Friday, June 18, 2004

Don’t forget dad

P.S. Spend some time with him, too

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By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

He taught you how to ski, ride a bike and tell a good joke. In honor of everything your father has given you, give him a Father’s Day gift that won’t end up at the Gold Mine.

This year, consider his hobbies and desires and look for something a little out of the ordinary. Besides, what good is a tie in the casually clad valley?

Double D surfboards made by Hailey’s Paul Robinson are one of a kind Father’s Day present. Express photo by Willy Cook

Surfboards may seem a far cry from Wood River Valley recreation, but what surf enthusiast wouldn’t dream of his own custom board. Hailey’s Paul Robinson creates custom surfboards under his Double D label. Each board is tailored to an individual’s athletic ability, height, weight and displacement. The boards are then transformed into works of art with custom paint The one of a kind boards are exclusively sold at Room + Board in Ketchum. The boards are also displayed at Sturtevant’s in Ketchum. Prices for the one of a kind boards range from $370 to $495 each.

Take dad to the skies.

Sun Valley Aviation offers a variety of scenic flights around the area, which offer a unique perspective on the landscape. Different flights include trips over Baldy, beginning at $60, and tours of the Sawtooth National Forest for $120.

Flight lessons are another option for a dad looking to stretch his wings. Learning to fly will take some time, so dad will enjoy his gift for months or even years to come. According to Sun Valley Aviation, prices are determined hourly and will depend on individual student performance.

A bike tune like the one performed by Dan Daigh at Formula Sports in Ketchum makes a good Father’s Day gift. Express photo by David N. Seelig

Surprise dad with a bike tune. Dad will greatly appreciate a freshly tuned bike for rides throughout the next weeks. Trained mechanics at many shops throughout the Wood River Valley offer tunes at inexpensive prices. Bike shops tune bikes quickly. This is a great choice for last minute shoppers.

Or give dad a book on bike maintenance and he can repair his own bike. Instructional guides enable riders to tune their own bikes. "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance" and "Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance" written by Lennard Zinn are available at Formula Sports in Ketchum for $29.99.

Every dad needs a good pair of binoculars. Sports stores offer a variety of models to take hiking or to view wildlife from the deck. Sturtevants in Ketchum offers the Brunton Lite-Tech model for $139. This moderately priced option offers a broad range view, useful for using at home or from the car.

Help dad see anything with a new pair of binoculars. Express photo by David N. Seelig

Whether dad is a long time angler or a first time fisherman, fly fishing clinics or guided trips offer hands-on instruction. Guides not only provide basic instruction, but also improve current techniques and will improve angling outings. A variety of angling shops in the area offer guided trips and clinics.

Whatever your choice, consider spending time with dad.

As novel as the idea may seem, this is probably the most appreciated gift of all. The gesture can be expressed in many ways from organizing a hike to helping in the yard.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.