Always look cool.

From our perspective, THIS is the fundamental meaning of Rule One, and the history of its origin. From day one in the Army, as a leader, you are taught to abide by the rules:

Rule 1: Always look cool 

Rule 2: Always know where you are

Rule 3: If you get lost, go back to Rule 1.

Reminders of these Rules are front and center from every soldier you ever lead. This entire concept is particularly true for a young Infantry Lieutenant. It still rings true in our everyday life. Looking cool means being relaxed while remaining vigilant. Rule One doesn’t mean wearing Hawaiian shirts and the latest kicks. Don’t get us wrong, we love Hawaiians, but it’s not what we are talking about here. It also means presenting yourself professionally – both in dress and demeanor - and literally not looking like a bag of ass in either category. Staying calm regardless of the circumstances is not optional, it is a requirement. Remaining calm, and in control of emotions and thought processes, will make or break you. Let the situation develop. Your plan may be solid, but once the execution begins, things change, variables enter the equation, and the ability to assess, adapt and overcome is invaluable. If you are uptight and constantly focused on intricate details or minutiae, you lose focus on the mission, the endstate - the whole reason you are doing whatever it is you are doing. If you can calmly remember your task and purpose, you can successfully complete your mission. 

This is the mindset we apply at Rule One Adventure CO. Our adventures are recon’ed, planned, and rehearsed to anticipate and deal with “the wild”. Taking nature in stride – regardless of how or when it is presented to us – is paramount to the success of the mission and our adventures.

We have taken this methodology and applied it to our favorite places in Colorado. This allows people of every background and skill level to enjoy a true adventure. Our endstate is to live the adventure, to create a memory worth remembering, which leads to lives worth living. As military veterans and law enforcement officers, we have found the therapeutic benefits of nature. Rules 2-10 help guide all participants along that path.

Our newest mission? Our endstate? Assisting fellow veterans and private citizens alike in experiencing the therapeutic powers of the great outdoors, in settings as challenging as they are breathtaking. 

-Nick and Dave Makowski