Photo by Phil Levin There’s a reason the Outdoor Writer’s Association of America (OWAA) leadership team chose Madison, Wisconsin for its annual conference this August 22–24: let’s just say it came down to numbers. Five lakes. 270 parks. 200+ miles of biking and hiking trails. Stats like these make Madison THE Midwest mecca for outdoor […]
Cowgirl Candace is a fourth-generation Georgia farmer, award-winning agriculture and outdoor adventure writer, and cultural storyteller redefining how rural America is seen, heard, and understood worldwide. Raised on her family’s centennial homestead, Edward Hill Farm, Candace brings lived experience, historical grounding, and creative rigor to every story she tells, bridging agriculture, outdoor life, and Black
Photo above: Hazel Clements, Photo courtesy of the Clements family. Editor’s note: In the history blog post, “Writers who changed outdoor journalism: The founding of OWAA”, Phil Bloom profiled four of OWAA’s founders — Morris Ackerman, Cal Johnson, Jack Miner and Edward G. Taylor. This installment looks at the other four founders – Hazel Clements,
Meet the founders of OWAA: The stories behind four Pioneers Read More »
OWAA staff spent the year hiking, paddling, camping and wandering across the map with all kinds of gear in tow. These are some pieces we reached for again and again. These are the things that made our outdoor adventures easier, cozier or just plain more fun. OWAA Member Books You know that feeling when you
OWAA staff 2025 gear guide Read More »
If you’ve got a drift boat in the driveway, a raft rolled in the garage, or a canoe that’s gathering dust, there’s never been a better time to sell. The small craft world like rafts, skiffs, SUPs and canoes is booming, and buyers are actively hunting for well cared for boats that are water
10 tips for selling your small boat faster (and smarter) Read More »
It’s that time of year again! Leaves are changing color, temperatures are dropping, and OWAA’s Excellence in Craft Contest is open! Enter your work in the 2026 Excellence in Craft Contest today. If it is your first time hearing about OWAA’s Excellence in Craft Awards, we invite you to take a look at last
OWAA 2026 Excellence in Craft Contest: How to enter your work Read More »
It could be fair to say the eight people who put their names on the statement creating the Outdoor Writers Association of America had little idea what the fledgling organization would become or that it would last as long as it has. Their collective interest was elevating the status of outdoor writers, which they felt
Writers who changed outdoor journalism: The founding of OWAA Read More »
By Phil Bloom First in a series Do a Google search on quotations about history and you’ll find plenty of people reflecting on the subject. For instance, British statesman Winston Churchill said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said, “The
Dinner in Chicago, 1927: The night outdoor writers founded OWAA Read More »
Annika Hipple is a freelance writer and photographer who has covered outdoors-related topics for Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, Atlas Obscura, Sierra Magazine, Northwest Travel & Life, Bats Magazine, and many other publications. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Sweden, she was raised in the Boston and Stockholm areas and now lives in Seattle, Washington.
Meet OWAA member Annika Hipple Read More »
Blue Ridge Paddling after hurricane Helene. Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Paddling. Media members of OWAA touring the new home of Blue Ridge Paddling in July of 2024 were duly impressed. The recently-completed, lodge-like building in Erwin, Tennessee was bright, airy and full of light. There was ample space for retail. Boats, paddles, throw bags,
After Helene, the outdoor community rebuilds Read More »
