Seeing as both wildfires and power outages are going hand in hand, I want to repost an FAQ I wrote from last year for wildfire safety, updated with some power outage info. I'll be updating and simplifying this as time allows - hopefully it's comprehensive.

EDIT: Exceeded word count, I extended it into the comment responses. Check Table of Contents for whatever info you care about.

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TL;DR SUMMARY:

Wildfires - Enhance awareness by checking fires and AQI, and buy/wear a valved N95-rated respirator (NOT a regular surgical mask). Most importantly, ensure a proper fit/seal if you don't want short or long term respiratory problems/failure.



Power Outages - Stay informed. Prepare 2 weeks worth of water and cash. Move things to fridge/freezer for up to 48 hours of storage.



Evacuations - Sonoma County is currently being evacuated as the Kincade Wildfire razes homes to the ground. Cal Maritime Academy was evacuated yesterday (10-27) due to the Vallejo ("Glen Cove") Fire. You decide if you want to prepare for evacuation - details below if so.

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Table of Contents

1. General Info - Power Outages and Wildfires
   
2. Wildfire Safety - Respirator Masks
   
3. Power Outages - Preparedness
   
4. Evacuations - Go Bag
   
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   1. GENERAL INFO - Power Outages and Wildfires
   

   
   What's going on with power outages?
   
   PG&E is implementing PSPS, "Public Safety Power Shutoffs", during times of high fire risk (dry, high winds), in an attempt to prevent wildfires.
   
   ​
   
   How do I stay up to date about power outage information? Am I affected?
   
   Official City of Berkeley webpage about PG&E outages.
   
   PG&E Outage subpage.
   
   PG&E outage map - use to check if you're out of power.
   
   PG&E's Twitter may be a better information source if high traffic causes other websites to go down.
   
   Other alternative sources available here.
   
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   What's on fire right now?
   
   Official California wildfire maps here. A colored highlighted section will appear when a fire perimeter for a significant fire is created. Incidents not covered by CalFire (the state fire department) are listed as "Not a CAL FIRE Incident", in which you can click on it to find out which local city fire department will have more information. Status updates and evacuation orders are listed under each fire's specific page.
   
   ​
   
   Tell me about the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
   
   Official EPA AQI website here. The AQI is a metric used to measure air quality and certain pollutants, such as PM2.5 and ozone.
   
   Unofficial AQI site - PurpleAir. Not government official, but there are significantly more sensors that are higher resolution and generally more accurate.
   
   You should wear a respirator for an AQI of about 150 or above.
   
   ​
   
   What is PM2.5?
   
   PM2.5 refers to fine dust particles less than 2.5 microns/micrometers in diameter - these are the particles that come from heavy pollution (see: China) and wildfires (see: California). In short, they damage your respiratory systems like no tomorrow (depending on concentration and duration of exposure) for both short term (asthma, heart attacks) and long term (respiratory disease risk increase). Source. Source 2.
   
   These particles are microscopic and cannot be seen, which means the best way you should check if you need to protect from it is to check an official AQI source, NOT simply check if it's smog/smokey outside. (FYI context - the average virus is 0.3 microns in size.)
   
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   What are other major risks to be aware of?
   
   ​
   
   Water
   
   Running water may suddenly stop. Water utilities are vulnerable to both power outages and wildfires - lack of power to run pump equipment, and water redistribution to firefighting efforts will cause water outages.
   
   EBMUD (East Bay Municipality Utility District) website.
   
   ​
   
   Prepare - Have 1 gallon of water per person, per day, for 2 weeks of self reliance. If you don't have that much storage, fill as many bottles as you can. Then buy water storage containers such as Aquatainers (cheap, larger capacity) or jerry-can style water containers (more durable, better leak-proof, and smaller capacity + handle design = easier to lift and move to your car. Water is HEAVY.).
   
   ​
   
   Cash
   
   Credit card readers and ATMs may not work, and stores will begin to only accept cash. In addition to power outages, network outages will disable the verification process credit cards - so even if you have power, credit card readers will not work.
   
   ​
   
   Prepare - Have a backup reserve of physical cash on hand for at LEAST 2 weeks worth of expenses. Smaller bills are better.
   
   ​
   
   Internet
   
   Wi-Fi and power outages are not directly correlated to each other.
   
   If there is internet coming to your building, but your building has no power, you can still use your Wi-Fi network if you can run your modem/router on backup power somehow.
   
   If the ISP network center, which sends the internet to your building, is experiencing power outage issues, then you will have Wi-Fi outages, even if your building has power.
   
   -----
   
   Source for most of the respirator info - very long but thorough.
   
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   If there's more info to add or correct, feel free to comment and I'll edit this. Hope this helps everyone - stay safe out there.

It sounds as though you aren't scared of the water, just that you don't know how to start. That's good.

Get yourself a kickboard. That way, you have something to hold onto while you learn the basics. Also, swimming goggles. The inability to see clearly under water scares some people.

Start by learning how to kick:
Hold the front of the board, so you're kind of propped up on top, and kick you legs. Do it rhythmically; don't flail. Keep your toes pointed out (away) and your legs straight.

Then learn how to breath:
Now hold your board at the end closer to you. Don't lock your arms, so you have room to turn your head. Keep your head facing down/angled away, you'll hurt your neck otherwise. When you need to take a breath, turn your head to the side (alternate sides if you can) instead of popping it directly upward. This should get you comfortable with having your head under the water most of the time.

Side note: getting pool water in your ears or eyes is really not that bad. The ears might hurt like a sonofabitch, but it doesn't happen often, and some alcohol drops make that go away. The eyes will just sting slightly, but you can still see decently without goggles. Don't be afraid of either.

Getting the arms going:
Same thing as the previous step, except now you'll be taking strokes with your arms, too. Stroke: dip your hand and a bit of your forearm in the water (don't go deeper!), and pull back steadily along the top foot-or-so of water until your hand is near your waist. Then use your elbow to bring it up and out of the water and move it just above the top of the water to hold on to the kickboard again. Alternate sides (must be left-right-left-right (apologies for the Coldplay reference)). When you have to breathe, turn your head to the side of that stroke (while your arm is coming up to the kickboard) and take a quick breath. These are short and strong breaths, lasting between half of a second and a full second. The more relaxed you are, the longer your breaths will last. Your strokes should not coincide with your kicks; kick continuously, but make your strokes long and slow.

Get rid of the kickboard:
Now, put it all together! You'll be stroking and kicking more quickly, so try to breathe every three or four strokes. Don't forget to look forward so you don't crash into a wall!

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you want more clarity or suggestions on something.

honestly, i am not breaststroker, but my other brother was and my coach (who went to OT) was. they say that a big thing to drop time is breaking down the stroke. they did a lot of breaststroke drills in practice including: breaststroke arms with a flutter kick and breaststroke arms with fly kick.

a big thing in all strokes are tempo trainers. you can have the most perfect technique but if the speed isnt there than the time will suffer. ill attach a link to a tempo trainer if you want one (amazon has the best prices).

i also think having a good coach who knows what he is talking about is a good way to improve; i have always benefited from being videotaped as well, so i can see exactly where i nee improvement. hope this helps:) best of luck!!

https://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-120-Tempo-Trainer-Pro/dp/B005TVYVI2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538069462&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tempo+trainers&psc=1

I've had a similar new swimmer experience as you trying to swim free style for distance.

Pull buoy was great, but I used it too much.

So I graduated to fins (http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-2-35-003-Zoomers-Gold-Yellow-Zoomers/dp/B004O6G9W4), but tried to consciously not get hooked on using them more than whole stroke swimming based on my aforementioned pull buoy addiction. Fins are still lots of fun, but I use them sparingly.

From there, I went to using kick board in between sets and a LOT at the end of workouts. My basic goal being to get the muscle memory in place (my kick, like yours, was only good for short distances) so that I can kick without thinking about it. As has been stated above, it's really all about body position (mostly head and hips for me). This last piece worked wonders for me.

Good luck!

Lap appropriate swimsuit for large breasts: Miraclesuit Colorblock Touche (discontinued). Not as awesome but still pretty good: Miraclesuit Helix. Both of these have underwires, higher necks, and clasps in the back that holds everything in place. You can buy directly from Miraclesuit, or Amazon, or other retailers.

Friendly Swede Silicone Swim Caps - They keep your ears dry!

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles - There's probably fancier goggles out there, but I like these just fine.

Ekouaer Board Shorts - I love these swim shorts for water sports. They are high waist, and have a drawstring so they don't fall down if you take a tumble in the surf. I wear them with a regular tankini top.

They make swim caps specifically for long hair. I have a Speedo silicone long hair swim cap and I like it. I can't use latex though (allergy) so I can't compare. It will take some learning to get it on easily though. Mine doesn't keep the pool water out of my hair completely--my hair still ends up wet, but not totally soaked. I wash my hair immediately after swimming with shampoo & conditioner, and my hair has stayed fine.

I've never had problems with my nails, but again, showering immediately after swimming helps a lot.

Chlorine does hurt a little, but if you find some good goggles you should be able to minimize how much water gets into your eyes.

No idea on the nose thing, sorry. Good luck with your swimming lessons & good for you for learning!! :)

>https://www.amazon.com/CHICTRY-Metallic-Wrestling-Bodysuit-Swimsuit/dp/B07DN5ZCDT

Yeah, The one time I had a bf buy me clothing, it was super comfy leggings and shirts that were my style and he asked his friend of a similar height who had similar tastes to go with him to test sizes. I can honestly say tha it was the absolute best birthday gift I ever got from a boy. It showed how much he knw about my style and comfort level.

Googles are something you will definitely want. Even if you swim with your head above water, everyone else will be splashing.
This is a link to mirrored Speedo Vanquishers, which will be nice if it's sunny out....they work fine if it's not as well.. You can find them in any swim shop, and possibly in a sporting goods store (they're pretty popular).

I've seen people do the swim in swim shorts. Make sure they don't fall off as you swim. Otherwise, investing in a jammer may be a great idea. It will weigh less, cause less drag and be easy to throw shorts over for the bike and run. Also not too pricey. If you shop online, just get fitted at any sporting goods store or swim store.

CAH makes you a terrible person :P I love my friends XD

Here is my >$10 item - either this or this :)

Fun fact - Max Temkin, one of the creators of CAH, went to my uni :D

We must evaluate the automatic swimming watch and lap counter more objectively. The automatic swimming watch, such as SWIMMO, is good. And the lap counter is also good enough. Depends on your swimming level and your choice.

Automatic swimming watches, which detect your turning and stroke with embedded sensor/ accelerometer, work perfectly for some normal-to-advanced swimmer. If your turning skill or stroke skill wasn't good enough, or swimming in a crowded pool, the sensor will always can't detect your action efficiently, and will record mistake.

But as to lap counter, such as COUNTU Goal, it is manual operating. You know, lap counter fit for any level swimmer, pretty easy to use. Like COUNTU, it can alarm you according to preset lap or time. I thought lap counter is enough for the majority.

Do you have chronic issues with sinus blockage or allergies? It's not as uncommon as you might think to have difficulties breathing through your nose.

I'd recommend the following: Give it a few more tries as-is, and if you can't get it right/continue to have difficulties, just buy a nose clip. Plenty of swimmers use them, and they are legal on the competitive scene. Below are links to a couple different varieties, but your best bet is probably to just swing by a sporting goods store and see which ones fit best for you.

Speedo Competition Nose Clip

TYR Latex Nose Clip

I use COUNTU Goal as my daily swimming tracker. It’s finger ring device and fairly easy to use. COUNTU Goal has a very useful function, lap/time vibrate alarm function.

COUNTU Goal can record the following swimming matrix: Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap…

As for automatic tracker, they always lost track because of swimmer's technique level or pool environment. So I recommend COUNTU Goal more.

Hope useful. Good luck.

Honestly, I am pretty damn picky when it comes to tubing. There are a lot of ways for it to go south and be less than enjoyable and I am not about that life. What I would do if I were you (and when I am me on a new-to-me river) is find a livery that does tube rentals and do that for your first time out. What that does is usually puts you on a generally slow and shallow stretch of river that has been cleared of tube popping debris, lets you see if you like it, and, if it is just you and your kids, has the bonus of picking you up and taking you back to where you put in. Then you know for the next time and you buy this or this. We have both in our small flotilla and have used them dozens of times. Some extra pro tips: clip a life jacket to at least one of them so in case you do pop a tube you still have a way to float and pick up a cheap $1 plastic paddle from Goodwill if you ever see them, they are great for pushing off of potential obstacles.

edit- OR drive 2-ish hours to u/tipsycup’s kayak and tube livery and I will handle it all for you! F-r-e-e, plus keto boat snacks!

I recommend COUNTU Goal, even though it can't match your requirement.

COUNTU Goal can record the following swimming matrix: Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap… More important function is its vibrate alarm function according to your preset lap or time.

It's very easy to use, and very tiny device like a finger ring. More important, only $38.

Hope helpful.

Update: got these GOOQ Premium Surfer Surf Ears Swimmers Ear Plugs for Unisex Surfers Surfing, Swimmers Swimming and Other Water Athletes Healthy Water Sports Waterproo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0116TLU9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2Xagr8mOs2x9j

They work amazing. No annoying strings. Super super comfortable. Different size tips and a carrying case.

So can a Beeman air rifle, at approximately the same effectiveness, with muuuch cheaper ammunition. If your goal is to have something to hunt rabbits, consider this:

https://www.amazon.com/Beeman-Sportsman-Silver-10774GP-Caliber/dp/B01FEE43EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522772998&sr=8-1&keywords=beeman+dual+caliber&dpID=31q1eXGHHbL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

A .177 pellet at 1200 fps will take out most small game. Might not do a possum.

I bought one because I'm not allowed to discharge a firearm within 100 ft of a right of way in my municipality, and I needed to keep rabbits out of my garden. Legal definition of "firearm" doesn't include air rifles - chemically propelled projectiles only.

On the flipside, if you're talking about survival-math, calculate how many pounds of rice you can buy for the cost of your 10/22 and ammo.

One great positive of the 10/22, though, is you can take it to Appleseed. One of the best rifle training programs in the country IMO. You can meet lots of politically diverse folks there too.

I like Aqua Sphere Kayenne goggles for fitness swimming. Very comfortable and great visibility.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00208EIRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iBjyxbN9R8C9Q

Yes, to be specific, this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014Z9BPQE

It's bright and helps boaters see me if I'm swimming somewhere where that's an issue. It can hold my car keys and a tiny towel in addition to my iPhone. It's also nice to know I have something close by that floats should I or another swimmer get in trouble.

Since the iPhone is out of the water, the accuracy is usually spot on, with the iPhone being used for the GPS and the Apple Watch being used for the strokes, heart, etc... It's all automatic though, just start a swim exercise on the watch.

There are a bunch of other swim buoys available. I sort of just randomly picked this one, and it's "fine". I do put my keys and iPhone in sealed bags inside the buoy just in case.

Late to the game here but I would recommend [this] (https://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-120-Tempo-Trainer-Pro/dp/B005TVYVI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525976795&sr=8-1&keywords=finis+tempo). Slowly start to pick up your stroke rate. If you're gearing up for an Ironman than it's safe to say you have the cardio capabilities to swim sub 1hr, it truly is a matter of technique. Maybe dedicate more of your swim sessions to technique building as opposed to interval work

Thanks to all for their replys, I appreciate your feedback. I am replying to this comment because the are two points I want to respond to....

1. I absolutely agree with your comment that these air filled buoys should not be marketed as a flotation device but should serve as visibility aid primarily. However, see the two links if you have time, seems like they are advertising as a flotation device of sorts ...
   http://saferswimmer.com/tablet/index.html
   https://www.amazon.com/New-Wave-Swim-Buoy-Triathletes/dp/B014Z9BPQE
   Both adverts mention in the second bullet point that this buoy can be used as flotation aid. This seems dishonest to me. My assumption is that some swimmers do want to mitigate risk and have a float aid in case of the unexpected but they are choosing these air bladders instead of a foam because the drag created by an air bladder is very low. Honestly want to know if there are other opinions out there.
   
   
2. I agree, if I can only swim a mile I shouldn't plan to swim 2 miles by swimming half way, resting on an aid, then swimming the remaining mile. The purpose of having a flotation device should be to mitigate risk like cramping or unexpected issues which might prevent you from floating on your own. We cannot expect to eliminate all risk, for example in the case of heart attack or unconsciousness.
   
   Thanks again for all your replys

For your purpose, swimming lap counter is recommended.

I use COUNTU Goal as my daily swimming tracker. COUNTU Goal can record Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap…. Plus it has a very useful function, lap/time vibrate alarm function.

As for me, this small finger ring tracker is very useful. Hope helpful.

My workout is only swimming. I had Garmin device previously. Honestly, they are good, but a little expensive. And mostly, I only want to record my lap number and time. So currently, I always use COUNTU Goal as my daily swimming device.

COUNTU Goal is finger ring device, pretty small. It can record Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap and a very useful function, lap/time vibrate alarm function.

I thought it's enough for my swimming workout.

I would not recommend doing the butterfly stroke right away then.. You can find it on youtube and they have some tutorials. A kickboard is this.

It allows you to float on top of the water and only use your legs to get to either side of the pool.

but for the other strokes and such I'm sure you can find a great website to teach you how to do it. I'm looking into it right now.

I've had the displeasure of using about 10 different kind of nose plugs.

For the past few months I've been using these, but I tend to break them once a month. Comfortable and get the job done.

I just started using this kind the past few days. I figure since there is no plastic it won't be as likely to snap. I feel like this one does a better job, too.

NTA. Still, you should invite him over, apologize for not wearing the dress, and say you want to go out for a night on the town. And to show how much you love your gift, give him this to wear himself:

https://www.amazon.com/CHICTRY-Metallic-Wrestling-Bodysuit-Swimsuit/dp/B07DN5ZCDT

>Water- I need suggestions here. I don't have the space for one of those 55 gallon drums.

I have one of these so far. It works great, can link together for use in a vehicle, BPA free, and really rigid. You could also pick up a cheap water filtration unit. Like an MSR or Sawyer. Then, you can filter the water that you get from melting snow.

>Shelter/ Lack of Power- Hello Army Navy Surplus Store! Stove and fuel for cooking, tents, bed rolls, and a heat source for staying warm if the power is out during those winter nights.

Mylar blankets to aid in keeping the heat in. Or you could spend a crap load of dough on a a good mummy-bag (fully enclosed sleeping bag).

I have some swim bands the attach to my ankles to allow me to swim endlessly in hotel pools, which also provide resistance. Pretty amazing!

I just need a pool in every hotel I stay in to be able to use them.

Lululemon clothing... once you get some, you won't go back to anything else. It's all very nice, albeit expensive, and if you have any problems with it they'll take care of it. Check out the Metal Vent Tech shirt. The Pace Breaker short might be the one for you.

Smartwool socks. Breathable, high-quality wool socks. You may not normally think of wool socks for running, but they keep you cool, don't smell, and wick sweat.

For goggles, I like Aqua Sphere. Check the Kaiman out.

Instead of underwear, get shorts with a liner (like what I linked above). That way, you need to own/wash fewer things.

These work great:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0116TLU9I
GOOQ Premium Surfer Surf Ears

Super cheap knock offs of the 50-60 dollar ones.

I use this pair of aqua sphere's.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001YK4M18/ref=twister_B0025KURO2

Quiet cheap basic design and look, keeps out of the way and doesn't let water in. They are crystal clear so not great for out door swimming. Okay clarity out of water great under.

I swim about a 1 mile a day and they have lasted me without issue for nearly a year. No leaks, no fog, no flipping or falling off.

Your goggles may be too tight really with well fitted goggles the seal should be maintained without strapping them to your face that hard. YMMV if you dive however! Also the design is fairly imposing and looks like it'll press all over your face.

Another important cause of headache in swimmers is a sinus issues due to chlorinated water getting up in there (incorrect breathing techniques and increased time underwater when you push your self too hard). Just bear this in mind if you have on going issues with headache particularly around the eyes even if you switch goggles or stop using them.

I too practice TI from YouTube drills. So meditative. So enjoyable. Can now swim for what seems like forever.

As a matter of fact, the swim leg is now my strongest one! Too bad it’s such a relatively small part of the race.

Edit:
Meant to mention I also use earplugs and a metronome .

Currently, I use COUNTU Goal to record my swimming workout. COUNTU Goal is an durable and easy to use sports timer and lap counter, it can record Total time, Total laps, Average time for each lap, Fastest lap time, slowest lap time, Individual lap time for every lap… More important function is its vibrate alarm function according to your preset lap or time. But it’s not an automatic device through inertial sensor, and you need to press button to record laps when turning.

Actually, I used automatic swimming watch to record my workout, such as Garmin and Fitbit. But I found they make mistake occasionally, if your turning action is not so good, or some person push in the pool. So I thought maybe manual device is suit for me better.

Hope my experience is helpful for you.

Modest is preferable on the swim suit. Nose clip (not plugs) will keep pool water out of your sinuses.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035QOLJM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love this (pros use them). It really helps to burn the calories.

http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-009-50-Swimmers-Snorkel-Yellow/dp/B004O6ECL4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1419134837&sr=1-1&keywords=finis+snorkel

Goggles

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001YK4M18/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i used to use the vanquisher 2 goggles but recently found these and they are awesome!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ENST92/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

I'd recommend this rod, doesn't get much more inexpensive than $15.

I purchased it a few months back and then my roommate couldn't resist and got one as well. Just bought another for my girlfriend.

It's the perfect thing for hiking or just keeping in your trunk as you mentioned.

http://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Hydrospex-Swim-Goggle-Clear/dp/B00005UDHZ

i really really hope you actually buy these and shower with them and feel really fucking weird while doing it but not give a fuck because how smart you are for buying them in the first place.

I usually just leave my tshirt and shorts on the beach with a towel. If I'm feeling paranoid I ball everything up and leave it next to the guard stand. I also have one of these so I have a place to put my keys and anything of value - it's also a good thing to have for many safety reasons.

Must be COUNTU Goal.

I use COUNTU Goal as my daily swimming tracker. It’s finger ring device and fairly easy to use. COUNTU Goal has a very useful function, lap/time vibrate alarm function. Would recommend.

Thanks for the info, I'm going to keep an eye on the 920xt as prep for next tri season.

I meant tempo, not pace. I guess vibration for tempo would nuke the battery. I was thinking of one of these: http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-120-Tempo-Trainer-Pro/dp/B005TVYVI2

Thanks again!

This is the one I have - my hair is down to my shoulder blades and this works just fine. Soak your hair first and then bun it for the best results.

These have served me very well. They're very comfortable and in my experience last quite a while.

Gotchu: Swim Cap

And thanks. It seems like from people are saying that I need to glide more and rotate less. Gonna work on that. What are some torso rotation drills I should look into?

I agree that telescoping is more convenient then a multipart, but every cheap telescoping rod I have laid hands on has been real shitty feeling. I fished with a Eagle Claw Telescoping rod as my hiking rod for my first 2-3 years fishing and while I caught a bunch of fish on it, it's really only suitable for treble hook lures, it's very very challenging to get a hookset with a single hook once you get above panfish size. It's not the worst way to spend $16, but it's not a great rod for much.

This Kastking rod has floating guides, which is good, but their marketing leaves a bad taste in my mouth. They do sales all the time so it might be worth poking around.

I have this Okuma Travel Rod and I like it a lot, but I swear it was like $50-60 when I bought it a few years ago. I got it off of ebay, so I might have just gotten lucky.

If you are just going to use it for a single hike then it doesn't make sense to spend much, but a cheap one that breaks just become dead weight you have to lug around. You could just bring a hundred feet of mono, some bobbers, some hooks, and some split shots and just use it as a hand line or cut a cane pole.

Not a problem!

Welcome to Missoula! (or whenever you get here)

Be sure to grab an Intex and join all of us on the river this summer :)

I have a set of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q3LT8M/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're kind of weird, but you can swim with them. They stretch out a fair bit as you swim, so when you stop you're pulled back. Also, you never move past your "splash zone" if you can imagine what I mean, and so it makes breathing harder during freestyle.

They're pretty cheap, so give them a try.

They look pretty cheap on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-1003219-Stationary-Swimmer/dp/B001Q3LT8M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464613297&sr=8-2&keywords=pool+tether

I want to do water aerobics!

The Old Apartment


Thanks for the contest!

I've owned a Beeman similar to this for years. Being able to switch between .177 Cal and .22 Cal pellets was always tons of fun for me. It can even be used to take small game. What is the price range you're looking at?

I can't recommend one of these enough. I've been using mine for two weeks now, and it's very reassuring to know that you've got something to rest on when cramping or winded. Money well spent.

i was thinking of maybe getting some of these http://www.amazon.com/FINIS-2-35-003-Zoomers-Gold-Yellow-Zoomers/dp/B004O6G9W4 and a kickboard. feel like that could work for a good while no?

I swam throughout high school and I still swim a lot in college. I have to use contacts as I am more or less blind without them. I usually wear these but lately I have been using these.

Both work well. Basically any pair of goggles that are made for competition/performance will work fine with contacts.

I couldn't wear Docs plugs under my hood because they kinda stick out so the hood pushes them against my head and it's kinda painful. Recently I got some unbranded "SurfEars"-style plugs (the kind with the little wing thingy) off Amazon (for like $13) and those are much more low profile. My friend who's been surfing forever and has a doctor that surfs (also in your area) says that the doc sees lots of cases of surfer's ear in the area due to the cold and wind, so personally I err on the side of over-caution and always wear plugs. I'm told the unblocking surgery is super gnarly...

Oh, re: the other dude's comment about Doc's plugs: Yeah they leak water but the water that comes in isn't as cold and the plugs block wind, and it's those two things that I understand are the cause of surfer's ear. The main disadvantage I found with Doc's (which I've used for years) is that the water gets in and stays there, causing you to not be able to hear; this is more of a minor annoyance but it's definitely annoying. The "SurfEars"-style plugs seem better at this but I haven't used them much yet to come to any definite conclusions.

These are the ear plugs I mentioned, although there are plenty that are exactly like them under different brands:

https://www.amazon.com/GOOQ-Swimmers-Swimming-Athletes-Waterproof/dp/B0116TLU9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483386009&sr=8-1&keywords=surfer+ear+plugs

Here's an open-water visibility buoy with a compartment for all your things https://www.amazon.com/New-Wave-Swim-Buoy-Triathletes/dp/B014Z9BPQE

The last pair I bought were these but they fell out after the first session.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0116TLU9I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I used. My only issue with it is that, when I did start to kick again, the ankle straps would come loose. I'd go with a waist tether if you want to be able to kick without worrying about the tether.

The fears about chemicals leaching into your water are largely overblown, and shouldn't be an issue with currently sold bottles. There was never even a solid consensus on whether BPA was actually harmful, but they stopped using BPA plastic in reusable water bottles a while ago. They still use them to line canned goods because nobody raised a stink about that. (Edit to add: this means don't cook canned food in the can. That definitely might leach out something nasty.)

Bacteria can't grow in plain water. They need something to eat. Pure water doesn't spoil.

I keep one of these in the trunk full of water.