gear/ski-gear/skis/downhill-and-backcountry-skis/c/1403)



Here’s how to find your perfect skis, whether you’re a powderhound, a newbie, or need something to cut the chatter through the chunder monkeys.

What skis are right for you? | MEC Blog

What skis are right for you?

We’ve all heard it before: the [science of happiness](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3043858/world-changing-ideas/the-science-of-why-you-should-spend-your-money-on-experiences-not-thing?utm_source=facebook) tells us that we gain maximum satisfaction from getting out and doing things. The reason? A huge part of who we are stems from the sum total of our experiences. Travel, bike rides, beach days, hikes and the like end up becoming an ingrained part of our identity, and we begin to identify with what we do. What better boost for the people you love the most?

Here are experience-based gift ideas centred around having a great time:

### National or provincial park visit
Now’s the time to send your favourite outdoor buddy an invite for a camping, hiking or paddling trip to one of your favourite parks – and to mark your calendar for the day that campsite reservations open (heads up: regular fees still apply for camping and reservations). If your campground of choice is booked, it’s the perfect chance to try a new spot.

### Lessons for a new activity
Have someone special in your life who’s always wanted to try SUPing, skiing, climbing or mountain biking? Lessons are the best way to help get them started. Learning from an expert not only gets your giftee familiar with the ins and outs of safety, but it also helps them build a strong foundation for athletic progression and meet other newbies who are taking up the same sport.

### A tune up
Give the gift of smooth rides. Whether your loved ones are partial to planks or wheels, any pair of skis or bike will inevitably need a tune up to keep them in working order. MEC stores offer professional [ski shop services](/en/explore/ski-shop) and competitive rates. Our bike shop techs service all makes and models and can recommend a [bike tune-up package](/en/explore/bike-service) that best fit your rider’s needs.

### A weekend escape
There’s nothing quite as refreshing or relaxing as a weekend away, especially when someone else (like you) takes care of all the planning and details. Some ideas? Book a rustic cabin, playful yurt, ski weekend, traditional hotel or something totally different you find listed online – like an airstream or treehouse – and make the most of the wilderness or city. Bring some boardgames and wine, and leave your phone on airplane mode.

### Race entry
Have a devoted runner or rider in your life? Help them get a head start on their goals by grabbing them race entry. Bonus points if you choose a race or ride away from your hometown so you can combine it with a weekend escape.

### Drop-in passes
Gym membership sales surge every December, with lots of people resolving to devote their lives to fitness in the New Year, but numbers start flailing again as early as February. Instead of getting someone a membership that might not suit their year-round exercise habits, grab them a couple of drop-in pass to their favourite spin studio, bouldering gym, community centre, swimming pool or crossfit box.

Some ideas: Passport to Prana is in 7 Canadian cities, and lets pass holders try every yoga studio in their city once for maximum *om* output. In Toronto and Vancouver, [ClassPass](https://classpass.com/) lets attendees try out a wide selection of fitness studios for a flat monthly rate.

### Passes to your local snow resort


Whether it’s already cold and white or snow has yet to fall, nothing quite gets a powderhound as excited as a day on the slopes. Pick up a lift ticket for the snow-obsessed someone in your life (or two if you want to join them), so they can tuck through trees at Tremblant, carve corduroy at Blue Mountain, or run laps at Lake Louise.

### Equipment rentals
Know someone who’s interested in tackling a new sport but isn’t ready to commit to all the equipment it takes to make it happen? Offer the gift of a gear rental so they can try out a new activity, like snowshoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding.



Gift ideas for the active, outdoor-loving person in your life. According to the science of happiness, these experiences will make people smile. See how to make it happen.

Experiences to give this holiday

A great addition to any fitness plan, interval training alternates high intensity exercises with recovery periods over a given time period. The good thing about interval training is that it helps you get stronger for other activities like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

Whether you want to up your performance for a specific activity or find a new way to get in shape, interval training will help you make the most of your workouts.

### Before you start
Interval training isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s effective because of its high intensity approach.

According to MEC Ambassador and road cycling coach [Allan Prazsky](https://vimeo.com/161072374), it’s important to have a base fitness level that’s sufficient enough to properly do a series of intervals without incurring injury. Before you throw intervals into the mix, you should start with a routine of cardio and strength training to help get your body ready for this next step up.

To get the maximum benefits out of interval training, Allan also recommends that you make sure that the intervals are specific to the demands of your fitness routine or competition. These benefits include increased VO2 max (the volume of oxygen you use), reduced blood lactate levels, better resistance to fatigue, improved neuromuscular efficiency and increased peak power.

### The right equipment


To maximize your training, you’ll want to have the right equipment on hand. This means proper [workout clothes](/en/products/clothing/c/981?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=fitness%20and%20training&f=CFSeasonalCollections%3AIndoor+Training) and footwear; a [watch](/en/products/electronics/watches/c/1153) for time keeping; your current heart rate and heart zone measure; and a [heart rate monitor bundle](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/hrm-sensors-and-accessories/c/1156) that can estimate your VO2 max, outputs and recommended recovery time.

### Interval training ideas
Once you’re ready to get going, here are some workout ideas to get you started

##### 1. Tabata intervals
I have a love-hate relationship with Tabata intervals, which involve 20-second spurts of high intensity followed by 10 seconds of rest over 8 cycles. The beauty of the Tabata interval is that you can do it with just about any exercise, and it requires very little time.

I’ve found that the easiest way to keep time is to create a music mix that plays for 20 seconds and then stops for 10 seconds. Once you’ve chosen your time-keeping tool, you can warm up and decide which exercises to do. For example, you can stick to running, biking, swimming or rowing for the eight cycles, or you can add in some squats, push-ups, sit-ups or any other strength-building exercise. If you want to push yourself, try to match your distance or your repetitions during each cycle.

##### 2. Sprint for time
Another type of workout involves picking a distance (such as 100m on a track or two points on a street), and then sprinting to your chosen finish line. Once you’ve reached the finish point, walk back to the start and repeat four to ten times. Keep track of how long it takes you to sprint your distance, and try to match that time during every set.

##### 3. Sprint for distance


You can also sprint for a pre-determined time (30 seconds), rest for a pre-determined time (1 minute) and repeat 4 to 10 times. Use the same start point and try to replicate your distance during each set.

##### 4. Sprint for fun
If you just want to have some fun, you can mix up how you do your intervals. Put some music on and run for an entire song, then rest during the next one. Or you can walk for one song, jog for the next and sprint every time the chorus comes on.

If you’re feeling ambitious, then try Allan’s personal favourite interval, which he calls “Magic 8-Balls.” Do three to five eight-minute sets performed at your VO2 max. It’s important to take your time resting between each set. Allan says each break should last between 8 to 12 minutes to allow for maximum recovery. As he puts it, “They hurt so good.”

Now that you’ve got the basics, you can start incorporating interval training into your fitness plan. Good luck!

*Note: Since this type of training places big demands on your heart, make sure you check with your doctor to see if high-intensity training is alright for you. It’s also important to start slow, with a few intervals for a short amount of time.*

*Photo credits: Angela Aladro mella / Shutterstock.com, baranq / Shutterstock.com.*



## Related articles
- [How to choose an activity tracker](/en/explore/choose-an-activity-tracker)
- [Be a better runner: how to get fast with speed work](/en/article/be-a-better-runner-how-to-get-fast-with-speed-work)
- [How to choose running shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-running-shoes)



Make the most of your workouts with these interval training tips. This high-intensity workout helps you get stronger for things like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

How to do anything: Master interval training | MEC Blog

How to do anything: Master interval training

Late October and early November often signal the start of Canadian winter (the solstice is a bit behind), and for the Greater Toronto Area surf community, this time of year boasts the biggest and best waves.

“I always tell people that surfing on the lakes makes you a better surfer,” says Antonio Lennert, founder of Surf the Greats, an MEC Outdoor Nation collaborator organization. “Most of the time our waves are messy and hard to catch, but they do clean up nicely and stack up just like the ocean when the conditions are right.”

The local surf season starts in the fall and goes all the way to the spring. Fall through winter generates the biggest, most consistent waves. “The best time to surf in Toronto is during the winter when the big snowstorms come. When Ashbridges Bay works it gets really good – it’s pretty cool to be able to see the CN Tower while you’re riding a wave,” he beams. “Scarborough Bluffs has a few different breaks suitable for surfers ranging from beginner to advanced. Come fall and winter, some of those spots hold pretty big waves that look and feel just like the ocean, plus you get the natural beauty of the bluffs in the background.”



So if you’re ready to come out of Lake Ontario with icicles dripping from your wetsuit… how do you know when to head out in the first place?

“As most people have seen, the lakes are usually flat,” he explains. “Our swells are often short-lived since they only last as long as the storm system moving through the area.” Antonio credits strong winds as a result of low pressure systems blowing for at least 5 hours for generating 2–3-ft waves. “When [the winds] are blowing consistently from the same direction, they push water, which creates small waves that grow larger the further they travel.”

Other wave-making factors include the depth and size of the lake, as well as air and water temperature. As Antonio explains, the colder the air and water, the least amount of wind is needed to generate waves. “That’s one of the reasons why Lake Ontario goes flat during the summer months,” he clarifies. “However, Lake Erie is the shallowest lake, which is why we can surf there during the summer.”

As hurricanes roll through the Atlantic Ocean in the fall, weather systems move through the Great Lakes, and with water and air temperatures cooling, waves start rolling in to Toronto’s shoreline on nearly a weekly basis. “As winter approaches and air temperatures go below freezing, the water temperature stays just over zero … allowing us to surf sizable waves with very little wind.”



Antonio runs Surf the Greats’ wave forecasting workshops (sometimes held at MEC stores), which give newbies and experienced surfers a wealth of information and tools to surf the Great Lakes. They include further science behind wave formation, how to understand weather maps and charts, apps to use, and even an intro to established local surf spots.

For Antonio, safety and self-rescue go foot-in-leash with chasing waves. “Having the proper equipment is rule number one. If you are a beginner, we recommend a soft top board and a warm [wetsuit](/en/products/watersports/watersports-clothing/wetsuits/c/1043?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=surfing) (think 6mm thick). And understanding the conditions is key. We have different types of currents on the Great Lakes and knowing how to avoid and get out of them is very important.” Some of the area’s best surf breaks have tricky entry points and rocky bottoms, so choosing a spot you’re comfortable with is paramount to staying safe. “Never surf alone,” he says, adding that the beaches aren’t supervised in the colder months. “Go with a friend and paddle out where there are other surfers.”

The changing nature of the Great Lakes is something Antonio has come to live for, and hopes to expose more Toronto-area residents to it over the years. “They can go from completely flat to having 6-foot waves breaking in just a few hours and then stop completely shortly after. It makes the chase very rewarding.”

*Photos by [Lucas Murnaghan](https://www.instagram.com/lucasmurnaghan/).*

*Want to try surfing? Check out **MEC Outdoor Nation** and* [*Surf the Greats*](http://surfthegreats.org/) *for the latest events, and don’t forget to tag your freshwater Instagram pics with* [**#myhomewaters**](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/myhomewaters/) *to help protect Canada’s waterways.*



Tips on when and where to surf in Ontario from Surf the Greats. This Toronto-based organization aims to share the stoke for surfing in the Great Lakes, including spots like Scarborough Bluffs and Ashbridges Bay.

Ontario's Surf the Greats: winter wave forecasting | MEC Blog

Surf the Greats: catching winter waves

One breezy summer day while arriving to surf Lake Erie with friends, Antonio Lennert witnessed something startling: over a hundred dead fish washed up along the shoreline. “It was a very scary moment,” he says. “None of us had ever seen that many dead fish on the beach before.” As the group got in the water, they saw algae all around, but since they’d driven for two hours to find good waves that day, they paddled out and surfed for a couple hours anyways. “Every now and then a dead fish would pop up next to one of us,” says Antonio. “It was pretty gross and terrifying.”

The Brazilian-born surfer and community activist has been noticing more and more changes in the Great Lakes over the years, and the damage is something he desperately hopes to repair. As the founder and Chief Experience Officer of [Surf the Greats](http://surfthegreats.org/), a northern surf culture and community organization and Toronto-based MEC Outdoor Nation collaborator, he leads beach cleanups, educational workshops and meet-ups in hopes of instilling a need to act in the local surf community. For Antonio, Surf the Greats is the manifestation of passion for adventure, exploration and the power of nature – something that was ingrained in him when he grew up by the ocean in Brazil, and when he lived in California and Australia before moving to Toronto in 2009.



“[I’ve] lost count of how many times I saw people putting their lives at risk without fully understanding the dangers of our riptides,” he laments. “And water is becoming a commodity as the years go by. But surfing the Great Lakes puts us in a privileged position, [one where we] witness all the pollution in the water. And that needs to change.”

[Pollution, contamination, debris and harmful algal blooms](http://www.waterkeeper.ca/blog/2016/9/2/lake-ontario-water-colours-what-the-lakes-hue-can-tell-you) are some of the largest threats to Canada’s waterways. The blooms are particularly concerning. A result of rapid algae growth due to the presence of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, they tend to occur in late summer and early fall, and produce toxins as cells die. For surfers, paddlers and swimmers who want to enjoy the water, the health issues that result from contact with the blooms can be wide-ranging and serious: muscle cramps and twitching, nausea and vomiting, cardiac or respiratory difficulty, liver failure and even paralysis.

Antonio has witnessed the blooms first-hand. “Sometimes we leave the water covered in algae or aren’t able to surf at all because of the toxicity,” he reveals. “Although many surfers still risk their health and go in.”



Wanting to enlighten fellow surfers and increase his safety knowledge, Antonio went to Costa Rica to take an open-water rescue course as well as the Surf & SUP instructor course put on by the International Surfing Association. Surf the Greats events, meet-ups and [wave forecasting workshops](/en/article/surf-the-greats-winter-wave-forecasting) are where he gets to pass that knowledge on. At a recent MEC Outdoor Nation and Surf The Greats event in the Toronto Islands called “Castaway,” 100 people gathered at a secret beach to SUP, do yoga, swim and participate in a [beach cleanup](/en/article/10-ways-to-protect-your-fave-paddle-surf-or-swim-spot). “We removed over 100lb of garbage from the beach and more than 10 tires from the lake,” says Antonio. His desire to connect people with nature through surfing goes hand in hand with a drive to care for it; it’s a new wave of thinking that plenty of Toronto-area residents are eager to catch a ride on.

“Next summer we want to expand our offerings to Prince Edward County and other parts of Ontario while growing our programming for Toronto,” says Antonio. Surf the Greats devotees and wave watchers can keep an eye on their inboxes and social media channels for sweet bonuses too, including info on pop-up shops, reggae night dance parties, surf photography exhibits and yoga classes.

*Photos by [Lucas Murnaghan](https://www.instagram.com/lucasmurnaghan/).*

*Want to try surfing and get involved? Check out **MEC Outdoor Nation** and* [*Surf the Greats*](http://surfthegreats.org/) *for the latest events and tag your freshwater Instagram pics with*[*#myhomewaters*](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/myhomewaters/) *to help share the love of Canada’s waterways.*



Meet Ontario's Surf the Greats. These Toronto-based surfers share some serious love for riding waves on the Great Lakes – find out how to join their events, workshops, dance parties and more.

Surf the Greats: for the love of waves | MEC Blog

Surf the Greats: for the love of waves

Let’s start with the hard part: it’s pronounced *hue-gah*. Now that that’s out of the way, what the heck is it? Hygge is the Danish word for good times and nice feelings when you’re enjoying food, drink and warmth with good company. So even if this is the first time you’ve heard of hygge, chances are you know precisely what it’s all about.

Enter our own little tribute to hygge. Whether you’re looking to share a hygge-filled afternoon with friends, or to want just get outside more this winter, we’ve put together a handful of activity based ideas for gettin’ hygge with your favourite activities this season (sorry, we had to).

#### First, a few hygge essentials:
**Lights:** The image of friends and family huddled around a fire or candles while lost in conversation is quintessential hygge. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, consider lighting a few extra candles – [lanterns](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/headlamps-and-lighting/lanterns-and-candles/c/1307) do the trick too – to create extra ambience.

**Cozy things:** This one’s a given. Nothing says hygge like sweats fresh out of the drier on a cold afternoon, or your favourite pullover fleece in a packed coffee shop before heading to the hill.

**Warm drinks:** [Cocoa](/en/product/4017-938/Fair-Trade%26-Organic-Instant-Hot-Chocolate%2C-Milk), apple cider, hot toddies, mulled wine, tea, you name it. Hot drinks = hygge, so plan your mug situation accordingly.

**Say hygge all the time:** Seriously. Just saying the word feels cozy. Do it, and bask in the warming power of language.

#### Skiing and snowshoeing
Few activities match the hygge-potential of skiing or snowshoeing. Picture this: you and your pals return from cross-country skiing to an A-frame cabin amidst snow-sprinkled pine trees, where a woodstove burns bright and hot drinks are steaming. You clomp inside to warm your chilly feet and bask in it all. Perfection!

But most of us don’t have regular access to picturesque cabins; instead, the only thing we’ll be cozying up to after skiing is our friend’s butt as we’re packed into the backseat of someone’s car.

Luckily, you can still create hygge on the trail and the ride home. First, step up your trail-snack game by packing a picnic: crackers and fancy cheese, some baked goods and hot beverages (enjoy these [delicious suggestions](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter)). Then, pick a quiet spot near the trail and make a bit of a fuss: lay out a blanket, hang some lights up like a crazy person, or – provided no one’s around – bust out some hygge-friendly jams. Sure, these items will make your pack *significantly heavier*than normal. But whatever, hygge is all about creating a special, memorable atmosphere with good people.

For post-ski hygge luxury on the drive home, pack your favourite pair of cozy sweats or flannel, and bring a blanket for the backseat crew. Between that and a blazing car heater (or a fireplace if you’re lucky), you’re in for good hygge times.

##### **Ski or snowshoe hygge checklist:**
- [Vacuum bottles](/en/products/travel-gear/travel-accessories/vacuum-bottles-and-flasks/c/1232) (and maybe a [flask](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/flasks-growlers-and-wine-storage/c/1230)) with tasty beverages
- [Packable speakers](/en/products/electronics/audio-and-video-electronics/c/1569) (just make sure other folks aren’t around)
- Comfy clothes for afterwards

#### Running


When the holiday season kicks in, weekly workouts often get disrupted and you might not see your go-to run buddy or run crew as much.

Ready to buck that trend? Hold a run-hygge party! Bamboozle your running pals to bundle up for a brisk jaunt. Pick a route that end at your place. Make sure simmering mulled wine and treats are waiting. Simple, sure, but it’s amazing how satisfying classics like good food and drink can be after a workout. Combine that with a solid-gold group dynamic, and you’ve got a recipe for hygge success.

Or organize a solstice night-run with headlamps, lanterns and hot drinks in your running pack to kick-start the hygge vibes. Because when it’s dark and cold, friends and a gaggle of bobbing headlamps provide a world of warmth.

##### Run hygge checklist
- Warm [winter running layers](/en/products/run-and-fitness/clothing/c/1573) and cozy [toques](/en/products/clothing/clothing-accessories/headwear/toques-and-beanies/c/1000)
- [Headlamps](/en/products/run-and-fitness/headlamps/c/1306) for dark nights
- A [running pack](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-packs/c/291) to bring hot apple cider as a surprise at the turnaround point

#### Yoga


With parties and vacations, there’s a chance you’ll get behind on your practice at this time of year. To keep your yoga hot streak going, create a makeshift home yoga studio – hygge style. Choose a room or corner, set up some moody lights or candles, and turn up the heat for a bit (if you’ve got a fireplace, all the better).

To keep the spirit of hygge strong, invite a friend of yours who’s been hesitant to join you at yoga. Sure, a session in front of the fireplace while talking your pal through a few poses won’t present the most challenging class ever. But the feeling of sharing something meaningful with good people will stoke some hygge vibes.

##### Yoga hygge checklist
- Soft lighting from candles or [lanterns](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/headlamps-and-lighting/lanterns-and-candles/c/1307)
- A gift in the form of a yoga mat for your friend
- Post-practice [Patagonia pullover](/en/products/c/300/brands/patagonia?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=camping%20and%20hiking)

#### Indoor climbing


Because climbing’s so social, simply heading to the gym around the holidays feels special. To boost the good vibes, say hello to someone new, bring goodies from your favourite recipe, or take a family member or friend climbing for the first time. Or, be the chalk fairy: sprinkle a bit of chalk in everyone’s chalkbag. (You can never have enough chalk.)

Got a hangboard at home? Invite your climbing friends over and bring climber-ly flare to the affair. For every steaming mug of mulled wine poured, make encourage your friends to hop on the hangboard and do a dead-hang, pull-up, L-hang or whatever. Oh, and tell your guests to bring candles. Because hygge.

##### Climbing hygge checklist
- [Unicorn Dust chalk](/en/product/6025-790/unicorn-dust-chalk-170g?colour=NO_COLOUR) to spread chalk-magic
- [Climbing guidebooks](/en/products/travel-gear/books-and-maps/guidebooks/c/932?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=rock%20climbing) to gather around and plan next year
- [Hangboard](/en/product/5021-029/Simulator-3D-Hangboard), as a good reason to invite your climbing crew over

#### Just being outside
At a certain point, long days of relative inactivity and indulgence are going to happen in winter. Why not shake things up a bit and share the great hygge outdoors? Keep it simple – bundle up with friends and go skating, bring along a beverage or two to the sledding hill, go stargazing on crystal clear nights, convince your whole family to go for a walk as the snow falls – whatever! Part of hygge is creating meaningful experiences fueled by the warmth of good company. Somehow, getting outside together always seems to make that happen.



Things are about to get seriously cozy. Learn what the heck hygge is, and how to bring it to life with some of your favourite winter activities.

MEC Blog