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Category: Representation Matters

Hiking, Car Hopping, and Unconventional Outdoor Recreation

Por Luis Villa

Last month I asked Latino Outdoors volunteers to share the most unconventional form of outdoor recreation that they have been a part of or are aware of.  Some expressed that this was not an easy question to answer. Completely understandable. “Unconventional” after all, is subjective.  

And that is the point.  With Latino Outdoors, we are all part of an effort to redefine the notion of what is considered “mainstream” outdoor recreation or conversely, what is seen as out-of-the-ordinary.  Some LO volunteers shared that music festivals, dancing, spiritual ceremonies (e.g. summer solstice), nature drawing, and meditating are unconventional forms of outdoor recreation. Others pointed to slack-lining high above the ground, overlanding, or geocaching.  What’s interesting is that within the Latino Outdoors comunidad, there are some who may find a family carne asada outing to a local park to be outside-the-box, while others may consider it a quintessential manner of recreating outside.

In June, I had an experience that put into focus my own need to be more open-minded about what constitutes “outdoor recreation.”  I attended a “car-hopping” contest in Fresno, CA. A large crowd gathered outdoors to cheer on low-rider enthusiasts who had modified their vehicles, turning them into incredible jumping machines.  When the official measuring stick was rolled out, I laughed at how ridiculously gigantic it was, standing in at nine feet tall or so. It was unfathomable to me how a car’s front tires were going to lift that high off the ground.  Well, not only did several cars’ front tires reach that height, they surpassed it. The giant ruler on wheels was no match for the hopping cars.

“In June, I had an experience that put into focus my own need to be more open-minded about what constitutes “outdoor recreation.”

Luis Villa

I learned a lot that warm evening in California’s central valley, admiring the low riders and the people behind them.  I learned that local parks, beaches, and other outdoor places usually serve as the settings for low rider outings. I discovered that these events are often family affairs.  Marcus, a long time member of the low rider scene, talked with me about the common, but mistaken assumption that lowrider culture is synonymous with gang culture. An association that arose in some people’s minds because these car events during the 1980s sometimes attracted gang members.  Marcus explained that most participants back then were not actually gang members, and today, the atmosphere surrounding these lowrider shows is even more innocuous. Participants from the 1980s are older now and have families. In a way, they serve as today’s moderators, making sure the younger generation keeps it family-friendly.  Fathers and sons take part together. Women are also notable protagonists. In this short video, Marissa Rosales, a child advocate/social worker and low rider enthusiast, shares her story and discusses the cultural aspects of these events.  The parallels and connection to the Latinx outdoors story are evident.

Lowrider events are laid-back.  At the Fresno car hopping contest, we stood or sat around outdoors, ate food, chatted with one another, and enjoyed the show.  This is not so different from a carne asada gathering at a local park, another popular form of outdoor recreation for Latinx families and friends.  These more leisurely forms of being outside seem to be appealing to underrepresented/under-resourced communities.  Ruby Rodríguez, LO’s Outings Program Director, notes that these communities are often made up of people of color, many of whom perform physically demanding jobs in their everyday lives.  Thus, the appeal of more relaxing forms of recreation becomes understandable. Ruby further posits leisurely outdoor recreation as a sort of activism against a hyper-productive society, a peaceful protest actually.

The dominant narrative in our society around outdoor recreation influences our responses to the question about which forms of it are unconventional.  To a certain extent, this makes practical sense because a common point of initial understanding between people about a particular topic or concept is necessary for effective communication.  If that topic is outdoor recreation, everyone who is part of the conversation needs to agree that we are not referring to binge-watching on Netflix or a marathon game of Fortnite.  The conversation is about open-air (or underwater) activities of leisure. However, aside from achieving a consensus, basic definition of outdoor recreation, everything else should be more open-ended.  This is critical for a society made up of individuals with a multitude of interests, passions, and backgrounds. It is indispensable for a multicultural society. Practicing open-mindedness in this particular space will hopefully translate to other areas of our lives, helping us to be more tolerant and accepting in general.  And after all, isn’t open-mindedness and respect something we can all use more of these days?

“That was a memorable day for me, exemplifying the wide-ranging forms of Latinx outdoor engagement and recreation.”

Luis Villa

Hours before the car hopping contest, I was fortunate enough to also enjoy a morning hike at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in California’s Bay Area.  That was a memorable day for me, exemplifying the wide-ranging forms of Latinx outdoor engagement and recreation.

When no winner was announced at the conclusion of the car hopping contest, I asked Fred, another attendee, about that.  His reply was both simple and powerful, “It’s not about winning. It’s about having fun.”  

Just Your Average Latina – Pt II

por Kaitlyn Medina

In February ’19, we met Kaitlyn Medina, an outdoor, experiential educator—you know, Just Your Average Latina. At the time, she was on her way to Patagonia and Cuba to co-lead a 90-day gap semester.

Well, she’s back. And her stories have us doting on her!

“This semester was one of my favorites in terms of the Itinerary. The first two months spent in Patagonia/Chile were unbelievable. It felt like I was dreaming, being able to spend so much time outside and in places that not many people get to see in their lifetime. Cuba was a major throwback! We stayed in a small town along the coast named Matanzas, it was our homebase. The biggest take away from Cuba was from one of our guides, she advised us not to try and understand everything that we saw but instead just take it in. To accept it for what it was and not to overthink or over analyze. I’m such a curious being, so my default is to ask questions constantly about why things were or weren’t a certain way. However, her advice allowed me to remain present and refrain from prejudice or unfair judgments and accept the country for the colorful place it is.

As an instructor I was pushed to grow, to become even more flexible, be confident in my abilities, and ask for support even when I didn’t want to. During a 90-day trip you learn so much about yourself and your students. One of my favorite parts is the facilitation of activities that allow for vulnerability and openness. It can be difficult at times to create a group dynamic that’s inclusive, positive, and loving. I have students who come from so many different parts of the US, their experiences are different so managing that brings its challenges. With the help of my co-leader we can guide our students through their new experiences. We give them a space where they can feel free to be themselves, express their ideas, but also learn how to co-exist with others. We find it easy to forget to connect with another person when we focus in on the negatives. So, what we help foster is creating connections with each student in positive and uplifting ways.

Managing group dynamics is tricky business, it’s never something that is just fixed or that just becomes great, you constantly work at it to maintain it. As instructors, we’re intentional, communicative, open, honest, and patient. There were times during the semester where I felt like I made a mistake in choosing to follow this career path. It takes a village to run a semester successfully. I’ve grown into someone who’s learned that reaching out is a good thing, to collaborate to make the experience a better one, and to be confident in my abilities.

In the end, I’ve learned that it’s all about enjoying life. Keeping a positive outlook and reminding myself not to take anything too seriously. That allows me to appreciate my job for what it is, and I love it.

I’m stoked for my next trip, which will be in Hawaii. Leading a two-week trip with some awesome folks, doing some service work, surfing, and all while camping on gorgeous beaches. Mientras estare en San Gabriel Valley. If you want to go on a hike, need a climbing buddy, or want to hangout outside let ya girl know.”

Just Your Average Latina

por Kaitlyn Medina

I’m just your average 26 year old Latina who hails from the San Gabriel Valley. My papis are both from Jalisco, Mexico but coincidentally met in the United States. They fell in love 30 years ago and raised 4 beautiful babies, and so here I am.

I graduated from California State University, Chico in 2014 with a degree in bilingual Liberal Studies, which prepared me for a career as a bilingual elementary school teacher. I’ve since held some amazing teaching positions that have allowed me to live all throughout Northern California, Ecuador, and Mexico, where I’ve met and interacted with so many inspirational humans.

Over the last two years I’ve made the transition into Outdoor Education. My parents have always encouraged a love for the outdoors, but it wasn’t until I moved to NorCal that I really fell in love with outdoor life. Backpacking through Lake Tahoe, going on weekend hikes at Bidwell Park, and swimming in the Sacramento River are just some of the many activities that fueled my appreciation and love for Mother Earth. So when I was given the opportunity to combine my two loves: teaching and being outside, there was no way I was going to turn it away.

“My parents have always encouraged a love for the outdoors, but it wasn’t until I moved to NorCal that I really fell in love with outdoor life”.

Kaitlyn Medina

Being a leader with ARCC Programs has allowed me to travel the world, teach, and have my classroom be outdoors. I lead groups of students on 3 month Gap Semesters. We, my co-leader and I, teach communication, leadership, and travel skills. We also facilitate discussions which touch on different themes, like environmental conservation, public health, education, and micro-finance, as well as country-specific social and political issues. We use the many places we visit as unconventional classrooms in hopes that students grow as more tolerant, appreciative and kind people.

This also has allowed me to share my life experiences, not only as a woman in the workforce but as a woman of color in the outdoor community. Throughout my trips I’ve had dozens of meaningful conversations with my students, especially the young ladies, about what it’s like to be an adventurer and the benefits that come with becoming an educated and strong-willed woman.

We talk about how it can be tough to be heard in a space dominated by male voices and the way society views us as weak or less than. We also talk about what it’s like to be a person who has an impact on others and how to use that platform to empower others.

I’ve been able to see that I have an impact on my students in many different ways, but it’s the small, subtle changes that make my heart the happiest—when a young woman speaks her mind in a group of young men without fear, when they carry their packs up mountains without seeking help from others, or gathering up the courage to perform a hidden talent in front of a crowded room. I can’t and won’t take all the credit because let’s be honest, they’ve always been strong, beautiful, courageous women, I just help them realize it’s been there all along, and that they should never shy away from their greatness.

I can feel a bit isolated, out of place, and sometimes even incompetent as a woman of color in the outdoor industry, but I’ve taken those insecurities and run with them, constantly trying new sports and activities. Never in my life did I think I’d be white water rafting in Patagonia, hiking the ancient Inca trail in Peru, sliding down volcán Acatenango in Guatemala, or scuba diving the Caribbean reefs of Honduras.

“I can feel a bit isolated, out of place, and sometimes even incompetent as a woman of color in the outdoor industry, but I’ve taken those insecurities and run with them, constantly trying new sports and activities”.

Kaitlyn Medina

I’ve learned that exploring unfamiliar territories, especially as a Latina, comes with fears and many unknowns, but it’s also exhilarating and life changing. I’m able to show my students, sisters, cousins, and friends that we can do anything. Despite the countless times I’ve been told, “No puedes hacer eso porque eso solo lo hacen los hombres,” this has only made me want to do it even more.

While I’m an excellent teacher, powerhouse leader and role model to my students, I don’t think I’m a picture perfect example or some idol that people should look up to, in fact I’m very much an imperfect being. I constantly look to my students and peers to inspire self growth and perspective on life because I’m still trying to figure out how to be a healthy, happy, and strong person. But I do know that by just following my love for being outside and doing things that bring me joy, my niñas can see that anything they want to do is possible despite the color of their skin, where they or their family come from, hardships they’ve faced, or any negative stereotypes that might be associated with them.

Being outdoors has allowed me to find balance within myself. I’ve learned to love my body and be thankful for all that it can do and where it can take me. I’ve learned to find peace in places that are so much greater than I will ever be and to slow down, smell and appreciate the beauty that is the wilderness.

If you’ve been thinking about being more “outdoorsy”, just go and do it. Push yourself a little out of your comfort zone. Who cares if you don’t have name brand gear? I literally hiked throughout South America in $15 shoes and $8 Costco pants. Someone once told me “The gear doesn’t make the athlete. It’s the person in the gear who determines who they will be.” So give it a try! Who knows, you might end up getting paid to hang out with really cool humans while you venture throughout South America.