Outdoor Adventures - Davis Wiki

Outdoor Adventures is one of the largest university outdoor programs in the United States. They run trips and classes in a variety of disciplines year round. Part of Campus Recreation, student fees help support the program, although it still costs money to go on trips. Trips are open to everyone in the general public with discounts to students and "university affiliates". Trips are somewhat cooperative in nature, meaning that participants will often carpool to locations and coordinate food on multi-day trips. They offer a wide variety trips every weekend as well as certain types of night classes and longer trips during vacation periods. Outdoor Adventures offers fun for all ages, including youth programs and trips that are held during the summer.

They also have a great Rental Center where you can rent most types of equipment that you'd need to do one of the trips on your own, for a reasonable price. They don't rent downhill skis or snowboards, but you can find telemark skis, bear canisters, sleeping bags, tents, snowshoes, backpacks, and a host of other adventure-related equipment. A price list can be found on their website, or you can pick up a form in person. It is also a great place to hangout - good music, fun people, a variety of books, picnic tables outside and comfy couches inside.

Although they no longer run a retail store, twice a year (third Thursday of October and April) Outdoor Adventures sponsors an annual equipment swap at which you can get some fantastic deals on new and used equipment — just be sure to have cash!

If you're already experienced at an activity and want some more advanced training or if you want to become a guide for OA then be sure to check out one of the Guide Schools. They offer them once a year for each discipline. A great way to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Registration is available in person or via phone for most courses, though the EMT requires in-person registration. See OA's website for official trip descriptions!

Water Program

Rafting

Whitewater rafting is in a way the lifeblood of the program. The majority of people that participate in an OA adventure do so rafting. OA is one of the largest commercial rafting outfitters in the state. They hold permits that allow for many dozens of people to go rafting a day and have a fleet of over 12 paddle rafts. Outdoor Adventures only utilizes oar boats to haul gear on longer trips. The nature of OA's raft program is mainly focused on class III rviers, though they offer a few class IV and V trips during the summer. Guide school is during Spring Break.

South Fork of the American River

Only an hour from Davis, this class III dam-fed river is one of the most popular rivers in the world. It's a wonderful introduction to the sport and a great way for anyone to get out and have fun without having to drive far. The South Fork is a great river for beginner, intermediate, and advanced rafters alike. There are two different runs on the South Fork: the upper "Chili Bar" run and the lower "Gorge" run. OA runs both depending on the season (usually the Gorge is run in spring/summer and Chili Bar during late summer to fall). When the water is super cold like in April and May, OA provides wetsuits for rafters. In the summer heat, you can get away without wetsuits (and often people like to jump in the river to cool down), but it's always good to make sure you wear sunscreen or some other sun protection because hours on a river = potentially nasty sunburns. Check in with OA for all the details of things you should and should not bring on a rafting trip. Helmets are not required, but always welcome and available for rent.

North Fork of the American River

The "bigger brother" of the South Fork, this section is a step up in difficulty and is encouraged for intermediate to advanced rafters. Exhilarating class IV rapids greet rafters during much of the journey and OA encourages people to have decent paddling experience before they sign up. The North Fork is strictly dependent on water flows from snow melt since the river flows aren't regulated by a dam. Hence, it is usually only runs in spring to early summer. After that, the flow tends to become too low for rafting. Since trips are usually in spring and early summer, the water is quite cold and OA provides all rafters with wetsuits. Additionally, class IV rapids require that rafters wear helmets.

Klamath River

OA's Klamath trips are three days long and thus you get to experience a good mix of camping and rafting. The Klamath features rapids up to class III and is good for rafters of all levels. This scenic river is located in the beautiful and rugged woods of northern California. Seeing bald eagles and other wildlife is not uncommon on a Klamath trip. It's a long drive, but well worth it. Excellent food is provided on these trips.

Cal-Salmon

The Cal-Salmon is run twice each May, water-flow and weather dependent. It is open to advanced rafters only as it is a class V river. It is a 2-day trip; oar boats may be the only type of raft used for this river. The Cal-Salmon is named as there is another Salmon River in Idaho that is also popular with rafters, though in a far more remote location.

Great River Rafting Road Trips

There is a plethora of great rivers in the west to explore, with a slew of outfitters offering trips on them. Many offer trips from a half day to multi-days with varying levels of difficulty. Here are a few resources to get you going. Have fun!

Excellent river resource page
Whitewater Rafting in Colorado

Whitewater Kayaking

Brought back to the program by Jordy Margid in 2005, whitewater kayaking is an absolute blast. Classes are taught on the South Fork of the American River. This sport takes a fair amount of practice so it's a good idea to take a classes from experienced instructors. Equipment (which is all new) is provided.

Kayak Rolling

Both instructional classes and open rolling sessions are offered during the spring and summer months at the Rec Pool. You can learn to roll in either a white water or sea kayak.

White Water Kayaking, Level I

Open to all, this is a one-day course that takes place on the South Fork of the American River.

White Water Kayaking, Level II

This intermediate course is also one day, but meant for kayakers who have taken the Level I course and have taken the rolling clinic.

Sea Kayaking

OA has a fleet of 11 single and 5 double Necky sea kayaks. Transportation is provided if the trips up to 6 people. The van that pulls the trailer is maxed out at that capacity so if there are more people on the trip they may have to drive themselves to the put-in. Guide school is in the Spring.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking

This class is perfect for those who wish to learn the basic skills required to ocean kayak safely. The pre-trip meeting covers lots of material such as basics of navigation and equipment. The day spent on Tomales Bay covers a large variety of skills including strokes, bracing and rescue.

Expedition Sea Kayaking

Similar skills are taught on this two day trip as on the one day Intro class. The major difference is that you will be camping out on a wonderfully secluded beach. This gives you much more time to practice skills, explore the area and just relax.

Tomales Bay Day Tour

The focus of this trip is just to get out and have fun! Some instruction is provided (depending on what people want) but really you're just out there to explore. You'll likely be able to see jellyfish, sea stars, seals, birds, elk and lots of other wildlife.

San Francisco Bay Intermediate Tour

This tour is great for people who have some kayaking experience and want to do something a little more challenging. Most of the time, the trip launches from Sausilito and heads out towards Belvedere and Angel Island. San Francisco bay is a stunningly beautiful place to paddle. It can be a little challenging however. Strong currents, strong winds, boat traffic, fog and choppy water are all serious concerns. If conditions are right, you may have a chance to do a complete circumnavigation of Angel Island. You'll also get to paddle past some of the most valuable residential property in the world.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs

This three day adventure takes you up north of Mt. Lassen to Ahjumawi State Park. A great place to paddle and explore the springs, cinder cone, and view some wildlife. Perfect for all levels of kayakers.

Baja Sea Kayaking

This is a 6 day trip launching from Bahía de los Ángeles. The drive is a little less than 2 days each way. The itinerary varies from trip to trip, but there are a dozen or so campsites that you could visit including some beautiful white sand beaches, a dormant volcano, uninhabited islands and protected coves filled with clams. The trip is not exclusively kayaking, as there are many opportunities to go hiking, snorkeling or just bumming around on the beach. You are likely to see sea lions, birds, fish, sting rays and possibly some dolphins or whales. There are typically two trips over the winter break and two around spring break. Most of the trips overlap with the end of finals or the first day or two of the next semester.

View of the bay from half way up the volcano

Wilderness Program

Offering a wide range of activities, the wilderness program offers trips all over the state of California. Activities vary seasonally due to snow.

Backpacking

Guide school is in the spring.

Backpacking Adventures

Explore the back country and let the impressive scenery revitalize you. The course covers topics relating to safety and leave-no-trace camping techniques. Trips are designed for the basic-level backpackers, but most levels can be accommodated. Group camping gear is included and personal gear is available from OA.

Introduction to Backpacking

Geared toward getting you on your way toward adventures of your own, this trip is more instructional in structure (i.e. how to properly pack your backpack, ten set up, etc.). A great way to improve your skills and get away for the weekend.

Custom Backpacking Trips

If you are looking for a trip that we do not offer, then find your friends and book a custom trip through OA. You can choose the time and place that interests you most and OA will provide the group gear and our experiences guides to help lead you along your adventures. These trips are a great way for any level of backpacker to gain the knowledge and skills for back country travel.

Wilderness Navigation

Learn the basics of finding your way through the back country with topographical maps, compasses, and the most important tool, common sense. Topics include map reading, on- and off-trail route finding, advanced compass techniques, Leave No Trace Principles, and what to do when you get lost.

Fly Fishing

There are two courses on fly fishing, offered sporadically depending on demand. There is a 4-session class offered on Fly-tying. There is also a weekend car-camping trip to the Sierras where you get hands-on experience.

Rock Climbing

Guide school is in the Fall.

Beginning Rock Climbing

This class is an introduction to the challenges of rock climbing. The two-part class includes an evening session at the ARC climbing wall and a full day outdoors at Cosumnes River Gorge. We cover all the basic skills needed for technical climbing, including belaying, basic knots, and techniques for face and crack climbing on top rope. Shoes and all climbing gear are included.

Introduction to Top Rope

Take the next step and learn how to set up your own Top Rope. Guides will go over techniques for setting up a safe Top Rope then go have some fun and climb!

Multi-Pitch Climbing

Learn the basics of lead climbing and multi-pitch technique. It is strongly recommended that you have a solid foundation in climbing and/or have take Beg Rox or Top Rope before enrolling. Classes are held at Lover's Leap.

Winter Sports

Guide School is in the Winter.

Cross Country Skiing

Instruction in Cross Country skiing is a great way to get in to the sport if you have limited skiing experience. OA provides transportation and backcountry (metal edged, waxless) skis. Trips often take place around Castle Peak but other locales are also used. Basic instruction in ski technique including kicking and gliding, going uphill, stopping and other fun stuff is practiced.

Snowshoe Day Trips

The OA armada of snowshoes are high quality shoes made by Atlas Snowshoes. They provide them in two sizes, large and small. Trips focus primarily on going out and having fun. Light instruction in technique and winter travel is discussed. Trips often go to the Castle Peak, Carson Pass or Echo Lake areas. Transportation is generally provided.

Yosemite Snow Camping

Leaving from Glacier Point Road, these overnight trips are a great introduction to the fineries of being comfortable while camping in the snow. You travel on snowshoes with heavy packs for a couple of miles to make camp in what is often a stunningly beautiful area. It's definitely a trip you won't forget!

Snow Cave and Igloo Building

Fun yet practical, this course offers skills for any back country winter traveler. These natural-material shelters can be made for emergency situations when snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. They can also be used as a light-weight solution to winter-mountaineering tents. And, how many people can say they've built and slept in a snow cave or igloo?

Mt. Lassen Cross-Country Ski

Probably the most intense winter trip that OA offers, Mt. Lassen is a great place to test yourself. This three-day trip leads you to the base of Mt. Lassen, weather permitting. You camp in the snow each night, so gear and food choice is quite important. A typical trip has the group set up base camp about half way up the mountain. Day 2 is spent skiing up to the snow-covered Lake Helen, at the base of Mt. Lassen. The peak is too steep to summit with cross-country skis. Day 3 is an easy downhill descent to the trail head.
Mt. Lassen is the furthest south mountain of the Cascade range. It last erupted in 1915 and was made into a park shortly thereafter. It is the least visited National Park in the country, yet it is only 2.5 hrs north of Davis.

Healthcare Courses

CPR

Outdoor Adventures offers three American Heart Association CPR classes at different levels of training. Students should decide which class to take based on their needs.

Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider

A comprehensive course which teaches CPR, AED, rescue breathing, and foreign body airway obstruction for adult, child and infant patients. Class is 4.5 hours long. Renewal course also available. Certification is for two years.

HeartSaver AED

Focuses on CPR and AED for adult, child and infants. Slightly easier and quicker than the BLS course; it only takes 4 hours. Certification is for two years.

First Aid

HeartSaver First Aid

Does not include CPR. Includes basic First Aid used by lay rescuers in a professional setting, including teachers, camp counselors, and others who do not need a higher level of first air training. Certification is two years.

Wilderness First Aid

A 16-hour course, minimum requirement for OA guides. This is offered once a quarter. It alternates between a full-weekend of classes or four, 4-hour weekday evenings.Certification is good for 3 years.

Wilderness First Responder

Taught by Julie Munger of Sierra Rescue, this is an intensive 9-day, 80-hour course for the backcountry adventurer. This takes place every Sept. before school starts. Certification is good for 3 years. Recertification is also available.

EMT - Emergency Medical Technician

An intense course taught by a San Francisco Firefighter/Paramedic. This course is taught on a semester schedule, twice a year. Lectures are about four hours in the evening once a week, labs are all day one Saturday per month. This is a very popular course due to its high quality and very low price. Some years people signing up for this course arrive at Outdoor Adventures 24 or more hours before sign ups to wait in line.