Water Experiences & Trip Updates
Spring 2023 trip schedules are available!
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Coastal
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Flat Water
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White Water
Spring 2023 Water Trip Schedule
Feel free to also explore our Land and Rock trips.
- Select your trip from our estore
- Complete all required registration items
- Congratulations! You're now ready for your next adventure!
Price: $35
Registration Deadline: 2/22/2023
What better way to welcome the coming spring than to join ORec for a paddle day on our local rivers! Get outfitted in top notch gear and spend the day navigating our beloved Saluda River. On this trip, you will heighten your river running techniques, practicing moves such as eddy turns, and ferrying.
After this trip, you should be left with a higher confidence in kayaking on moving water, and hopefully you’ll want to continue this amazing sport! Grab a friend or two and join us this February. We’ll provide transportation, gear, and instruction by ORec staff.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $375
Registration Deadline: 2/27/2023
Join ORec for the ultimate spring break experience. Will there be camping? Yes. Will there be paddle boarding? Yes. Will you learn a little backcountry knowledge? Of course! This trip will introduce new levels of both land and water elements while paddling through the tranquil waters of Lake Jocassee. We'll rig our paddleboards with everything we need to spend a couple nights out on the lake.
Since this is an overnight trip, be prepared to bring proper outdoor clothing including warm layers, a rain jacket, and personal water bottles. More information on what you will need to bring will be sent in an email the week of the trip. We will provide any transportation, specialized equipment, and instruction.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $35
Registration Deadline: 3/15/2023
Come explore Columbia’s local gem- the beautiful Congaree River. With the help of a stand-up paddle board, paddle effortlessly down the Congaree and sink into the flow and rhythm of its gentle current. Learn how to navigate around rocks and pull off to swim in pools formed naturally by the river.
This trip is a great beginner trip for those who do not have much experience on the water but still want to get out and explore what Columbia has to offer. All experience levels are welcome. Transportation, instruction, and gear are included in the cost. This trip is only a half day commitment, so you will see an option for an AM run and a PM run, make sure you select the time of day that best suits your schedule.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $55
Registration Deadline: 3/22/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET
Come join ORec for a day exploring one of South Carolina’s many lakes. Lake Moultrie is big, beautiful, and booming with life. Paddle along on a kayak and immerse yourself in some of the coastal features the lake has to offer. Lake Moultrie is a flat-water environment, so this trip is open to all experience levels!
Whether you’re new in the water sports game, or you’re known in your community as “the paddle master,” we welcome anyone with open arms (or should I say, paddles). Transportation, instruction, and gear are included in the cost.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $35
Registration Deadline: 3/29/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET
Come explore Columbia’s local gem- the beautiful Congaree River. With the help of a stand-up paddle board, paddle effortlessly down the Congaree and sink into the flow and rhythm of its gentle current. Learn how to navigate around rocks and pull off to swim in pools formed naturally by the river.
This trip is a great beginner trip for those who do not have much experience on the water but still want to get out and explore what Columbia has to offer. All experience levels are welcome. Transportation, instruction, and gear are included in the cost. This trip is only a half day trip, so you will see an option for an AM run and a PM run, make sure you select the time of day that best suits your schedule.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $70
Registration Deadline: 3/25/2023 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Interested in taking that next step in your kayaking career? Come join ORec for a beginner whitewater kayaking trip on the Saluda River. Experience firsthand how to navigate small rapids and read your upcoming river line while honing in your paddle skills and love for the outdoors. After this trip, you should feel more confident in adding a new outdoor sport to your repertoire and smile when you hear the words “let’s eddy out!” All transportation and whitewater specific equipment is provided, please note the requirements listed below.
If you have no previous experience or training from ORec, the deadline to sign up for this trip is Saturday March 25th at 1:00 p.m. This will help account for the mandatory roll clinics. Deadline to sign up if you have previous whitewater kayaking experience or have attended our roll clinics in past semesters is April 5th at 1:00 p.m.
Note: Must attend at least 2 roll clinics prior to trip [Provided by Outdoor Recreation] OR must be enrolled or have taken a university whitewater kayaking PEDU course OR have filled out this exemption form based on your prior experience:.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $75
Registration Deadline: 4/12/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET
Come out for a day to explore Charleston’s local flora and fauna while paddling through a delicate maze of salt marshes. Bask in the warm sun, watch fish swim along the muddy banks, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins passing by all while enjoying a beginner-intermediate level paddle.
We’ll provide transportation, basic instruction, equipment, and ORec Staff to help you focus on enjoying your time in and around the water. Grab a friend or two and make sure to sign up early!
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
Price: $125
Registration Deadline: 4/9/2023 at 1:00 p..m ET
We're excited to offer a brand new whitewater kayaking trip to the Nantahala River.
This river is a great place to build on the introductory river skills you might have
learned on the Saluda here in town. With lots of splashy rapids there is plenty of
opportunity to push your skills and have a fantastic day on the water during this
trip. Additionally we will stay the night. This will give us some flexibility for
different activities like exploring the NOC, chilling out at the Nantahala Outdoor
Center or more paddling the following day.
This trip requires participants to have completed one of the following:
- Attended our Intro to Whitewater Kayaking trip on the Saluda
- Filled out this exemption form based on personal experience gained elsewhere
- Completed the PEDU Whitewater Kayaking class and trip
Additionally we will require the attendance of two roll clinics during the spring semester before the trip to make sure your roll is feeling good and to practice and discuss any other skills or trip specifics.
Questions? Email outdoors@mailbox.sc.edu
What You Need to Know
- Trips are open to all USC students, faculty and staff.
- All trips will only require beginner skill levels, unless otherwise noted.
- Basic health history form will be required for trip participants.
- No-show participants will not be eligible for a refund.
Refunds
You must cancel at least 7 days prior to the trip to get a refund. After that, no refunds will be given.
We will give you a full refund if the trip is canceled due to low registration, weather or other extenuating circumstances. No-show participants will not be eligible for a refund.