About
The equipment rental program provides all the gear needed for individual adventures. The challenge course is designed to provide exciting, experiential opportunities that focus on leadership, communication, self/group awareness and inter-personal skills.
The climbing wall, located in the RAC, allows participants to experience the thrill of rock climbing indoors. In addition, a bouldering cave is available to build climbing strength as well as perfect technique.
Instructional clinics are offered throughout the year to learn kayaking, belaying, navigating and other hard skills for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Southern Adventures Center Hours
| Summer | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday: | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Friday: | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Saturday: | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Sunday: | Closed |
| Fall & Spring | |
| Monday – Thursday: | 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Friday: | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Saturday: | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Parking & Directions
The Southern Adventures Center is located in the back of the Recreation Activities Center (RAC). We have a small parking lot, which can be accessed by Old Register Rd. Please note that before 3 p.m. on weekdays, parking will be unavailable for anyone without a current Georgia Southern University parking pass anywhere at the RAC. We also have limited 1 hour parking available.
Bike FAQs
Q. My bike has a flat tire, how can I get it fixed?
A. Southern Adventures has a full-service bike shop available to students for FREE. If your bike needs a tune-up, we are here to help. We do NOT supply parts, so if your bike needs a new tube you must supply us with the tube and we will fix it up.
Q. What is the difference between campus cycle and a rental bike?
A. Campus Cycle bikes are a fleet of recycled bikes that Southern Adventures rebuilds and rents out to Georgia Southern students for a semester at a time. Students are charged $30.00 which includes the bike, maintenance on the bike, and a bike lock for the semester.
A rental bike is a Cannondale road or mountain bike that students can rent out from the center for a newly reduced price of only $5.00 a day.
Trips/Clinics
Q. How do I sign up for a trip?
A. Trip release is held the second week of classes each semester. Any RAC fee-paying member can sign up. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or card. Staff members can give you trip descriptions and any additional information you may need.
Q. What is Trip Release?
A. Because our trips are in high demand they are filled using a first come, first serve number system event called Trip Release. Trip Release is held on Monday of the second week of classes. Students arrive at the MAC gym before 8 pm. SA staff begin handing out numbers to those lined up around 7:30 pm. Shortly after 8 pm the release event begins (Those determined to get a spot on a trip are encouraged to arrive early!) You may sign up for any open trip when your number is called. If you wish to sign up for an additional trip, you must wait until your number is called the following round. Rounds continue until all trips are filled. You may only have one number, and you must be present to register.
Q. What do I need to bring on the trip?
A. All trip participants are responsible for all of their own clothing, spending money, as well as personal items such as toiletries, water bottles, and eating utensils. Southern Adventures will provide all gear related to the activity . A personal gear checklist will be provided at the pre-trip meeting.
Q. Why are pre-trip meetings mandatory?
A. Pre-trip meetings are important for a number of reasons. Important information is covered, paperwork is completed, participants are sized for gear, and most importantly it is a chance for all participants to meet each other prior to the trip.
Q. What does the price of the trip include?
A. All Southern Adventures trip prices include transportation, leaders, group gear, and all specialized gear related to the activity. Extended trips may also include some food. All gear issued is discussed at the pre-trip meeting.
Challenge Course FAQs
Q. Is it Safe?
A. Our number one priority is safety. While there are risks involved with everything you do in life, the challenge course is an extremely safe environment. Our staff members are all highly trained, and our equipment and facility is maintained and inspected on a regular basis. Participation in a challenge course program is typically no more dangerous than playing tennis or going for a hike.
Q. How many people can participate on the challenge course at a time?
A. For both types of programs we require a minimum of 10 participants in order to schedule a course. The low challenge course programs can accommodate groups up to 100+ people in size (split into smaller groups), but the ideal size for a single group is between 10-20 participants. The high ropes course can accommodate up to 25-30 participants maximum during a four hour time block. But again the ideal size is 10-20.
Q. Do I have to be in good shape to do the challenge course?
A. While many of our challenges can be physically and mentally demanding, most of our activities can be modified to accommodate persons with special concerns. We also practice the concept of “Challenge by Choice” which states that individuals choose their level of participation, and group members are never forced to do something they are not comfortable with doing.
Q. When should I put in my reservation request?
A. In order for us to be able to process your challenge course request and organize our staff to facilitate your course we ask for a minimum of 2 weeks. If it comes in within the 2 week deadline we won’t be able to guarantee that your request will occur. That being stated, the sooner you get in the request the better, whether that be 1 month to 10 months.
Q. What if I need to cancel my reservation?
A. Whether you are an off-campus or campus group the sooner you know and alert us the better. That way we can notify our staff, and that they don’t have to make any unnecessary preparations. Remember though that if you are an off-campus group if you cancel with the 7 days prior to the course that you lose your deposit of $50.00. You can also always reschedule at a later date too.
Rental Center FAQs
Q. What are some of the items that are rented out?
A. Canoes, kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp stoves, cook sets, bikes, backpacks, snorkeling gear, and resource books.
Q. What are the different types of boats that you rent out?
A. We have three different types of sit on top kayaks that are available. Two different styles of single sit on tops, and one style of a tandem sit on top. We also have sit in sea kayaks available; however, you must either have gone on a kayaking trip with us or through our sea kayaking 101 clinic before being able to rent out a sit in kayak. We also rent out tandem canoes.
Q. If I rent a boat, do I pay extra for the paddles and life jackets?
A. If you rent a kayak or canoe the price given for the boat will include all needed accessories including tie down straps, paddles, and life jackets.
Q. What is the best way to transport a boat if I rent one?
A. It is easiest to place a boat on a SUV or car. Trucks with short beds and tool boxes make it difficult because you must have at least 3/4 of the boat secured in the bed. If you have questions about transportation of boats please call or email us.
Q. Can I have a friend bring back gear that I have rented?
A. No, items will only be checked back in if the individual who rented them out is present for check in.
Climbing Wall FAQs
Q. I know how to belay, can I belay at the Georgia Southern University Climbing Wall?
A. You will need to pass our belay test before you are able to belay at the rock wall.
Q. How tall is the climbing wall?
A. The shorter wall is 35’ and the taller wall is 41’.
Q. Do you have to know how to climb to be able to use the wall?
A. Not at all. We have student employees available that are very passionate about climbing and teaching others how to climb. We welcome all climbing skill levels at the climbing wall.
Q. Is there specific attire I need to wear in order to use the climbing wall?
A. You must wear closed toe shoes at the wall. Rental climbing shoes are available at the equipment checkout desk. Athletic clothing is recommended and jewelry is not permitted.
Georgia Southern University
P.O. Box 8078
Statesboro, GA 30460
FAX: (912) 478-1892
Last updated: 3/15/2023
