Briefly speaking: Venture out with your student

Looking for a little fun in the sun this summer? Outdoor Adventures, a division of Campus Recreation, offers one-day and multi-day trips of whitewater rafting and kayaking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, fly fishing, backpacking, and a slew of other fun activities.

While students make up the majority of participants on the trips, enrollment is open to university affiliates and the general public. Trips are held during the summer, as well as fall, winter and spring quarters.

Family adventures

"The trips can be great for bonding with your student, especially in a new sport where both of you are on an equal footing," says Jordy Margid, OA's associate director.

For the past 35 years, OA has helped create memorable outdoor experiences for the UC Davis community by offering guided trips, renting equipment, and serving as a helpful resource. All trips are run by trained and qualified student guides, which allows for lower rates than commercial outfitters. Margid says that OA is also flexible in facilitating custom trips if you come to the staff with an idea and a group wanting to go.

Rafting trips popular

Rafting trips are some of the most popular because you can stay cool on the water, says Margid, who served as a senior guide in various programs from 1981-85. Excursions are available on the South Fork of the American River as well as the more challenging North Fork. Those seeking an even greater adrenaline rush may opt for a weekend in the Siskiyou Mountains for a Klamath Wilderness trip or a wet-and-wild ride down the California Salmon River.

OA also provides CPR courses and a two-day wilderness first-aid class. The only caveat Margid offers is this: OA trips can be addictive.

"I got involved in OA as a freshman and practically lived here as a student, it was such fun," Margid says. "You can basically get out of a trip what you want to get out of it."

A summer schedule and registration information is available online.