Hello From Maryland

[Lawl9904]

Hi, my name is John and I have read a bit on the forums but have just made an account. I enjoy music, hiking, and camping and wish to get into hammocks. I have seen some good videos and posts on the matter and greatly enjoyed watching videos on youtube. These have certainly furthered my interest and knowledge on the subject. I'm sure it will be nice to meet you all and hopefully I we all will be able to learn from each other. I was wondering if anyone has any other interesting tips or information for a beginner to the forums and hammocking itself. Thanks!

[johnspenn]

Hello and welcome to the forums from Marietta GA.

Here are my suggestions to get started:

1. Watch Shug's videos on Hammock Camping 101 for newbies.

2. Get and read a copy of Derek Hansen's book: The Ultimate Hang.

Repeat steps one and two at least one time, if you're anything like me you will repeat more than once.

3. Take some time to browse around the forums and familiarize yourself with it. Check out the vendors here and familiarize yourself with their offerings.

Don't be in a hurry to purchase gear. Make informed decisions. "Buy once cry once".

Happy hanging!

[TrailSlug]

Welcome to hammock forums as this is a good place to learn from others that have trail blazed for the rest of us. There were a couple of other new forum members signed up last week from Maryland and it appears you have a few large group hangs near by so check those out as going to a group hang is like going to a car show room for hammocks.

[Yojimbo]

Welcome from across the river in North Va. As mentioned above this fall are several hammock hangs you may want to check out. In October is the MAHHA in Pine Grove Furnace SP PA and in November is the NoVa Hang at Prince William Forest Park. There are posts for both already going. Hope to you see you around.

[deetz]

Hey there and welcome! Started hanging this past year and haven't looked back. Where exactly in MD are you? I teach music in the Laurel area and I'm down to bike, hike, camp, play music, or just hang. Do you currently own a hammock? I have a few if you want to try some we could maybe meet up for some test drives. Although as the others have mentioned, your best bet for test drives is probably at a group hang. Welcome to to the community! Happy hanging!

[Kale Kale]

Welcome from Southern Maryland!

I second johnspenn in voting for Shug's videos. If you have a question about hammocks, he has answered it in a video already. They are filled with tons of useful info.

[Lawl9904]

Thanks to everyone for being so supportive and welcoming. I have already watched almost all of Shug's videos and I greatly enjoyed them, he is part of the way I found this forum. I plan to purchase a copy of The Ultimate Hang in the near future. Thanks all, and keep being awesome!

[NarlocB]

Welcome to the forums from another Marylander!!

[Chesapeake]

Hi from Northeastern Maryland! I'm also new to HF and hanging, but grew up hiking/camping/living in the woods about 4 miles away from Elk Neck state park here in Cecil County. I haven't been on any hikes with a hammock yet, but plan on doing a small section of the Mason Dixon trail soon when it cools off. Definatly play with your gear and get as much practice in your yard or close to home as you can at first. I know I do. Try to come to the fall MAHHA group hang if you can also, I am. Its just southwest of Harrisburg PA. Everyone on here is super helpful and will answer any question you have. Hit me up if you have any questions about anything to do with MD. Good luck, have fun and Happy hanging!!

[jwright]

Hello from yet another MD'er.
Only thing I have to add would be to just get out there and give it a try (or at least make plans to get out there and hang once it cools off--too hot for me right now.
)