Don’t forget dad
P.S. Spend some time with him, too
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.