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.”
While EBO doesn’t set a size restriction, if you are smaller than a UK size 18 or 2XL they ask you to consider if there might be other courses you could attend….
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Travel | The Guardian…