Kristin Leal, The Great Outdoors: Adventure Out brings adventure

Kristin Leal The Great Outdoors

Posted: 04/19/2011 01:47:28 AM PDT

The school bell is ringing and classes are in session all year long at Adventure Out LLC. The Santa Cruz based company is in the business of serving up wild adventures throughout Northern California.

And all classes are held in nature's playground, with plenty of local action and mini getaway options. So get ready for endless surf camps, rock climbing, backpacking trips, mountain biking and wilderness survival.

Adventure Out was created by Cliff Hodges and has been in operation since 2004. Hodges, a native of Santa Cruz, has brought his dream to work in the outdoors to life. The company is all about teaching people how to enjoy and protect the outdoors while being submerged in exhilarating adventure.

Surfing is on within the local waters of Santa Cruz. A number of classes are offered, including one-to three-day clinics, three- to five-day camps and private lessons. There is something for the whole family with teen and adult classes as well as kids' courses.

Hop into the local waters of Big Sur for a surfing and survival trip. Big Sur Surf Exploration Retreat is a three-day, two-night adventure that departs May 13 through Aug. 19. Mornings are filled with a surf sessions while afternoons provide options with a choice of another surf session, wilderness survival training or even a massage.

Rock climbing action is broad with classes based out of Castle Rock state park in Los Gatos, Pinnacles National Monument and Remillard park in Berkley. Day trips at Castle Rock, climbing camps and private lessons are available at Remillard park, Pinnacles and other popular climbing destinations around California.

The Pinnacles Climbing camp departs April 29, May 27 with additional trips planned for the fall. Kids and teens go nuts for the Summer Rock Climbing Day Camp at Remillard park. Trips depart July 11 through Aug. 15.

Backpacking prospects are extensive with several class options and upcoming events. Explore the Lost Coast on Aug. 13. The medium strenuous adventure treks about the California King Conservation area for four days. Get your yoga on while hiking through the Lost Coast on Sept. 2.

Hike to the top one of California's natural treasures for two days of strenuous action. Yosemite's Half Dome trips head out June 3 through July 29, along with more trips planned for the fall. Check out the High Sierra Expeditions in July 1 and Aug. 26 for three days of high-altitude back-country action.

Learn to mountain bike or challenge yourself and take it to the next level in intermediate classes. Bikes are available for rent, or you can bring your own. Classes are offered year-around, once or twice a month. Ride the trails in Santa Cruz with upcoming classes on April 24, May 7, 14 and 30.

Survival classes are plentiful with clinics, animal tracking, advance skill classes and adventure trips. Here, students learn basic survival skills like finding food, shelter, water and building a fire. Everybody has a chance to learn something new from the first timer to seasoned outdoor enthusiast.

For further information on Adventure Out, visit www.adventureout.com.

Kristin Leal can be reached at kristin.leal@yahoo.com