xCREW

Introducing Eddie -  One of our beta tester ambassadors for the Meet the Crew members series. Here about his story as a fellow hiker based in the Bay! Could you please introduce yourself? ”Hi, I’m Eddie! I combine my passion for photography and graphic design with my love for the outdoors. I frequently camp and hike with my fiancé and friends, always eager to discover new places. One of my personal goals is to visit all the national parks in the US, and I also hope to explore internationally and experience nature around the world. Aside from outdoorsy stuff, I enjoy music, movies, and traveling.” 2. What do you enjoy the most about camping? Any hiking trails on your bucket list? ”I enjoy being able to disconnect and ground myself in nature. As a designer, I'm on the computer all the time for work so being able to balance that with my camping excursions refreshes my mind. I don't have specific trails on my bucket list but I do have bucket list destinations: Patagonia, N...

Welcome to the Kickball edition of our blog! If you are into soccer or football, you may have played or heard about this sport before as it shares many similarities. Know more about it. Kickball, a game that brings back memories of playground fun, is making a big splash among adults, particularly in urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. But what’s fueling its resurgence, and why are people flocking to local leagues? Let’s dive into kickball’s history, explore its growing popularity, and discover what makes it such a unique game. The Roots of Kickball Kickball, originally known as “Kick Baseball,” was invented in the early 20th century. First played in public schools in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was designed as a simpler version of baseball that could teach younger kids the basics of the sport. The game became especially popular during the Great Depression, as it required minimal equipment—just a ball and some bases—which made it accessible for schools and community groups. Kickbal...

Introducing Angela, one of our very first ambassadors and also one of our beta testers. We first met her back in our onsite orientation in San Francisco. Hear more about her story and what she has to share in the local sports community. 1. How did you start out in being a leader of a running group? “In this world where we spend so much time on screens, time spent with people face-to-face is something I cherish a lot. I've always wanted to help my friends and family fall in love with running, hiking, or just being outside and away from screens in general, and that's how I started having more people run together or hike together.” 2. How did you get into sports and what are your hopes for future sports groups? “I got into sports because it is a way for me to step away from screens, not think about anything else but only focus on what's happening at the moment. It's also a way to force myself, a homebody, to step outside and get some fresh air. For future activity clubs ...

Hello xCREW Readers! In today’s edition, we will talk about one of the popular outdoor spots in San Francisco for both visitors and locals. Introducing — Golden Gate Park, a sprawling urban oasis located between the Richmond and Sunset districts of San Francisco. Spanning an impressive 1,017 acres, it's the largest park in the city and the third-most visited urban park in the United States, attracting an estimated 24 million visitors annually. Additionally, there are standout attractions inside the park including Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences, Botanical Garden, etc. Besides the consistant amount of events, music festivals, etc, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. One of the most popular activities in Golden Gate Park is outdoor yoga. The park's peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating yoga session. We had the opportunity to join Shakira, a local yoga instructor and beta tester for Mut...

In today’s edition, we will talk about Embarcadero. It is a waterfront area near the Downtown San Francisco area. With its vibrant and busy atmosphere filled with domestic and international visitors, it’s home to several iconic landmarks including the Ferry Building Marketplace, the Exploratorium, and the Bay Bridge. While biking along the coast is a popular choice, running is another fantastic way to enjoy this scenic area. Starting at the Ferry Building Market Place, the 5-mile running trail extends all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf, offering a beautiful route with stunning views of the waterfront.   Keep in mind that this is a busy area, so be cautious of crowds, especially at intersection points. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and proper running shoes for the best experience. The good news? The trail is flat, so you can enjoy the run without worrying about hills! After the run, you can find time to hang out, grab a meal, window shop, etc. Wanna see more running grou...

In this edition, we will be exploring Baker Beach. Located at the northwestern tip of the Presidio, Baker Beach is a beloved one-mile stretch of golden sand that offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headland s , and the Pacific Ocean. Its rugged beauty, combined with amenities like grills, picnic tables, and restrooms, makes it a natural playground for both locals and visitors alike. But Baker Beach is more than just a scenic spot. It holds a special place in San Francisco’s history, having played a significant role in the city's counterculture movements, which has solidified its status as an iconic landmark for many. As mentioned earlier, the Presidio and Baker Beach are connected by interlooping trails, making it an ideal running route for those wanting to experience both the beach and bridge views. Beyond running, Baker Beach has also become a popular location for outdoor yoga. Many yoga groups now hold their sessions here, embracing the serenity of the s...

In today’s edition, we will discover one of the recommended hiking trails in San Francisco - Glen Canyon Park. Glen Canyon offers a diverse network of trails that wind through a variety of habitats, from lush vegetation to the rocky slopes of the canyon. Explore the 3.7-mile trail network and discover a stunning array of wildflowers blooming each spring. For a challenging hike with rewarding views, you can embark on the 1.2-mile Creek to Peaks trail. Starting along Islais Creek, this trail ascends towards Twin Peaks, offering breathtaking panoramas of San Francisco and the Bay. For the most convenient access to the canyon, you can take the BART and get off at Glen Park Station. Along with a great hike, you can check out local cafes and markets around the area. What a perfect way to witness the spectacular views of SF along with some great beverages and snacks. Wanna see more running groups on our app? You can easily search for existing groups or create your own, lead or join a runn...

Hello xCREW Readers! In today’s edition, we will cover another popular outdoor attraction in SF — Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is a beloved San Francisco landmark renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. Offering a 360-degree vista of the city, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Ocean, it's a photographer's dream and a nature lover's paradise. While not centrally located, Twin Peaks is easily accessible. Visitors can hike up the trails for a rewarding workout or drive to the summit for a more convenient experience. Once at the top, enjoy a picnic, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery. Some things to consider before your visit to Twin Peaks: Timing: For optimal lighting and fewer crowds, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset. Foggy days can also create a unique and atmospheric experience. Preparation: Be prepared for the steep terrain, windy conditions, and potential fog. Wear comfortable shoes and bring extra layers and keep an eye out on the weather forecast. Acti...

Pickleball has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the US for the past few years. This dynamic sport, a blend of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, was first invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. One of pickleball's greatest appeals is how easy it is to pick up, making it accessible for all ages and all levels. Its popular open play format, where players mix and match with others during a session, adds to its social nature, attracting people from all walks of life. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of players has grown by over 40%. This surge can be attributed to pickleball being one of the few accessible outdoor sports available, combined with its low entry cost. In major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, the pickleball scene is thriving. Public parks, recreational centers, and private clubs have acknowledged the popularity with new courts popping up regularly to meet dem...

In today's edition, we’re diving into one of San Francisco’s most popular running spots: The Presidio Trail. Located at the northern tip of the city, Presidio offers a breath-taking running experience. With a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks from the national park, the Presidio also delivers gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This is a true gem and a must-see site for runners and visitors. The trail features diverse terrain, from forested paths to coastal bluffs and open meadows, making it both a beautiful and varied run. One challenge to keep in mind, though, is the hills! While they can be strenuous, the effort is rewarded with spectacular scenery of the Golden Gate Bridge. Back in August, we chose this iconic location for our very first xCREW running event. We kicked things off at the Palace of Fine Arts with a 5K run, and it was incredible to see everyone pushing themselves and enjoying the stunning scenery. Have you...

In today's edition, we’re diving into one of San Francisco’s most popular running spots: The Presidio Trail. Located at the northern tip of the city, Presidio offers a breath-taking running experience.  With a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks from the national park, the Presidio also delivers gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This is a true gem and a must-see site for runners and visitors. The trail features diverse terrain, from forested paths to coastal bluffs and open meadows, making it both a beautiful and varied run. One challenge to keep in mind, though, is the hills! While they can be strenuous, the effort is rewarded with spectacular scenery of the Golden Gate Bridge. Back in August, we chose this iconic location for our very first xCREW running event. We kicked things off at the Palace of Fine Arts with a 5K run, and it was incredible to see everyone pushing themselves and enjoying the stunning scenery. Have y...