Being in Pullman without a car is a challenge, especially when the mountains call to you from beyond the wheat. That is where WSU’s Outdoor Recreation Center steps in to get you out of P-town and into the outdoors.
From stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking to backpacking to backcountry skiing and countless other means of outdoor exploration, the ORC has equipment and staff to support students on their expeditions.
Paula Kimmerling, UREC Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, oversees the facilitated trips run by the ORC, securing permits, transportation, and coordinating with the rental shop that equips students with whatever they need for a fun and safe adventure.
“The Outdoor Recreation Center houses a rental shop that’s got a bunch of different rental gear that students can rent out. I think of it, like an REI, but you can rent things out,” Kimmerling said.
Kayaks, ski and snowboard equipment, backpacking equipment and even coolers and hammocks are available for rent at the ORC. If the row of colorful kayaks fascinates and terrifies you, the ORC runs clinics as well as trips, so students can learn the ins and outs of a new outdoor adventure device before going out for real.
The ORC is all about making the outdoors accessible, through the knowledgeable rental shop staff and the highly trained facilitator staff, the host of adventures offered by the ORC is made available and fun to WSU students.
“Our outdoor adventures range from hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, backpacking in the warmer months and then transitioning into snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ski shuttles,” Kimmerling said.
Student facilitator and third-year mechanical engineering student Alexzander Moreno emphasized the importance of the ORC, especially on a campus like WSU.
“Not everyone has the equipment or the means to go outdoors and the university realizes that,” Moreno said.
In spite of the obstacles facing students trying to have a weekend of fun, Moreno stresses the importance of getting out every once in a while.
“It’s a big de-stresser. I know at the end of the day, or at the end of the week, if I have a trip going out, if I have something planned, whether personal or work related, it really just lets me detach myself from school and work,” he said.
Facilitating these excursions gives students otherwise stuck in their dorms or at home a chance to not only be free of Canvas notifications and see beautiful landscapes, but to make friends.
“I’ve seen a lot of people come on our programs and feel shy, and maybe feel hesitant about opening up,” Kimmerling said. “This is something that we’re seeing as systemic in student affairs and university students in general. It’s really difficult. People want to make connections, but need some extra structure.”
ORC trips provide that structure of forced proximity, collaboration and education. Hiking together, eating meals together, spending time in a car traveling, these conditions are instant friendship builders. In college, it is so rare to meet people outside of a school setting.
Even at parties, football games, or community events, it’s hard to separate yourself from feeling like a student first and a human being second.
“You get really caught up in being a student and there’s all these deadlines and homework and things, and you could spend the weekend working on all of that, but sometimes rest is productive,” Kimmerling said. “Going on a backpacking trip and having to slow down and spend time walking or time in camp, not doing anything and unplugging from your phone that works wonders for your mental health and your academic success later.”
Off campus, the ORC supports students in outdoor safety, learning how to use equipment and gives all students the opportunity to explore the outdoors. On campus, the ORC works to create a community of students that can connect and go outdoors together.
Every January, the ORC does a Banff Film Festival showing in the CUB.
“If you’re even remotely outdoorsy, you’re in the CUB auditorium with a bunch of other people who are all in puffy jackets and it’s such a cool community feeling to watch some of these films because it’s a collection of full-length and short films that won accolades at the actual Banff Film Festival,” Kimmerling said.
If the desperation to get outside hits after the Banff Film Festival showings, visit the ORC for all your outdoor pursuits.
“Some people want to get out of Pullman, if you can miss water, if you miss trees, if you want to touch grass not in Pullman, we are a great way to do that,” Kimmerling said.
The Banff Film Festival pieces will be shown on Jan. 27 in the CUB auditorium, visit https://urec.wsu.edu/locations-facilities/outdoor-recreation-center/ for more information on clinics, trips, rentals and ski shuttles.
