![]() |
| SPRING 2010 TRIP SCHEDULE |
We've done all the planning, all you have to do is sign-up! Join the OP crew for an outdoor adventure!
"OP...Good for the Seminole Soul!"Trip Philosophy
Outdoor Pursuits (OP) is a student centered program providing experiences that are educational, safe, challenging, and above all, fun. Most adventures are led by FSU students who have developed their skills through an active apprenticeship, adhering to high standards of training and learning by doing. Our student leaders have a passion for outdoor adventure and want to share that passion with you. They'll help you learn new skills, make new friends, experience new environments, and keep you actively involved from packing to cooking to clean up. All of our trips are geared for the beginner, unless otherwise noted, but some require more energy, more desire or more commitment. We welcome ideas for new adventures. We supplement our off-campus adventures with on-campus (the Rez) seminars, workshops, and training, most of them FREE to students.
Equipment and Clothing Information
We provide top quality equipment for group use. We do not provide any personal clothing or gear. Weather conditions may vary greatly from the beginning of a trip to the end so we ask that you be prepared for a variety of conditions. The number one rule in clothing is that cotton is BAD. Cotton when wet actually drains heat from your body so staying warm is impossible (this includes jeans, T-shirts and even underwear). Other items that make your life easier are a headlamp and good water bottles. We aren't asking you to go out and buy all new gear, but you should be prepared for your adventure.
A Few Guidelines
Because we are traveling as a group, we do ask that you observe common courtesy on any trip we offer. We also ask that you do not bring or consume any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on any of our trips or programs. Alcohol and drugs can make the backcountry into a very dangerous place. You put not only yourself at risk, but also other trip participants and leaders. If you can't make it the length of the trip without drugs or alcohol, please do not sign up.
Pre-Trip Meeting
For most trips we hold a short pre-trip meeting to cover everything that will happen with your program. It gives us a chance to talk to you and gives you the opportunity to get involved with some of the planning and ask questions. You are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-trip meeting. Meal planning, equipment fitting and other timely information is covered, so don't miss it.
| JANUARY TRIPS |
Friday-Sunday, January 22-24
Hike through Torreya state park and experience the 100 ft. bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River that many call one of the most scenic views in all of Florida. A seven mile loop hiking trail meanders through the park, allowing the hikers to see all of the regions stunning natural features.
(FSU Student- $40, Non Student- $50)
Hang Gliding at Wallaby Ranch, FL
Friday-Sunday, January 29-31
Come hang gliding with OP and enjoy a night of camping on site at Wallaby Ranch. Located in Central Florida, we will tandem hang glide and enjoy the amenities the ranch has to offer, including a swimming pool.
(FSU Student- $215, Non-Student- $270)
| FEBRUARY TRIPS |
Friday-Sunday, February 5-7
Hike with OP through Congaree National Park! Originally the stomping grounds of the Congaree Indians, the park contains many trails and is the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain on the continent. The forest is full of champion trees and a dynamic ecosystem. It is sure to be fun for all!
(FSU Student- $85, Non-Student- $105)
Day Hike in Providence Canyon, GA
Day Trip - Saturday, February 13th
Come experience Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” 150-foot gullies, colorful wildflowers and the beautiful hues of the canyon soil make this park not only an exciting hike but a beautiful visual as well! Leave in the morning, hike all day in beautiful Georgia, and come home that night with great new friends!
(FSU Student- $35, Non-Student- $45)
Canoe Camping - 10,000 Island Paddle, FL
Friday-Sunday, February 19-21
Experience one of North America’s unsung wild places. A beautiful, rugged, subtropical landscape experienced by relatively few adventurous souls each year. Enjoy a weekend of island hopping, we’ll be paddling through mangrove islets off the Southwest coast of Florida. This trip is for experienced paddlers.
(FSU Student- $100, Non-Student- $125)
Full Moon Night Hike at Lake Talquin, FL
Sunday, February 28th
Join OP for a hike in Lake Talquin State Park under a full moon! Lake Talquin connects to the Ochlockonee River and offers many exciting activities. Experience rolling hills and deep ravines, as well as pine forests and wildlife such as wild turkeys, bald eagles and ospreys. Also, it will be a full moon! Sure to be fun for all!
(FSU Student- $10, Non-Student- $15)
| MARCH TRIPS |
Day Trip - Sunday, March 21st
This paddle leaves from the coast of the panhandle and navigates along the Shore of St. Vincent Island. This beautiful wildlife sanctuary is home to many species of animals and offers a variety of terrains for your viewing pleasure. Once half way around the island we will dock the boats and embark on a day hike thru the preserve. This trip will have a mandatory Pre Trip meeting during REZFEST on the 20th.
(FSU Student- $20, Non-Student- $25)
Family Campout at the Rez
Saturday, March 26th
Once a semester we open up the FSU Reservation to families and students alike, to camp and gather around a fire to have a good time. This price will include a tent and sleeping gear so come out and bring your friends.
(Family Rate- $20)
Kayaking at Cape San Blas, FL
Friday-Sunday, March 26-28
Come kayak at Cape San Blas in St. Joseph State Park. The scenic paddle down the coast is only topped by the crystal, clear, blue waters found at the deserted cape. Don’t miss out on the white sand dunes, frequent dolphin sightings, and magnificent sunsets.
(FSU Student- $40, Non-Student- $50)
Full Moon Paddle on Wacissa River, FL
Tuesday, March 30th
Join in on this OP tradition with a Full Moon Paddle on the Wacissa River. Lit by moonlight, we will canoe down to a clear blue sink hole and enjoy the breathtaking view of the stars reflecting off the water. Come meet some new folks and enjoy nature’s simple beauty in a new way!
(FSU Student- $15, Non-Student- $20)
Full Moon Hootenanny at the Rez
Tuesday, March 30th
Come howl at the moon out at the REZ while you listen to live music or bring your own instrument and jam around the fire; all talents and experience welcome. Make your s’mores on the beach with some great company and cozy up to the fire.
(FREE)
| APRIL TRIPS |
Friday-Sunday, April 9-11
FSU is hosting this low-mileage backpacking format course designed to enhance your understanding of Leave No Trace practices and to increase your level of expertise in teaching Leave No Trace skills. Upon completion, participants will be registered as Leave No Trace Trainers with national Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of course completion and LNT Trainer lapel pin.
(All Participants- $75)
Canoeing, Camping, Beach Trip along Loxahatchee River, FL
Friday-Sunday, April 9-11
Canoe the Loxahachee River in South Florida. The River winds from a swamp down to the ocean. We’ll stop for lunch at Trapper Nelson’s, an old swamp settlement where “The Wildman of the Loxahachee” settled back in the 30’s to trap gators, live off the land and distill moonshine. We’ll also head out to Blowing Rocks Beach where the waves create whale-like geysers that shoot through holes in the rock cliffs.
(FSU Student- $90, Non-Student- $115)
Rafting on the Chattooga River, TN
Friday-Sunday, April 16-18
Chattooga River whitewater rafting always delivers out of this world scenery and treasured whitewater in an unmatched wilderness setting. Come camping at night and rafting during the day with OP as we challenge one of the hardest rivers in North America. The trip's highlight is arguably the run through the famous Five Falls, where five tumultuous Class IV+ rapids unfold in quick succession.
(FSU Student- $200, Non-Student- $250)
NOLS-WMI Wilderness First Aid Trainer Course
Friday-Sunday, April 16-18
OP will be hosting NOL’s Wilderness Medicine Institute’s 16 hour Wilderness First Aid course. This is a certification in how to perform first aid in the backcountry. A must have for all outdoor enthusiasts!
(FSU Student- $175, Non-Student- $225)
| TRIP INFORMATION |
FSU students, faculty, staff, and the community. You must be 18 years old or current FSU student.
How To Sign Up
Stop in the Outdoor Pursuits office at the FSU Reservation. FSU students, faculty, and staff have first priority.
Open Registration
Non FSU students may sign up 2 weeks prior to the activity if space is available.
Workshop and Clinic Fees
The fees include transportation, equipment, instruction, guide service, and park entry fees (where applicable). The fees may include meals.
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meetings
These meetings offer a chance to meet your trip leaders and the other participants. We will also discuss the trip specifics and review personal clothing checklists. It helps you understand more about the adventure or clinic. If you cannot attend, please contact the office.
Cancellation and Cancellation Fee
There are NO refunds unless the trip is cancelled by Outdoor Pursuits or we can sell your spot. Please note: There is a cancellation fee of 20% to cover paperwork costs should you cancel your spot, even if it is filled.
Disclaimer
All staff is trained in First Aid and CPR. The cost of any rescue or treatment beyond first aid will be borne by the participant. Outdoor Pursuits is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal equipment.
Call the Outdoor Pursuits Staff at 850.644.2449 for more information.

