OUTDOOR RECREATION: Specialty Classes |
Outdoor Recreation wants to hear from you! As
part of our continual efforts to improve our programs and better
serve our patrons, we hope that you’ll take a moment to
give us your feedback. Whether you’ve participated in our
programs or never heard of them, we’d like to know! |
Membership Not Required!
OPEN Registration for these classes begins May 27 at the
IM-Rec Sports Business Office, located in the AFC.
(click on class name for dates/times/prices; all classes may not be offered each
semester)
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Introduction
To Caving
Experience the fun sport of caving! This unique, entry-level opportunity
takes participants to Crossroads Cave, a unique, fragile environment of
underground passages. The group will observe rock formations such as stalactites
and stalagmites that are thousands of years old, and even spot seashells
that speak of the time Virginia was under the ocean. Crossroads Cave is
a horizontal cave that beginners will enjoy. All the passages are spacious,
but there is one tight passage that is optional for participants to explore.
Advanced Beginner
Caving
Two caves, one town, one day...two extremely different environments. Join
us as we first head to "Marshall’s Cave" in Goshen, Va.
This cave provides a relatively dry environment with many small passages
to explore. We will see a variety of fossils and if we are lucky,
bats! After a quick van ride, we will swim (yes, swim) through the
entrance of "Aqua Cave". Aqua is a wet cave, which contains
aquatic fossils, several large rooms and an underground lake. You
will remember this cave forever.
Prerequisites: Prior caving experience (i.e. the intro. class).
Must be comfortable in dark places and able to swim. Bring along your
attitude of doing something new/different and exciting. Outdoor Recreation
program staff will assess eligibility to participate.
Fly Tying
Seminar
During this two-hour session, participants will learn basic techniques
for tying the wide variety of flies useful throughout the different seasons
and leave with two or three of your own tied flies.
Introduction
to Fly Fishing
This two-day course covers basic skills needed to begin enjoying the
lifetime sport of fly fishing. On the first day, basic principles of
fly fishing and casting will be covered before we head out to practice.
The second day is spent on the pond or river, fishing and practicing
your casting skills, learning basic knots, fishing strategies, water
reading and fly selection, with additional focus on stream entomology.
All equipment is provided. Bring a sack lunch each day. Participants
will be required to purchase a five-day fishing license and a trout stamp,
which enables you to fish on a local river during your second day.
Fly Fishing
River Day
Designed for those who have introductory level fly fishing experience
and seek to improve their skills while learning more about fishing in
moving water. Participants will review skills and discuss fish habitat,
fly selection, entomology and reading water.
Prerequisites: Intro. to Fly Fishing or equivalent experience.
Intro.
to Horseback Riding
What better way to experience the rustic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
than by horse? Utilizing a local outfitter, we'll explore the Shenandoah
backcountry in all of its splendor. Upon being introduced to your horses
and to the essentials of riding, you and your group will explore the
area
in and around Graves Mountain. These trips are open to all levels of
riders. It's a nice gentle trail ride in the Blue Ridge Countryside.
*This popular program fills up fast!
Prerequisites: Maximum weight limit of 225 lbs
Wilderness
First Aid (not currently offered)
If you spend any time outside hiking, climbing, skiing, fishing, or paddling,
this 16-hour Outdoor First Aid class is for you. During the two days you will
cover proper protocols for patient care, injury evaluation, proper stabilization
and correct management for the person who needs evacuation or proper care from
further effect from the outdoor environment. Upon successful completion, you
will receive a certification from the American Red Cross that is good for three
years.
Nature
Photography (not currently offered)
Whether you are looking to be the next Ansel Adams or simply photograph
the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this course is for you! During
one 90-minute indoor session and a day in the field, you’ll learn
about cameras, special equipment, techniques, and tricks of the trade
involved in nature photo-graphy from an experienced freelance outdoor
photographer.
IM-Rec Sports Outdoor Recreation will continue our collaboration with
on-Grounds student organizations to offer a series of outdoor trips and
activities specifically designed for first-year students. Field programs
in paddling, rock climbing, caving, hiking and fly-fishing will be coordinated
throughout the fall semester. In addition to meeting your classmates,
you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains
and Shenandoah Valley while participating in a variety of outdoor recreation
activities designed to foster community and appreciation of the resources
available to you locally.
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