Clubs popularize sports outings

Traveling this summer? Looking to remain active on your vacations? DFW Outdoors has got you covered.

DFW Outdoors, a Metroplex club that sponsors active sports outings and other events, has joined with Bayou City Outdoors of Houston and Austin Country Outdoors to form the American Outdoor Adventure Network. Now that the three clubs are united and other nationwide clubs might be added in the future, a $19.95 monthly membership fee will allow entry into the club's activities.

Events are scheduled most days of the week, and upcoming activities include tennis, hiking, tubing, dancing and camping. Steve Dahill formed the Austin club in January 2001 as a way to meet people after moving to Texas from the East Coast.

Dahill's brother David and friend Erich de Bruyn helped begin DFW Outdoors in November 2001 and the Houston club in January 2002. Until now, the clubs were separate, despite having similar goals. More than 650 active professionals participate, and Steve Dahill hopes membership will reach 1,000 by July.

On top of the physical benefits gained by exercising, many people have made friends or even met significant others through the clubs. DFW Outdoors appeals to all ages and genders. According to www.dfwoutdoors.com, 9 percent of people are ages 18-25, 47 percent are ages 26-35, 32 percent are ages 36-45 and 12 percent are over 45. Also, 59 percent of members are female and 41 percent are male. For more information, contact (512) 467-7421 or the Web site.