Outdoor Program

The Outdoor Program offers weekday afternoon activities as an athletic option in each of the three athletic seasons. In the fall, students spend their afternoons surfing, kayak surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking. No prior experience is necessary, and students are grouped according to their level of skill and experience. In the winter, students focus on specific activities, either surfing (beginning and advanced) or rockclimbing.  In the spring, students explore a combination of water-based activities, such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as level-based rock climbing, and hiking.

In addition to the afternoon athletic options, weekend trips are offered throughout the year, both as day trips and as overnight outings. Activities include, in the fall, local backpacking trips or sea kayaking on Santa Cruz Island, in the winter, cross country skiing in the Sierras or downhill skiing at Mammoth Mountain and learning survival skills in the local backcountry, and in the spring, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and more backpacking options. Faculty members and alumni Paul Denison ‘79 and Ned Bowler ‘83, both experienced wilderness instructors, help students of all levels and experience learn new skills and gain confidence in the outdoors.