BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University’s Outdoor Programming Center will offer two courses in mid November, a kayak safety course on Monday, Nov. 12 and a free lead climbing class on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Kayak Safety
The OPC will hold a kayak safety course on Monday, Nov. 12, from 7-10 p.m. in the swimming pool at the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center on campus. Offered monthly, the course is necessary to rent a kayak from the OPC. It is aimed at those who have never kayaked before and those who want basic safety instruction. Instructors will cover capsizing and self-rescue techniques.
Attendees should bring a swimsuit and towel, and nose plugs and goggles are recommended. The OPC will provide kayaks. Pre-registration is required. The class costs $15 for students and $25 for others, and payment is required at registration.
Lead Climbing Course
The OPC will offer a free lead climbing class on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 6-9 p.m. at the climbing wall in the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center. Designed for rock climbers with some experience, the clinic is open to the public. Instructors will teach the technique of lead climbing, in which the leader secures the rope to the rock wall as he or she climbs. It is considered riskier than top rope climbing, in which the climber is supported by a rope fixed to the top of the rock wall.
“You have a chance to experience the sharp end of the rope,” said OPC director Mark Morrissey. “You could fall. But that’s how the game is played. Better to learn on the ground with good instructors than halfway up a rock face.”
Those who join the one-night class must have previous belay experience. OPC will provide harnesses and climbing shoes.
For more information about the OPC, call (218) 755-2999.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Nov. 12 - 7-10 p.m. - Bemidji State University’s Outdoor Programming Center hosts an introductory kayak clinic. Registration: $25 for the public; $15 for BSU students. Payment required at registration. For information: (218) 755-2999.
Nov. 14 - 6-9 p.m. - Bemidji State University’s Outdoor Programming Center holds a lead climbing workshop. Intended for rock climbers with some experience. Registration: free. Information: (218) 755-2999.
About Bemidji State University Bemidji State University, located in northern Minnesota's lake district, occupies a beautiful campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. The University enrolls nearly 5,000 students annually and offerings include more than 65 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs encompassing the liberal arts, interdisciplinary studies and applied fields. The University is a member of the Minnesota State College and Universities System and has a faculty and staff of nearly 600. University signature themes include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and global/multicultural understanding. For further information about the University, visit our web site at: http://www.bemidjistate.edu.