Outdoor Pursuits "Gets Worked"

Winter Surf Trip 2011!!!

During this winter break, Outdoor Pursuits ran a winter surf trip to the top-secret, most consistent surf spot on the East Coast -- New Smyrna Beach, Florida (don’t tell nobody).  

The trip started on Friday, December 16, at 5 A.M.  Twelve tired but excited people entered the van at the student center and prepared for a 12-hour drive to epic surf.  We arrived at Tomoka State park in Ormond Beach around 4:45 P.M. and set up camp. After setting up, we explored a bit and hit the sleeping bags early to prepare for some “ripping” the next day.  

Day two: we got up early and headed to New Smyrna to rent some boards and get some Dunkin Donuts of course, the breakfast of surf champs. After renting from Red Dogs surf shop, we hit Inlet Charlies for an extra board and were off to the races.  The surf was epic, solid chest to head high and smooth glassy lines.  The drive to the inlet seemed to take forever, especially because we got stuck in the sand with a van and trailer. Luckily, an old fisherman and his wife towed us out of a hole within 5 minutes of getting stuck (if you’re out there brave hero, thank you again). Finally, with a winter season beach pass purchased and the van parked in the inlet parking area, it was time.  We suited up and speed-walked/ ran the boardwalk to the waves.  The first five participants bravely stepped up and listened to some advice and safety instructions about the ocean and surfing, and then it was go time…a.k.a. time to get worked.

Throughout the day, the surf crew would surf until they had Wet Noodle Arm Syndrome and would pass off a board to someone primed to go.  The surf instructor would paddle out with each group and give helpful tips on reading waves and not opening your mouth to swallow water J (btw, I think he’s related to Kelly Slater).  Another nice feature of the day, besides the incredible surf, was a surf competition going on at the inlet.  We surfed all day until the sun went down at 5 p.m.  Then we packed our gear and made for a grocery store and then camp.

Day three: we woke up and headed back to the inlet, and the surf had taken a turn.  The waves were bigger and meaner, not quite the clean beauties we had the day before, but still super fun.  The surf was pushing 6-8 ft range on the outside break and was like a washing machine on the inside, rideable but a lot of work to stay in the break. A certain surf instructor was enjoying life on the outside break.  Once again, despite tough conditions, the crew stuck it out and we surfed till dark.  Days like this day make you appreciate very clean and smooth days like Saturday.  Despite the conditions, the crew steadily showed improvement catching, and standing up on waves, even if only for a micro-second.  Another full day of waves under the belt and we headed back to camp for some grub and showers (which btw Tomoka has one the most excellent bathroom facilities this camper has ever seen just FYI).

Day four:  We decided to try a change of pace and drove down the south to Bethune Beach for a different type of wave, and boy did we get it.  Bethune beach has a wave that breaks very steep and hollow, allowing surfers to get barreled, making extremely fun to ride.  For the inexperienced, though,  it presents quite a challenge.  So while Kelly’s distant relative was getting slotted, others in the crew were getting worked J.  Every type of wave the ocean presents is a unique challenge and a lesson -- the more you surf, the more your repertoire grows.  Today the crew learned about taking it on the head and sandbar backrubs, just stash that in your back pocket for later, it’s a valuable lesson we all learn throughout our surfing careers.  We headed to the world famous JB Fish house in Bethune for one the best seafood dinners you will ever taste. The dinners included raw oysters, blackened gator, grouper, clams, shrimp, hushpuppies, crabcakes, and the best key lime pie money can buy.  It didn’t hurt that we got to watch the sunset off JB’s back deck on the river, either.

The next morning we voted on a sunrise surf session in the morning known as “dawn patrol”.  We woke at 5.50 in the morning and hit the break at Ormond Beach.  We arrived at 6.45 just before first light.  A few brave surfers hit the chilly water before the sun came up and enjoyed the 3-5 foot surf as it rose.  Words really can’t describe how beautiful it is to watch the sun rise while in the water with waves breaking. The wind was slightly offshore so when the waves broke the wind would blow spray over the back of the wave, and if you were in front of this, you could see the sunlight through the lip of the wave and then the rainbow effect of the spray dancing off the sun.  It was hard to wake up so early, and even harder to put a damp cold wetsuit on when its 50 degrees out, but it is a sight and feeling you will never forget.  We grabbed some breakfast across the street from the park at Alfies restaurant and hit the surf again.  The waves were phenomenal.  Everyone paddled out and was able to catch waves and stand and ride them for a  distance.  The waves were slightly wedged providing easier takeoffs and good power.  By 1 p.m., everyone had caught a king’s share of waves, and smiles were prevalent all around (even Ben managed one).  Today was by far the best day for the crew and it was only half over.  For the afternoon we switched gears to give our “wet noodles” a break. We hit a few local surf shops, and then it was time for some epic put-put action.  The battle was heated, Austin slotted a hole-in-one and Chad and Grace were taking no prisoners.  In the end, Mr. Paben proved victorious and was crowned Pirates Cove Champion. 

Day five:  We took a road trip to the legendary Cocoa Beach, home of Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, and 11-time World Champ Kelly Slater, also in the area just off shore NASA’s space center.  We hit Ron Jon’s first thing, and with the help of a sweet old lady, we went to a breakfast spot called Something Delicious and that it was, omelets any way you can dream up and a variety of pastries and coffees to choose from.  After fueling our bellies, we hit the break at Patrick Air Force Base.  The surf was pumping, solid 6-9 ft wedges on the outside and 3-4 wedges inside.  A few of the crew surfed the inside and the rest tried their hands on the outside.  The waves were intimidating but just spectacular to watch break.  The ocean has such power;  it’s awe inspiring. After another day of surfing till dark, we drove back up the coast and stopped at a seafood restaurant called Hidden Treasure for some food. 

Day six:  The last day of the trip we woke at 6 a.m. for maximum time spent in the surf.  We’re going all out today.  The waves are breaking 3-4 ft today and really wedgie.  Perfect conditions for the crew.  We paddle out and right away the group is getting rides, not just standing for a second or two, really riding the waves.  The smiles were infectious, it didn’t matter if you got worked or got a great ride, it was all fun.  We had to be out of the water to leave by noon but the crew was enjoying themselves so much they didn’t leave the water until 11:59.  With sad hearts and heavy arms we packed up, returned our boards, and headed back to camp for showers.  We broke down camp and headed back home for Ohio.

The van was filled with extremely tired surfers reminiscing waves caught and sandbars kissed.  They graduated from “kooks” to “noobs” and loving every minute of it.  The winter surf trip was a huge success and hopefully another one can be put into the works.  If you missed this one, don’t miss the next -- it’s an experience you’ll never forget (p.s., my skin smells like I miss surfing).

-Ryan Scott

Coopers Rock West Virginia

Coopers Rock State Park offers prime bouldering with a fairly short drive from Hocking College. On all employee learning day we get a break from classes and a chance to climb for the day. 8am hit and the crew loaded into the van to drop their books and drop their knees.

We arrived to the boulders just as the fog was lifting and the sun was peeking through the clouds' it looked like a promising day. Excited climbers busted the doors off the van wanting to go clim

b everything. Gear was dispersed and so were the people. All the returnees had a map planned out in their head for the day. Wh

at they wanted to climb and what projects deserved the most attention.

The day was great weath

er was nice and everyone was climbing to their potential. Afternoon was warming up more and the group headed to the moby dick area to tackle the famous V3. After a good burn session on some area boulders everyone was ready to call it a day and gathered around to watch some of our climbers work on fact or friction.

The p

roblem was literally crushed and ended

the day. Bloody fingers, weak legs, chalk pants, and pumped arms all scattered back to the van after a long day of climbing. Back on the road making a list of what we are going to send the next time.

Red River Gorge Fall Trip

As the sun rose Friday morning so did the climbers. 15 people eager to shred those tips on the finest sandstone east of the Mississippi, the Red River Gorge was calling. So we all loaded up and headed south but not without a quick detour to crush some dogs. Hotdogs that is, at Hillbilly Hotdogs in West Virginia. As you can tell Ben was pretty amp'd to fill his stomach with some tasty wieners.

When we were all filled up it was time to load up in the van and make it to the gorge before sunset, the trailer had other ideas. After blowing a tire and Shane ripping off 5 studs with his bear arms we surely we funked. But thanks to our friends at NAPA and some persuading we were back on the road and down at the Red in no time. Camp was set up and nightfall came as we waited for dawn to crush

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way to Lady Slipper where a few people got to climb outside for the first time. The weather was great and so were the climbs so after a w

hole day of climbing tired climbers with empty stomachs made their way to Miguel s. Ale 8 ones and pizza filled the table briefly before it was devoured. A great evening by the fire with popcorn and mallows thanks to our new campsite neighbor was what we needed to prepare for another day of climbing.We woke up to a gusty sunny morning with high hopes to get on some high climbs. The group made their

A early morning came quick everyone was ready to climb. We made our way out to Left Flank for our last day of climbing. Everyone put up their hardest pitches and climbed till the pump arrived. Packed crags sent us

on a Hike to the top of Crescent Moon lookout. With views of the whole gorge everyone was impressed. Another quick dinner at Miguel's and the group was ready to head back to Ohio. Another fall trip to The Red River Gorge done, until next year.

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Disc Golf Course Closed

The Hocking College disc golf course will be closed July 7, 2011 through July 11, 2011.  It is closed in preparation and for the the Archery event for the International Bow Hunters Tournament.  For your safety the course will be closed during these posted times.  Thanks for your cooperation and support.

Red River Wrap Up

After waking up to a groggy bit of climbers the morning of the 6th, we loaded what appeared to be gear for 20 people but only had 11 people in the van total. After dealing with a broken trailer socket on one van we switched to another and happily got ourselves on the road. After a stop at Hillbilly Hotdogs for some West Virginia and Taco Dogs we were back on the road to the beautiful Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky.

When we arrived we were expecting the campsite to have at least a few people there but it was empty. Everyone managed to get pristine camp spots right by the river. After unloading a few things we were geared up and ready to climb. After splitting into two groups we managed to collectively get around 4 pitches in before it got too dark. Seeing as we didnt get out to the climbs until 6 ish we called the day a win. After the first night of climbing it was time to prepare dinner. Everyone there ate well, but some ate like kings. Steak, stuffed mushrooms and grilled corn on the cob hit the spot after a short crush session.

Day two rolled around and everyone was up and around by 8 am, making breakfast and packing up gear, juiced to get on some rock. We decided to hit up Fortress and Phantasia walls to see what the climbing was like. After spending most of the day at these beautiful spots we rolled out and headed back to camp. Shortly after cooking dinner a small storm rolled through but was not anything too serious. Everyone turned in early to prepare for our last day of climbing.

We woke up slightly later than usual, around 930, because of light showers in the morning we decided to catch a little extra sleep. Then everything was loaded into the trailer and ready to head to our last climb of the day. We hit up Left Flank and Military Wall for our last climbs. Routes were set and sent as fast as humanly possible before we headed to Miguels for some post crush pizza. When everyone had their fill we all reluctantly loaded into the van and began our journey home.

Spruce Knob & Seneca Creek Spring Backpacking Trip

Join Outdoor Pursuits as we explore the West Virginia Highlands. We will be in the Monongahela National Forest, traveling the trails of the Seneca Creek area and Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. This 14 mile stroll in the Highlands will take you through groves of Spruce tree and mountain meadows. We will start at Spruce Knob and head down the mountain to meet up with the Seneca Creek. During the course of the... three days the Outdoor Pursuit staff will help you connect with mother nature and experience what this renown region has to offer. We will camp amongst the wild critters and sleep to the sounds of West Virginia's back-country.So join us in the woods!

Details:Cost: $55(This fee will cover everything except for your personal food)

April 15-17, 2011

Pre-trip meeting Tues. April 12th,@ 5:00 PM!

Departure from Student Center 1 pm on the 15th

For More Info or to sign upContact: Tim Rice

Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator 740-753-6541 Rice_t@hocking.edu