UCSD is known for its close proximity to beautiful beach landscapes and the unbeatable beach view. However, UCSD students neglect to think about the college’s great potential for water sports. This spring quarter is a good time to make use of this convenience.
Kayaking
This activity is a good upper- body workout, and can be learned through simple logistics.
“If you have the right stroke, your shoulders and triceps should be sore for a while, but beginners catch on quickly,” John Muir College freshman Kimberly Chung said. “Plus you kill two birds with one stone; you work out and have fun.”
A kayaker not only receives a great upper-body workout, but is also given the opportunity to view wildlife from a unique perspective.
“When you kayak you get an intimate relationship with ocean life; I’ve seen more wildlife and sea life — such as whales, birds and dolphins — than I have doing any other water sport,” said Lindsay Hall, the wilderness orientation coordinator at Outback Adventures.
Outback Adventures will offer kayak trips in San Diego Bay on April 20 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. for $30, $33 and $36 and one in Bahia de Los Angeles with Baja California from June 12 through June 19 for $415, $457 and $498, along with other kayaking trips.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving can make a huge impression on all those who try it.
“It’s a magical experience,” said Denise Ouellette, the challenge course and climbing center director for Outback Adventures. “When I scuba dive I am in a state where I feel most graceful as I am encumbered by gravity. I feel like I am in space where there is no up or down.”
Good local spots are La Bufadora, the largest natural global in the world, and Catalina Island.
Outback Adventures does not offer this activity, but interested readers can visit http://www.scubasandiego.com.
White Water Rafting
This water sport has been compared to a roller coaster ride, and is as fast-paced as it is exciting.
“Rafting is fantastic,” said Tom Rottler, the director of outdoor recreation for Outback Adventures. “On the water rafting trips the atmosphere is great; raft guides are crazy and fun, I mean if it’s a good day out you will have water wars with other rafts and paddle high fives, it’s just a good time.”
White water rafting is an interesting experience because all those who try it are able to become a part of the water flow. Outback Adventures is offering a white water rafting trip in the Upper Kern River on May 13 through May 15 for $200, $205 and $210.
