The Wake

Whether you’re addicted to extreme outdoor sports, an occasional nature-enthusiast or only go outside to get to class, the U of M Center for Outdoor Adventure welcomes you. It is a place for all levels of outdoor adventurers to come together and heighten their skills, providing a chance to experience new places and meet new people. The center offers daytime and weekend programs that fit with the academic calendar. It also offers longer programs during most holiday breaks. It is a place dedicated to the non-academic aspect of being a U of M student.

The Center for Outdoor Adventure is not an organization or club so you do not have to become a member. It simply serves the University community by providing outdoor trips, indoor rock climbing, clinics and equipment rental. Three years ago, the COA was hidden on the U of M St. Paul campus and was unknown by a majority of students. Now, its main office is located on the East Bank at the University Recreation Center. As a result, more students have taken advantage of the wide variety of activities that the COA offers. The main office offers equipment rental, opportunities to sign up for trips and a free bouldering wall located on the St. Paul campus.

During a recent visit to the COA office, I tested my skills on the bouldering wall and found myself becoming addicted to the rush. Bouldering uses no ropes, harnesses or belaying. It’s just your body and the wall. The bouldering wall offers different routes ranging, from a novice level to half way upside-down, which does not look physically possible. It’s a fun and easy way to catch a workout or just to be active in between classes.

In an interview with Mitch Hoffman, COA program director, I asked what the main goal of the COA is. “Getting people outdoors and serving the students,” Hoffman says. The COA is well supported by the students and university, and they often find that people come back for more. One problem is that it usually takes students a year or two to find the COA. Hoffman hopes that its office relocation will help attract more freshmen and sophomore students so they can have more opportunities for a longer time. The COA likes to have the non-student community involved in activities as well, but it is mainly focused on catering to students.

When Hoffman was asked what the best part of his position was, he responded, “to see the positive experience.” On the other hand, when asked what he would change about the COA, Hoffman replied, “more trips and more time.” The COA must keep its small group sizes on trips for the safety of the students and respect for the places they go. Each trip typically fills up quickly. In fact, the annual backpacking trip to Grand Canyon National Park in Ariz. this Nov. was filled in 48 hours.

The Grand Canyon trip takes four days and three nights. On the first night, the group sleeps on the rim of the canyon where it can get exceptionally cold at night. The group then backpacks down the 5,000-feet vertical drop into the canyon. They spend the rest of the time exploring the beautiful area. Then they hike back up on the other side and drive a few hours south to Flagstaff where they get a shower, a bed and some well-deserved sleep.

Day and weekend trips are offered through the COA to participate in activities like climbing at Taylor’s Falls, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, sea kayaking on Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake or backpacking along the North Country Scenic Trail which links scenic, natural, historical and cultural areas in seven northern states among others.

Beginner and intermediate activities are also available such as horseback riding, climbing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, which are open to students. Most activities are offered at fair student prices ranging from free clinics to $35 day trips or a $600 four-night stay at the Grand Canyon. Equipment is provided, and the rental price is built into the initial price of the activity.

The indoor rock-climbing wall at the St. Paul campus is a great resource for any climber or non-climber on campus. The wall is 25 feet high with over 900 square feet of climbing area. There are many routes to accommodate all climbing abilities, and the staff is trained to help get you started and belay. A daily pass is $4 for students, and climbing equipment is free to use. The COA does caution that climbing is very addicting.

The COA not only has outdoor opportunities, but it also provides student leadership and employment opportunities. Student trip leaders plan and facilitate all aspects of the trips. They are on their own with a lot on their shoulders, but the leaders are very passionate and happy to be there. The trips are usually planned in small groups, and while the leaders provide a fun experience for the members, they also teach them how to develop skills in outdoor responsibility. The leaders present a leave-no-trace ethic to group members and encourage them to apply those skills outside of the COA.

Every winter and spring the, COA has a huge sale where all the gear and equipment used by the COA is replaced. The equipment is sold at a discount relative to the condition of the equipment. It is a great place for anyone to buy lightly used brand name gear. All of the equipment at the COA office is available for rent as well. Anything from tents, backpacks, kayaks, snowshoes and cooking kits are available at low prices.

The COA provides something for everyone, whether you want a new workout, to see new places or to try something different. It all can be accomplished through the Center for Outdoor Adventure. For more information, visit the COA website at www.recsports.umn.edu/Programs/climb, or pick up a COA Fall 2006 Adventure Guide at the main office on the lower level of the University Recreation Center.