USFSP Waterfront shows off free activities for students
Written by Joe Castagna, Aug 29, 2011, 0 Comments
The USFSP Waterfront held its annual open house Thursday, Aug. 25 to showcase its activities available to students.
Students tried scuba diving, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding. Instructors were on hand to answer questions about Waterfront activities.
“We just want to get the word out about the Waterfront and let everyone know what we have to offer here,” said Jon Cleary, a Waterfront employee.
Kim Simpson, an education major, and Mike Fulmore, an entrepreneurship major, heard about the open house through word of mouth and decided to attend. “We’re having a great time today,” Fulmore said.
The Waterfront loans out the equipment needed to participate in kayaking, sailing, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing and wind surfing, for free to current students. More advanced equipment such as sailboats or kite boards require students to pass a skills test or pay to take an introductory course.
The Waterfront wants to make sure students know how to use the equipment and stay safe before they go out on the water, said Zac Oppenheim, Waterfront boating director.
For those interested in scuba diving, the Waterfront has a partnership with Aquatic Obsession’s dive shop. Students may enroll in scuba classes ranging from entry level through advanced. AO Dive Shop offers a student discount on equipment and scuba classes.
Students who want to become more involved in a certain waterfront activity can join one of the Waterfront clubs. Students can sign up via the Waterfront website, Facebook or at the Waterfront office.
“We are going to have a lot of fun this year,” said Chris Tosi, president of the Kite Surfing Club. “It’s a shame to go to USFSP and not take advantage of what the waterfront has to offer.”
For more information, visit the waterfront website at www.stpete.usf.edu/waterfront.
