Paddling the Namekagon River - September 25-27
The Namekagon River is the northern tributary of the St. Criox National Scenic Riverway, a wild and scenic waterway stretching from Cable to where it meets the St. Croix near Danbury. Most of the Namekagon portion of the river is undeveloped offering the canoeist or kayaker a genuine wilderness experience. The riverbanks are abundant with deer, beaver, ducks, turtles, osprey, bald eagles, river otters and occasional black bear.On this trip you can choose to kayak or canoe.We will camp each night in primitive backcountry campsites along the river.
Maximum Participants:10
Leaders:James & Kelly
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, September 21
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting:Tuesday, September 22, 7-9pm
Fee:$50 Stout/$55 Community
Sailing the Apostle Islands - September 25 - 27
There is nothing like being powered by the wind alone.Imagine yourself with the wind in your hair, learning about sailing, taking the wheel or just relaxing while we explore the Islands with our very own USCG Licensed Captain. View bird life and learn about the Lake Superior ecosystem, along with rich local history.
We will board our private sailboat Friday evening, sleep in the boat in the harbor the first night, and walk to dinner and breakfast in town within a couple blocks of the boat. Depart Bayfield after breakfast for a day of sailing and several stops at caves, sand spits, pristine beaches or lighthouses. We will let the wind decide where we go. Grill dinner, watch the sunset and sleep on the boat while gently swaying in a calm natural anchorage. In the morning, have coffee and breakfast as the Islands wake up. Sunday is spent The last day is spent sailing and exploring before returning to Bayfield by mid to late afternoon.
Maximum Participants: 6
Leaders: Jeff & Captain John
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, September 21
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, September 22, 7-9pm
Fee: $275 Stout/$315 Community
Backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail - October 9-11
Join us for a backpacking trip through on the Superior Hiking Trail on the north shore of Lake Superior, where the fall colors are breathtaking and the adventures are exciting!Our 9 mile trail section will include a series of ridges and overlooks through mixed deciduous forest and will even include seeing the unique blog ecosystem.You will come back feeling refreshed and full of unforgettable memories.
Maximum Participants: 10
Leaders: Kelly & Brad
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, October 5
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 6, 7-9pm
Fee: $65 Stout/$75 Community
Climbing Interstate State Park - October 16-18
Get outside and discover the new and exciting challenge of climbing natural rock, and not that plaster stuff we are all used to! Interstate State Park is historically known as one of the better climbing crags in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Come along as we reach new heights and practice our skills on just a handful of the hundreds of climbs and bouldering problems.
Maximum Participants: 10
Leaders: Justin & Matt
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, October 12
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting:Tuesday, October 13, 7-9pm
Fee: $45 Stout/$50 Community
Stay tuned for more information on this epic trip to be held over winter break.
Have you ever wanted to climb outside, or even better, climb outside at night?Well here is your chance to do both. For the first of our Full Moon Series we are offering a full moon climb on the Challenge Course. Prepare yourself for a fifty foot climb leading to the top of Alpine Tower and the Carolina wall overlooking the majestic settlement of Menomonie.Your adventure will be conveniently lit up by the moons natural glow guiding you to the top. Check back second semester for our full moon ski and paddle events.
Location: Corner of 18th Avenue & 5th Street
Sign-Up Deadline: Sign up early or stop by Stout Adventures before going to the course
Fee: $5 Stout/$8 Community
Challenge Course Open House - October 10
Have you ever wanted to try the outdoor Challenge Course, but the need for a group reservation has stopped you?Well, now’s your chance!Stout Adventures is giving you the chance to climb our 50 foot Alpine Tower and experience the thrill of our giant swing.In addition, you can work with friends to accomplish other challenging activities.This is a great opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members alike to learn about the course before making a group reservation. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!Please be sure to wear closed toe shoes and be ready to sign our Risk and Liability Waiver onsite.
Location: Corner of 18th Avenue & 5th Street
Fee: FREE
Time:9am - 1pm
Climbing at Red Wing - October 24th
Wanna go climbing? Join Stout Adventures for an awe-inspiring day trip to Barn Bluff climbing crag in Red Wing, MN.The routes are are characterized by finger pockets and great face climbing.Most of the routes are rated 5.8 and above so intermediate climbing skills are recommended.
Max Participants: 12
Leaders: Justin & Matt
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, October 19
Mandatory Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 7-8pm
Fee: $25 Stout/$30 Community
Basic Bike Maintenance & Repair - September 29
Have you ever gotten a flat and not known how to fix it yourself?If so, this clinic is just for you!Don’t be stuck walking your bike.Come learn all about how to care for your bike and be prepared for hands-on instruction.
Dates & Times: September 29, 7pm
Maximum Participants: 8
Instructor: Bat Cat Bicycles
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, September 28
Fee: FREE
Women's Climbing Night - September 30
Its ladies night at Stout Adventures and no men are allowed!Come join other women in the community and Stout Adventures staff for free climbing and an introduction on the basics of climbing.
Fee: FREE w/Stout ID
Yoga For Rock Climbers - Wednesday Nights
Wednesday Nights, 7pm
Learn basic yoga poses which will help you excel on the wall by promoting flexibility, core strength, breathing, and mental obstacles.Over the semester you’ll discover which yoga poses transform your climb and which ones your body needs most.
Instructor: Charles Erickson
Open To: Rock Climber and Yoga Enthusiast
Fee: FREE for climbing wall members - Or pay the day rate if non-member
Lead Climbing Class - 3 dates available
Sport climbing is for those who are ready to try the next level of climbing.As a participant, you will be leaving the security of a top rope and learning the skills necessary to become a leader.Topics will include lead belaying, clipping into a quickdraw, climbing techniques, and how to fall safely.Stout Adventures will provide all the equipment, but graduates of this class are expected to bring their own rope whenever they want to lead climb at our gym.
Dates & Times:
Session 1: October 20, 7pm
Session 2: November 17, 7pm
Session 3: December 3, 7pm
Maximum Participants: 10
Instructors: Kelly & Justin
Sign-Up Deadline: Day before class
Prerequisite: Flash a 5.9 of instructor’s choice
Fee: $5
Deep Water Safety Course - 2 dates available
This hands-on course teaches the fundamentals of kayak safety and rescue techniques.Skills covered include wet exits, paddle float rescue, t-rescue and more.These are skills no paddler should be without! Even if you have taken the course before it is always good to refresh your skills.Successful completion of this course is required for any Stout Adventures sea kayak trip or rental.
Dates & Times:
Session I: November 10, 8-10pm
Session 2: December 10, 8-10pm
Maximum Participants: 5
Instructors: James & Jeff
Sign-Up Deadline: Day before class
Fee: $25 Stout/$40 Community
Kayak Roll Clinic - October 13th & 15th
Kayak rolling is as old as the sport itself.During the clinic you will learn how to save time and energy by rolling your kayak to avoid a rescue situation.The class is in two parts, the Tuesday class will focus on instruction, and the Wednesday class will be mostly practice.The instructor will be present to answer questions and help develop that “perfect roll.”Be sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and your patience.Goggles and nose plugs or a face mask are recommended, but not necessary.
Dates & Times: October 13 & October 15, 8-10pm
Maximum Participants: 5
Instructors: Kelly
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, October 12
Fee: $25 Stout/$40 Community
Dutch Oven Cooking - October 7th
Dutch oven cooking is a great activity for cooking enthusiasts. You can cook anything in a Dutch oven! But you don’t have to go on an outdoor trip to enjoy this style of outdoor cooking.Instead of barbequing, do it in a Dutch! This clinic will cover the basics of Dutch oven cooking and will feature award winning recipes and dishes for you to enjoy!Please bring your own eating utensils and non-alcoholic drink.
Dates & Times: October 7, 6pm
Maximum Participants: 8
Instructor: Clint
Sign-Up Deadline:Monday, October 5
Fee: $10 Stout/$15 Community
Did you know that Stout Adventures checks out GPS units free-of-charge to Stout students?Before getting your hands on one of our Garmin E-Trex models you might want to learn a bit about them first.The course will cover all the GPS basics from how the GPS works to routes, waypoints and beyond.After the course you’ll be ready to take a unit on your next adventure or use them find some treasure geocaching.
Dates & Times: November 14, 9am
Maximum Participants:6
Instructor: James
Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, November 11
Fee: $25 Stout/$40 Community
American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basics
This 16-hour class is designed to give you solid First Aid skills in a wilderness setting. This course teaches first aid skills for situations in which emergency care is delayed for long periods, or self evacuation is necessary. Includes injury prevention, proper advanced preparation, basic and more advanced first aid techniques, short-distance transfer and evacuation techniques.
Dates & Times:
December 4-6
Friday 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm
Sunday 8:30am-4:30pm
Maximum Participants: 12
Instructor: Jeff
Sign-Up Deadline: Monday, November 30
Fee: $80 Stout/$105 Community
About the Trips & Clinics
Stout Adventures offer a variety of trips and clinics. Our offerings are open to all Stout students, faculty and staff as well as the community. The trips emphasize responsible behavior in the outdoors, teamwork and fun! Trips run within a cooperative adventure philosophy as opposed to a guide service. Under the cooperative adventure philosophy participants are expected to assume responsibilities on trips which will include setting up tents, meal preparation, etc. These duties depend in part on the participant’s experience and ability. The more experienced or able the participant, the more that individual may be able to contribute to the group. Participants are expected to take part in much of the decision making and contribute to the group as a whole. The hope is that cooperative adventure trips provide a more rewarding educational experience because of the active role participants take.
The leader’s role is to act as the group facilitator and make decisions during an emergency or when he/she clearly has more experience. They bring the group together for meetings, provide suggestions, and summarize options. We expect all participants to make an effort to keep activities safe and enjoyable. This requires that you recognize that you are part of a group and that you will be willing and open to participate as a team member. That is why Stout Adventures calls itself a "cooperative adventure" program.
General Information
Most, but not all trips are instructional and are geared toward persons with little or no experience. You do not need a partner for any of our trips. Pre-trip meetings are mandatory because of the essential information that you acquire. If you miss a pre-trip meeting without making arrangements with the trip leader, we reserve the right to remove you from the trip and you forfeit your trip fee or deposit.
Pricing
Our trips are run on a non-profit basis. Many administrative costs are covered by University Recreation through student fees. This is why costs for community participants are slightly higher than students. We supply the trip leaders, camping/specialized equipment, camping & park fees and transportation. Participants need only supply personal equipment (hiking boots, rain jacket, etc.) and food. Your trip fee may also pay for trip leader training, advertising and trip planning.
Registration
You may register for Stout Adventures trips and clinics in Room 56 of the Sports & Fitness Center during open hours of operation. To register for most trips and clinics you must pay all fees up front. For trips over $100 you must pay half of the trip fee as a deposit. The remainder is due at or before the pre-trip meeting. Trip reservations are taken on a strict first come first serve basis. Mailing in registration does not guarantee a spot. Most activities can only accommodate a limited amount of people, so call for availability.
If notice of cancellation is received after the pre-trip meeting the trip fee is forfeited. Before the trip registration deadline a full refund minus a $10 cancellation fee will be available. After the registration deadline, registrants will receive a 50% refund. If the trip is canceled by us, you will receive a full refund.
Sign-up Form
Each trip will require you to complete a sign-up form that you can print and fill it out at home or in person. Please return form to the Stout Adventures office to complete the registration process. Trip/Clinic Sign Up Form
Stout Adventure accepts cash, checks (payable to UW-Stout), Flexline, Visa, Discover and MasterCard.
Packing Lists & Local Resources
At Packing Lists & Local Resources you can find links related to the outdoors that will help you plan for your next trip.