Statesman

Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: Outdoors

Media Credit: Statesman archive photo Climber matches on sloper to ascend this Duluth boulder.

There's nothing quite like running through the waves on a perfect day, wetsuit on, friends in tow, diving headfirst onto a surfboard and paddling out into the surf, waiting for that perfect wave. If this sounds like a trip to one of the coasts to do some ocean surfing, think again. Many people have made surfing on Lake Superior a new favorite pastime.

One of the things that make Duluth and the North Shore so unique is the abundant activities that the area has to offer. Maybe you don't own a surfboard, or you'd like to go camping, but don't have the gear, a car or know anywhere to go. That's where the UMD Recreational Sports and Outdoors Program (RSOP) located in the Sports and Health Center, can come in handy to students looking to explore the outdoors and the many activities that make the area unique.

The RSOP offers everything from intramural sports, including football, softball, ultimate frizbee, volleyball and dodgeball to a Devil's Tower camping/hiking/climbing trip at the end of September. They also offer localized training in kayaking and canoeing, as well as a climbing and bouldering wall and a full workout facility.

If you're looking to take a trip, but are short on gear, the RSOP also offers a variety of rental equipment to students. They offer rentals from tents, camp stoves, backpacks, sleeping bags and GPS units to ice skates, cross country skis and snow shovels. While all do require fees, most are minimal and easily affordable even for the student on a budget.

Many of the activities the RSOP offers do require an additional fee, but much of what students use on a day-to-day basis is included in enrollment at UMD. Access to the weight room, jogging track, tennis courts, cardio room, fieldhouse and ice rink are included in the enrollment fee of any full-time student, and that includes one free week of any group classes. After the first week, students must purchase a group fitness pass.

So whether you're looking to spend an afternoon in the gym, running and lifting weights, going for a leisurely climb or maybe taking a kayaking trip, the UMD RSOP is the place for all your outdoor needs. Be sure to check out their Web site at www.umdrsop.org for more outdoor opportunities, equipment rentals and programs.


Activities:


Climbing Open House

Stop down and check out the UMD Climbing Walls on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. and get some free ice cream along with free climbing.


Free Fitness Bouldering

Bouldering is climbing close enough to the ground that ropes aren't needed for safety. It's considered a great way to cross train, and anyone with a climbing pass can boulder for free during Fitness Bouldering Hours.

Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 8:00 p.m.


Kayaking in the Pool and Club Membership

Try kayaking out for the first time or brush up on your skills in the UMD pool from the UMD Kayak and Canoe Club. The club offers membership and events throughout the year, and all kayak and canoe events are free or discounted for members.

Sept. 4 - Dec. 11

Monday 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday 9 to 11 p.m.

All that's needed is a swimsuit and towel. First session is free.


Superior Bay Harbor Tour

The tour includes the mouth of the St. Louis River, Park Point, Hearding Island and a view of wildlife native to Lake Superior.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 and 24, 6 to 9 p.m.

Register by Noon on Sept. 11

Cost: $10


Climb Devil's Tower, Wyoming

Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming is a widely recognizable landmark and has a long history of rock climbing. The trip involves camping at the base of the tower, and intermediate rock climbing skills are required.

Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008

Register by Wednesday, Sept. 17

Cost: $295 for UMD students

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