Let the Outdoor Recreation Center Help You Gear Up this Summer
By: Charlotte Milling
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It's time to start thinking outdoors! Summer is the best time on the Palouse for outdoor activities for everyone from the casual weekend warrior to even the most hardcore adventurer. Whatever you want to do this summer, the Outdoor Recreation Center has gear and information needs covered.
Head to the Blue Mountains, Kamiak Butte, or the Boulder Creek Campground to do some camping and blow off some steam. The staff at the ORC will prepare outdoor enthusiasts with all the right equipment including: coolers (starting at $2.75*), sleeping bags ($5.75), tents (starting at $7), lanterns ($4), stoves ($3.50) and more. The helpful staff will even instruct renters in the proper set up and use of the equipment.
If weekend trips are not in the budget, pick up a sea kayak ($26.25) or one of the easy-to-transport Sit-On-Tops ($19.50) and head down to Granite Point Cliffs for a calm weeknight escape from the rigors of campus life. Before you leave, check out a pair of 5.10 rock climbing shoes ($3.50) and do some bouldering on the backside of the cliffs or paddle over to Paradise Point on the opposite side of the river. Never kayaked before? Not a problem! Learn technique and receive advice during one of the Sunset Paddle on the Snake River trips. We will even drive and haul your boat for you!
Looking for something less mellow and relaxing? Cast off on any number of local raging rivers as close as Spokane and Lewiston as the ORC kicks off the start of rafting season. Take on the Salmon River in a whitewater kayak ($21.25) if you have got the know-how, or feel free to reserve a 15 foot raft for you and nine of your buddies. At $63.25 (for a 15' boat with paddles), you will spend less money and get more of an adrenaline rush riding a river with your friends than going to see the new Die Hard movie.
Even if you or the family does not want to leave good ol' Pullman, the ORC staff can keep you entertained. Rent a volleyball set ($10.50) or croquet set ($3.00) for your next barbeque; we can even hook you up with the grill (starting at $11.75)! Take some horseshoes ($3.00) down to Reaney Park and show off your skills. Stop by the ORC or visit orc.wsu.edu for our entire list of inventory. Keep in mind sleet, hail, wind, and general unpleasant weather are not far away so soak up that hot Eastern Washington sun while it lasts. Just remember to come into the ORC located in Hollingbery Fieldhouse on your way out of town…and don't forget your sunscreen!
*All listed prices are for one day rentals at Student/SRC-Member rate.