While the UVA outdoor recreation programs can appeal to a wide range of abilities, our primary focus is toward teaching novices and rising beginners the skills they need to be prepared to enjoy their desired outdoor pursuits. In addition to enjoying the outdoor environment and wanting to meet your expected outcomes, you will have the opportunity to learn ways to improve technique, equipment considerations, trip preparation, and how to recognize and prevent potential hazards. All of our programs have an instructor to student ratio of 1:4 or less. You can also contact us for private or semi-private instruction.

We offer a range of classes for beginners and first time climbers, for more experienced climbers who wish to improve their climbing technique, and anchor workshops for those who want to learn top rope anchor building techniques. If you are new to rock climbing or just want to practice technique, visit our bouldering wall at the Outdoor Recreation Center.

• Climbing Video

These classes will cover the fundamentals of bouldering as it relates to safety, policies, the route rating system, and using good bouldering sense. The Bouldering Wall Orientation workshop is required for everyone who wishes to boulder during our open hours.

Whether you are interested in recreational (flat-water) or white water kayaking, we offer a range of classes. For those of you who have never been kayaking, we can help you get started with one of our Recreational Kayak primers on a local reservoir. We also provide roll clinics and roll practice sessions each semester, which would allow you to perform self-rescue in open water or on the river. From our 2-hour clinics to our weekend long white water or sea kayak trips, we have got something for you!

• Kayak Roll Progression Video

• Kayak Essentials Video

Our other workshops offer a spectrum of various outdoor recreational activities following the same format of our other classes. These classes include Fly Fishing, Horseback Trail Riding, Caving, Nature Photography and Wilderness First Aid. In addition, you can also request map and compass workshops along with equipment skill seminars.

These activities are sure to provide you an exhilarating challenge and sense of accomplishment! Click for details.

The Zip-Line Ride: Take a ride through the woods on our 350 ft. zip line. You'll start this activity by traversing a hand and foot cable bridge to the zip platform where you'll begin your journey through the trees. Participants will have the chance to ride twice. Open to ages 12 and up. Space is limited so register early.

We can organize any of our instructional classes privately for individuals or organizations, regardless of UVA affiliation. 
*All rates include equipment and transportation, unless otherwise noted.

Semi-Private and Private:
All prices are calculated based off of percentages of the open enrollment program prices, which varies based on group size and UVA affiliation.   

Fee Structure:
4 or more persons: The price is the same as the open enrollment price listed.
2-3 persons: The price is 40% more than the open enrollment price. 
1 person: The price is 60 % more than the open enrollment price.  (Price Includes Equipment but not Transportation, which will be based off $.35/mile.)