Outback is great for any and all of your outdoor needs. Their full range of services includes:
1) A rental shop for outdoor gear
2) A retail shop for outdoor gear
3) A retail surf shop for clothing and surfing needs
4) An outings program for trips
5) An indoor rock climbing facility
6) A challenge course for team building and trainings
They can also be talked into custom excursions of really any sort, from team building at the office to trips all over the world. Some of my favourite trips are the surfing and kayaking trips in Mexico, as well as similar ones in the San Diego area. Anyone is welcome on their trips, as it's not solely for UCSD students. Their Wilderness Orientation program is particularly great for incoming students to UCSD, though.
The friendly staff are great in any of their multiple facets. No experience is necessary for the challenge course, climbing gym, or any of their outdoor excursions. The staff can help anyone learn to love a new outdoor activity, and will challenge you whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or have barely ever left your living room.
If you just need gear, their prices are awesome and the gear is well-maintained and top-of-the-line. They've also got a broad and knowledgeable staff to help you with sizing and figuring out what you need.
This organization is highly recommended in all that it does. Check them out on the web or in person, though their "tree house" on UCSD's campus can be somewhat difficult to locate on the first go (use Google Maps, but it's located in the canyon between 6th College Apartments and 6th College Res Halls, very near Pepper Canyon Hall). read more