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There are a few very good reasons why thousands of UCSB students are involved in
sports and recreation, whether it’s the residence hall softball IM team, weekend
bicycle tours, noontime swimming, ultimate frisbee tournaments, or some serious
power lifting in the gym. Physical activity can help relieve stress and loosen up
those tense muscles; clear the brain-fog caused by too much studying, and offer
great opportunities for meeting people and making friends.
ON CAMPUS
Recreational Facilities
The Departments of Exercise & Sport Studies and Recreation offer a year-round program
of academic classes and sports-related activities, which meet the needs of students
of all ability levels including the physically challenged. The Exercise & Sport
Studies Department offers an academic program which includes a minor in Exercise
& Sport Studies consisting of four program tracks: Athletic Coaching, Exercise &
Health Science, Fitness Instruction, and Sport Management. A curriculum of basic
physical education instruction is also offered (see the Schedule of Classes for
information). The Recreation Department offers non-credit activities, which include
an Adventure Program, 20 Sport Club teams, Intramural Sports, and a variety of open
recreation opportunities.
The Recreation Center (RecCen)
The Rec Cen is available for daily use and features
an aquatics complex, 3 fitness centers, a pottery studio, an indoor hockey rink,
a climbing wall, 5 racquetball courts and 2 squash courts, as well as two gymnasiums.
Students may use the facility with a current Student ID; Faculty/Staff memberships
are also available. Additional facilities include Campus Pool, Rob Gym, Rob Field,
Storke Field, Harder Stadium, Lacrosse Pit, Ropes Course, Group Fitness Studio,
Gymnastic Room, Sailing Center, and 14 Tennis Courts. Open Recreation facilities
are available for drop-in use throughout the week. Hours fluctuate each week due
to availability. A new schedule is posted every Monday morning at the Intramural
Office and the ESSR Department offices at the Rec Cen. Remember to bring your Student
ID Card for entry into the Rec Cen; 893-3738 or 893-2181; www.recreation.ucsb.edu.
Equipment Check-Out Room
Students may check-out equipment such as softball bats, basketballs, volleyballs,
tennis racquets, etc. from the Recreation Department. All you need is your Student
ID Card. Robertson Gym 1312; 893-2418.
Recreational Sports
Many of you are living in a new environment away from direct parental supervision
for the first time. This independence is new and exciting; however, your success
and happiness will depend on the choices you make. Take PRIDE in yourself and make
intelligent and ethical decisions to achieve a well-rounded educational experience
balancing your physical, social, intellectual and emotional growth. UCSB Recreational
Sports offers ample opportunities for you to achieve a healthy lifestyle while achieving
your academic pursuits. Through participation in our programs, you are encouraged
to learn universal skills such as competitive achievement, teamwork, communication,
leadership, integrity and social responsibility. Remember NO EXPERIENCE is NECESSARY
and do it for fun, fitness and friendship. Welcome to UCSB!
Intramurals, Sport Clubs and Open Recreation
One of the most popular activities on campus is the Intramural sports program. Over
17,000 students, faculty, and staff participate. Interest, not skill, is the only
prerequisite for the beginning, intermediate, and advanced leagues. Rec Sports also
offers open recreation (see Recreational Facilities). Sports offered in the program
include bowling, basketball, badminton, tennis, volleyball, softball, flag football,
floor hockey, roller hockey, 5K and 10K runs, golf, sports trivia, soccer, inner-tube
water polo, regular water polo, squash, racquetball, and ultimate frisbee. Many
student employees are needed each year in the Recreational Sports program (see Money
and Jobs section for details). RecCen 1110; 893-3253.
Adventure Programs
This program offers a wide variety of outdoor adventure activities
such as ocean kayaking, rock climbing, kiteboarding, a state of the art indoor climbing
center, SCUBA diving certification, backpacking, canoeing, wilderness survival,
wilderness first aid, and camping. Find current class and trip schedules along with
registration information at www.recreation.ucsb.edu. or 893-3738.
Climbing Center
Climb “the largest Entre Prises imprint wall on the west coast.” Located in the
UCSB Recreation Center, the indoor Adventure Climbing Center is open to all and
requires no previous experience for entry-level climbing. Find us at the Rec Cen,
www.recreation.ucsb.edu,
or 893-3737.
Ropes Course
Fun, team building, excitement, group cooperation, and challenges are just a few
of the benefits of the UCSB Ropes Course. This unique adventure is specifically
set up for groups to have fun while learning to work together and is a great way
for members of a group to get to know each other. For reservation information, call
UCSB Adventure Programs at 893-3737.
Wellness & Fitness Institute
Fitness testing, personal training, and consultations are available to students,
faculty, and staff. Services include aerobic fitness and percent fat testing. Individual
weight loss plans and information on starting your own exercise program are provided
via consultations. Robertson Gym 1125; 893-4000.
Living Arts Classes
These non-credit courses enrich your academic schedule and range from guitar, wine
tasting, sailing, and martial arts to tennis, fencing, and dance. Consult the Leisure
Review for quarterly schedules available on line at www.recreation.ucsb.edu
Intercollegiate Athletic Teams
UCSB has an extensive athletic program. Intercollegiate teams include baseball,
and golf for men; softball for women; and men’s and women’s teams in basketball,
track & field, gymnastics, cross country, tennis, water polo, swimming, soccer,
and volleyball. Intercollegiate Athletics Building; 893-8320
OFF CAMPUS
Biking
Santa Barbara is bike friendly, with extensive wide bike lanes and one way streets.
The hills and back country in the Santa Barbara area are filled with many great
biking trails of varying difficulty. Detailed trail books and maps are available
in local bookstores and bike shops.
Boating
Boat launching in the harbor: Harbormaster’s Office (564-5531). Sailing lessons:
UCSB (893-2181) or private instruction. Rentals: Cachuma Lake Boat Rentals (688-4040),
Sailing Center of Santa Barbara (962-2826), or Zuma Charters (965-2267).
Bowling
Zodo’s Bowling and Beyond; 967-0128; 5925 Calle Real in Goleta. Open 24 hours. Call
ahead for availability.
Fishing
Freshwater: Lake Cachuma, Davy Brown Creek, Manzana River, and Santa Ynez River—stocked
with trout when the temperature and water are ideal. Required permits: Lake Cachuma
Marina, some liquor stores, or K-Mart. Sea Landing Inc. (963-3564)—sportfishing
boats, scuba diving boats to Channel Islands, whale watching cruises and Channel
Island hiking excursions. Evening cruises and twilight fishing trips offered during
the summer.
Golfing
There are several public courses in the area, both regulation nine-hole courses
and full-size 18-hole courses. Check the yellow pages or check online for listings
and information about lessons or equipment.
Hang Gliding
Santa Barbara is a popular place for hang gliders with its mountains, cliffs, and
beautiful views. For information on lessons and equipment rental, consult the yellow
pages or search online.
Hiking
The hills in the Santa Barbara area are filled with many great hiking trails. Trail
books and maps are available in local bookstores and sport shops, or visit www.santabarbarahikes.com.
Horseback Riding
Check the yellow pages for stables for rentals, boarding, and lessons. One popular
stable is Circle Bar B Guest Ranch: Rides cost $30/person for 1.5 hours or $65/person
for a half day; call in advance for reservations; 1800 Refugio Rd (North of UCSB
on Highway 101); 968-3901; www.circlebarb.com
Jet Skiing
Jet skiers are often seen at Goleta Beach since there is a convenient ramp for lightweight
equipment. Check with local authorities concerning current jet ski rules and regulations.
Consult the yellow pages or online for rentals.
Polo
Watch world-class polo and special events April through October at the Santa Barbara
Polo and Racquet Club. Learn to play polo with the UCSB intercollegiate team or
through the Pacific Coast Youth Polo Association student program. Contact the Polo
School Instructor at 745-5959 regarding year round student arena program; 3300 Foothill
Rd. #1200, Carpinteria; 684-6683; www.sbpolo.com.
City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation
The City of Santa Barbara invites UCSB students to explore the wide variety of facilities,
activities and open space offered through its Parks and Recreation Department. From
art, dance and fitness classes to golf, tennis, swimming, sports leagues and exercise
programs, you will find positive, invigorating and healthful experiences at many
of our downtown locations. Learn new moves like tango and salsa. Slip on your Speedo
and swim laps at the outdoor, heated, 50-meter Los Baños Pool. Play tennis on one
of the 28 public courts located throughout the city. All classes are listed in the
Parks & Recreation Activity Guide, online at www.sbparksandrecreation.com. The city’s
56 parks total nearly 1600 acres and range from small neighborhood pocket parks
to large open space preserves. Hike, bike, walk and enjoy. For descriptions, features
and park locations go to www.santabarbaraca.gov/Park or stop by one of the offices
listed below and pick up a City Parks map. The department also has many great spaces
for rent. Choose from a wide range of affordable indoor and outdoor facilities available
for weddings, receptions, picnics, barbecues, meetings, parties, and sports events.
For more information call or visit: Parks & Recreation Administrative office: 620
Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 564-5418; Carrillo Recreation Center, 100
East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, 897-2519; Cabrillo Pavilion Arts
Center, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, 897-1983 or go to the website:
www.santabarbaraca.gov/Visitor/Things/ Parks_and_Beaches/
Santa Barbara YMCA
The Santa Barbara YMCA offers: aerobic and fitness classes; an Aerobic Training
Center loaded with Stairmasters, Lifecycles and more; a full Technogym and free-weight
gym; an indoor pool; 7 racquetball courts; 2 tennis courts; and a full-size gym.
The YMCA also offers after school programs and runs a licensed preschool. Stop by
for a complimentary tour. Hours: Mon-Fri, 6am-9:30pm; Sat, 6:30am-7pm; Sun, 11am-7pm.
36 Hitchcock Way; 687-7727.
Scuba Diving
People come from all over the world to dive around the Channel Islands. There is
also a good beach diving at Refugio State Beach and at Tajiguas, north of Refugio
on Highway 101. Mohawk Reef, near Isla Vista, is accessible by small boat (or by
foot for the diehard—it’s quite a haul with heavy equipment). Check the yellow pages
or online for rentals, instruction, and boat dives.
Surfing
The UCSB/Isla Vista area offers a wide variety of surfing locations. Point breaks
include Campus Point and Devereux; beach breaks can be found at Sands Beach and
all along Del Playa. A short drive north on Highway 101 will lead you to many fine
surfing beaches including Refugio Point. A few miles south toward Santa Barbara
is Arroyo Burro Beach (at the foot of Las Positas Road) and for the hard-core surfer,
the classic Rincon Point lies at the S.B./Ventura county line off of Highway 101
(Bates Road exit).
Windsurfing
A beginner’s best bet is the harbor between Stearn’s Wharf and Sea Landing. Leadbetter
Beach is usually the best area for Santa Barbara’s prevailing wind conditions but
East Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, and Isla Vista are occasionally good. Surf sailing
is done at the foot of California Street near the Fairgrounds in Ventura. Check
the yellow pages or online for lessons and equipment rentals.
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