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David Hicks

  • January 19, 2025
  • Editor and/or Contributors
In this episode of Mushing, host Robert speaks with David Hicks, owner of Cast Outdoor Adventures in Ely, Minnesota. David shares his journey from military service to becoming a leader in outdoor adventures, focusing on dog sledding and adaptive experiences for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of running a dog sledding business, the importance of inclusivity in outdoor sports, and the future of dog mushing as a community-driven activity.
 

Takeaways

  • David Hicks transitioned from military service to outdoor leadership.
  • His business focuses on education and immersive dog sledding experiences.
  • Adaptive sleds are being developed for individuals with disabilities.
  • The importance of community engagement in mushing is emphasized.
  • David’s experiences highlight the beauty of the Boundary Waters.
  • Feedback from clients has shaped the direction of his business.
  • Inclusivity in outdoor sports is a growing focus for David’s team.
  • The challenges of maintaining trails in non-motorized areas are significant.
  • David’s passion for dogs drives his commitment to the sport.
  • Future growth in dog mushing may lean towards micro kennels and touring.

Titles

  • Exploring the World of Dog Mushing
  • David Hicks: A Journey from Military to Mushing
  • Adaptive Sleds: Making Mushing Accessible

Sound Bites

 
  • “We need to be able to guide summer and winter.”
  • “The dogs were the key point of the whole trip.”
  • “The boundary waters in the winter is beautiful.”
  • “We want to provide autonomy and control.”
  • “We need to create foot brakes that operate as handbrakes.”
  • “We don’t want to have cost be a barrier to participation.”
  • “We need to make sure it’s as safe as possible.”

Chapters

 
00:00 Introduction to Mushing and David Hicks
05:14 David’s Journey into Outdoor Leadership
12:53 Adaptive Sleds and Inclusivity in Mushing
23:58 Future of Dog Mushing and Community Engagement
 

More About David Hicks and His Company 

 
Cast Outdoors Adventures
 
Ely Dat Trips.com
 
Instagram
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