Posts Tagged ‘survival’

Looking for a secret spot to swim? Most tourists don’t know about The End of The World in Seaside Oregon. Here’s a quick blog about training in the estuary.

To find this chill beach spot, drive down 12 Ave. and turn right on N Franklin St. Go to the dead end and park. Take the short trail North to the beach. Hidden in the grass is yet another trail to explore.

The estuary is a great place to train. I swam the last two days there. The water is so cold! Maybe that’s why we were the only ones spashing around. When we went, the current was sucking hard into the Pacific Ocean. My hommie and I challenged ourselves to go upstream. I swam freestyle, then began swim-running in the shallow water. My Marine buddy worked on his survival/combat stroke. The combat side stroke, aka CSS was developed and taught by the United States Navy Seals. He was swimming on his side, kicking, and front crawling through the current. He had a very efficient technique. Learn that.

Swimming up current is tough. Survival Bros challenges YOU to try it this summer. Plus, If you like crab, you can wade through the estuary with a rake for an easy dinner. 2 or 3 crabs should satisfy your hunger after aqua running. All you need is melted butter.

Survival Bros is all about challenging yourself. Make missions for yourself to complete. It can be anything, from an endurance bike ride to swimming against Mother Nature. Go hard this summer. You’re responsible for your health. More preparedness blogs coming soon. Best wishes from the beach.

– Cameron McKirdy

20120821-174756.jpg

They are everywhere! There’s billions of berries bursting from the vines right now. Survival Bros challenges YOU to harvest some in your area this summer! What are you waiting for? It’s free food.

I rolled to the Mill Ponds in Seaside, OR with a hommie this morning. We packed in breakfast sandwiches, and found tons of ready-to-eat fruit on the trail. Even more will be ready later this week. I will be back to collect pounds of wild blackberries. They are so sweet! I want to rub them all over my face. I’m going to freeze some for my power smoothies. We collected handfuls today. What a blessing. %^].

– Cameron McKirdy

20120817-114756.jpg

Preppers are ready 24/7. That’s why many of us carry the same items everyday. This blog covers essential EDC items that can help tackle daily challenges.

I usually go everywhere with my tactical backpack. It looks like a regular sized black book bag, but it’s loaded with goodies. In it I have: a mace pen, a regular pen, money, my Gerber Rex Applegate folding knife, a small tactical LED flashlight with belt clip, a carabiner with bottle opener, bandana, sunglasses, paracord, small first aid kit, keys, extra clothes including a poncho and rain pants, extra socks, healthy snacks, spring water in an aluminum bottle, a small multi-tool, vitamins, pain reliever, a beanie, wet wipes, tiny compass, iPhone and charger, a good book, and variously colored and textured condoms. I feel ready.

You don’t have to carry a full backpack of course, but you should have some of these items in your pockets at all times. Survival Bros recommends you have some sort of protection on you always, just in case. Many of my bros pack a pistol, and an extra magazine.

A noise maker, like an air horn or whistle would be smart too. And try to carry something that can start a fire, such as a Bic lighter. Also, consider having a water filter handy. I have an Aquamira filter in my pack that attaches to my internal water pouch hose.

If you carry some or all these items regularly, you will be more prepared than most. Thank yourself for learning this info, and pass it on! Peace from my tent.

– Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros President

20120727-000706.jpg

20120829-093002.jpg
Another extreme Survival Bros EDC example

Spyridon LS

Kicking back and watching boats come in on the Mckenzie River

I bought those silly five-fingered shoes. Yup. I paid $120 for the new model. And I go out in public wearing my Vibram FiveFingers too. It’s OK, because I love the trash talk. The following is my take on these trail running shoes. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

I was stoked when I got these kicks. The salesman told me the Spyridon LS is designed specifically for trail running. Perfect! I climb mountains. So I put them to the test. First I went a short distance, just two miles on Tillamook Head from Seaside. They felt great. Snug like a natural extension of my feet. However, one downside to the Vibrams is that your toes can get wet quickly. Once I stopped running my toes were cold and going numb. I got out of them right away and put them through the wash. They were caked in clay and mud.

The second hike I took wearing Vibrams was around Cape Falcon, and Short Sands, in Oswald West State Park along the Oregon Coast. I jogged parts of my 7.35 mile hike, and made a few stops to checkout the surfers and ocean views. I finished in 3:05 hours. My feet started to ache around the six-mile mark, but I just wasn’t use to the shoes yet. That will take a long time, maybe years. You’ve got to hike this state park. There’s nothing like it. Bring your camera.

Oswald West State Park in Oregon

I’ve had my Vibrams for a few months now, and they’ve performed great. But here’s the ugly. I snagged my pinky toe on something and one small part of the sole ripped away from the upper. An easy fix soon with shoe glue, but annoying now. Also, the rubber is pretty thin, so walking on gravel sucks, and going far on pavement isn’t fun. Plus, they are low top and don’t have much support on the sides. My advice to Vibram owners is to go slower than normal. Another annoying thing about these shoes is even though they are the right size, my little toe has a tendency to pop out of its home. Then I have to readjust by hand. It’s best to pull them really tight to avoid toe slippage.

In addition, like it or not, these shoes will attract attention. Be prepared to answer a million questions about them. Strangers approach me all the time to ask questions. And be ready to be made fun of. Lots of people think that Vibrams are ugly. I think they are beautifully designed, so there! But you won’t see me wearing this around town much. They were absolutely created for the outdoors.

Barefoot like trail running shoes

My new Spyridon LS Vibrams!

Having said all that, I strongly recommend you look into the barefoot running, and walking movement. It’s taking off, and for good reason. Shoes may be the worst invention ever! If you wear Vibrams or some other minimalist shoe you will strengthen your ankles and legs, in my opinion. They will take some time to get use to. You may want to buy a transition shoe first that has more of a sole. Try on all the different brands and styles, and figure out what’s right for you. Survival Bros says ditch the kicks and feel with your feet. Peace.

– Cam

SB Prez