xCREW

Not a big fan of hiking in general (specifically in the wild -- forests, mountains, or just no view of the city life), but still want to get those steps and feel the elevation? In this part 1 series, we will explore urban hikes and how you can possibly get a kick start on this new hiking experience, starting off in San Francisco. In California, San Francisco has a fantastic urban hikes that combine city scenery with natural landscapes. Here are some recommendations and tips for each city. San Francisco Hyde Street Route : Start at Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square, then head south up Hyde Street, taking in views of Alcatraz and the bay. Pass by Lombard Street (known as the “crookedest street in the world”) and continue up to Russian Hill . This stretch includes Hyde Street’s steepest inclines, rewarding you with stunning views of the bay, Alcatraz, and cityscapes. Tips : Cable Cars : Hyde Street is part of the cable car route, so you’ll see San Francisco’s iconic cable cars travel...

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...

Welcome to our newest edition - Flag Football. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history and popularity of this sport. What is Flag Football? Flag football, a lighter, more accessible version of traditional American football, has been a staple in community parks, schools, and recreation leagues across the U.S. for decades. While not yet as widespread as running clubs or the newly popular pickle-ball leagues, flag football has been making strides in major metropolitan areas, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles and has been making raves for its revived popularity in the mainstream media. This blog explores flag football's history, its current popularity, and what keeps it a favorite for many—albeit slightly out of the spotlight.  How long has Flag Football Been Around? Flag football began as an alternative to tackle football, with the earliest leagues forming in the 1930s and 1940s as a safe, non-contact sport for military personnel and recreational player...

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 ...

Any basketball lovers, enthusiasts out there? Even some crew members or leaders who would like to get a hand in throwing some hoops in the court? Look no further! We are aware that people have tried basketball but may want to know more about its impact in all sports. Read more below to know about its history and how you can get into this sport with such long history and popularity. California’s Basketball Scene: From Street Courts to the NBA Stage More than just a state, California is a basketball powerhouse. Known for its strong basketball history, thriving street-ball culture, and NBA champions, California has been pivotal in shaping the basketball scene in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to join a local sports club, play in casual pick-up games, or catch an NBA game court-side, California has something for every basketball enthusiast out there. Let’s dive into the unique hoops culture in California, focusing on the Bay Area and Los Angeles. The NBA’s Influence: California’s Star-Stu...

Are you up for a challenge in reaching new heights and accomplishing new goals? Read more about it below.  Exploring the Rock Climbing Scene: From California’s Crags to Nationwide Gyms with xCREW Rock climbing in the U.S. has surged in popularity over the past decade, and California has been at the heart of this movement. Known for its stunning outdoor landscapes and innovative climbing gyms, the state is a paradise for climbers of all skill levels. Let’s explore the rock climbing scene in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond, discovering what makes it a magnet for climbers and how xCREW can be part of your climbing journey. San Francisco: A Gateway to Urban and Outdoor Climbing Adventures San Francisco is not only a bustling hub for tech but also a bustling center for the climbing community. With climbing gyms like Planet Granite and Dogpatch Boulders , locals can enjoy a blend of bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing—each offering new challenges and skills to learn. The gyms...

In recent years, both padel and pickleball have captured the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide. While they share some similarities, they each offer unique experiences, attracting players with distinct styles and skillsets. In this edition, we will break down the differences between these two sports and explore why padel is becoming particularly popular in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles(you may already notice some padel groups that have been formed in the US). What is Padel? Padel, originating from Mexico and popularized in Spain, is also played with paddles but with a unique twist -- it combines tennis-like game-play with elements of squash. The game is played on an enclosed court that’s about a third the size of a tennis court, surrounded by walls or glass panels, which allows players to use the walls as part of their strategy. The ball used in padel is similar to a tennis ball but with slightly lower pressure, making it slower and requiring a more calculated app...

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...