by Cassie Sheridan
Outside of the gym, field, diamond or running routes are incredible and exhilarating athletic opportunities if students are willing to reach for them. Rock climbing in Oregon is considered some of the best globally and places such as Smith Rock are frequently listed as world-class climbing destinations. Don’t let the equipment (or the mountain slant) intimidate you. There are abundant opportunities to discover the fun of rock climbing at UP and in the greater Portland area. Students say it’s an unbelievably fun way to work out, while simultaneously discovering a new hobby. **Warning: do not attempt rock climbing without proper equipment or instruction. Free climbing is terrifying and quite dangerous**
The Circuit
For climbing beginners, a great place to start is The Circuit, with two locations in Southeast and Northeast Portland. Bouldering is a unique and very popular style of rock climbing that involves less equipment, less slants, and more padding. Almost no special knowledge is required, making it quick and easy to get into.
“Climbing at The Circuit has made me way more confident in climbing outdoors,” junior Chelsea Olivas said. “I went with a group of friends and we were mostly all beginners. You just put on a simple harness and climb around. It’s seriously fun and a serious workout.”
The climbing experience ranges from beginner to advanced slants, so as you improve there are more diverse opportunities and challenges. The Circuit frequently has Groupon rates making it an even more affordable activity for a group.
The Circuit Info: Northeast Portland address: 410 NE 17th Ave. hours: MWF: 11a.m.-11p.m. T/Th: 7a.m.-11 p.m. Sat/Sun: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. rates: student day pass-$10 student monthly pass-$49 no special equipment is required and you can wear tennis shoes.
Outdoor Pursuits at UP
The Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP) through UP provides an easy way to get involved in climbing and other outdoor adventure opportunities on campus.
“It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded adventurous spirits,” said sophomore Talbot Andrews, co-coordinator for OPP. “You meet fun people while being outdoors, what could be better?”
OPP typically has an adventure planned every weekend, and their 2014 schedule will be released by Dec. 1. There are usually climbing opportunities monthly and they are in the preliminary stages of organizing a weekly ride to The Circuit for bouldering. One of OPP’s biggest trips occurs over spring break in which they go on a climbing expedition at Smith Rock that spans four days. OPP is also planning on conducting some introduction to mountaineering and rock climbing courses in the spring for those interested in learning or perfecting their craft. OPP provides all gear for their sanctioned rock climbing events and instruction, so even those without specialty equipment can experience pristine views and aching muscles. For more information, and to see current trip schedules, visit them at their office in Howard Hall or find them on Facebook at “Outdoor Pursuits Program UP” for a complete schedule and contact information.
To join the OPP list and receive emails about upcoming trips and adventure opportunities email Activesubscriber@up.edu. Leave the subject line blank. On the first line enter:subscribe %upoutdoor youremail@up.edu
Their next trip is to Bagby Hot Springs this Saturday for a hike followed by a soak.
The Clymb
For individuals who are on the prowl for inexpensive recreational items, a fantastic opportunity to find high quality equipment at unbeatable prices is through the Portland based online retailer: www.theclymb.com. They offer items for all sorts of outdoor activities, including climbing, for far less than retail value. 2013 UP grad Chris Davis works for The Clymb, finding a way to combine his love for the outdoors with his degree.
“The Clymb is an outdoor retailer e-commerce website that I was introduced to at an internship event at UP,” Davis said. “After learning about it, I realized it’s a company I would like to be involved with. It also won an award from The Oregonian for the most fun place to work in Portland … so that’s pretty awesome too.”
This outdoor mecca portal is an easy way to find an incredible deal on whatever equipment you are searching for, and more than likely a lot of awesome stuff you didn’t even know you wanted.
Snowboarding
by Mitch Gilbert
Ski Resorts surround Portland. The closest is Mt. Hood, which consists of three major ski areas: Ski Bowl, Timberline and Meadows. These three resorts are located only an hour and a half away from UP and offer some of the most amazing scenery and best snow conditions in the country. Many of UP’s students take frequent advantage of this amazing situation, consistently choosing to go up and explore what the mountain has to offer on the days that they don’t have class.
For many of these student-skiers, the sport is not a new part of their lives. Snowboarding has become both a way to get away from the real world, and a way to enter into an entirely new one. Sophomores Peter Luciano and Sam Young have been snowboarding since they were four and seven years old, respectively.
“Competition has always been a big part of my life,” Luciano said. “Snowboarding can serve as a break from that. It is really not about the destination but it is about the adventure that is along the way.”
Students say skiing and snowboarding provides an opportunity to escape from everyday life and explore the beautiful mountains. It is also a welcoming sport to beginners.
“I think that snowboarding is easy for people to pick up and have fun doing,” Luciano said. “The first few times going up will be a bit difficult, but after going up around three times going on almost any run is achievable.”
The true reason that most people snowboard is simple: it is just fun.
“I snowboard because I like to have fun. Snowboarding is fun. I do not see any reason why I would not go out and do it if I didn’t have fun every time I go,” Young said.
Young said company makes hitting the slopes an even better experience.
“Going snowboarding with your friends is really what completes the equation,” Young said. “Riding has always been fun for me. But, when I can find someone that has a mutual interest in it, that is when I can always have the most fun.”
A UP ski bus goes to Mount Hood four times during the year on Friday nights. The ride and a lift ticket are $30.
Mount Hood is expected to open on November 23rd and stay open until the beginning of May. Lift tickets will cost $80 for individual day passes and $500 for student season passes. The snow is expected to be dumping all through the winter and into the spring, causing UP snowboarders and skiers to anticipate a good year on the mountain.
