Texas A&M students and the wider Bryan-College Station community looking to connect with the great outdoors can embark on two upcoming Outdoor Adventures journeys through A&M’s Student Recreation Department before the end of the spring semester. The deadline to register on Rec Sports is April 16.
On Thursday, April 18, beginners can experience “Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard” from 6-9:30 p.m. at Lake Bryan. No experience is needed as the student trip leaders provide students and community members with training, equipment and transportation to enjoy the evening paddleboard adventure. Trip fees are $21 for A&M students and $25 for the general public and include transportation and equipment. Register before the Tuesday deadline on the Rec Sports website.
A&M’s Outdoor Adventures curates weekend and extended trips throughout Texas and out of state for both beginner and advanced outdoor adventurers, according to RecSports.tamu.edu. Student trip leaders are trained and certified by Outdoor Rec and will demonstrate everything from how to pack a travel bag, to the skills needed to safely enjoy an outdoor adventure trip.
The “Explore Huntsville State Park” day trip on Saturday, April 20, will allow adventurers to explore Huntsville State Park by foot and boat from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This hybrid adventure includes hiking through Huntsville State Park and paddle boarding on Lake Raven. The trip fee is $66 for students and $80 for the general public with food and transportation included. The deadline to register is April 16.
Outdoor trips can be part of any busy life, explained Todd Grier, program director for Outdoor Rec. Students are encouraged to go on trips to connect to the outdoors, meet similarly minded people and feel an appreciation for where they live.
Set aside any preconceived notion that only the best equipment and skill level is required to connect with the outdoors, Grieel said. A good attitude and willingness to be open is all that’s needed.
Kenya Rodriguez is a Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences senior and contributed this from the course JOUR 359, Reporting Sports, to The Battalion.
