![\"kayaking\"](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/kayaking.jpg\")
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If you happen to be attending college. you are very likely in the best position you will ever be in to get outdoors and get active. \u00a0Many colleges and universities offer outdoor recreation centers,\u00a0guided tours of all sorts, access to a wide range of outdoor equipment and much more, all created with the budget of a college student in mind.<\/p>\n
At the University of Wisconsin,\u00a0outdoor recreation equals the Wisconsin Hoofers<\/a>. \u00a0When there, I took the opportunity to try kayaking. \u00a0I learned that it was a lot harder than it looks – if you tip over. \u00a0I tipped over a lot, partly because it was part of the training and partly because I would frequently mess up. I also learned that perseverance pays off and kayaking is a great activity. \u00a0Hoofers began in 1931 and these days is the largest student organization on campus with 2500 members. \u00a0Within Hoofers are six clubs:<\/p>\n While the University of Wisconsin is in the top most tier of outdoor recreation oriented schools, \u00a0it is not alone. \u00a0Most colleges offer some sort of outdoor recreation program. \u00a0Most of the time there is an\u00a0outdoor center at the school, a strong curriculum in outdoor recreation (in physical education, for example) or an intramural program\u00a0involving outdoor adventure activities.<\/p>\n While at\u00a0Oregon State University<\/a>\u00a0I\u00a0took at least one cross country skiing trip. \u00a0As I recall we skied up the backside of Hoodoo Bowl in wet snow and rain and, once at the top, were told to meet up at the parking lot at the bottom. \u00a0It was more challenging than fun to get down the icy slopes in one piece, but again, perseverance pays off and cross country skiing remains my favorite winter activity. \u00a0At OSU today, the center of outdoor activities is the Adventure Leadership Institute. \u00a0It offers a certificate program, courses and the\u00a0Adventure Club. \u00a0Recent activities\u00a0planned by the Adventure Leadership Institute\u00a0included\u00a0hiking, an\u00a0overnight bicycle trip,\u00a0canoeing and\u00a0backpacking.<\/p>\n A few other examples are:<\/p>\n Colorado State University<\/a> – offering over 50 clinics, trips and events through the year with the aim of teaching students the skills they need to enjoy their outdoor recreation experience. \u00a0Some of the activities involved: backcountry skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, camping and more.<\/p>\n\n
![\"scuba](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/scubadiver.jpg\")
<\/li>\nCollege Outdoor Centers<\/h1>\n
![\"sailboat\"](\"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/sailboat.jpg\")
University of Hawaii <\/a>– Student Recreation \u00a0Services teaches students how to safely enjoy surfing, body surfing, body\u00a0boarding, kayaking, sailing, SCUBA, snorkeling and more. \u00a0Other student organizations support\u00a0bicycling, and\u00a0surfing.<\/p>\n