Category: Lifestyle

Wausau, WI = Extreme Sports USA. No Bull.

For 70 years Shepherd & Schaller has been extremely lucky to enjoy the bounty with which Mother Nature has blessed the Wausau area. By offering gear and resources to best enjoy the rivers, lakes, hills, Mountain and trails in all their natural (and occasionally improved) glory, we help make it even more exhilarating to partake by kayak, bike, ski or on foot. Wausau’s Favorite Outdoor Store is where locals and visitors come for premium gear and expert, authentic advice and to find out what’s new.

Spring 2019 – We’re super psyched about an exciting new local organization. It’s set to host year-round competitions and events that take advantage of our local natural resources and celebrate the blood, sweat and tears of every athlete. It will put the heart of Wisconsin on the map as the Extreme Sports Capital of the USA. We welcome IRONBULL.ORG!

Visit their website to learn about the history of the name, their goals and scheduled events. Follow IronBull on social media, join the clubs it supports, volunteer, donate and cheer the athletes on.

Active, healthy living is an integral part of the lives of many who call Wausau and Marathon County home. To those who are just visiting, Shep’s is happy to support you while you’re here and we invite you to live the IronBull lifestyle with us.

Just a few of Shep’s team of Iron Bulls over the years. Brad, Nick, Bryan and Pete
.

It’s Always Better Outside When You Prep at Shep’s

We’ve been playing and working outside in Central Wisconsin since 1949. We’re not only experts on the gear we sell and service, but where to use it , how to care for and store it, and how to dress for success.

Shop favorite brands like Chacos, Osprey packs and Patagonia for a start. We stock dozens and dozens of trend setting brands who use recycled and organic materials, support Fair Trade initiatives and support the environment in countless ways. Buy good gear less often and reduce your impact on the environment. We’re so excited to share great stories, good news, and smart products.

Shop us in Downtown Wausau and online at shepssports.com

Buy or hold items to pick-up. Our web store features live salesfloor inventory for out most popular items. But know our full range of in-stock products is available only in store.

What length rope? How fast to drive? The answers to these questions make a difference in your safety and performance behind the boat. Ask us!

So how do we make it better outside? By preparing you for fun in all kinds of weather.

Our favorite warm weather outings take place on the lakes, rivers, trails, parks, beaches and festivals where we use premium gear from top brands. Summers are beautiful in the Northwoods. There’s no excuse to stay indoors. Let’s get you set up with:

Get 20% off necessary accessories when you by bikes or water sports gear. Always. Ask us for details!

Raleigh & Scott bikes in stock as well as a huge selection of bike clothes and accessories. We repair all bike brands year-round.

Let’s go cycling! Fat tire, mountain, commuter. What’s your style? We recommend and repair bikes for all riders. While the “pros” seek us out to fine tune their adventure, helping beginners is our specialty. Come ask your dummest question. We promise, no one is born knowing how to make biking a favorite activity in all kinds of weather. And whether you plan to ride a few blocks or a hundreds of miles we know the secrets and want to share. Let’s talk and test. Pre-shop our bikes here. Every new bike purchase includes a FREE 30-day check-up and FREE one-year tune-up!

What about cold weather? That’s when Shepherd & Schaller really shines!

Beginner to advanced, downhill, cross country casual and racer. All skiers love the selection at Shepherd & Schaller. Our full-service Wintersteiger repair shop takes care of the gear you love to use and occasionally abuse.

There’s simply no excuse to stay indoors during a Northwoods winter when you could prepare with our experts to go:

Is it your first time? Shep’s rents, sells used ski and snowboard gear and of course offers the largest selection in Wisconsin of the latest new model downhill skis, boots, poles, bindings, helmets and goggles. Plus, with all the clothing and accessories we offer and the high energy folks shopping alongside, you’ll feel like you’re in the mountains. A first-time skier will love Granite Peak Ski Area and Nine Mile Forest, both less than 10 miles from our door!

Still not convinced? Anyone can snow shoe, Cross Country skiing is a really inexpensive way to get great exercise and enjoy the quiet snowy trails and snowboarding is as fun as you think it is. Honestly. Visit us to rent Ice Skates for Wausau’s 400 Block rink and let’s chat about snow camping or a visit to Michigans ice caves. Dressing for snow sports isn’t as complicated as you might think, and doing it right makes a big difference in your comfort for a full day on the slopes and trails. Get our dressing for success tips here.

What about clothes, shoes and home goods from awesome outdoor brands who lead the way?

We’re proud to offer products from brands that care. Toad & Co, this photo, leads the way for sustainability, and clean, thoughtful environmental policies. All of the brands we stock practice what they preach.

Dress for success outdoors. Or for work, school or even the tavern. The outdoor lifestyle is easy to live in. You’ll find comfort and performance in the clothes, shoes and home goods we offer. Not lookalikes. Here are a few of the trend-setting brands we offer:

  • Patagonia, Fjallraven, Outdoor Research, The North Face
  • O’neill, Roxy, Quiksilver, Picture, Descent
  • Toad & Co, KAVU, Kuhl, Mountain Khakis, Sherpa
  • Pendleton, Woolwich, Kari Traa
  • Hestra, Swany, Dakine, Gardini
  • Smartwool, Darn Tough, Bridgedale
  • Chacos, Teva, Salomon
  • Sorel, Emu, Minnetonka
  • Stormy Kormer, Pistil, Buff, Blackstrap
Shepherd & Schaller in downtown Wausau is where you can learn how to dress and select gear for all of your outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather. Visit us across from Wausau’s 400 Block park. We have parking on site at 324 Scott St. Supporting outdoor enthusiasts since 1949!

Be a Hero This Father’s Day: Gift Ideas Dad Will Love

We’re really good at figuring out what guys want, and it’s rarely a new tie.  Here’s a few ideas for playful, outdoorsy,  adventurous and on-the-go dads to inspire you.  Be a hero this Father’s Day.  Come home with a gift he’ll love from Wausau’s favorite Outdoor Store, where discounts in every department will make you wish you were a dad!  Good stuff starts at only $10.

Is dad always up for a game of catch, running with the dog, or a round of disc golf? If he’s the type who loves to get out and have a good time, he might fit into this category.

Playful dads will love these fun gifts:

  • Relaxed, comfortable clothing by Duer Jeans, Kavu, TNF, Kuhl, Patagonia, Quiksilver
  • Casual kick-around sneakers from Olukai.  He can just slide into these.
  • Disc Golf gear, indoor-outdoor Pocket Disc or Footbag
  • Spirit Accessories like fun flasks or even Pocket Cocktails for on-the-go celebrating

Outdoorsy dads want dependable, durable, helpful stuff

If dad stays out from dawn till dusk enjoying all that nature has to offer, he’s probably the outdoorsy type. Maybe he packs a bag and hikes, takes the kayak out, pedals the local bike trails. He just loves to be out and breathe in that fresh air.

Gift ideas include:

  • Performance apparel from Kuhl, Kavu, Patagonia or The North Face
  • Stable, supportive, water-friendly footwear from Teva or Salomon
  • A Pack to hold his gear from Osprey, Patagonia, The North Face
  • A handy Slingshot, flint or rescue bracelet 
  • Hydroflask Waterbottle
  • Adjustable hiking poles
  • A headlamp
  • Comfy Smartwool Socks (buy 3 get 1 free!)

Adrenaline Junky dads will get a thrill with these gifts

Is faster & more dangerous the way dad lets off steam? If he lives on the edge, you see it all over his face: he craves adventure. Feed his craving with some cool toys on Father’s Day.

Gift ideas include:

  • A bike. Yep, he probably wants new one. (Plus you get a Free Tune Up, Free Check-up and 20% off bike accessories to make it an awesome gift!)
  • A wakeboard, waterskis, wake surf, or wake skate from Hyperlite or HO
  • An HO neoprene vest or Accurate rope for behind the boat
  • Sun Bum sun protection (he’s going to need it)
  • Ski or Snowboard gear.  Our remaining winter 2018 gear is 40-50% off retail price! 

On the go dads need useful, durable travel gear

He travels. Maybe it’s for work, maybe its for play.  Either way, he needs tools to keep him organized and endure the trials and tests that all travelers encounter. Durable bags, helpful tools.  He’ll think of you whenever he’s on the road or trail.

Gift ideas include:

  • Duffle bags and luggage from Patagonia, The North Face, Dakine
  • Waterproof stuff sacks and phone cases from Outdoor Research and Croakies

Dad loved the handprint picture frames you gave him as a child (it’s probably sitting on his desk), but he’ll love quality gifts tailored to the things he loves to do. Well done you!

New Year, New Resolutions!

If you’re anything like I am, you have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions.

It seems like a natural time to make important changes. It’s like a universal pressing of the “reset” button. Maybe that’s why so many Americans make New Year’s resolutions in the first place. But here’s the thing, how many people are successful in achieving them? I’m definitely not one of them!

I suspect it has something to do with the nature of the resolutions themselves. My guess is the majority of people want to lose weight, fall in love, or win the lottery. Which is great! Let’s do it! Being happy and healthy is super important. But we shoot for the stars and we end up making it to the tree tops because we overwhelm ourselves with these HUGE goals. So, here are our tips on how to achieve your resolutions this year.

A)  Start small. If you want to lose weight, signing up to run a marathon isn’t the best place to start. Try taking those dreaded stairs once or twice per week instead of riding the elevator. Or maybe you can shovel the driveway instead of digging that snowblower out of the corner of your garage the next time we get a snow storm. Are you sitting on the couch watching an episode of the Bachelor? Instead of forwarding through the commercials, do sit ups or leg raises during them, it’s an easy way to time yourself.

My point is, heading to the gym and thinking you have to spend hours there every day isn’t the only way to lose that weight, nor may it be the right way for you. There are tons of options to get yourself in the mindset of leading a healthy lifestyle, and it starts small. One pound at a time. Diving in head first doesn’t work for everyone and it could cause you to be overwhelmed and burnt out, therefore your interest is lost. Just remember to have fun with it!

B)  Be honest with yourself. If you’ve never held a tennis racket, planning to win Wimbledon later this year might be a stretch. The same goes for your goals, and it’s okay if you don’t know all the answers right away. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and going into a new resolution with hopes too high will almost certainly result in letdown. Want to fall in love? Start by putting yourself out there and setting up an online dating profile. Reaching that first goal will provide a sense of accomplishment and keep your motivation up. Keep in mind that everyone who has ever achieved anything first had to start at the beginning.

C)  Educate yourself. An old friend of mine had a sign hanging above her desk that read “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Without the proper knowledge, you’re far more likely to fail in your new endeavors. (I personally need to educate myself on how to win the lottery. Step one: buy a ticket.) But really, you wouldn’t leave on a cross country road trip without a map, right? Well, you shouldn’t start a new goal without a good plan either. There are tons of free resources available today to help you find the answers to your questions.

D)  Have fun. If you don’t remember anything from this article, at least remember this. If you don’t have fun with what you’re doing you’re just going to be stressed out and miserable. Don’t be miserable.

So there you have it! Shep’s tips on how to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions.