Outdoor Skill Classes
On the Water
Fundamentals of Whitewater Kayak - $185.00
When: September 1, 8, 10 from 8:30-10:30 in Grizzy Pool, September 15 & 17 from 5:30-8:30pm on the Clark Fork River, & September 20 all day on the Blackfoot
Description: Learn basic strokes, braces, and roll technique as well as an introduction to moving water and boater safety. No experience necessary. Price includes instruction, pool and transportation. Register by September 1.
Inflatable Kayak Course - $37.00
When: September 13
Description: Have fun while learning how to run an inflatable kayak through whitewater. Inflatable kayaking is much easier and at times more fun than hard shell kayaking. Inflatable kayaks are sit on top kayaks so the ride can get bouncy and very wet, but will leave you begging for more. Price includes instruction and coaching. Register by September 9.
All Women's Fundamentals of Whitewater Kayaking - $185.00
When: September 24, 29 & October 1 from 8:30-10:30pm in Grizzly Pool, October 6 & 8 from 5:00-8:00pm on the Clark Fork River, and October 18 all day on the Blackfoot River.
Description: Learn basic strokes, braces, and roll technique as well as an introduction to moving water and boater safety. No experience necessary. Price includes instruction, pool and transportation. Register by September 17.
Whitewater Rescue 3 Technician Course - $295.00
When: September 26 & 27
Description: A certified 2 day course designed for raft guides and private boaters. The Whitewater Rescue Technician emphasizes safety and self rescue, reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on the river. This class is challenging, fun and tailored to the student's needs. A manual, test, patch and certification are included. Location Blackfoot River and the Clark Fork River. Price includes equipment, instruction, text and materials.
Register by September 21.
Intermediate River Running Kayak Class - $75.00
When: October 24 & 25
Description: This class is designed for people who want to learn the basics of river running. Participants should have prior kayaking experience. Pre-trip meeting October 22 at 5:00pm in the Outdoor Program. Register by October 14.
Kayak Roll Clinic - $65.00
When: November 17, 19, & 24
Description: This class will focus on fine learning or fine tuning your roll. Price includes instruction and pool. Register by November 13.
On the Land
Fly Fishing Class - $52.00
When: September 10, 17, 24 & October 1 in JRH 202 from 6:00-8:00pm; September 26 and October 3 on the water.
Description: This class will be taught by George Kessel, fly fish extraordinaire and owner of Four Rivers Fly Shop. Price includes four class days and two field days. Register by September 8.
Bike Maintenance Class - $50.00
When: September 21, 23, 28 & 30 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Outdoor Program bench
Description: This is a hands on introduction to bicycle maintenance and mechanics. Students will be able to fine tune their derailleur, brakes, bearings, and learn the art of wheel truing. Price includes bench, tools and instruction. Register by September 17.
Basic Climbing Anchors Class - $25.00
When: September 18, 2pm - 5pm
Description: This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of anchor building. Price includes instruction and individualized coaching. Register by September 15.
Leave No Trace Trainers Course Overnight - $45.00
When: October 3 & 4
Description: The focus of this course is to better understand land ethics or ways to teach others how to travel in the back-country. Price includes transportation, guides, LNT materials and certificate. Register by September 29.
Leading & Beyond - $25.00
When: October 13 & 15, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Description: This is a 2-day class teaching how to lead climb. Price includes instruction and individualized coaching. Register by October 9.
Winter Sports
Snowboard Maintenance Class - $5.00
When: November 4 at 6:00pm at the Outdoor Program bench
Description: A one hour class on demonstrating and teaching people how to wax their boards and sharpen their edges. Price includes instruction, bench and tools. Register by November 2.
Ski Maintenance Class - $5.00
When: November 18 at 6:00pm at the Outdoor Program bench
Description: A one hour class on demonstrating and teaching people how to wax their skies and sharpen their edges. Price includes instruction, bench and tools. Register by November 16.
Avalanche Awareness Lecture - FREE
When: Two lectures - November 17 or December 1 from 7:00-8:00pm in NULH
Description: An introduction or refresher to avalanche safety and the avalanche phenomenon. Sponsored by the Outdoor Program and Missoulaavalanche.org.
Transceiver Clinics - $15.00
When: Two clinics - December 12 or December 19 from 9:00am-2:00pm at the Outdoor Program.
Description: Getting into back-country skiing or snowboarding, or just need a refresher? Whether you are new to using a transceiver or simply wanting to refresh your skills, this hands on clinic will not only help you understand how your beacon works, but it will provide you with valuable skills that will help you keep safe in the back-country. Price includes instruction and beacons. Register by December 9 (Trip 1) and December 16 (Trip 2).
The UM Outdoor Program conducts activities under special permit with the US Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. The UM Outdoor Program is partners with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and a member of the American Canoe Association, Trout Unlimited, The Access Fund and the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
