Appalachian Outdoor Programs receives new kayaks

Thursday, 22 February 2007

With so many excursions planned for the upcoming summer, Outdoor Programs was excited to receive seven new, state-of-the-art kayaks last week.

Outdoor Programs was granted the kayaks as part of the Student Development budget.

The kayaks are a product of the Wilderness Systems' brand and are referred to as Tempest 170 sea kayaks.

They were transported Feb. 15 from Diamond Brand Outdoors in Asheville by several Outdoor Programs staff.

"I had the opportunity to go to Asheville and help with the pick up of the kayaks," Emma L. Buscke, an intern visiting from New Zealand and studying Outdoor Recreation, said. "I am really looking forward to heading down to the Everglades and using the new kayaks for Spring Break."

Outdoor Programs first utilized the new kayaks this past weekend in the Student Recreation Center pool where students practiced for the Fiji and New Zealand SOLE Expedition that will occur this summer.

Gareth M. Wheeler, a visiting faculty member for university recreation, expressed his excitement about the opportunities that will now be available to students as a result of receiving the new kayaks.

"We will be able to offer top-quality kayaks, excursions from day trips through to extended multi-day expeditions and American Canoe Association skills training, guiding, and instruction for both Outdoor Programs student staff and the ASU community," Wheeler said.

The Tempest 170 sea kayaks will replace old and outdated kayaks that Outdoor Programs have used for the past 10 years.

The new kayaks are state-of-the-art, meaning they are the most comfortable boats available on the market and are maintenance free, Wheeler said.

Use of the kayaks will be open to all students and staff through Wednesday night classes and any future excursions, Wheeler said.

Outdoor Programs is also currently working with the University Bookstore to promote a kayak giveaway.

Anyone is able to apply and the deadline is March 6. Applications are available upstairs in the bookstore and also at the Outdoor Programs desk in the SRC.

"The purpose of hosting the kayak giveaway is to provide students with the opportunity to win a kayak and to take advantage of our local outdoor resources. And learn a new sport as well as to promote the wonderful opportunities available through Outdoor Programs," Trixie Furman, the Bookstore's visual and promotions manager, said.

The kayak is part of a promotion for the Bic Company's water sports division.

The bookstore buys pens and highlighters from the company throughout the year and as a result, Bic donated the kayak for the drawing.

The winner will be drawn at a presentation by Outdoor Programs in the Bookstore and will receive the grand prize award, which is currently on display.

The grand prize includes the Bic kayak and paddle, three kayak lessons from Outdoor Programs, a book on kayaking from Scholars Bookshop, an ASU beach towel, a waterproof journal and a Bic pen, Furman said.

"The University Bookstore seeks to create opportunities to enhance a student's experience on campus in many different ways," Furman said. "We are excited to be able to offer a kayak to one lucky winner and hope that it gets everyone thinking about springtime and being outdoors."

Both international and local excursions are offered through Outdoor Programs. For more information about future kayaking trips, refer to Outdoor Programs' Web site.

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