The Outdoor Pursuits program will host a mountain biking clinic this Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. The group will also travel to Tyler State Park Oct. 17 for a day of mountain biking.
To participate in Mountain Biking 101, students will meet at the outdoor center and learn basic level mountain biking.
"At the clinics we try to teach a skill, then go on a trip that matches it," outdoor center manager Wendy Whitkey said. "We'll have a small section of instruction, then we'll go out on the trail."
A kayaking and canoeing clinic, Paddling 101, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at the HPE indoor pool.
Outdoor Pursuits has also planned three more trips this semester. The Full Moon Float on Lake Nacogdoches will be held on Nov. 7. The registration deadline is Nov. 2 with a price of $15. Backpacking in the Hill Country will be Nov. 26 through 29. The price to register is $115, and the deadline is Nov. 18. The group will also take a ski trip to New Mexico during the winter break, scheduled for Jan. 4 through 10. Those wishing to participate will need to register by Dec. 11 and pay $375.
In addition to off-campus trips, Outdoor Pursuits also has an indoor climbing wall for those interested in rock climbing. This facility will host the second annual Midnight Fright Climbing Night from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Halloween night. Rock climbers will dress up in their costume of choice for Halloween and climb in the dark, as well as have the opportunity to watch scary movies, eat and participate in costume contests.
The Outdoor Center is the main headquarters for the group. Students can also purchase or rent equipment from the Outdoor Center.
"We have a few retail items, such as harnesses, beanies, and dry bags," Whitkey said. "We also have dry bags in two different sizes. You use them for things like canoeing and kayaking. We also have headlamps and some rental equipment."
Whitkey said any student wishing to become an employee with the Outdoor Pursuits program is welcome.
"A lot of people think you have to have a certain set of skills. That's probably the biggest myth," she said. "You can be a regular student and know nothing about the outdoors. You just need to apply through campus recreation."
For more information about Outdoor Pursuits, visit their Web site at
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