The Johnsonian

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Lifestyles

Members of WOAC and SOAR work on installing one of three culverts used to reduce trail erosion at Crowders Mountain State Park in Raleigh, N.C. WOAC and SOAR members spent a night camping in the park and day working on the service project.

WOAC members prepare to get in the pool after receiving safety instruction at the kayak roll clinic. Kayak roll clinics are held Friday afternoons from 4-8 p.m. in preparation for a trip to the U.S. National Whitewater Center on April 12.

Whitewater raft in crisp waters, ski down slopes lined with fluffy snow, and enjoy the view while biking through mountains with the Winthrop Outdoor Adventure Club.

WOAC was created by senior biology major, Christian Graves in 2006 in order to provide all of these activities for students, as well as opportunities for environmental service projects.

"WOAC was founded with two primary missions: the first being to provide an outlet to students and faculty from various backgrounds and interests to experience the outdoors through a variety of activities," Graves said.

WOAC provides numerous activities throughout the year for students and faculty, including hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing and snowboarding, kayaking and mountain biking.

"My favorite part of being a member of WOAC is the opportunity to go on various trips. Sometimes it's hard to get my friends together to go on trips because most of them are not interested in outdoor adventures, but with WOAC you meet new people with the same interests," senior sociology major Jessica Hawkins said.

Apart from trips, the members of the club also participate in service projects to improve the environment.

"We have participated in a variety of events organized with SOAR, Beta Beta Beta, the society for Biology students, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, Winthrop Recycling, Rock Hill Parks and Recreation and the Environmental Science/Studies program here on campus," Graves said.

One of these events was a trip to Crowders Mountain State Park in collaboration with SOAR to work on an erosion control service project.

"We backpack camped at the camping area after classes on Friday afternoon and got up on Saturday morning to hike out and work on the project with the rangers," said Graves.

The club is planning another trip to Crowders Mountain in this March where they will help restore a campground. The trip is tentatively scheduled for March 28 and 29.

"We will depart on Friday and work on the campground and camp out overnight after a hike to our campsite. The next morning we will make breakfast and participants can hike to the overlooks at Crowders Mountain or Kings Pinnacle. The expected cost for students is estimated at $20.00 for food and transportation," Graves said.

The club is able to offer trips at discounted prices because of funds from the Student Allocations Committee.

WOAC is also planning a trip to the US National Whitewater Center on April 12. Students will be mountain biking, camping and hiking for only $10.00.

"I plan on going on the whitewater kayaking trip to North Carolina in April," freshman biology major Kevin Ryan said.

"Some members of the club have been practicing kayaking in the West Center pool on Friday afternoons this semester in anticipation of the trip. The trip will double as a camping and hiking trip as well. Reason for going: it involves a full weekend of outdoor adventure, enough said, Ryan said.

No experience is required for students who want to join WOAC. The kayak roll clinics in the West Center pool are offered every Friday from 4-8 p.m.

"Interested individuals can come out to a safe controlled environment where all the equipment is provided in addition to hands on tips from experienced club members. We also discuss upcoming events and the gear and preparation required by such trips," Graves said.

Graves encourages students and faculty to sign up for a trip.

"WOAC focuses on bringing diverse groups of individuals together to have fun while engaging in new experiences. This demonstrates a philosophy that we feel is part of the college experience in and of itself," Graves said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools