Featured Photo by Shauna Reynolds
Story by Shauna Reynolds
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Inside the front entrance of Middle Tennessee State University’s Recreation Center, half a canoe leans against the wall next to a pair of glass doors. Busy students on their way to workouts might walk past without noticing what’s inside. They are missing out on an opportunity for adventure with Middle Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits.
MTOP offers outings, workshops and equipment rental for students who can’t get enough of outdoor life as well as those who want to try something new. Every semester MTOP guides lead trips within driving distance of campus. There’s something for almost everyone — hiking, camping, caving, biking and even fly fishing. MTOP supplies the expertise and needed supplies.
The MTOP warehouse is full of equipment — rows of life jackets, tents waiting to be assembled, fishing poles and more. They have things students might not own, and almost definitely don’t have stashed in their dorms. There are also bikes to rent as well as a full-service bike shop for repairs.
Coordinator Blake Osborne says that MTOP’s pricing sets them apart from other local outdoor outfitters. For example, renting a two-person tent for one week is priced at $20 at MTOP – and that’s before a 20% student discount. An upcoming fly fishing trip is priced at $30. That price covers specialized equipment, a guide and transportation.
MTOP outings aren’t just for seasoned adventurers — they give students a chance to try something new.
Bryce Tuggle, an MTSU graduate and MTOP staff member, said hands-on instruction from a guide is the best way to learn new outdoor skills.
“A lot of our trips are beginner focused,” Tuggle said. “We know a lot of people aren’t as comfortable in the outdoors as others.”
Osborne said that MTOP trips offer great opportunities to meet new people with similar interests.
“A lot of people, probably over half of the people that come on trips, don’t know anyone else,” he said. “The social aspect can be great, because they’ll come in a little nervous, and then leave, you know, with a few friends.”
He cited a group of total strangers who met on a kayak and rafting trip last year — this year they’re repeating the trip together as friends.
Even for solo adventures, The MTOP shop has the necessary equipment. Rentals are available to the community for reasonable prices, and to students and faculty with a discount. MTOP’s thoughtful selections keep students in mind — an ordinary kayak might not fit on top of a Honda Civic, but an inflatable kayak should fit in the trunk.
Because the spring semester starts with cold and unpredictable weather, April is a busy month for MTOP outings. There are still openings for some trips this semester.
As of this writing there are still openings for some of MTOP’s spring 2024 trips, including fly fishing April 13 and mountain biking April 21. More information is available at MTOP’s website.
At the end of April MTOP trips will pause for a few months, but the rental counter will stay open through the summer. When the Fall 2024 semester starts, so will a new round of adventures.
Shauna Reynolds is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell and Assistant Lifestyles Editor Shamani Salahuddin, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Instagram at MTSUSidelines or on X at @MTSUSidelines.
