Outdoor Recreation offers variety of summer fun

  • Published
  • By Adam Bailey
  • Nucleus staff writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland's Outdoor Recreation has plenty to offer this summer for those looking for something to do, including climbing, cycling, water sports or even the chance to create a custom trip.

Climbing trips are one of Outdoor Rec's most popular activities.

"We have things for the very beginners who have never climbed all the way to expert trips," said Jon VanMeir, Outdoor Rec director. "So we like to cover the gamut of climbing. So if you're a boulderer or a belayer, you can almost get everything accomplished by attending one of our trips or one of our classes."

Outdoor Rec also offers condition and fitness classes for climbing. The classes are taught by a climbing instructor and the class works on targeting those muscles used to climb and build your skill level, whether you're a rock or wall climber.

The instructor tailors to the exact needs of the class, and the classes are kept small so the instructor can give more one-on-one attention to everybody. The classes are offered twice a month, all year round.

"You get the bonus of having a certified instructor teaching you things like what a finger tip hold is or how you get from point A to point B without falling," VanMeir said. "And it's nice because if you're gathering your skills in the climbing wall area and you do fall, it's on to a 3-foot thick pad."

There is also a climbing club that is offered. The club runs for six-week increments Monday nights and is open solely to club members. Once the six weeks end, members have the opportunity to keep signing up for the group.

Starting in August, weekly bike rides will be offered. Outdoor Rec will provide a bike and transportation to and from the bike trail.

Summer also provides the ability to have offer activities involving boats. The outdoor pool will have open boating from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays for $5.

"We bring the boats to the outdoor pool and you can practice your kayak roll, getting in and out of the water and all your safety techniques in the safety of the pool versus jumping on the river after your first class," VanMeir said. "It's also great for those who have kayaked their whole lives, so they can keep on their skills."

There will also be local wine tours this summer. The trip includes a wine tour, wine tasting and learning how it's made.

Custom trips are another service offered at Outdoor Rec. The custom trip requires eight or more people and the dates for the trip. The programmer then will help plan the full details of the trip and how much it will cost to do it.

Outdoor Rec also has a rental shop to cover most needs.

"We have a very extensive rental shop," VanMeir said. "We cover the basics of camping all the way to renting a camping trailer, bikes or boats. We always tell people that even if you don't see it on the list, ask us because good chance we have it."

For more information about Outdoor Rec, visit www.kirtlandforcesupport.com.