Outdoor Studies

Introduces skills and equipment necessary for safe travel in and on swiftly moving water. Intensive training in river hydrology, rescure equipment and techniques, boat handling, and self and group contact rescues, leading to international certification as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician I. Students must be in good physical condition.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to ODS certificate program or permission.

Introduces skills and equipment required for overnight backpacking trips in SE Alaska in non-winter seasons. Covers selection of personal, group, and safety equipment, and introduces contingency plan concepts. Includes strategies for backcountry cooking. Overnight outings are a required component of the course. Students must be in excellent physical condition.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to ODS certificate program or permission.

Introduces the basics of rock climbing in both indoor and outdoor settings. Covers risk assessment, hazard evaluation, equipment, climbing techniques, knots, belaying, rappelling, and top rope anchor setup. Students must be in good physical condition.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to ODS certificate program or permission.

Fundamentals of sea kayaking in Alaska. Introduces commonly used equipment and techniques, and the challenges and hazards found in the activity. Instruction in selecting equipment, trip planning, boat handling, paddling, sea strokes, and rolling and bracing. Emphasizes risk assessment and safety skills. Requires excellent physical condition, backcountry camping skills, and participation in an overnight outing.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to ODS certificate program or permission.

An introduction to the fundamentals of fly fishing, including basic casting, fly tying, and on-the-water strategies. Emphasis will be placed on the history and ethics at the core of the sport, as well as the basic ecology of local sport fish. Course will include lecture, discussion, and hands-on instruction in the classroom and on the water.

Prerequisite: Current Alaska fishing license and the physical ability to access backcountry streams and lakes.

An introduction to the art and practice of pack rafting. Course will focus on fundamentals, including techniques and strategies for river running and expedition travel.

Covers topics relating to extended backcountry trips and navigation by map and compass. Students acquire skills necessary to plan and carry out multi-day backpacking trips, and learn to use common maps to plan routes through unknown terrain. Student must be in good physical condition. Outings are a required course component.

Prerequisite: Acceptance to ODS certificate program or permission.

A study of theories of interaction, information sharing, decision making, team building, and problem solving processes. Theoretical discussions are supplemented by analysis of risk management issues within the outdoor industry, guest lectures, and relevant readings. Designed as a theoretical and practical foundation for developing a personal and professional leadership style.

Prerequisite: Admission to ODS certificate program or permission.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is a complete, structured entry level scuba diving course designed for those with little or no prior experience, to become a certified diver. The certification is recognized worldwide and is valid for life, to a maximum depth of 60 feet. Course includes knowledge development sessions, confined water/pool training dives and open water (sea) dives. In the course you will practice and master the skills needed to be a safe and competent diver.