Learn to survive in the wilderness. (Courtesy of Adventure Out)
Santa Cruz–based Adventure Out celebrates 20 years of local excursions in the great outdoors.
10 June
The Santa Cruz company's anniversary is a testament to the enduring allure of nature and our unyielding quest for adventure.
In 2004, outdoor enthusiast and MIT graduate Cliff Hodges started a humble summer gig offering surfing lessons in his hometown. Today, Adventure Out has blossomed into a multifaceted outdoor adventure company on a mission to keep individuals in this tech-obsessed society connected with the natural world. The brand now offers a diverse array of activities including rock climbing, wilderness survival, backpacking, surfing, and wilderness medicine.
The company's meticulously curated experiences, led by expert guides, empower participants to push beyond their comfort zones, conquer new challenges, and forge lasting connections with both nature and fellow adventurers.
Adventure Out's surfing lessons are a quintessential California experience, with two prime locations for catching waves: Pacifica State Beach in Pacifica and Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz. Here, novices and experienced surfers alike can ride the waves under the guidance of skilled instructors, soaking in the sun and saltwater as they hone their skills in the Pacific's embrace.
For those with a penchant for scaling cliffs and conquering summits, Adventure Out offers rock climbing courses in breathtaking natural settings such as Castle Rock State Park and Pinnacles National Park. With sheer rock faces and stunning vistas as a backdrop, participants learn the ropes (literally!), master essential techniques, and gain confidence to reach new heights beneath the watchful eye of seasoned climbers.
Venturing into the realm of wilderness survival, Adventure Out leads intrepid explorers into the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Marin County where they learn essential skills for thriving in the wild. From building shelters and sourcing water to crafting primitive tools and navigating by the stars, participants emerge equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the great outdoors with resourcefulness and resilience.
As Adventure Out reflects on two decades of transformative experiences, it's impossible to overlook the profound impact it has had on countless lives. For many, participating in Adventure Out's programs has served as a catalyst for personal growth and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
Paisley Marshall, who found Adventure Out through a corporate team-building program, says the experience ignited her passion for outdoor exploration. "Before discovering Adventure Out, I was stuck in a rut, spending my days glued to a computer screen," she remembers. "But participating in their surf lessons, climbing clinics, and wilderness survival courses awakened a sense of adventure within me that I never knew existed. It's been an incredible journey of self-discovery and empowerment."
Adventure Out is also dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. Through partnerships with local environmental organizations and initiatives such as beach clean-ups and trail maintenance projects, the company actively contributes to the preservation of the natural spaces it so passionately celebrates.
Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Adventure Out remains at the forefront of its industry and shows no signs of slowing down. The company has plans to expand its offering to new locations and introduce innovative programs catering to diverse audiences. And to commemorate the anniversary, Adventure Out is inviting past participants, staff members, and supporters to join in a series of celebratory excursions, workshops, and more.
Here's to 20 years of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and finding solace in the great outdoors.
// For more information, visit adventureout.com. For discounts on beginner courses in surfing, rock climbing and wilderness survival through Adventure Out, join 7x7 Social Club.