Participant pre-trip information about Channel Islands 3

1. Channel Islands
Pre-O Adventure
August 23rd-28th, 2014

2. Welcome to Pre-O Adventure!
Can you believe that in a few short weeks you and 11
other incoming students will have the opportunity to
explore one of America’s great National Parks! Get ready
for an adventure in the Channel Islands, known as the
Galapagos islands of North America. This will be an
amazing way to meet new friends and start your journey
at USD!
To ensure that you are best prepared for our upcoming
adventure we have included important information in a
short presentation. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate
to contact us with any questions.

3. Questions Answered
 Who will my guides be?
 What can I look forward to?
 What is the schedule?
 What will I eat?
 Where will I sleep?
 What do I need to bring?
 What skills and experience do I need?
 What are Outdoor Adventures policies?
 What will the weather be like?
 What are the risks?

4. Guides
Karly
•Nickname: Karly “the
German” Jerman
•Hometown:
Hackensack, NJ
•Year: Junior
•Studying: Engineering
Kevin
•Nickname: Six Seven
Kevin
•Hometown: Roseland,
NJ
•Year: Junior
•Studying: Accounting

5. We never know what we will
see on our ferry to the island
Some
Highlights…

6. We hope to see lots
of marine life!

7. The Island Fox is very
curious and always looking
to steal food left unattended
by campers

8. Sunrise & sunset over the Pacific
Awesome coastal cliffs; Changing
ocean vistas; With every step, there is
an amazing view!

9. Itinerary
 Day 1: Saturday, August 33rd
 1:00PM- Check-in at Outdoor Adventures. Meet up with your
guides and group. Learn the names of your new classmates.
Prepare for the next day’s departure for the dock. We will be
camping on campus!
 Day 2: Sunday, August 24th
 An early morning departure at 5:30AM so that we can make
our way to Ventura Harbor and take the ferry out to Santa Cruz
Island.
 Spend the day getting settled and taking in the views. Make
acquaintances with your Channel Island
companions.

10. Itinerary (Cont.)
 Day 3-5: August 25th-27th
 Hike the trails to some the most picturesque locations this
island has to offer.
 Kayak around Santa Cruz and explore the sea caves.
 Snorkel around kelp forests.
 Day 6: August 28th
 Pack up camp in the morning and hop on the ferry back
to the mainland. Return to campus around 10:00PM.

11. What about food?
 Meals from dinner on day 1
through lunch on day 6 are
included with the trip.
 Our last dinner will be a
quick stop at a local
restaurant on the beach in
Malibu. This meal is on your
own, so make sure you bring
some money ($10-$20).
 If you have any dietary
preferences or restrictions,
please let us know so that
we can accommodate.

12. Where will I sleep?
 We will provided two or four person tents
 The campsite is about 1 mile from the ferry landing, and we
will have to carry all of our equipment to the campsite.
 Santa Cruz Island does have vault toilets (permanent porta
potties).
 There is also a water
faucet in the
campground.
 There are not any
showers on the island.

13. What do I need to bring?
 Please refer to the detailed
packing list that outlines what to
bring.
 Our equipment will be loaded &
unloaded from a ferry and we
will carry it a mile to camp.
Limit extra items.
 Duffel bag works well to carry
clothing. No Suitcases please.
Some backpacks will be
available to carry items to
camp.
 Some items are available to
rent through Outdoor
Adventures. Please mark on
the attached Travel and Gear
Form and send it to us.

14. What is the weather like?
 During August average temperatures range from 60s-
70s during the day.
 We will be 20 miles offshore. You should expect:
possible heavy winds, marine layer (fog), cool nights,
high humidity (for the west coast) and long exposure to
the sun. We are hoping for perfect conditions, but
preparing for the worst.
 Please be sure to pack for a variety of cold and warm
weather. Layers will allow you to adjust throughout the
day as conditions change.

15. What skills do I need?
 No previous experience is necessary. We will make
the most of our time on the island and some days will
be more challenging than others.
 Be prepared to hike between 4 and 10 miles during our
day hikes over a combination of dirt roads, established
trails and off trail.
 Our sit-on-top kayaking adventure will be guided by
Channel Islands Outfitters. Conditions permitting,
expect to paddle between 6 and 8 miles. We will
midway for lunch.

16. Leave No Trace
 On every Outdoor Adventure trip, we abide by the principles of
Leave No Trace. They are an integral part of our program and
we ask each participant to do their best to follow the seven
principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

17. Risks and Hazards
 Santa Cruz Island is 20 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara.
Although the ferry stops by a few times a day, we are in a
remote environment and need to plan accordingly.
 There are a variety of risks and hazards associated with
outdoor recreation. The remoteness of Santa Cruz Island is
a factor. Specifically, slips, falls, heat exhaustion, heat
stroke, hypothermia, sun burn, dehydration, animal
encounters and blisters are some of the risks to prepare for.
 Weather is something we will be constantly evaluating and
adjusting for. Sun protection is essential, there is not much
shade on the island.

18. What about drugs and alcohol?
 Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on trips,
nor being under the influence.
 Prescription medications are required. Please make
sure you bring them in the original bottle with the
physicians name on it.

19. Craving More Pics?
 Follow the links below to see our past adventures at
Channel Islands National Park:
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/721
57632818199786/
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/721
57629206694035/
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/721
57627526927705/

20. Questions or Concerns?
Please don’t hesitate to call or email us:
619-260-4709
usdoutdooradventures@sandiego.edu
www.sandiego.edu/oa

21. We look forward to seeing you in
August!!