Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Outdoor Adventure Activities at UCF

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a plethora of outdoor adventure activities designed to enrich the student experience. From guided adventure trips to equipment rentals for independent exploration, UCF provides opportunities for students of all skill levels to connect with nature and challenge themselves physically and mentally.

Discover the Outdoor Adventure Program

The Outdoor Adventure program at UCF is a comprehensive initiative comprising Adventure Trips, a Challenge Course, a Climbing Tower, the Outdoor Adventure Center, and the William E. & Mary Jo Davis Recreation Area at Lake Claire. This multifaceted program aims to provide students with fun and enriching outdoor experiences, fostering a sense of community and promoting an active lifestyle.

Adventure Trips: Guided Excursions into the Wild

The Adventure Trips Program offers students the chance to participate in professionally guided outdoor excursions. These trips cater to a variety of interests and skill levels, with the majority falling within the affordable $5-$30 range. Weekend trips may range from $40-$65. All necessary equipment and professional guiding are included in the trip cost. Transportation is provided for all participants on all Outdoor Adventure trips. Participants meet at the Outdoor Adventure Center in the RWC on the day of the trip at a designated time. Trip Leaders drive the group to the destination in Ford 12-Passenger Vans or Ford Expeditions. Participants are allowed to drive themselves if preferred.

Registration and Important Information

Adventure Trips are exclusively for current UCF students.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, opening two weeks before the first day of the trip.
A trip deposit or the total cost is required to secure a spot on the trip roster.
If a trip is full, students can add themselves to the waitlist.
Full payment for trips is required by the trip sign-up deadline.
A mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting is held before every trip to review the trip plan and program expectations. Attendance is required to participate in the trip. These meetings are hosted in person at the Outdoor Adventure Center unless otherwise stated.
Drugs, alcohol, and firearms are strictly prohibited on all Outdoor Adventure Trips.

Sample Adventure Trips

Mount Dora Mountain Bike Park: Ride the flowing, shaded single-track trails of the Mount Dora mountain bike park. These trails offer fun features, quick climbs, and scenic stretches perfect for both new and experienced riders. All necessary gear for the activity (including mountain bikes and helmets) and professional guidance by OA Trip Leaders are included. Participants should wear athletic clothing, appropriate footwear, and bring personal lunch/water/snacks.
Black Bear Wilderness Hike: Step into the wild at Black Bear Wilderness, a trail known for its rich ecosystems and glimpses of Florida’s iconic black bears. This scenic loop winds through wetlands, boardwalks, and dense forest along the St. Johns River. All necessary gear for the activity (including day packs), transportation to/from the activity, and professional guidance by OA Trip Leaders are included. Participants should wear athletic clothing, appropriate footwear, and bring personal lunch/water/snacks. All staff are certified in First Aid/CPR/AED, and most are certified Wilderness First Responders.

Challenge Course

(Information about the Challenge Course was not provided in the source text. More information is needed to complete this section.)

Climbing Tower: Scale New Heights

The RWC Climbing Tower offers students the opportunity to test their climbing skills and challenge themselves physically. The tower features multiple routes of varying difficulty.

Read also: Adventure in Education

Belaying Information

Students may not use their own belay device. The Climbing Tower provides belay devices free of charge.
To belay, students must pass a Test Out conducted by a Tower Attendant, based on specific belay techniques and procedures.
Upon passing the Test Out, students are immediately certified to belay.
Technique classes are available for those who wish to learn or improve their climbing skills. Sign up for technique classes at the RWC Climbing Tower front desk during normal business hours. Class registration opens two weeks before the day of the class, but participants must be registered at least 48 hours in advance. The desk is behind the stairs in the northeast corner of the main building.

Outdoor Adventure Center: Your Adventure Hub

The Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) serves as the headquarters for all UCF outdoor adventures. Located on the first floor of the RWC in room 154, the OAC is the place to reserve rental gear, ask questions, and register for Adventure Trips.

Lake Claire: A Natural Oasis on Campus

The William E. and Mary Jo Davis Recreation Area at Lake Claire provides students with a convenient and accessible outdoor escape right on campus. Students can enjoy free rentals at Lake Claire. While anyone can go to Lake Claire, only current UCF students can rent equipment.

Lake Claire Amenities and Information

Equipment Rentals: Students can rent a variety of equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, and more. All kayak rentals include PFD(s), paddle(s), cam straps, and foam block (if needed) for transportation. All fin rentals come with booties. All of our rental SUPs are inflatable and come with a carrying case and air pump for inflation. This style of SUP is easy to store and can be transported in the backseat or trunk of a vehicle. Renter must have adequate means of transporting large equipment. Surf rentals include cam straps and foam blocks for transportation.
Pavilions and Sand Volleyball Court: Reservations are available for the three pavilions and the sand volleyball court through the reservations page. Pavilions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis if someone has not reserved it already. It is free!
Lockers: Lockers are located in the boathouse for students to utilize while on the water.
Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed at Lake Claire.

Gear Rentals: Equip Yourself for Adventure

The Outdoor Adventure Center offers a wide range of rental equipment to help students explore the outdoors independently. All rental equipment and resource materials are available to current UCF students at the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC).

Rental Equipment Available

Sleeping Bags: Available in 0°, 20°, 35°, and 55° ratings. The best way to decide which bag you need is to check the forecast for the place you are adventuring. We have a variety of brands and sizes.
Stoves: Coleman brand stoves that utilize propane fuel. Note that fuel is not included in the rental.
Kayaks
Paddleboards (SUPs)
Surfboards

Important Rental Information

Renter must have adequate means of transporting large equipment.

Open Water SCUBA Certification

For students interested in exploring the underwater world, Outdoor Adventure offers Open Water SCUBA certification courses. (More specific information about the SCUBA course was not provided in the source text.)

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