EPIC Adventures2012 - 2013

Catalog

Coby (and friend) headed to Big Rockphoto: John Demke

The leaves of the huckleberry bushes burn orange at Priest Lake in early September, and the last fruits of the season hang tightly to their stems. My pack is heavy, and the air is slick against my skin. I watch clouds swirl between the glacially-carved bowls and granite ridges, and burned-out pine trees glow against the dark green forest, their spines sharp and eerie as shattered bone. It is six o’clock on a cold morning, but my pace is brisk, and the heat of exertion is starting to warm me. Ahead and behind me I can hear the firm footsteps of my partners.

Three hours later, after losing and finding the trail several times, we stand beneath Chimney Rock, a 350-foot column on the Selkirk Crest. I drop my pack and shake the tightness from my shoulders. Though I have printed information about the climb, I also traverse the loose rock at the base so that I can study the lines and features of the jutting tower. I gear up, eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for some quick fuel, and realize that I’m not nervous for this. Though only my second alpine ascent, I have solid partners, whom I met while climbing at Eastern’s wall, and I trust my skills, many of which I learned through taking classes at EPIC Adventures.

I started taking classes at EPIC while working on my master’s degree at Eastern because I was stressed out. I spent too many hours a week bent over a computer, and I needed some kind of release. Also, I was interested in returning to the sport of rock climbing. I had climbed my first route nearly ten years before and had since attempted a fair number of routes. However, those climbs were always on other people’s gear, and I had to rely on other people’s knowledge. If I was really going to climb again, I wanted to develop my technical skills and have confidence in my own judgment. After a few sessions of a climbing anchor-building course taught by Kevin Klim, I felt so good about my new skills that I decided to take nearly every course EPIC offered. I also promptly bought a rope and equipment of my own.

Now, whenever I have 45 minutes to spare between classes and meetings, I slip over to the gym, rent a pair of shoes, and feel a sigh of relief even before I lace up. I chat with the gym staff and jump into rotation to work a new boulder problem that’s just been put up. EPIC has offered me a space away from the pressure and stress of school and given me a sense of balance. The community I’ve found there has helped me realize that my intellectual pursuits are never fully satisfying unless I also have a healthy body, a relationship with the natural world, and good company for my journeys.

Summer Hess is a writer, rock climber, world traveler, and EPIC Adventures instructor. She just completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Nonfiction Writing at Eastern, and is currently working towards Masters degrees in Poetry and Spanish.

Weekend Trips

Whitewater Rafting on the Clark Fork

Canoeing/Hiking on Lake Chelan

Rock Climbing at Trail Lake Coulee

Mount St. Helens Climb

Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes

Canoe & Rock Climb at Banks Lake

Backpacking to Hells Canyon

September 28 - 29, 2012 $100 (AP100)

October 5 - 7, 2012 $75 (AP75)

October 6 - 7, 2012 $75 (AP75)

October 12 - 14, 2012 $100 (AP100)

October 19 - 21, 2012 $150 (AP150)

October 19 - 21, 2012 $100 (AP100)

November 2 - 4, 2012 $100 (AP100)

The Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River in Montana is a beautiful and exciting place to whitewater raft. Join EPIC as we run the gorge during the day and camp near Fish Creek at night. Transportation, food, and equipment are included.

Join Epic on a weekend of surreal camping hidden away in Big Creek Cove, on Lake Chelan. We will canoe into a secluded camp site, and from there venture into the surrounding area to explore. Transportation, food, and equipment are included.

Great rock climbing with no crowds. The climbing at Trail Lake Coulee is a hidden gem of Central Washington. We camp at a nearby campground and spend days climbing the local basalt. Transportation, food, and equipment are included.

Climb this iconic peak with EPIC Adventures. Though this trip is beginner-friendly, a moderate level of physical fitness is required. If conditions are right, we’ll go for the summit, giving you a chance to stand on top of a big peak before winter sets in.

We pack all of our gear on the rafts and head downriver on this expedition-style trip. During the day, we float the river and at night we pull over and camp on shore. This trip includes transportation, equipment and food.

We canoe across Banks Lake, set up camp on a beach and then rock climb right behind our camp. We also occasionally standup paddleboard and tell tales by the fire. Trasportation, equipment and food are included.

Go for a hike in Oregon along the beautiful Snake River. This weekend wilderness getaway offers moderate hiking, and in the fall, the weather is usually warmer than the surrounding areas. Transportation, equipment, and food included.

Fall Quarter

photo: Casey Picha

Day TripsCommittment issues? No problem; EPIC offers a variety of trips that last from a couple hours to a full day. Below is a list of some of our day trips for fall quarter. Throughout the year, EPIC will add day trips to the calendar. So, to be sure you don’t miss out, “like” EPIC on Facebook, subscribe to our Google calendar, or stop by and see us often. Once the snow flies, make sure you check out our ski bus schedule.

Sept. 24Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 28Sept. 29 Sept. 30

Oct. 3 Oct. 7

Oct. 10Oct. 13 Nov. 3

Inflatable Kayak/SUP: Spokane RiverRock Climbing: MclellanBike/Standup Paddleboard: Fish LakeMountain Biking: Riverside State ParkRock Climbing: MclellanHiking/Rock Climbing: Big RockCanoeing: Little Spokane RiverMountain Biking: Riverside State ParkStandup Paddleboard: Spokane RiverRiverboarding: Spokane RiverWhitewater Kayaking: Spokane RiverRiver Surfing (Kayak/SUP): Trail, BC

Fall 2012 Day Trips

Annual PassOur trips are already inexpensive, perfect for the average university student’s bud-get, and if you buy an annual pass, you get an even better deal. An annual pass costs $200 and buys you 600 points good towards any trips, classes, or rental gear offered by EPIC Adventures. The number of points each trip “costs” is noted with an (AP). Spend all your points in the fall and spring if you like the river, or spend them all in the winter if you’re a skier or snowboarder. It’s your choice. If you use up your pass, you can recharge it. When you recharge your pass, 100 points costs $50, so you are still getting a killer deal.

$5$5$5$5$5$25$15$5$10$15$15$30

Kevin leads a rope team on Silver Star Peak

photo: John Fair

XC Ski/Snowshoe at Seeley Lake

Dogsledding

Ski/Snowboard at Stevens Pass

Ski/Snowboard at Fernie, BC

January 25 - 27, 2013 $100 (AP100)

February 1 - 3, 2013 $150 (AP150)

January 11 - 13, 2013 $125 (AP150)

January 18 - 21, 2013 $200 (AP300)

Ski or Ride Stevens Pass at the beginning of the quarter (before your homework stacks up). The cost includes transportation, lift tickets, and lodging. If you need equipment, you can rent that from us too.

Ski or Snowboard at Brundage

Ice Climbing in Banff, Alberta

Ski/Snowboard at Kimberley, BC

February 1 - 3, 2013 $125 (AP150)

January 18 - 21, 2013 $150 (AP250)

January 25 - 27, 2013 $125 (AP150)

Weekend TripsWinter Quarter

Sleep in a warm lodge and spend your days cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding. This new trip was so popular last winter that we are doing it again. Sign up early to make sure you get a spot.

We are spending our long weekend in BC, and, if we’re lucky, we will be at least boot-deep in fluff all weekend. The cost includes transportation, lift tickets, and lodging. A passport is required for this trip.

The Banff area is an international ice climbing destination, and we will find frozen water that fits the abilities of everyone on the trip (even first-timers). Transportation, lodging, and equipment are included. Can’t make it? We offer another trip in February.

More Canadian snow-sliding... but it never gets old. Bring your skis or board (or rent one from us) and have some fun with gravity. Includes transportation, lodging, and lift tickets. Passport required.

There is a winter festival going on at Seeley Lake in Montana; wanna go with us? A weekend of cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing as well as snowsculpting, a chili contest, and dessertfest. Transportation, lodging, and equipment are included.

Join us for some skiing or riding at Brundage in Idaho. Besides just great skiing and riding, a Winter Carnival will be going on while we are there. Cost includes transportation, lodg-ing, and lift tickets.

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Ski/Snowboard at Kicking Horse, BCFebruary 15 - 18, 2013 $200 (AP300)

Ice Climbing in Banff, Alberta

Ski/Snowboard at Red Mountain, BC

February 15 - 18, 2013 $150 (AP250)

February 22 - 24, 2013 $125 (AP150)

Cross Country Ski to Rendezvous Hut

Snowshoe to Goldmyer Hot Springs

February 22- 24, 2013 $100 (AP100)

March 1 - 3, 2013 $75 (AP75)

Ski/Snowboard at Whitefish

Rock Climbing at Vantage

March 8 - 10, 2013 $125 (AP150)

March 8 - 10, 2013 $75 (AP75)

Spring Break!We are in the planning stage of a trip to Puerto Rico over spring break, so start saving your pennies. Also we are planning a dirtbag rock climbing road trip at the same time. Check in with us later in fall quarter for details.

Another long ski weekend in BC. If you have a passport, join us for some steep and deep (or not-steep if you are new to the sport). The cost includes transportation, lift tickets, and lodging. Rental equipment available.

Try ice climbing with EPIC. Already tried it? Go ice climbing again, with EPIC. We sleep in a hostel or hotel (where it’s warm), and get as much climbing in as we can during the short winter days. Transportation, lodging, and equipment are included.

Even more Canadian snow-sliding! A weekend of downhill delight for your study-break needs. Bring your skis or board (or rent one from us). Included: transportation, lodging, and lift tickets. Passport required.

Cross country ski into a remote mountain hut in the Cascade Mountains. Easy to moderate terrain and a cozy cabin to sleep in make this a perfect getaway for mid-quarter relaxation. Transportation, food, equipment, and lodging included.

Wintertime hotspringing is the best. Soaking in hot water surrounded by snow makes for an excellent time. A short snowshoe trek into camp puts us near the hotsprings where we will spend our days. Transportation, food, and equipment provided

Don’t miss the last ski weekend of the winter. Whitefish has excellent terrain, and you don’t need a passport to go with us. Includes transportation, lodging, and lift tickets.

Vantage usually has the weather to make a March rock climbing weekend awesome. Join EPIC for the first climbing road trip of the year. Beginner-friendly climbs are available, and there are stouter climbs for those who are more experienced. Transportation, food, and equipment are provided.

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Whitewater Rafting on the Clark Fork

Whitewater Raft on the Methow River

Raft and Climb near Leavenworth

May 3 - 5, 2013 $100 (AP100)

May 10 - 12, 2013 $100 (AP100)

May 17 - 19, 2013 $125 (AP125)

Mountaineering to Silver Star PeakMay 24 - 27, 2013 $100 (AP100)Weekend Trips

Spring Quarter

Expedition Rafting on the DeschutesMay 24 - 27, 2013 $200 (AP200)

Raft/Riverboard on the Wenatchee May 31 - June 2, 2013 $125 (AP125)

The Alberton Gorge is our destination for this weekend of rafting. Join EPIC as we run the gorge during the day and camp near Fish Creek at night. Transportation, food, and equipment are included.

May 3 - 5, 2013 $100 (AP100)Canoe/Rock Climb at Banks Lake

We canoe across Banks Lake, set up camp on a beach and then rock climb right behind our camp. We also standup paddleboard and tell tales by the fire. Trasportation, equipment and food are included.

Come experience the beautiful Methow River at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy whitewater by day, then settle in to our nearby campsite for the evenings. Cost includes getting there, equipment, and food.

Multi-sport weekend! One day of rafting the Wenatchee river, and one day of rock climb-ing on some beautiful alpine granite. We also may explore quirky Leavenworth. Transpor-tation, equipment, some food provided

We pack all of our gear on the rafts and head downriver on this long weekend. During the day, we float the river and at night we pull over and camp on shore. This trip includes transportation, equipment and food.

Come rafting with us on the exciting Wenatchee river. For folks with some white-water experience riverboarding may be an option as well. Transportation, food, and equipment will be provided.

Join us as we attempt Silver Star Peak in the Cascade Mountains. There is a lot of uphill travel with a full pack, so a moderate to high fitness level is required. Transportation, equipment and food included.

Mountaineering to Colchuck PeakMay 31 - June 2, 2013 $100 (AP100)

Rafting on the White Salmon RiverJune 7 - 9, 2013 $100 (AP100)

Come with us for an attempt on this Cascades classic. A hike into basecamp will set us up for a summit attempt. At least a moderate level of fitness is required. Cost covers transportation, food and equipment.

A unique small river with lots of action for those of you looking for a big ride. At night we camp at a nearby site, and days include charging whitewater with the EPIC crew. Transportation, food and gear included.

Jake lines up for another successful surf on his first day.photo: John Fair

Walking the bikes across the Spokane River at the Bowl and Pitcher photo: John Fair

InstructionIntroduction to Kayaking

Introduction to Rock Climbing ©

Climbing Wall Instructor Course

October 17, 24, 31, 2012 6 - 9 p.m. $50 (AP50)

Multiple times/dates every quarter $30 (AP30)

Novermber 16 - 18, 2012 $50 (AP50)

Outdoor Leadership Training

Whitewater Raft Guide Training

Dates TBA $50 (AP50)

Weekends in April $250 (AP400)

River Surfing ClinicSeptember 2012 $10 (AP10)

Learn the basics in a warm, bright pool environment. This class meets on three consecutive Wednesday evenings. A roll clinic is also included in the price.

From knots to movement techniques, this class will get you familiar with the basics of rock climbing. This class is also available for credit.

Learn the basic technical and leadership skills it takes to lead groups in the outdoors. This course is a basic requirement for all new EPIC Trip Assistants. Stop by the front desk for an application.

Learn how to guide a whitewater raft down Class III whitewater. This course is the first step towards becoming an EPIC Raft Guide, and become a licensed guide in WA state. Stop by the front desk for an application.

This 20-hour course comes with a certification through the PCIA and is a step in becoming an EPIC Climbing Wall Instructor.

Standup paddleboard with EPIC at a local surf spot. The only local surf spots are on the river, so that’s where we’ll head. Most folks get their first surf on day one, so come try it.

Coby pulls around the cornerphoto: John Demke

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Wilderness First Responder CourseDecember 15 - 19, 2012 $550 (APn/a)

Base Managed Climbing Instructor

Advanced Whitewater Guide Training

March 22 - 24, 25, 2013 $100 (AP100)

March 2, 9, 16, 28 - 31, 2013 $100 (AP100)

Other Available ClassesKayak Roll ClinicField Supervisor TrainingWhitewater Rescue TechnicianClimb Time © Climbing Clinic ©Sport Lead Climbing ©Efficient Climber’s Toolbox ©Climbing Anchors ©Climbing Self-Rescue ©Traditional Lead Climbing ©

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.

About the ©: EPIC Adventures courses are available as a means for EWU students to try new activities and become more self-sufficient in their adventures. Some courses, however, can also have credit attached. If you are looking to fill your class schedule, all courses marked with © can be taken for credit.

The BMCI is an advanced course for experienced climbers ready to lead others on top rope outings. Successful completion of the course and exam comes with a certification through the PCIA.

For EPIC guides or folks with commercial guiding experience. The course focuses on preparing you to be a lead guide.

Katie and crew dropping into the Devil’s Toenail, Spokane River.

Climbing Wall

If you feel like spicing up your class schedule a bit consider adding a climbing class. We offer one-day-per-week introductory to advanced skills classes as well as a fast-fitness style class called Climb Time.

We are always looking for competent, professional individuals to work at our Climbing Wall. We take applications throughout the year but require that all employees be certified Climbing Wall Instructors by either the AMGA or PCIA. CWI Courses are offered at our wall during the fall and spring so stop by EPIC Adventures or the Climbing Wall for more information.

Our wall contains 1,200 square feet of top-rope climbing surface as well as two overhanging boulder walls. We even have simulated ice climbing offered seasonally (November – February). EWU prides itself for having one of the strongest climbing communities in the Northwest. In fact, our students have been responsible for winning the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit (NC3) two of the last three years.

The Climbing Wall is open and free for all Eastern students and is the perfect place to begin or advance your climbing. First time users will go through a short orientation and afterwards are able to boulder and use our equipment free of charge. In order to top-rope at our gym, you must show proficiency in correctly putting on a harness, tying into a rope using a figure 8 knot and controlling slack using the brake-under-slide belay method. If you do not possess these skills, we offer free classes regularly. Just ask our staff or check out our website for the current programming schedule.

Delicate footworkphoto: Casey Picha

photo: John Fair

EPIC Climbing Staff prepares rock climbs for fall quarterphoto: John Fair

EventsEvery year we put on some big events on (and off) campus. Here are two examples:

In October, we host the biggest on-campus ski and snowboard rail jam in the country known as “The Grind.” We bring in tons of snow, set up a half-dozen rails and boxes and let you rip. The event is held behind the JFK library, so you can just roll out of bed at 10:30 and be throwing your best tricks by 11. The Jam-style format means no stress, just good times. If you don’t ride, the spectating is awsome, and we throw out swag to the crowd pretty often. You could even win skis in a raffle. So check it out.

In January, we will host the third annual Climb-tastic Voyage, a bouldering competition that is part of the Northwest Collegiate Climbing Circuit (NC3). The friendly format means you get a lot

Rail JamOctober 27, 2012 Behind JFK Library

WinterfestJanuary 12 - 13, 201349 Degrees North

Climbtastic VoyageJanuary 26, 2013EPIC Climbing Wall

of climbing time while meeting folks from other northwest universities. We’ve had over 100 com-petitors that last two years, so sign up early to make sure you get a comp t-shirt. After the comp we have a spectacle of a dyno comp, crate stacking, and slack lining. Raffles happen too.

RentalsFirst  Day Addi,onal  Day

Backpack $6.00 $3.00Sleeping  Bag  +  Liner $6.00 $4.00Full  Sleeping  Pad $3.00 $2.00Fleece  Coat $3.00 $2.00Fleece  Pants $3.00 $2.00Rain  Coat $3.00 $3.00Rain  Pants $3.00 $3.00Puffy  Jacket $3.00 $2.00Crazy  Creek  Camp  Chair $3.00 $2.00Head  Lamp $3.00 $2.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

2  Person  Tent $6.00 $3.003  Person  Tent $6.00 $3.004  Person  Tent $8.00 $4.006  Person  Tent $10.00 $6.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

Ice  Axe $7.00 $4.00Snow  Shovel $6.00 $4.00Crampons $4.00 $3.00Climbing  Helmet $3.00 $2.00Mountaineering  Boots $6.00 $4.00Gore-­‐Tex  Gators $3.00 $2.00Climbing  Shoes $5.00 $3.00Crash  Pad $9.00 $4.00Climbing  Helmet $2.00 $1.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

X-­‐C  Ski  Package  (skis,  boots,  &  poles) $6.00 $4.00Ski/Trekking  Poles $2.00 $1.00Snow  Shoes $6.00 $4.00Snowboard  Pack  (board,  boots,  bindings) $15.00 $10.00Ski/Snowboard  Helmet $2.00 $1.00

Basics

Tents

Climbing  &  Mountaineering

Snow  Travel

Rentals continuedFirst  Day Addi,onal  Day

PFD  Type  III $4.00 $2.00PFD  Type  V $4.00 $2.00River  Booties $2.00 $1.00Helmet $2.00 $1.00Wet  Suit $4.00 $2.00Spray  Jacket $4.00 $2.00River  Package:  (Wetsuit,  Booties,  PFD,  Helmet,  &  Spray  Jacket)

Small  Dry  Bag $2.00 $1.00Medium  Dry  Bag $3.00 $2.00Large  Dry  Bag $3.00 $2.00Thwart  Bag $3.00 $2.00Bilge  Pump $3.00 $2.00Float  Bag $3.00 $2.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

SUP  (Stand  Up  Paddleboard) $15.00 $10.00Touring  Kayak  Package $15.00 $8.00Tandem  Touring  Package $25.00 $15.00White  Water  Kayak  Package:(Kayak,  Skirt,  Paddles,  PFD,  Float  Bags,  &  Bilge  Pump)

InUlatable  Kayak:(pump,  2  paddles,  2  PFDs,  &  2  seats)

Sit  on  Top  Kayak(Kayak,  Paddle,  Helmet,  PFD)

WW  Kayak  Paddles $4.00 $3.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

Canoe $12.00 $8.00Canoe  Package:(Canoe,  2  Paddles,  &  2  PFDs)

Canoe  Paddles $3.00 $2.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

Mountain  Bikes $9.00 $4.00Bike  Helmet $2.00 $1.00

$15.00 $8.00

$26.00 $18.00

Water  Sport  Basics

$8.00 $5.00

SUP/Kayaks

Bikes

$15.00 $8.00

Canoes

$25.00 $15.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

11'  Raft  Package $40.00 $35.0014'  Raft  Package $55.00 $50.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

14'  River  Cat $55.00 $50.0016'  River  Cat $60.00 $50.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

Raft  Paddles $3.00 $2.006  Gal.  Water  Jug $2.00 $1.00Cooler,  60  Qt.  &  80  Qt. $4.00 $2.00Cooler  Frame $6.00 $4.00Dry  Box $5.00 $4.00

First  Day Addi,onal  Day

Coleman  Two  Burner  Stove $3.00 $2.00Backpacking  Stove  (does  not  include  fuel) $3.00 $2.00Large  Dutch  Oven   $3.00 $2.00Large  Pot  with  Small  Pot $4.00 $3.00

Ra#  Accessories

Cooking

Cats

Ra#s

Choose  Between  Frame  Package:  Repair  Kit,  3  Oars,  up  to  5  PFDs,  Throw  Rope,  &  Flip  Lines

orPaddles  Package:  Repair  Kit,  8  Paddles,  8  PFDs,  Throw  Rope,  &  Flip  Lines

River  Cat  Includes:  Pumps,  Repair  Kit,  3  Oars,  3  PFDs,  Throw  Rope,  Frame,  Flip  Lines,  &  2  Cat  Tubes

NotesIf you are part of a campus group, club, residence hall floor, fraternaty, sorority, team, or other affiliation of people, EPIC Adventures can create a custom trip or activity for you.

Student employment is available. We hire students to supervise the climbing wall, lead trips, teach classes, guide rafts, repair equipment, and work our front desk. Interested? Stop by for an application.

We can’t fit everything we do in this catalog. Like us on Facebook and subscribe to our Google calendar to keep up with new trips and classes as we add them.

On the cover: Kirestin leading at Big Rock photo: John Demke

150 University Recreation CenterCheney, WA 99004(509) 359-4014epicadventures@ewu.eduwww.ewu.edu/epic

EPIC AdventuresEPIC Adventures is the Eastern Washington University outdoor program. Offering outdoor adventure trips, events, rentals, classes and an indoor rock climbing facility, EPIC provides unique recreation opportunities for Eastern students. Trips and classes are geared towards multiple skill levels, yet the main focus is on introducing Eastern students to new activities. Whether you are going to test the waters by signing up for a day trip, or you want to jump right into an annual pass, EPIC has something that will fit your interests.If you have questions or would like to sign up for a trip, class, or event, stop by the EPIC front desk on the first floor of the University Recreation Center.

About EPIC Adventures

Cruising a flat section of the Pacific Crest Trail