Adventure Trips 101

An Intro to Exploring with RecSports

by Connor Chewning, Program Assistant/Adventure Trip Guide/Climbing Wall Supervisor and Dana Bruhis, Program Assistant/Adventure Trip Guide

Ready to get outdoors and start exploring? UT RecSports offers an Adventure Trip program featuring a variety of local and regional destinations each semester. Keep reading for an introduction on how you can explore the outdoors with us.

What is the Adventure Trip Program?
The Adventure Trip program offers a variety of adventure trips each semester that are crafted to help you get outside and try new activities. Our selection of day, weekend and extended trips are guided by fellow students and UT staff to help you safely explore a new destination, learn new skills and have a great experience.

Trips vary in difficulty rating ranging from beginner to advanced. This means that there is a trip perfect for you whether you are new to the outdoors or have been pursuing an outdoor hobby for years. Trips are open to UT students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community.

What trips and activities are offered?
We have a variety of trips that can keep you near Austin or take you far away! Trips are always published on our website and destinations vary each semester, but here are some staff favorites.

• Backpacking in Hawaii: Step into island life for a week following the fall semester to explore Hawaii’s lush forests and top off the week with a bit of snorkeling. This trip is typically offered during winter break.
• Backpacking at Lost Maples State Natural Area: Spend the weekend exploring one of Central Texas’ best natural areas; perfect for a mid-semester adventure.
• Canoeing the San Marcos River: Paddle in clear, cool waters surrounded by a variety of species in and out of the water. If you are feeling up for it, you can run the rapids!
• Sea Kayaking to Matagorda Island: Kayak to a beautiful white sand beach, take a hike to the nearby historic lighthouse and spend a night listening to the tide roll in.
• Rock Climbing at Reimers Ranch: Learn how to tie in, climb real rock and belay at a local favorite limestone crag just outside of Austin.
• Backpacking at Big Bend National Park: Adventure into a unique desert environment filled with geologic wonders and sleep under the stars deep in the heart of Texas.

What is included in a trip?
The best part about adventure trips with RecSports is how easy it is to get out there and explore. You can find registration information and policies on our website. Your registration fee includes:

• Logistics: Our guides secure all reservations and permitting for your trip and provide you with the needed transportation to and from campus.
• Meals: Most meals are provided for the duration of your trip. Our guides know some great healthy recipes and some people claim to eat better on our trips than at home!
• Basic Equipment: The program will provide all basic equipment needed for your trip, including sleeping bags and pads, tents, backpacks, paddling gear, etc.
• Emergency Medical Attention: Our certified guides are well trained to handle medical emergencies that might arise on your trip.
• Guide Instruction: While on your trip you get to learn both technical and soft skills from being a part of the group, and our guides will teach you the skills you need to pursue the activity on your own!

How do adventure trips connect me to life on campus?
For our guides and trip participants, the Adventure Trip program has become a huge part of their college experience. While on trips you will meet new people who also have a love of the outdoors and get to explore and learn about new places while connecting with other students.

Getting involved in the Adventure Trip program can help connect you to students who work at the Outdoor Center, climb at the Climbing Wall, combine science and river adventure with Stream Team or are active in other clubs and programs offered on campus. This is the time in your life to branch out and try new things. You may find a new skill that you love or meet a lifelong friend willing to join you on your future adventures.