WOAC goes Skiing!

Skiing enthusiast, Esther Bickell, warns you that what you are about to see may entice your sense of adventure!

Marshall can attest to that.

Sydney Smith is also quite thrilled to shred some fresh pow.

Tori Koterba takes in the view as she gets ready to carve up a challenging slope.

As you can tell, the scenery is simply breathtaking, it's almost worth it just to ride the lifts up to take in this gorgeous skyline.

Marshall and Tori enjoy a leisurely ride to the top of Sugar mountain.

On the way up, one has the oppurtunity to watch fellow skiers and snowboarders race past below. Thrilling!

After conquering the bunny slopes, Nate Bourdeau and Marshall patiently wait for the lift to more extreme slopes.

The weather couldn't have been any better; sunny and a brisk 55 degrees at the base.

With our skis dangling 25 feet in the air, the ride to the top is thrilling in itself.

As the day progressed the crowds waned, but WOAC adventurers were still hungry for more.

After a short dinner break and a chance for the slopes to be groomed, WOAC prepared themselves for the second part of their adventure, night skiing!

This trip was the flagship of WOAC's 2008-09 planned adventures. After being met with such success, it's safe to say that we will be returning to Sugar Mountain in the future.

Rumbling Bald

POOL SESH!

WOAC holds it's kayak roll clinics most Fridays in the West Center Pool from 4:00 to 6:00.

Durring these pool sessions, club members learn basic kayaking skills like how to preform a wet exit, basic paddling techiques, and maybe even roll.

El Presidente, Kevin Ryan, is not only the worlds greatest river guide, but also a comforting and nurturing instructor.

Other officers occaisionally assist him. Above is Climbing Coordinator, Marshall Sykes, giving his signature thumbs up. Below VP, Adam "Tips" Balint, ready to teach some newbies how to paddle!

Someday you could grow up to be just like him, but first you might need to attend a few of our clinics.

Come out and support your local WOAC at our weekly pool sessions!

Mountain Biking Explosion!

When: Nov 14-16, 2008

What: Virginia Creeper Mountain Biking

Where: Damascus, Virginia

Who: 13 excited WOACers

WOAC members left Winthrop after classes on Friday afternoon. The 4 hour drive to the mountain lodge was filled with fog and restroom breaks. Upon arrival, WOACers shopped for a spaghetti dinner, built an enormous bon fire and made S’mores before preparing for the next day’s activities.

We got up early to cook a hardy breakfast and suit up for our 8:30am ride time. After a quick visit to the Outfitters we were in the van for the 30 minute shuttle up the mountain. The 1^st 17 miles were all downhill with myriad jumps and high wooden bridges. We followed the famous Virginia Creeper trail as it cut through steep mountains, wandered through valleys, and followed mountain streams. The mud, rain, and cold air were no match for extremeness of our group.

Lunch consisted of sandwiches, a tire repair, some tree climbing and a quick visit to the playground in Damascus’s downtown park. The next 17 miles took us through rolling hills and pastures of Virginia’s backcountry. Participants stopped frequently to rest and take pictures of the scenery from the high bridges.

Saturday night brought us a Mexican food tv movie extravaganza of relaxation and ice cream. Sunday morning we cleaned up, packed the SUVs, and began the drive back through some light snow. Yet again, WOACers returned home with another awesome weekend full of memories of teamwork, bike riding, and maybe even a little bit of outdoor adventure.