Outdoor Adventures

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Southern Miss Outdoor Adventures is bringing tons of fun along with new locations for trips such as hiking, paddling, camping, snorkeling and more. To sign up or pay for a trip, visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or the Campus Recreation Online Payment Portal. For questions, call 266-5405 or email Bill%20Powe, Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator.

Spring 2025 Trips

February 7-8 – Camp on Campus @ Southern Miss Hattiesburg Campus - FREE
October 26 – Swimming with Manatees @ Chassahowitzka River, FL - TBD
November 1-3 – Backpacking @ Longleaf Trace (Hattiesburg, MS) - $20
November 15-16 – Okatoma Day Paddle (Seminary, MS) - $20

All USM students and Payne Center members are invited to participate! To sign up and pay for a trip, visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or go online to the Campus Recreation Payment Portal.

For a printable PDF of the Outdoor Trips schedule, click here: coming soon

Directions to Lake Sehoy Challenge Course

*All trips are subject to change. Pre-trip meetings will be held the Wednesday prior to each trip at 5pm in the Payne Center's Wet Classroom (inside the Natatorium.) All trips include transportation, lodging, food on location and necessary gear and equipment. Visit the Payne Center Sales Desk or the Campus Recreation Online Payment Portal to sign up and pay for trips.

Rock Wall

Spring Interim Hours (January 3-17, 2025)

- Monday-Friday - 5pm-8pm
- Saturday & Sunday - 2pm-5pm

Spring Hours (January 18-May 8, 2025)

- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 5pm-8pm
- Wednesday: 5pm-9pm
- Friday: 5pm-8pm*
- Saturday & Sunday: 2pm-5pm*
  - *The Rock Wall is open to the public on Fridays from 5pm-8pm and from 2pm-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays with purchase of a $10 climbing pass.

FAQ

Q: What are the dimensions of the climbing wall?
A: The climbing wall is approximately 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

Q: How can you tell the difficulty of routes on the wall?
A: The routes get harder from right to left.

Q: Are there any requirements to climb the wall?
A: All climbers must first read and complete a waiver stating the inherent risks of climbing. All climbers are required to wear harnesses while top roping. (Climbers do not need to wear a harness while bouldering.)

Q: What is bouldering?
A: Bouldering is climbing horizontally (traversing) the wall without being "connected to a wall with a rope." USM's bouldering line/limit is three panels up, or approximately 10 feet up the wall.

Q: Is it possible to climb outside of normal operating hours?
A: Yes, but by reservation ONLY. Reservations can be made by emailing Bill%20Powe, Coordinator of Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures.

Q: What if I want to belay my friend?
A: You must be certified by our staff to belay on your own. We offer belay clinics frequently to teach you the basics of climbing and belay techniques. Each belay clinic is $10 per participant and the certification is good for 1 year.

Q: What should I wear to climb on the wall?
A: Athletic clothing is the most appropriate to wear while climbing. Any attire that has loose or dangling pieces should be avoided. Close-toed athletic shoes and socks are required to climb as well. We do offer climbing shoes to be rented out.

Belaying

Interested in learning how to belay? Attend one of our clinics to get certified.

August 30 1-3:30pm
September 13 9am-11:30am
September 27 1-3:30pm
October 11 9am-11:30am
October 25 1pm-3:30pm
November 8 9am-11:30am
November 22 1-3:30pm

Need a refresher? Watch the below tutorial video.

Questions or Comments?

Contact Bill%20Powe, Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator at 601.266.5408