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The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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The Do’s And Don’ts Of Crankworx Whistler

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Over the years, Crankworx has established itself as the party…cough…festival of the summer season. For ten days, mountain bikes, music and art take over the village with people travelling from all over to enjoy the revelry. Wether you’re taking part in one of the many races, events or cheering on the athletes from the sidelines, there is a proper way to do Crankworx. Here are the do’s and don’ts of Crankworx Whistler for maximum fun!

DO wear sunscreen

If you are watching any of the events, make sure you have fully slathered yourself in sunscreen. There is little cover from the elements and you wouldn’t be the first to come away with a sun burn!

McCoo’s suggests Sunbum sunscreen. It protects against all the rays and doesn’t contain any hidden ingredients. 

DON’T forget an external battery

Your going to need all the battery power you can get to snap, insta story and upload to Facebook. There’s just too much action going on and it would be tragic if friends did see all the fun that you’re having!

McCoo’s suggests the Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0 power bank that boasts 6000 mAh of charge capacity!

DO bring sunglasses

Squint and you may miss a triple tail whip!

McCoo’s suggests Oakley polarized sunglasses with PRIZM technology which fine-tunes vision for specific sports and environments.

DO wear proper footwear

Getting to the best spot to view a Crankworx event often means walking and having the proper footwear will get you there safely.

McCoo’s suggests Reef Sandals or People Shoes for footwear that is both functional and stylish. 

DON’T carry your belongings in your pockets

You’ll be walking up hills, sitting on grassy knolls and probably ending up at a party or two when the events are all over. Putting your personal belongings in pockets is just asking for it. Smarten up and use a backpack!

McCoo’s suggests a stylish Herschel Backpack with enough room to carry water and snacks. 

DO bring an action cam

Make an edit of your Crankworx shenanigans or use an action cam to capture the most insane tricks that you’ve ever seen!

McCoo’s suggests a GoPro with the Karma Grip for smooth shots. 

DO wear a hat

As mentioned, it won’t be easy to find shade or cover from the blazing sun at many of the events. Bring a hat to protect yourself from the heat and ward off a case of sun stroke.

McCoo’s suggests a straw Coal sunhat.

The festival of the summer season is just around the corner. With these helpful tips, you are sure to have a memorable time. Need help getting outfitted for all the action? Stop by McCoo’s!

5 Ways To Cool Down In Whistler

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5 Ways To Cool Down In Whistler

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It’s the heat of the summer…literally! The temperatures are soaring and there in nothing but sun in the forecast. It may be hard to believe while your tan might be thriving and your bikini’s are becoming a wardrobe staple, but one hot day after another can become a bit repetitive. At that point, cooling off becomes a priority. Luckily, Whistler is full of ways to beat the heat. Here are a few ideas for where and how to cool down in the mountains!

The River Of Golden Dreams

River Of Golden Dreams

The River Of Golden Dreams is a favourite summer activity among the locals. Starting at the south end of Alta Lake, the river takes your through a lush, old growth forest, wildflower-lined banks and kicks you out in Green Lake. It’s basically a National Geographic expedition that can be taken in from the comfort of your Explorer 300.

Have a drink on a patio!

Beer

If the weather is a touch to hot for your taste, take cover at one of Whistler’s many patios. Some of our favourites are the Garibaldi Lift Company or Longhorn patio which are both situated at the bottom of the bike park and have great views of all the action.

Swim in a Glacier fed lake!

Alta Lake

Alta Lake is the perfect place to rock one of your McCoo’s swimsuits and to cool off on a hot day. The second largest lake in Whistler, it features three separate parks: Lakeside Park, Wayside Park and Rainbow Park all of which have beach areas and host numerous water-based activities! Paddle boarding anyone?

Visit Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls

Just south of Whistler, lies Brandywine Falls, a 70m water fall that cascades from an unnaturally abrupt cliff to the valley below. A short hike is required to get to the falls but the mist that can be felt from the viewing area will surely cool you down.

Take To The Sky

Harbour Air

Take to the skies and avoid the heat altogether. Harbour Air offers 30 minute glacier tours and remote lake landing tours that depart from Green Lake. Experience the rush and chill of flying over the local mountains and seeing Whistler from the air.

Whistler might be a hot location to spend time in but the soaring temperatures can take a toll if you don’t know where to cool off. With these great ideas, you can experience fun in the mountains and stay out of the heat. As always, make sure you’re adventuring in style with gear outfitted from McCoo’s– guaranteed to look hot but stay functional through all your Whistler activities.

Bike Gear: What You Need To Know

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Bike Gear: What You Need To Know

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Photo: Brooke Stephensonn

Now that the snow has melted, we can move onto another obsession: bikes. Although each sport comes with it’s own set of inherent dangers, biking can really do some damage. Preventing just that is where having the proper gear comes in. But how do you choose what’s right for you and what will prevent leaving pieces of yourself on the trail? Here are some helpful tips to consider next time your shopping for new bike gear.

Helmet

The helmet technology has advanced a lot in recent years. Not only do they protect better than ever but they also are lighter, have increased ventilation and rear-head coverage. When choosing a helmet, a good fit is key. Most helmets come in small, medium, large or extended sizes. To find your size, wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest portion of your head which is about 20cm from your eyebrows. Once you have a size, most helmets are adjustable to be snug on your head.

Eyewear

The type of eyewear you select largely depends on your intended use. Many use goggles for more aggressive biking due to their ability to remain securely on a helmet, while others use glasses for the mellower all-mountain and cross country style of riding. Eyewear comes with it’s own set of technologies that can make navigating products seem daunting. Look out for these specifications to keep it simple:

Vision quality: Look for high optical clarity through utilising a good quality lens material. Also, make sure that there is not peripheral vision obstruction through the shape of the frame.

Anti-glare: You will love polarization to combat intense light when your trying to hit a jump and the sun is in your eyes.

Fit and comfort: A close fit and moisture wicking capabilities is essential.

Pads

Elbow and knee pads are the basics that many choose to wear when riding. These will protect you from more than just scrapes and bumps. A good pair of pads can absorb enough impact to prevent a fracture. Elbow and knee pads come in all shapes an sizes. To find out what work’s best for you, it is suggested to try on various styles. Take note of how they do up, how much surface area they cover, are they hard or soft pads and finally, how much ventilation they have.

Gloves

Some people choose to forgo gloves but all it takes is one crash to regret that decision. Along with protecting your hands from trees, rocks and maybe a wild bear or two, gloves enforce your point of contact with the bike by absorbing sweat. Select gloves that fit closely to the skin. This translates to a better grip.

Choosing the right gear can make or break a ride. If you are having trouble determining what bike gear works best for you, our knowledgeable staff at McCoo’s can help you answer any questions you may have to get you back on the trail as safely and as comfortably as possible!

8 Overlooked Canada Day Adventures

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8 Overlooked Canada Day Adventures

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July long weekend is upon us and let’s face it, there are a ton of events going on  to celebrate Canada Day that just about everyone will be attending. But what if you want to spend your Canada Day really soaking up the essence of what it means to be Canadian or maybe, just less crowds? Camping, lakes and all sorts of flannel-donning, beer-drinking activities can fill that void! We’ve got 8 overlooked Canada Day adventures that will keep you off the grid and in the heart of nature.

Camping

Grab your sleeping bag, a flannel shirt and a six pack then venture into the woods, it doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.

Must-have accessory: RipCurl Finley Shirt, this is button up plaid shirt is sure to become a summer staple. 

Sunbathing

Visit anyone of the local lakes and work on your tan. If there seems to be a bunch of people on the same program, pack up and head to One Mile, Mosquito or Lilooet Lake in Pemberton.

Must-have accessory: RipCurl MyBikini or board shorts are meant to look good while you do cool stuff. 

Canoeing

Go on a wild safari down The River Of Golden Dreams. Make sure to pack a ton of sunscreen, the forest canopy is deceiving and many have been known to get some serious sun burns!

Must-have accessory: A Slowtide Towel in case of an unexpected capsize!

Hiking

Escape the hustle and bustle of the village by heading for a hike in the mountains. With all the nice weather, many of the local hikes such as Black Tusk, the Backcomb Ascent Trail and Ancient Cedars are all clear of snow.

Must-have accessory: Keep the sun out of your eyes with a pair of Oakley polarized sunglasses. 

Biking

Hit up the Whistler Bike Park or one of the many trails surrounding the village. With everyone eating Canada Day cake or watching the parade, the bike trails are sure to be clear!

Must-have accessory: The POC Trabec helmet will protect your head whilst keeping it cool.

Golfing

Four! Or maybe your yelling one fifty in commemoration of Canada’s Birthday. What ever your choice of warning for oncoming golf balls, golfing is a great activity to do on Canada Day.

Must-have accessory: An Oakley t-shirt is fancy enough to golf in and hang out in the clubhouse afterwards. 

Fishing

The ultimate Canadian experience- just you, the river and your fishing rod. Oh, and the fish but actually catching one is an added bonus, right?

Must-have accessory: A Coal Hat will protect you against the elements. 

Horseback Riding

Take in the stunning landscape of Canada from horseback and feel your heart swell with Canadian pride.

Must-have accessory: A GoPro and a selfie stick are necessary. If there are no pictures, it didn’t actually happen right?

Get outfitted by McCoo’s for these overlooked Canada Day adventures that will keep you away from the crowds and having a good ol’ Canadian time!

Why You Need A Power Bank

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Why You Need A Power Bank

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We’ve all been there before, your waiting on a text from someone important, your favourite song is about to drop or your relying heavily on google maps and then the unbelievable happens: Your phone dies. Only a few short years ago this would mean running into every establishment asking if they had a certain phone cord and if you could hang out at the bar while it charges. Not anymore, portable power banks are here. Before we get into why you need a power bank, let’s chat about what they even are.

The Technology

We’re not going to get all Bill Nye on you and lecture about how batteries work in case you’re interested, here is a summarized version: Power banks are comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy (deposit it in the bank) and then later use it to charge up a mobile device (withdraw it from the bank).

Types On The Market

  1. Universal Power Bank: These come in many sizes and varieties which can be tailored to your device requirements and to your budget.
  2. Blue Tooth Enabled Power Bank: Looking to run speakers and connect your music? This style of power bank is for you.
  3. Solar Charged Power Bank: These power banks have panels that can trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight. It’s known to not be as fast but hey, it’s eco-friendly and we like that.

How Many Charges Does A Power Bank Hold

This is a loaded question. You see, power banks come in all sizes and power bank capacities (this is the nerd term for “how much charge”). The power bank capacity should be stated on the packaging of your power bank but the power requirements of the device requiring the charge are not. So how many times a device (phone, tablet, computer, etc) can be charged cannot be accurately determined. This all being said, you should be able to get a few full phone charges of out of one power bank before it needs to be re-charged itself.

And finally…

Why You Need A Power Bank

There are a number of life moments that really can’t be missed as a result of your phone being flat. We’ve gathered a few to showcase when a power bank would really come in handy…

  1. Matched with Tinder dream girl/guy
  2. Sent a message to the wrong person.
  3. Need to check your bank balance to see if one more beer is possible.
  4. Phone flashlight required for navigating stairs.
  5. Going to be late for work.
  6. Lost all your homies while shredding the mountain.
  7. Being chased by a bear and require assistance.
  8. Your friend has lost their phone at Garfinkels and would like you to call it.
  9. The music at the party sucks and you know your playlist is way better.
  10. Directions to that little corner of Emerald that you never even knew existed.

If you’ve decided that a portable power bank is something you need in your life, just come on by McCoo’s, we’ll sort you out.

Tips For Choosing The Right Swimsuit

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Tips For Choosing The Right Swimsuit

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Ladies, this post is for you.

Swimsuit season brings on a mixture of emotions: Excitement of the warmer weather and adventures in the sun as well as the age old dread brought on by everywhere you look blasting the same “PREPARE FOR BIKINI SEASON” message. Ignore that message- there are swimsuits for everyone and every body. Swimsuits that cover up and allow for movement and swimsuits that minimize tan lines if you know what we mean. With our selection, it’s all about functionality and confidence in and out of the water. So don’t prepare for the hotter months like a zombie apocalypse is coming, chill an enjoy the shopping process with our tips for choosing the right swimsuit for you.

Do you like retro?

If you do, go with high waisted bottoms. These bottoms are not only flattering for most body types, they are very functional too. This makes them a great choice for those looking to make a statement while not sacrificing that opportunity to jump off a rope swing.

Are you playing hard on the water?

If you are spending more time running, jumping, swimming or even canon balling than lounging, a full piece swimsuit is for you. Don’t expect a dowdy one that your grandma would be seen in, the one piece’s on the market nowadays are as sexy as they are functional. So go be rad and don’t worry about anything slipping out in the process.

Is your tan the most important summer accomplishment?

We get it, there is nothing like going into the winter season with golden skin that acts as reminder of all things summer. Try a triangle bikini or a bandeau to maximize skin exposure and minimize those tacky tan lines.

Did your 100 days on the mountain give you enviable glutes?

Girl, you’re a rock star. Show that toned tushy off by opting for barley there coverage. Bottoms that are called cheeky, tiny or string are sure to show off your assets.

Do you hate swimsuits, no-if-ands-or-buts?

No need to explain, sometimes finding a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in just isn’t worth the hassle. There happens to be an alternative. For all you ladies who hate swimsuits, just wear a beachy cover-up. Crochet, light fabrics and sheer dresses can all be worn in place!

Is decison making not your forte?

With so many adorable swimsuits out there, we understand how hard it is to just pick one. Luckily, current trends embrace mixing and matching tops and bottoms. So don’t settle, just buy two or three separate suits and interchange for what seems like a full wardrobe of water wear!

We at McCoo’s want to do a way with the perfect bikini body and instead help swimsuits fit bodies that are spending hours jumping off docks, swimming in lakes, paddle boarding down rivers and camping out with friends. So let’s have the best summer yet filled with adventure and zero thoughts about what your swimsuit is doing.

Spring Adventures In Whistler

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Spring Adventures In Whistler

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We know what you’ve been doing all winter and not in a creepy way. Winter was most likely filled with time spent on the hill. Lots and lots and probably lots of skiing and snowboarding. Are we right? Not that you are sick of it but spring always invites the opportunity in to do other activities and even other adventures. And the mountains happen t0 boast a ton of outdoor adventures that can be started from the moment you leave your doorstep. Don’t wait for a second longer, get out and enjoy these spring adventures in Whistler.

Train Wreck Hike

Sometime in the 1960’s, a train derailed outside of Whistler and the cars are still scattered throughout the forest today. Easily reachable from Cheakamus Crossing, the Train Wreck Hike has become iconic to Whistler, especially now that a new suspension bridge has been put into better access the trail.

Recommended Gear: A GoPro

Keyhole Hot Springs

100km north of Whistler lies the Keyhole Hot Springs. These natural springs are created by the volcanic activity in the area. Make sure you are prepared for this adventure- there is no cell service and there are always reports of bear activity.

Recommended Gear: Outdoor Technology Sound System

Brandywine Falls

You’d never guess from the highway, but just south of Whistler lies a 22m waterfall. The short hike to view it can be made longer if you choose to get to the bottom of the waterfall. You didn’t hear it from us though!

Recommended Gear: Oakley Sunglasses

Parkhurst Ghost Town

Before Whistler was a world-class resort, there was a small logging town that sat on the edge of Green Lake. The Great Depression put a stop on the town’s main export- wood and the town slowly ceased to function. Now, there are only the remnants. What’s even cooler about this ghost town, is that you can canoe or hike to explore it!

Recommended Gear: A Herschel Backpack

Nairn Falls

There is a provincial park that is south of Pemberton that features camping and a massive waterfall. The falls are 60m high and can be accessed by hiking in 1.5km in. Don’t even thinking about swimming here but if you head 2km down highway 99, you will find One Mile Lake, a popular swimming hole.

Recommended Gear: RipCurl Board Shorts

The River of Golden Dreams

Once the snow and ice have melted from the lakes, you can take a canoe, Explorer 500 or stand-up paddle board (if you’re brave!) down the River Of Golden Dreams. The river runs from Alta Lake all the way to Green Lake and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

Recommended Gear: A RipCurl MyBikini

Whistler is made for adventures with all its history and natural splendor. Make sure you are geared up for each activity or at least looking good! If your gear could use an upgrade before you set out on one of these spring adventures in Whistler, stop by McCoo’s. We’ll sort you out.

Buying The Perfect Hat

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Buying The Perfect Hat

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We can almost see summer from where we stand and it’s looking HOT! Many if the experts suggest covering up to reduce sun exposure and we have to agree but for a different reason. Not only are hats pretty much one of the greatest ways to protect against the weather, but they make one hell of an accessory too. You may be reading this and shaking your head,”Hats? Not my jam.” If you have designated yourself as “not a hat person” then you aren’t aware of how to buy the perfect hat. That’s where McCoo’s comes in.

Buy A Shape That Fits Your Face

Everyone’s facial structure is different but for the purpose of haircuts, make-up, and hats, four facial types have been created. There are a ton of resources out there to help you determine your face shape but a quick way is to draw the following shapes on a picture and see how the angles of your bone structure line up.

DIAMOND FACE SHAPE: A moderate to wide brim is best for you!

OBLONG FACE SHAPE: Try hats with a brim like a baseball hat, or a cap like newsboys hat.

ROUND FACE: You can rock angular hat and asymmetrical shapes.

SQUARE FACE: Look for softer designs.

Buy A Hat That’s The Right Size

For the best results, grab a tape measure and have someone else measure your head. The tape measure should be placed around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows and the ears. It should wrap around the widest part of the back of the head and all the way back to the front And BAM, you have your hat size, use it wisely!

Head Size (cm)

Hat Size

53

XS

54-55

S

56-57

M

58-59

L

60-61

XL

62-63

XXL

Buy A Hat That Suits Your Coloring

Neon yellow may look sweet but chances are, it won’t bring out your eyes unless you’re a cat, werewolf or vampire. There are specific colors that will though:

BEST HAT COLOUR FOR YOUR COMPLEXION:

Ruddy: Brown, Blue, Gray

Dark: Brown

Darker Olive: Brown or Green

Pale: Dark Blue, Gray

BEST HAT COLOR FOR YOUR HAIR COLOR:

Auburn, Red: Brown, Green, Blue

Blonde: Brown, Green, Gray

Brown: Gray, Green

Gray Hair: Green, Gray

Buy A Hat That Fits Your Needs

Your life could change with the right hat. Well maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement but a new hat could make your life a bit easier and more enjoyable. You see, when outdoor activities are a big part of your day to day, a hat can ward off the sun, cover up helmet hair, and act as a mosquito swatter, all in one go.

With these great tips for buying the perfect hat, you will be able to find one that changes your life or adds to it (depending on how you want to look at it). You really can’t go wrong by making a hat part of your everyday apparel. And for all your other Whistler apparel needs, visit McCoo’s!

Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Making Friends On The Chairlift

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Sure, skiing solo has its perks- you can ride at your own pace, go wherever you like and listen to tunes as you fly down but we all know that the more, the merrier applies on the hill. Sometimes your friends can’t make it or they want to partake in some of the other activities that Whistler has to offer and that leaves you in a sticky situation if you would rather ride with a crew. Never fear, there is a place that you can meet shred buddies as easy as getting a date on Tinder: The Chairlift. We are going to let you in on a few secrets that will make you an expert in the art to friend finding on the chairlift.

Step One: The Singles Line

Think about how many lifts you ride in a single day and how many potential opportunities arise to meet a riding pal. Now… we know you may not like this but the Singles Line lets you get more laps in thus scientifically increasing (we won’t bother showing you the algorithm) your chance tenfold to buddy up!

Step Two: Eavesdrop

Once you’re on the lift, you don’t want to be that awkward, chatty Kathy. Take a few moments and suss out your comrades. Are they talking about the snow quality and throwing down lingo like shred, gnar, drop? If so, you know you are among your people and the rest should follow naturally.

Step Three: Ask Where Everyone Is From

A great and easy way to initiate conversation is to ask where everyone is from. It’s light conversation and most people have no problem partaking in whether they are a local, happy tourist or pro. From here, you can dive into some more titillating conversation topics such as:

• Snow
• What run’s they have been riding
• Snow
• Equipment and gear
• Snow
• More about snow

Step Four: Boast About Your Rad Day

Don’t brag, just casually suggest that you found untouched pow and lines so deep you nearly drowned. This will surely spark their interest and have them keen to follow you around for some laps.

Step Five: Be Brave And Ask

Now that you have their attention, you can drop the big guns. Ask your fellow chairlift riders if they want to join you in the search for even more pow, some pillow popping, drop sending kind of runs.

Alright, we’ve got your foot in the door but now it’s all up to you to show them your skills and sick outerwear! Missing the last part of that sentence? Okay, okay…we can help you in that department too, just stop by McCoo’s!

 

How To Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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How To Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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Many of us find ourselves on numerous occasions (ladies, we are talking to you!) staring into our closet and feeling like we have nothing to wear. The irony is, in Whistler, you probably have too many clothes. Where are they all, you ask? Most of them are most likely activity specific and right under your nose. We aren’t saying these activity specific items of clothing are fashion faux-pas (everyone knows a toque can be worn all year long and at a fine dining restaurant in Whistler). In fact, we are here to help you build a Whistler wardrobe you can be proud of that includes your beloved toque and ski jacket!

Build a foundation

In addition to the essentials that you find yourself living in (Jacket, aforementioned toque, and your base layer), there are a few key items that you should be sure to have available. These pieces should be practical and classic. Our spring RVCA line contains many items that you will want to have around for the next 5 years.

KEY PIECE: A classic dress that you can dress up or dress down such as the RVCA Jean Dress.

Look for functionality

Ask yourself this question when you are looking to purchase a piece of clothing,”Will I look good in this camping as well as the bar?” If the answer is no, put that back where you found it! Now if the answer is yes, ring it up! Clothing that can withstand Whistler activities and be part of your everyday fashion choices are precisely what you should be filling your closet up with!

KEY PIECE: RVCA Bomber Jacket. This piece will keep you warm, cozy both around the fire and before you heat up on the dance floor!

Aim for versatility

One of the problems with living in Whistler and having a wardrobe that can take you from the slopes to work and then to the bar is just that- the need for your clothing to withstand a whole day of activities. Aim for pieces that can be either casual or dressy and that can be paired with other items in your closet.

KEY PIECE: A RipCurl Flannel. Button this bad boy up for a more conservative look or wear it around the waist as a quick fix for a chill on a cool spring afternoon.

Quality over quantity

Purchase clothing that meets all of the above criteria and you won’t spend a minute more than you should, searching through a multitude of clothing in your closet. Think less is more.

KEY PIECE: MyPakage Underwear are durable and breathable so as long as you have a few pairs to not need to do laundry every day…you’re good!

Come by McCoo’s for one of our staff members to help you pick out a Whistler wardrobe you would be proud of!