<
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/article/2024/sep/03/campaigners-helping-larger-walkers-to-enjoy-great-outdoors-peak-district>
"It is raining. Heavy drops hit so hard they bounce back into the air. Cloud
hangs over the highest peak, today’s destination. I gather with the small group
of women in larger bodies, all facing the same challenge as me, with similar
demons whispering into their ears, “You’re too fat, you’re not fit enough, you
don’t belong here, you will embarrass yourself … ”
Despite the rain, I am dry, comfortable and well prepared for a day of British
weather in the Peak District. For the first time in my 41 years, I am wearing a
pair of walking trousers that fit. I have a backpack that is full of kit yet
sits correctly, with weight distributed properly. My waterproof jacket not only
zips up, but also covers my hips, lower back and is actually waterproof. It may
seem odd to mention technical outdoor clothing functioning, but lots of people
have to try to enjoy the outdoors in ill-fitting clothes or unsafe kit. Which
is why Steph Wetherell, with the support of fellow outdoor enthusiasts Emily
Williams, Kumbi Kariwo, Sara Huws and Rebecca Dawson, set up Every Body
Outdoors (EBO) – a community campaigning for clothing, gear and representation
for larger bodies in the outdoors.
But it isn’t just kit that’s the issue. Although EBO initially came together
through shared frustration at not being able to find suitable outdoor clothing,
the community soon grew to a safe space for people to share advice, adventures
and experiences. In turn, this inspired the team to develop a range of outdoor
courses specifically designed for plus-size people, offering not only an
opportunity for people to gain more confidence in the hills and mountains, but
teaching essential skills such as map reading, route planning, what to do in
emergency and understanding what kit one might need.
“Plus-size people can face a lot of barriers when accessing training and skills
in the outdoors,” says Steph. “If you’re worried about being slow up hills,
needing regular breaks or just feel out of place in outdoors groups, these
courses offer an opportunity to upskill, increase confidence and meet some
other lovely, larger outdoors lovers.”"
Via
Positive.News
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
