2014 - 2015 Catalog

EPIC Adventures 2014 - 2015

Sierra and Coby on the Spokane River just upstream of the EWU Riverpoint Campus. Photo: John Fair

The Long View With EPIC Adventures fast approaching its 40th year serving the students of Eastern Washington University, I sat down with two of the people most responsible for creating the program to learn about its history. Here are some excerpts from those talks.

-John Fair, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs“It started around 1976. At the time, people wanted to get out [into the wilderness], but there were a large number of Search and Rescue missions happening with outdoor people just wandering off and getting lost. All the regional universities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana were starting outdoor programs to help with the Search and Rescue load.”

“So I started the outdoor program to get people out on trips and tours. Outdoor Recreation majors voluntered at least six hours a week. People wanted to get into the woods just to hang out and to be with other people around the campfire. So we were the mechanism to get people out with some skill sets.”

Dr. Paul Green is a professor of Outdoor Recreation at Eastern Washington University and the founder of the EWU Outdoor Program that became EPIC Adventures. Paul still teaches Search and Rescue and regularly sends his students to work for EPIC.

“When I came to EWU, the idea was that we could have a state-of-the-art collegiate outdoor program. I arrived in 1988 and the operation ran from down below the PUB stairs, but EWU wanted to make the outdoor program functional and take it to the next level. By about 1990 we were a full-fledged outdoor program. We were offering kayaking classes, rafting trips, and we were doing backpacking trips all over the place.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to run the program had I not had the full support of the community. Paul [Green] was always a huge supporter of what we were doing and would send students our way. And then I had a couple of students who were just rock stars who are part of the legacy.”

“I think that [EPIC] has always been a home for students who can’t find community elsewhere. Students seem to gravitate towards EPIC, and particularly the staff, when they can’t find connection in other places. Students who don’t find their niche elsewhere find a home at EPIC.” Dr. Matthew Chase is a professor of Recreation Management and is co-chair of the Physical Education, Health & Recreation Department at Eastern Washington University. Dr. Chase is the former head of EPIC Adventures, former dean of students, and current charger on skis, road bike or standup paddleboard.

About EPIC Adventures As the Eastern Washington University outdoor program, EPIC Adventures offers outdoor and adventure trips, instruction, events, and equipment rentals. With an indoor climbing facility and access to some of the best outdoor activity sites in the country, EPIC Adventures provides activities like camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dogsledding, standup paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, riverboarding, river surfing, and other human-powered fun.

Though EPIC provides programs for folks of all experience levels, most programs are designed to introduce EWU students to a new activitiy. In other words, we specialize in first-timers, and because equipment rentals are included with most trips, you are quickly running out of excuses for not going on an EPIC trip, taking an EPIC class, or trying out the climbing wall. So stop by and sign up. Oh, and if our already super-inexpensive prices are still too much, check out the annual pass option, and check if you have EPIC Bucks. See you soon!

Annual Pass If you are an Eastern student and you are planning to do a lot with EPIC this year, buy an Annual Pass. $200 gets you 600 points that you can use for most EPIC trips, classes, and events. Look for the “AP” in activity descriptions to find out how many Annual Pass points the activity is worth.

EPIC Bucks Did you get the early sign-up bonus for student housing? If so, you have “EPIC Bucks” that you can only spend with us. EPIC Bucks are as good as cash, and this free money goes away at the end of the school year, so use it or lose it!

Rock climbing near Leavenworth. Photo: Austin Marvel

Heavenly views in Hells Canyon Photo: Austin Marvel

Fall Quarter

2014

Weekend Trips Whitewater Rafting on the Clark Fork River

Backpacking & Fishing in the Cascades

The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River is a beautiful and exciting place to whitewater raft. This Montana river features stretches of calm water interrupted by Class II and III whitewater. Join EPIC as we run the gorge during the day and camp near Fish Creek at night.

We are going to backpack to some lakes and set up camp.

We’ll spend our days reeling in some beauts in a gorgeous alpine lake setting. Fishing license and fishing equipment are not provided, but we’ve got you covered with the backpacking gear. Chase some trout with us!

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September 26 - 28, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

October 24 - 26, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Mountaineering on Mount St. Helens

Backpacking to a Hells Canyon

Climb this iconic peak with EPIC Adventures. Though this trip is beginner-friendly, a moderate level of physical fitness is required because there is a lot of hiking... uphill.

If conditions are right, we’ll go for the summit, giving you a chance to stand on top of a big peak.

Go for a hike in Oregon along the beautiful Snake River.

This moderate hike snakes (pun intended) along the river.

The weather in Hells Canyon is typically warmer than Cheney, so tie up your boot laces, hit the trail, and go camping with us. Also, Halloween in Hells Canyon...

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October 3 - 5, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

October 31 - November 2, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River

River Surfing Weekend

The Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho, is chock-full of fun whitewater. We’re partnering with Salmon Raft for a twoday adventure on this beautiful river. We will spend our days charging fun rapids, and afterwards, we’ll spend our nights cooking S’mores and camping by the river.

The water might be getting chilly, but the surfing will be worth it. Put on some warm gear (we have drysuits) and join us for some river surfing. Grab a kayak, SUP, surfboard, or riverboard and shred. We’ll head where the waves are good, so stay tuned for the location!

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October 10 - 12, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $200 (AP200) food, transportation, equipment

November 7 - 9, 2014 November 14 - 16, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Backpacking to a Hot Springs

Early Season Ski & Snowboard Trip

Late Fall hotspringing is the best. Soaking in hot water surrounded by a cold autumn forest is an idyllic way to spend a weekend. A short hike into camp puts us near the hotsprings where we will spend our days soaking and our nights snuggled in warm sleeping bags.

We’re gonna chase early season powder wherever we can find it. Oregon’s Mt. Hood is a likely destination. If you just can’t wait for winter (no judgment, we totally understand), then join EPIC for an early-season weekend of sliding downhill on snow.

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October 17 - 19, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $75 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

November 7 - 9, 2014 November 14 - 16, 2014 Friday after class - Sunday evening $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Other Fall Programs Open Pool Sessions:

Mondays & Wednesdays

Try kayaking or standup paddleboarding in the bright, warm PHASE pool. Every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m. the pool is reserved for you to try out these sports for the first time or hone the skills you already have. Every Monday from 7 - 9 p.m. we set up the slackline over the pool and play games like kayak basketball... because we can. Bring your swimsuit and a towel and we’ll supply the rest. It’s FREE if you’re an EWU student.

Day Trips Standup Paddle on Badger Lake Join us for a relaxing flatwater tour of Badger Lake on a standup paddleboard. If you’ve never tried SUP, the learning curve is gentle, and we can teach you what you need to know.

Rock Climb at Mclellan Rocks Wanna try your hand at rock climbing? Mclellan offers good beginner terrain, and EPIC instructors will get you started.

Already know how to climb? There are plenty of challenging climbs too.

Canoe the Little Spokane River The Little Spokane is a gentle, wandering waterway that offers beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife. This small nature getaway includes lunch, equipment, and transportation.

Date: September 22, 2014 Price: FREE for EWU students

Date: September 23, 2014 Price: FREE for EWU students

Date: September 27, 2014 Price: $25 (AP25)

Ski & Snowboard Rail Jam: October 25, 2014 The eighth annual EWU ski and snowboard rail jam is coming to Eastern. Also known as “the Grind,” this event is the largest on-campus rail jam in the country. We truck in twelve tons of snow and dump it behind the library. Then we put up five or more freestyle features, and boom: terrain park. On campus. In October. If you’re not a rider, show up and watch, because it’s free for spectators and we give away a bunch of free stuff (including skis and snowboards). This rail jam is open, but you’ve got to be at least 16 to ride. For info or to enter, stop by or call.

Make sure to check out the eighth annual Rail Jam this year.

Here’s a pic from the first one. Photo: Mike Hamm

Winter Quarter

2015

Ice climbing near Banff Photo: Travis Birrell

Ski & Snowboard Trips Almost every weekend of Winter Quarter we send out a trip or two to a ski resort. Grab your skis or snowboard (or rent some from EPIC) and join us for a weekend on the mountain. Sign up early (like, nowish) to make sure you have a spot; these trips can fill up quickly. *We go some places twice... check the dates.

Red Mountain Resort* Dates:

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BC, Canada**

January 9 - 11, 2015 February 6 - 8, 2015 $199 (AP250) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Bridger Bowl Ski Area Dates:

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Montana

January 16 - 19, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $199 (AP250) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Schweitzer Mountain Resort* Dates:

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Idaho

January 24 - 25, 2015 February 7 - 8, 2015 $150 (AP150) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

White Pass Ski Area Dates:

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BC, Canada**

January 23 - 25, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $199 (AP250) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Silver Mountain Resort* Dates:

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Idaho

January 17 - 19, 2015 February 14 - 16, 2015 $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Whitewater Ski Resort Dates:

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**If you’re coming with us to Canada, you must have a passport.

Washington

January 30 - February 1, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

49 Degrees North* Dates:

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January 31 - February 1, 2015 February 21 - 22, 2015 $150 (AP150) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Lake Louise Ski Resort Dates:

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BC, Canada**

February 20 - 22, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $199 (AP250) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Dates:

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AB, Canada**

February 13 - 16, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $299 (AP350) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Kimberley Alpine Resort Dates:

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Washington

Oregon

February 27 - March 1, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $199 (AP199) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Summit at Snoqualmie Pass Washington Dates:

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March 6 - 8, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Whitefish Mountain Resort Dates:

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Montana

March 13 - 15, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, 2 lift tickets

Other Winter Programs Open Pool Sessions:

Mondays & Wednesdays

Try kayaking or standup paddleboarding in the bright, warm PHASE pool. Every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m. the pool is reserved for you to try out these sports for the first time or hone the skills you already have. Every Monday from 7 - 9 p.m. we set up the slackline over the pool and play games like kayak basketball... because we can. Bring your swimsuit and a towel and we’ll supply the rest. It’s FREE if you’re an EWU student.

Ice Climbing in Hyalite Canyon

Ice Climb in Banff**

Hyalite Canyon is one of the premier ice climbing destinations in the United States. Our local guides will show us the goods with intermediate and advanced climbs to enjoy. Located near Bozeman, Montana, this trip is bound to be excellent!

In the Banff area we will find frozen water that fits the abilities of everyone on the trip (even first-timers). We spend our evenings in the beautiful mountain town of Banff, sleep in a hostel, and ice climb during the short winter days. Sign up early for this one.

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January 16 - 19, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $250 (AP300) transportation, lodging, equipment

February 13 - 16, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $175 (AP175) transportation, lodging, equipment

Dogsledding in Montana

Hotsprings Camping

Spend your weekend dogsledding in beautiful Montana.

Since we like to sleep warm, we’ll spend our evenings in a cozy lodge which is also a great place to warm up between activities. These trips are always popular, so be sure to sign up early to make sure you get a spot.

Just like our Fall Quarter trip, but with a bunch of snow on the ground, sign up for this relaxing winter weekend.

We’ll snowshoe in and camp near the springs. If you get cold, simply immerse yourself in hot water until you’re warm. Repeat as often as necessary.

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January 23 - 25, 2015 February 20 - 22, 2015 $199 (AP200) food, transportation, gear, lodging

March 6 - 8, 2015 March 13 - 15, 2015 $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe, & Sled

Night Skiing at Mt. Spokane

Do you want to build a snowman? You can do that or you can cross country ski, snowshoe, or go sledding. If I were you, I’d pick option E: all of the above. When we are done playing in the snow all day, we’ll spend our nights in warm cabins. There will probably be hot cocoa.

If you only have an evening to spare, hop on our shuttle rig and we’ll drop you off at Mt. Spokane for skiing or snowboarding. Bring your own gear, rent some from us, or get some at the mountain. When the night is done, we’ll bring you back down to campus. Easy!

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Dates: Friday evenings Price: $10 (AP10) Includes: transportation

January 30 - February 1, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, gear, lodging

Spring Break at Whistler Blackcomb

March 20 - 25, 2015

Your finals are over... this calls for a celebration. Here’s an option: We are headed to Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort for one last ski trip before all the snow goes away. Price: $500 (AP600) Includes: transportation, lodging, 3 lift tickets

Getting After It: Yosemite In June 2014, EWU students Ben Ward and Zach Turner went to Yosemite National Park in California to get a taste of the iconic granite big walls in the valley. Below is an excerpt from an interview about their trip. Ben and Zach are both senior climbing instructors for EPIC Adventures.

Why Yosemite?

Zach: I’ve always wanted to climb in Yosemite. I grew up reading stories of the “Stone Masters” and romanticized the idea of living and climbing in “The Valley”. I was also excited to improve my big wall and free climbing skills.

I’m looking forward to climbing a big wall down there.

Ben and I are super psyched to get on the Nose of El Cap or the NW face of Half Dome.

Ben: Zach and I have a dream to climb the ultra-classic Nose route on El Capitan. This trip was a precursor so that we could visit the area, test our skills and strengths on some surrounding walls/routes, and see The Nose in person. Yosemite is also an incredibly historic area for climbers and we both wanted to spend some time in Yosemite Valley drinking in some of that history and getting psyched for climbing.

Best part(s) about the trip?

Ben: Zach I decided to head up and spend a night on a wall called Washington Column. Its the “easiest” big wall in Yosemite and we figured it would be a good chance to test our aid climbing skills before trying The Nose. We climbed 5 pitches of Washington Column but stopped and spent the night at the top of pitch 3 on Dinner Ledge. It was the first time I’d ever spent the night on a wall (even if it was a large comfortable ledge), and the experience was well worth it. We were happily surprised to have this prime camping spot to ourselves.

Zach: The bivy on Dinner ledge of Washington Column was one of the best experiences of my life. I also enjoyed getting completely shut down by “easy” grades. It was very humbling and put the difficulties of other walls into perspective.

How has EPIC helped you prepare for this trip?

Zach: During my time working at EPIC I have formed many memorable climbing partnerships with my coworkers. Ben and I share similar risk tolerances and approach opportunities with different perspectives.

During our time in Yosemite we climbed safe and efficiently, and that’s really important to me. Teaching climbing classes has also solidified my technical skills, while being involved with leadership and risk management classes has improved my judgment.

Ben: EPIC has been the base for all of my climbing experience. I began climbing 5 years ago after taking an Intro to Rock Climbing class at the wall before I even began working there. I then proceeded to take every single class offered. All my free time and money began to funnel into this single sport. I got a job working for the wall and have now taught all the classes that I had previously taken. Teaching them offered me a completely different viewpoint and I still learn things every single time I am involved in a class. All climbing related experiences through EPIC have been beneficial in getting me to the point I am today.

How has personal climbing (outside of work) prepared you?

Ben: Not everything that I needed to know for this Yosemite trip could be learned through EPIC. Things like aid climbing and big wall tactics aren’t really a part of their curriculum. Large amounts of skills I learned in the courses carry over into those areas of climbing but I still had to do a lot of research and practice on my own.

My partner Zach, also helped with a lot of insight and advice for these broader skill sets. Climbing different routes of different styles had been crucial in preparing me for that trip as well. By climbing sport, trad, and aid lines I greatly widened my comfort zone for whatever I might run into. The more climbing I do, the better prepared I can be for what I will encounter.

Zach: I did a lot of training for big wall climbing before heading down to Yosemite. Improving my free climbing, aid climbing and rope systems in the North West prepared me for the climbs we did. Alpine climbing has also prepared me for tough approaches, and logistically complex climbs.

Yosemite. Photos: Ben & Zach

Beard power! Cam guides on the Wenatchee River. Photo: riverbooty.com

Spring Quarter

2015

Weekend Trips Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River

Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes River

The Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho, is chock-full of fun whitewater. We’re partnering with Salmon Raft for a twoday adventure on this beautiful river. We will spend our days charging fun rapids, and afterwards, we’ll spend our nights cooking S’mores and camping by the river.

This holiday-weekend raft the Deschutes... expeditionstyle. Expedition-style means that we pack all of our gear on the rafts and start floating downriver. During the day, we float the river and charge whitewater rapids, and at night we pull over, unpack, and camp on shore.

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Dates:

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May 1 - 3, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $200 (AP200) food, transportation, equipment

May 22 - 25, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $200 (AP200) food, transportation, equipment

Whitewater Rafting on the Methow River

Backpacking in Hells Canyon

Come experience the beautiful Methow River at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. We will make a couple runs each day down this Class III river that sports fairly continuous whitewater throughout. Enjoy rafting by day, then settle in to our nearby campsite for the evenings.

Go for a hike in Oregon along the beautiful Snake River.

Take some time away from your screens and go camping in a beautiful canyon. Wildflowers may be blooming, and there’s a good chance of some wildlife spotting. So tie up your boot laces and hit the trail with us.

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May 8 - 10, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

May 22 - 25, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Rafting and Riverboarding on the Wenatchee

Mountaineering on Silver Star Peak

We’re adding a little extra to our typical Wenatchee River whitewater rafting trip. For folks willing to go through a little training, we are also offering the chance to riverboard the same section of river. So pick your vessel, raft or riverboard, and head downstream for the weekend.

Interested in exploring the Cascade Mountains? Join us on Silver Star Peak. We backpack in and set up a basecamp, and if the conditions are right, we’ll try for the summit.

Along the way you’ll learn the skills you need to climb this snowy peak. A high fitness level is required.

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May 15 - 17, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $125 (AP125) food, transportation, equipment

Canoeing and Rock Climbing at Banks Lake We canoe across Banks Lake, set up camp on a beach and then rock climb right behind our camp. Sometimes we also standup paddleboard and roast marshmallows over the fire. This trip fills quickly, so be sure to sign up early if you are interested.

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May 15 - 17, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

May 22 - 25, 2015 Friday after class - Monday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Other Spring Programs Whitewater Rafting & Rock Climbing Come with us on a multi-sport weekend! We’re headed over to the Cascade Mountains for a weekend of whitewater and rock climbing. You will get one day of rafting the Wenatchee River and one day of rock climbing on some beautiful alpine granite.

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May 29 - 31, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $125 (AP125) food, transportation, equipment

Mountain Biking & Standup Paddleboarding We’re going mountain biking in the beautiful Methow Valley in late Spring. But wait, there’s more! On the same trip we will also take standup paddleboards out to tour a scenic lake. If that’s not enough, we will also be camping and eating good food. Sign up while supplies last!

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May 29 - 31, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $125 (AP 125) food, transportation, equipment

Whitewater Rafting on the White Salmon The White Salmon is a lot smaller than most of the rivers that we run, but don’t let its size fool you. This small river packs a punch with lots of action for those of you looking for a big ride. At night we camp at a nearby site, cook and eat good food, and tell semi-true tales by the fire.

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June 5 - 7, 2015 Friday after class - Sunday evening $100 (AP100) food, transportation, equipment

Day Trips Standup Paddleboarding We’re gonna explore the lakes around Cheney (there are a lot of ‘em). Join us for an afternoon; this is beginner friendly!

Dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27 & June 3, 2015 Price: $10 (AP20) Includes: transportation, equipment Caving and Standup Paddleboarding After checking out Gardner Cave, we’ll grab the SUPs and hit the lake.

Date: June 6, 2015 Price: $30 (AP30) Includes: food, transportation, equipment Canoeing on the Little Spokane River The Little Spokane is a gentle, wandering waterway that offers beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife.

Date: June 7, 2015 Price: $20 (AP20) Includes: food, transportation, equipment

Open Pool Sessions:

Mondays & Wednesdays

Try kayaking or standup paddleboarding in the bright, warm PHASE pool. Every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m. the pool is reserved for you to try out these sports for the first time or hone the skills you already have. Every Monday from 7 - 9 p.m. we set up the slackline over the pool and play games like kayak basketball... because we can. Bring your swimsuit and a towel and we’ll supply the rest. It’s FREE if you’re an EWU student.

A lazy section of the Deschutes River. Photo: Austin Marvel

Climbing Wall Featuring 2,000 square feet of climbing surface, the EPIC Adventures climbing wall has climbing terrain to suit EWU students of any ability. If you’ve never climbed before, the EPIC Climbing wall is a great place to learn. If you’ve already climbed miles of vertical rock, we’ve got routes and boulder problems to keep you in shape for your next project.

If you are an enrolled student paying the quarterly recreation fee, the climbing wall and its rental equipment are free for your use. It is the perfect place to begin or advance your climbing. First time users will go through a short orientation (5 minutes) to begin using the wall for bouldering. Using ropes will require you to demonstrate proficiency with putting on a harness, tying in with a

figure eight knot and removing slack with the brakeunder-slide belay method. Our regularly scheduled belay classes provide instruction for these skills. Ask a staff membor or check out our website (ewu.edu/epic/ climbingwall) for a current schedule.

EWU prides itself for having one of the strongest climbing communities in the Northwest. Since the inception of the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit (NC3), EWU has never finished lower than fourth and has won twice, in 2010 and 2011. While there have been strong climbers competing for EWU, we are perennial favorites based on the inclusiveness of the community with huge participation from beginner and intermediate climbers.

Sydney bouldering at the EWU wall. Photo: John Fair

The concept is simple, climb a vertical mile at the EWU Climbing Wall. If you complete the challenge, you earn recognition in the Mile High Club, get your name posted on the “Wall of Fame” and receive a Mile High Club T-shirt.

Currently there are 24 climbers that have completed the challenge, and an additional 106 working towards it. You can keep track of your progress using the iPad mounted on the inside of the climbing wall. Sign up and find out if you have what it takes.

Climbing Classes for Credit EPIC provides a wide range of climbing courses available through the Department of Physical Education (PHED) under 125 and 135 course numbers. See EagleNET for current quarter availability and details. Most of our classes stand alone with their content but may be taken in series to fulfill a diverse set of personal climbing development goals.

Tanner practices the art of placing a hex. Photo: Kevin Klim

Basic Skills

Intro to Rock This course covers the skills necessary to climb and belay using a top-rope system both in an indoor facility as well as an outdoor setting. The skills and information in this course include: safety practices, basic climbing knots, belay technique, climbing movement, equipment, and terms.

Climbing Fitness

Climbing Clinic If you’ve taken Intro to Rock and want more climbing coaching, this class is designed to be your next step.

Climbing Clinics are conducted as weekly two-hour sessions. The clinics focus on the physical fitness, technique, and mental training required to improve your climbing performance.

Sport Lead The course covers the skills necessary to lead bolted routes and belay a climber while leading in a gym as well as on outdoor climbs. The skills and information in this course include: safety practices, lead climbing knots, lead belay technique, two bolt basic anchors, set up and take down of lead anchor top-rope systems, rappelling, and terms.

Climb Time 1 and 2 These are one- or two-credit “Fast Fitness” type classes in which you can earn credit for your own unstructured climbing time. Climb Time 1 provides one credit and requires 20 hours of climbing to earn a 4.0. You earn a second credit for Climb Time 2 for extra assignments that focus on improving your overall climbing knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Technical Skills Climbing Anchors This course teaches basic anchoring principles for both bolted or traditional gear anchors. Alpine style belay anchors and top-rope anchors will be covered.

Traditional Lead Climbing To leave bolts behind and enjoy the Freedom of the Hills, this class is only offered each spring to very experienced climbers.

Climbers Toolbox There are many different ways to configure a belay, ascend, or rappel with a rope. The course covers variations for each and encourages your development of judgment by comparing reasons a particular method may be either useful or unsafe.

Climbing Self-rescue Basic self-rescue scenarios that can be performed from a variety of belay configurations.

Training Outdoor Leadership Training

Climbing Wall Instructor Course

Learn the basic technical and leadership skills it takes to lead groups in the outdoors. Combining both classroom and outdoor elements, this course is a basic requirement for all new EPIC Trip Assistants. Stop by the front desk for an application.

Dates: October 31 - November 2, 2014 Student Price: $75 (AP75) Includes: food, transportation, equipment

If you have gained some experience as a climber and you’re excited to share your sport with others, check out our Climbing Wall Instructor Course (CWI). This 20hour course is a prerequisite for working at the EWU climbing wall is offered twice each year. Check back at the climbing wall for dates.

Dates: TBD Student Price: $50 (AP50) Includes: instruction, certification

Whitewater Raft Guide Training

Base Managed Climbing Instructor

Learn how to guide a whitewater raft down Class III whitewater. With a focus on technical skills, group management, and safety practices, this course is the first step towards becoming an EPIC Raft Guide and a licensed guide in Washington State. Stop by the front desk for an application.

Dates: April 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, & 24-26, 2015 Student Price: $250 (AP250) Includes: food, transportation, equipment, license

Learn the skills necessary to be a well-prepared rock climbing instructor in a single-pitch environment. Three days of skill development are followed by a day-long practical exam. This course is geared towards climbers who are ready to lead others on top rope outings; considerable experience is required.

Dates: March 21 - 23, 2015; Exam March 24, 2015 Student Price: $200 (AP200) Includes: instruction, certification, exam

Whitewater Rescue Technician From swimming Class III drops to technical rope systems for un-pinning a stuck whitewater raft, this course covers the gamut of skills necessary to deal with problems on the river. With a focus on preventing problems before they start, this course provides the knowledge and skills to deal with whatever comes your way.

Dates: April 30, May 2 & 9, 2015 Student Price: $150 (AP150) Includes: equipment, instruction, certification

Wilderness First Responder This rigorous wilderness medicine course will help prepare you to respond when things go awry in the backcountry. Required for EPIC Trip Leaders, this course is open to all, and comes with a certification through WMTC. Stop by the front desk to sign up.

Dates: December 13 - 17, 2014 Student Price: $550 (AP Not Available) Includes: equipment, instruction, certification

Advanced Raft Guide Training

Field Supervisor Training

Designed for trained EPIC Adventures whitewater raft guides or folks with commercial guiding experience, this course focuses on preparing to be a lead guide. This course is demanding: we test participants to the edges of their technical, physical, and leadership abilities.

Dates: March 26 - 29, 2015 + RGT dates Student Price: $200 (AP200) Includes: food, transportation, equipment

This week-long, field-based course is a requirement for EPIC Adventures trip leaders. Using backcountry travel as the context, Field Supervisor trainees will practice leadership, judgment, decision-making, and risk managment. Stop by the front desk for an application.

Dates: TBA (just prior to Fall Quarter, 2015) Student Price: $200(AP200) Includes: food, transportation, equipment

Anastasia on lead at Banks Lake Photo: Kevin Klim

Equipment Rentals

Plan your own adventure; we have the resources to help you succeed. EPIC Adventures has a wide range of outdoor adventure rental equipment priced to fit in a college student’s budget. Prices listed are for a one-day rental. To reserve equipment, stop by the EPIC front desk (on the first floor of the URC), or give us a call at (509) 359-4014.

Camping & Backpacking Equipment

One Day Rental

2, 3, 4, 6 Person Tents

$4.50

3 Season Sleeping Bags

$4.00

4 Season Sleeping Bags

$4.00

Foam Sleeping Pad

$3.00

Inflatable Sleeping Pad

$3.00

Midweight Fleece Jacket

$4.00

Lightweight Fleece Jacket

$3.00

Fleece Pants

$4.00

Rain Jacket

$4.00

Rain Pants

$4.00

Puffy Jacket

$4.00

Camp Chair

$2.00

Backpack

$4.50

Daypack

$4.50

Trekking Poles

$3.00

Headlamp

$3.00

Climbing & Mountaineering Equipment

One Day Rental

Ice Tools

$11.00

Ice Axes

$7.50

Mountaineering Tent

$7.50

Climbing Helmet

$2.00

Climbing Shoes

$4.00

Crampons

$4.00

Mountaineering Boots

$4.50

Crash Pad

$6.50 Water Equipment

One Day Rental

Canoe

$11.00

Inflatable Kayak

$11.00

Whitewater Kayak

$11.00

Standup Paddle Board Package (Board, paddle, PFD)

$11.00

Inflatable Standup Paddle Board Package (Board, paddle, pump, PFD)

$11.00

11ft or 14ft Raft Package

$45.00

Cataraft Package

$45.00

Type III PFD

$2.00

Wet Suit

$4.00

Water Booties

$2.00

Splash Top

$12.00

River Helmet

$2.00

Dry Top

$22.00

Dry Bibs

$22.00

Dry Suit

$30.00

Large Dry Bag

$4.50

Winter Equipment

One Day Rental

Snowshoes

$4.50

Snowboard Package (Board, boots, bindings, and helmet)

$11.00

Avalanche Probe Poles

$5.00

Snow Pickets

$5.00

Snow Shovels

$4.50

Gaiters

$3.00

Snow Helmet

$2.00

XC Ski Package (Skis, boots, poles)

$4.50

Backcountry Skis

$11.00 Cooking Equipment

One Day Rental

70, 72, 94, 150qt Coolers

$4.00

Backcountry Stove

$4.50

Cook Set

$6.00

Two Burner Stove

$4.50

Dutch Oven

$4.50

Water Jugs

$2.00

Coal Chimney

$5.00

Firepan

$5.00

Roll Tables

$3.00 Mountain Biking Equipment

One Day Rental

Biking Helmet

$2.00

Trek Bike

$6.50

Employment If you are interested in a different kind of student employment, we might have what you are looking for. In general, we like to hire students with leadership ability and strong people-skills. Though outdoor experience is helpful, for some positions we often hire positive, mature students with no outdoor background. Training is available for all positions, and for technically demanding positions, like whitewater raft guide or rock climbing instructor, the training is extensive.

Hiring for most positions happens throughout the year, so if you think you have what it takes to be an EPIC Adventures employee, stop by the front desk for an application.

Canoeing on the Little Spokane River. Photo: Dustin Semb

Trip Leaders EPIC Adventures Trip Leaders (TLs) facilitate all programs that leave campus. TLs plan itineraries, stage food and equipment, and then lead groups of fellow students on a wide variety of outdoor trips. TL positions offer a very flexible schedule that can adapt as your academic demands change throughout the year. Outdoor Leadership and Wilderness First Aid courses are minimum requirements.

Climbing Wall Instructor Climbing Wall Instructors (CWIs) facilitate the use of the EPIC Adventures Climbing Wall for Eastern students, faculty, staff, and the community. While ensuring proper safety practices, CWIs provide a positive climbing environment for everyone in the gym. Some rock climbing experience and successful completion of the Climbing Wall Instructor Course and First Aid/CPR/AED training are required.

Front Desk Staff Front Desk Staff run the day-to-day operations at the EPIC Adventures office. From processing rentals to signing students up for trips to repairing equipment, front desk staff make things happen. Though each position is a bit of a jackof-all-trades, we hire students for specific tasks, such as equipment repair, inventory control, technology support, etc.

Front Desk positions offer a relatively steady schedule with a variety of responsibilities to keep things interesting.

Nighttime camp scene. Photo: Austin Marvel

Experiential Programs Inspiring Confidence

by Sierra Sans

My adventurous journey began a year ago when I walked into the URC at EWU and talked with the enthusiastic people at EPIC Adventures. The trips, the people, the atmosphere, and the experiences… it all sounded amazing! I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to breathe the refreshing air of the great outdoors; I wanted to feel the thrill of running water beneath me and see the endless array of mountains below me. I wanted to conquer fears and achieve great things for myself. I wanted to breathe, and know exactly what it was like to be free.

And so I made it happen. I got on board with EPIC and became an intern winter quarter. Shy and inexperienced, my leadership skills grew and my confidence skyrocketed.

I knew this was the beginning of something remarkable, and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone. By the time winter quarter ended, I was ready for raft guide training. The longest, hardest month of my life flew by in a complete blur. I was mentally and physically exhausted; my social life ceased to exist and “down time” was a forgotten thing. But, every second on the water, every moment of laughter shared amongst the group, and every unsettling feeling was absolutely worth it.

EPIC is much more than just a job to me; it’s a place where I can be myself. It’s a place where I can grow as a leader and as a person. It is a place made of experiences; where laughter and experiential education are the foundation and the people are its core. We are open-minded and enthusiastic. We are adventurists and explorers, the scientists of our own questions. We are passionate and we see the world a little differently than most. Passion is what keeps us going, the moments are what make it worth it.

And EPIC is a place for everyone.

Passion. I see it and I feel it over the days of the various trips. Passion is everywhere, and it is evident. It lingers in the wind and travels through conversations. It is passed down from the field supervisors, to the student trip leaders to the participants. One of my favorite things

about EPIC is getting to interact with all the different people. Different ideas, different beliefs, different passions. Getting to know people on a personal level and discovering their unique personalities and passions is incredible. And that’s what makes it all so beautiful; passionate people doing what they’re passionate about is the most incredible thing that exists in life. When we find our passions, those indescribable moments are what we live for; feelings of complete happiness and freedom are what make this life worth living. EPIC seems to bring out that passion in people, whatever it is, and has a way of bringing out that passionate side. I think it’s because when you are amongst the natural world, everything is real.

Being within a natural atmosphere brings out the real, natural you.

As human beings, we strive to fill the void of a missing piece. We aimlessly search for things that make us feel complete, eventually coming across the light that brightens the darkness and shapes us into who we are as individuals. We all fill that void differently. I strongly believe that recreation and leisure, particularly in the outdoors (okay, I am a little biased), is a perfect way to fill that void. While EPIC is a place for us to have awesome experiences, it is also a place for us to grow. It is a place for us to nurture our creativity and expand our imaginations.

It is a place where we can let go of everything and live in the present moment, realizing that when the moments pass by without the presence of time, we know then that we are truly alive. It is a place where we can come together as separate individuals and have experiences that no one else in the world can have. Bonds are created and friendships are fostered.

Some advice from the Penniless Adventurer; go on at least one trip, and embrace the experience and escape of EPIC Adventures.

Peace.

Sierra Sans is a raft guide and trip leader for EPIC Adventures (she’s also pictured on the cover of this catalog). She has written about her experiences with EPIC on her adventure blog, pennilesswriter.com. Sierra is a senior at Eastern Washington University majoring in Outdoor Recreation.

Some EWU students represent in Hells Canyon. Photo: Austin Marvel

Find Us (509) 359-4014 150 University Recreation Center Cheney, WA 99004 ewu.edu/epic epicadventures@ewu.edu

Cover Photo: Sierra on the Spokane River with the EWU Riverpoint Campus in the background.