Again this spring, it pays to be a Berkeley staff or faculty member when it comes to adventure.
Cal Adventures is offering reduced rates on its most popular outdoor and aquatic activities, including rock climbing, windsurfing and sea kayaking classes for $20.
Reduced prices are also offered on basic sailing ($50) and a Point Reyes overnight backpacking trip ($75).
"The special classes for faculty, staff and students have been very popular. These prices are a steal. It is just a matter of making the time for yourself," said Rebecca Wong, marketing coordinator.
Many of the classes are on weekdays, but Wong said faculty and staff often take vacation time or work a flexible schedule to fit them in.
By far the most popular class offered by Cal Adventures is sea kayaking, said Wong. "It is easy and you get the feeling of sitting right on the water without getting wet," she said, adding that one part of the class requires falling into the water so you can learn to get back onto the kayak.
In addition to the classes, Wong noted that Cal Adventures, an arm of the Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports Department, will customize classes and outings for units and departments.
"We can do anything you want. Last spring and fall work groups filled many of the white water rafting trips," she said.
Among the spring and summer classes especially for faculty, staff and students are:
o Intro to Windsurfing, a three-hour class March 29, April 12 and 26, and May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.
o Intro to Sailing, a 15-hour class each Friday from 9 a.m. to noon beginning March 29 through April 26, May 10 to June 2, June 21 to July 19, Aug. 2 to Aug. 30.
o Intro to Sea Kayaking, a four-hour course meeting 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17, and Aug. 23.
o Intro to Climbing, a four-hour class taught on the campus climbing wall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13, May 25, July 27 and Aug. 11.
Once the basic skills are mastered, climbers may use the climbing wall for $2 a day; equipment rental is $3 a day. The wall at the Recreational Sports Facility will be open during the afternoon on Cal Day, April 13, for a free trial.
Finally, a chance to try out backpacking is offered in May and September with a Saturday and Sunday trip to Point Reyes.
For information on classes, call 642-4000.