Recreation Activity Courses
Water
Whitewater Paddling
Whitewater Paddling
REC 1310
Whitewater Paddling teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in whitewater rafting on their own. Students will learn basic hydrology, river navigation, and introductory self-rescue skills. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of rafting on a river section within a few hours of Ogden. Students must be able to swim. Students must provide their own meals and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Stand-Up Paddleboard
REC 1316
Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) teaches novices the basic skills necessary to safely participate in SUP on their own. Class is held on local lakes and reservoirs to familiarize students with nearby paddling options they can explore after the course. Students learn about water safety, launching and landing craft, basic SUP maneuvers and self-rescue. Students must be able to swim prior. Paddleboards, paddles and PFDs are provided. Students must provide their own transportation, water and snacks, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. This course generally meets over a single long weekend (Friday to Sunday). Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving Levels I & II
REC 1350 & 1351
Scuba Diving Level I teaches novices the basic skills involved in open-water diving and prepares students for the optional PADI Open Water Diver certification. Scuba Diving Level II expands on the skills learned in the Level I course and prepares students for the optional PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification. These courses are hosted by local dive shops Adventure West and The Dive Shop; these providers may charge additional fees of several hundred dollars. Both certifications can be completed at the end of the course for an additional fee. Students must be able to swim and must complete Level I before taking Level II. All necessary equipment is available for rent, though students are encouraged to purchase their own goggles, snorkel and fins. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Students can register via Banner. The course is scheduled directly with the provider by contacting the applicable diving school directly.
Fishing
Fishing
REC 1510
Fishing teaches novices the basic skills necessary to successfully participate in fly fishing on their own. The class explores productive hatcheries in Utah within a few hours of Ogden. Students learn about rigging, fly selection, casting and landing a fish as well as basic river ecology and safety. Camping equipment and basic rods and tippet are provided, though students are encouraged to use their own rod and tackle if they have them. Students must provide their own transportation, water, meals and appropriate clothing for the weather. This course combines evening classroom sessions with a weekend river trip. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Land
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
REC 1241
Mountain Biking teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in the activity on their own. As this course is designed for beginner riders, no prior experience is required or expected. (Riders with more experience should consider REC 1242.) Students will learn basic technical riding skills on a variety of surfaces, trail etiquette and maintenance, and basic bike repair. Class takes place on local trails around Ogden. Bikes and helmets are provided. Students must provide their own water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Hiking
Hiking
REC 1520
Hiking encourages students to participate in a life-long healthy activity and is held on local trails to familiarize students with nearby hiking options they can continue to explore after the course concludes. Students learn many of the fundamental skills for backcountry travel including Leave No Trace ethics, equipment selection, hydration and nutrition, and navigation. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Rock Climbing Level I
Rock Climbing Level I
REC 1527
Rock Climbing Level I teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in indoor rock climbing on their own. Class takes place at the Weber State University climbing wall in the Wildcat Arena, which is free for student use. Students learn basic climbing movement skills, top roping, and lead climbing and belaying. Harnesses, climbing shoes and hardware are provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Rock Climbing Level II
Rock Climbing Level II
REC 1528
Rock Climbing Level II teaches beginner climbers the skills necessary to safely use their existing skills for outdoor rock climbing on their own. Class is taught at local Ogden climbing sites to familiarize students with climbing areas they can use after the course. Students expand their climbing movement repertoire, reinforce top roping and lead climbing skills in the outdoor setting, and explore anchor construction and edge safety. Students must have either 1) completed Rock Climbing Level I or 2) know how to top rope belay and have instructor permission. Climbing equipment is provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Rock Climbing Level III
Rock Climbing Level III
REC 1529
Rock Climbing Level III teaches intermediate climbers the skills necessary to safely participate in traditional lead climbing on their own. Class is taught at local Ogden climbing sites to familiarize students with climbing areas they can use after the course. Students learn how to place protection and build anchors with an emphasis on mock lead climbing. Students must have either 1) completed Rock Climbing Level II or 2) know how to sport climb and have instructor permission. Climbing equipment is provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Snow
Backcountry Touring Level I
Backcountry Touring Level I
REC 1304
Backcountry Touring Level I introduces intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who ride in-bounds to the skills necessary to safely ride in backcountry terrain, beyond resort boundaries without avalanche control or ski patrol. Class is taught at local backcountry touring areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn basic uphill and downhill backcountry travel as well as introductory avalanche rescue skills. Students must be able to hike uphill comfortably for three miles and confidently ski black diamond terrain on ski resort property. Students may rent backcountry ski/snowboard equipment from the WSU Outdoor Program or use their own. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of skiing/snowboarding near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Backcountry Touring Level II
Backcountry Touring Level II
REC 1305
Backcountry Touring Level II teaches beginner backcountry skiers and snowboarders the skills necessary to safely participate in conservative backcountry tours on their own. Class is taught at local backcountry touring areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn how to interpret an avalanche forecast, plan a basic tour, make field obersvations, and apply single-burial avalanche rescue skills. Students must be able to hike uphill comfortably for four miles and either 1) completed Backcountry Touring Level I or 2) have previous experience backcountry touring and instructor permission. Students may rent backcountry ski/snowboard equipment from the WSU Outdoor Program or use their own. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of skiing/snowboarding near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Backcountry Touring Level III
Backcountry Touring Level III
REC 1306
Backcountry Touring Level III provides intermediate backcountry skiers and snowboarders with further experience to plan their own tours. Class is taught at local backcountry touring areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students practice selecting appropriate tour options that integrate terrain with the daily avalanche forecast. They use field observations to facilitate safe travel decisions as a group. Single-burial avalanche rescue skill are also reviewed. Students must be able to hike uphill comfortably for four miles and either 1) completed Backcountry Touring Level II or 2) have previous experience backcountry touring and instructor permission. Students may rent backcountry ski/snowboard equipment from the WSU Outdoor Program or use their own. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of skiing/snowboarding near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Mountaineering Level I
Mountaineering Level I
REC 1404
Mountaineering Level I teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in basic mountaineering on their own. Class is taught at local mountaineering areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn basic snow climbing and rock scrambling skills for semi-technical mountain ascents. Most equipment is provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of mountaineering near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Mountaineering Level I
REC 1404
Mountaineering Level I teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in basic mountaineering on their own. Class is taught at local mountaineering areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn basic snow climbing and rock scrambling skills for semi-technical mountain ascents. Most equipment is provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of mountaineering near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Mountaineering Level II
Mountaineering Level II
REC 1405
Mountaineering Level II teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in ice climbing. Class is taught at local areas in the Wasatch to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn basic ice climbing movement skills and anchoring principles. Students may rent mountaineering boots and other equipment from the WSU Outdoor Program or other local providers. Students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of ice climbing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Mountaineering Level II
REC 1405
Mountaineering Level II teaches novices the skills necessary to safely participate in ice climbing. Class is taught at local areas in the Wasatch to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Students learn basic ice climbing movement skills and anchoring principles. Students may rent mountaineering boots and other equipment from the WSU Outdoor Program or other local providers. Students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of ice climbing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Mountaineering Level III
Mountaineering Level II
REC 1406
Mountaineering Level III teaches intermediate mountaineering skills and may include snow, rock, or ice climbing. Class is taught at local mountaineering areas to familiarize students with locations they can explore after the course. Most equipment is provided, though students may use their own equipment with instructor approval. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks, backpack and appropriate clothing. Class meets once at the start of the course and then includes a single weekend of mountaineering near Ogden. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Skiing
Skiing
REC 1610, 1611 & 1612
Skiiing Levels I, II & III teach students the skills needed to safely ski in-bounds based on prior experience and skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). This course is hosted by Powder Mountain Resort. The WSU Outdoor Program offers student discounts on equipment as well as season rentals. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Skiing
REC 1610, 1611 & 1612
Skiiing Levels I, II & III teach students the skills needed to safely ski in-bounds based on prior experience and skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). This course is hosted by Powder Mountain Resort. The WSU Outdoor Program offers student discounts on equipment as well as season rentals. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding
REC 1620, 1621 & 1622
Snowboarding Levels I, II & III teach students the skills needed to safely snowboard in-bounds based on prior experience and skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). This course is hosted by Powder Mountain Resort. The WSU Outdoor Program offers student discounts on equipment as well as season rentals. Students must provide their own transportation, water, snacks and appropriate clothing. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Professional Training & Certification
Wilderness First Responder
Wilderness First Responder
OCRE 2300
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is an industry-standard, internationally recognized 72-80 hour (per provider) certification course focused on emergency response for remote settings in the backcountry. The course is designed for professionals who intend to work in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting, or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry trips or expeditions. Participants will learn systems for patient assessment, extended care (including CPR), and rescue/evacuation in remote settings. Emphasis will be placed on the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills necessary for responsible practice in the field of outdoor recreation. Upon successful completion of the course (including a written and practical exam), students will earn an internationally recognized professional certification. Class typically meets weekly throughout the semester, with an emphasis on practical labs. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Outdoor Emergency Care
Outdoor Emergency Care
OCRE 2300
Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) is an industry-standard, nationally recognized certification course focused on emergency response primarily in non-urban, outdoor recreation and resort settings, such as ski resorts. The course is designed for professionals who intend to work in an outdoor setting. Participants will learn systems for patient assessment, care and treatment (emphasizing snow sports pathology), and rescue/evacuation outside of urban settings. Emphasis will be placed on the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills necessary for responsible practice in the field of outdoor recreation. Upon successful completion of the course (including a written and practical exam), students will earn professional certification through the National Ski Patrol. Class typically meets weekly throughout the semester, with an emphasis on practical labs. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Leave No Trace Trainer
Leave No Trace Trainer
REC 1535
The Leave No Trace (LNT) Trainer course is designed to train current and future outdoor recreation leaders in the principles of Leave No Trace. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the seven LNT principles and how to provide LNT awareness workshops in a variety of settings including camps, schools, parks, and backcountry areas. Students who successfully complete this professional level course will be recognized as Leave No Trace Trainers by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. This course typically includes a one-night camping trip and meets for a single weekend. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
REC 1530 & 1531
REC 1530 is intended for individuals pursuing work as climbing instructors or guides and covers the curriculum of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course. Instruction takes place predominantly at local outdoor climbing areas through practical skills sessions. The course also includes relevant lecture, discussion, and teaching exercises. Emphasis is placed on development of skills and knowledge base for professional rock climbing instructors. This course is typically taught over a single 3-day weekend. REC 1531 is a separate 2-day examination (also typically scheduled for a single weekend). Students who complete REC 1530 and successfully pass the REC 1531 examination become certified Single Pitch Instructors. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Avalanche Level 1
Avalanche Level 1
REC 1307
This course is intended for individuals wishing to pursue travel in avalanche terrain, whether backcountry skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, or mountaineering. Different sections of this course may be appropriate for various modes of travel, for example, skiing and snowboarding vs. snowshoeing. Instruction will take place predominantly at local backcountry mountainous areas through practical skills sessions. The course includes relevant lecture, discussion, group decision making, and travel plan exercises. Emphasis will be placed on development of skills and knowledge to select appropriate terrain to avoid avalanches. This course is also the entry level professional training for students pursuing careers in ski patrol, winter backcountry guiding and instruction, and mountaineering guiding. This course is typically scheduled as a single weekend. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Avalanche Rescue
Avalanche Rescue
REC 1308
This course teaches avalanche companion rescue skills for individuals intending to travel in avalanche terrain. Instruction will take place predominantly at local backcountry mountainous areas through practical skills sessions. The course may also includes relevant reading, lecture, and discussion. Emphasis is placed on repeated practice of realistic avalanche rescue scenarios. This course provides entry level professional training for students pursuing careers in ski patrol, winter backcountry guiding and instruction, and mountaineering guiding. This course is typically scheduled for one day on a weekend. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.
Ski/Snowboard Instructor
Ski/Snowboard Instructor
REC 1640/41 & 1650/51
REC 1640 & 1650 are intended for individuals pursuing work as skiing or snowboarding instructors and are offered in collaboration with Powder Mountain ski resort. Courses includes relevant lecture, discussion, and teaching exercises. Emphasis is placed on development of skills and knowledge base for skiing and snowboarding instructors. REC 1640/50 typically meets once per week during the second block of the fall semester. Students who secure work as skiing/snowboarding instructors may complete a separate examination through the Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors and earn Level 1 ski or snowboard certification. These students can receive course credit for completing the certification by enrolling in REC 1641/1651. Students can find course schedules and register via Banner.