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WELCOME TO YOUR JOURNEY

Click on the tabs below to find your packing list, travel information, and much more!

Under each tab, you'll find information and drop-downs for specific topics. Click on the drop-down links to expand the information.

COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE PAPERWORK

CLOTHING & GEAR

TRAVEL INFO

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Maine Sea Kayaking for Adults

Learn seamanship skills such as navigation and weather observation while traveling between remote islands and wild peninsulas. Each day you will learn the sea kayaking and expedition skills necessary to safely traverse the rugged Maine coast, passing traditional fishing and lobstering communities. At night you will sleep in tents developing backcountry cooking and camp craft practices. Sharing your goals and concerns, your group will work as a team to plan each day’s activities and choose an appropriate itinerary. The skills and practices learned on these expeditions will serve you for life, whatever challenges lie ahead.

Course Activities

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaks are an intimate and accessible means of traveling the coast, creating opportunities for both independent skill development and team-work. Students will have the opportunity to paddle both single and double-kayaks, learning the techniques necessary to handle each craft. At night, students will sleep in tents on islands and the mainland in private areas, many of which are part of the Maine Island Trail network.

Rock Climbing

During your course you may spend a day rock climbing on one of this area’s many granite cliffs or on our ropes course at the Outward Bound basecamp. You will learn to use climbing equipment, tie knots, climb and belay each other, while instructors provide overall supervision of the site. Climbing gives you a chance to practice your balance, coordination, and flexibility as well as the group’s ability to trust and encourage each other.

Service

Service projects are often incorporated into Outward Bound courses through coordination with local land managers, conservation groups, government agencies or social service agencies. While in the wilderness, students are encouraged to practice service to the environment and their team by sharing responsibilities and following Recreate Responsibly ethics throughout the expedition.

Solo

The solo experience is a standard element of Outward Bound courses. With sufficient food and equipment, you will set up camp at a site on your own. The solo will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the length of your course. Your solo site is chosen to offer as much solitude as possible, yet be within hearing distance of other group members. You will not travel during this time alone, and your instructors will check on you occasionally. The solitude and break from the fast pace of your expedition allows for rest and personal reflection, which is necessary to make the most of your experience.

Personal Challenge Event

Our courses end with a Personal Challenge Event, an individual final physical push. These events might take the form of a running, rowing or swimming activity, or it may be a combination of the three. This event is a chance to finish your Outward Bound Experience with a true personal challenge where you can own all of your decisions and efforts in contrast to the time you have spent operating within an expedition team.

Course Skills

Sea Kayaking

Boat fit and packing techniques
Paddle Strokes, braces, and rolling
Open water rescue techniques
Towing
Surfing
Beach camping

Rock Climbing (weather dependent)

Belaying and rope handling
System safety
Climbing technique
Rappelling

Expedition Skills

Emergency preparedness
Safety management and basic first aid
Campsite selection & Route finding
Shelter construction
Outdoor cooking
Conservation practices
Ropes and knots
Stove use and maintenance
Leave No Trace wilderness ethics
Nutrition and ration planning
Navigation using map/chart & compass

Group Dynamics

Leadership and decision making
Followership and expedition behavior
Communication & Conflict Resolution
Individual and group goal setting

Course Progression

The essential goal of any Outward Bound course is for the students to learn autonomy. Our expedition curriculum supports this happening in a progressive way.

During the first third of a course (a phase called “training expedition”), the instructors are very present in the group. They teach outdoor skills, the technical aspects of the activities and guide the students as they form a team.

In the middle third of the course (what we call the “main expedition”), the instructors take a step back so students may step forward. Students begin to teach what they’ve already learned to each other, and experiment with applying basic skills to bigger challenges. The instructors continue to coach and support as the students practice leadership roles. When the group meets a particular situation, environment or activity they haven’t learned about before, the instructors jump back in and teach. Each time this happens, the group reaches competency more quickly.

By the last third of the course (the “final expedition”), students are the stars of the show. They are applying what they know, leading each other, setting goals, and solving problems collaboratively. The instructors are close by and ready to step back in to prevent a safety issue from occurring but will let students find their own resiliency when they make mistakes, and ensure they feel the full spotlight of success when they meet their goals.

Course Area

The coast of Maine, with its intricate and indented shoreline, is a unique segment of the North Atlantic seaboard. It is known among ocean travelers for its picturesque beauty, iconic lighthouses, abundant bays and harbors, rocky islands and quiet coves. Expeditions occur in an area that covers roughly 200 miles of the Maine coast – with countless rivers, bays and islands to explore.

The coastal course area of Maine is comprised of rocky, spruce-covered islands, which are the summits of a prehistoric mountain range where generations of inhabitants have made their livelihoods. Evidence left behind on the islands reveals the historic presence of indigenous Abenaki camps, pre-colonial fishing communities, post-colonial timber and farming operations, and early 20th-century granite quarries. Cold, nutrient-rich waters flow from the Canadian Maritimes and make the Gulf of Maine home to a wide range of sea birds, seals, porpoises, and whales.

Program Outcomes

Adult Courses

Most adults find it hard to get away. Our lives are so busy, often filled with pressures and expectations that it’s difficult to find time to do things for ourselves.

On your HIOBS program, you will learn four important Outward Bound Core Values:

Compassion
Integrity
Excellence
Inclusion and Diversity

Our one- week adult courses are the perfect opportunity to unplug, get a fresh perspective, step out of your routines and challenge yourself in new ways, discover new strengths, and forge new friendships. No previous experience is necessary—all wilderness skills are taught from the beginning. Some of the most important lessons you take home are learning about yourself and your community while acquiring backcountry skills and having an adventure. As you will be traveling through wild places on your expedition, you’ll also learn to protect and appreciate the unique, unspoiled environments through which you travel.

You will only need to be physically fit and motivated to live, learn and work in a team. The expedition may only last a week, but the strength of the experience will be with you for a lifetime.

Below is your Admissions Process!

These are the steps you will need to take to complete your application:

Check out the information on this Course Page and read your Admissions Handbook
Complete and submit your required Admissions Forms: The links for these can be found in the Welcome Email from your Course Advisor. If you do not see this email, please contact your Course Advisor.
As soon as all Admissions Forms have been returned, you will be in Application Review for medical/mental health, motivation, & understanding. This step may include additional forms and/or a phone call to gather more information about your specific situation.
After the Application Review is complete and there are no follow up questions, you will be Cleared to Participate
When we have the minimum number of students Cleared to Participate, we will give Clearance to Book Travel

Please pay attention to the due dates listed in your Welcome Email. If due dates are not met, you risk losing your position on course - our policies on cancellations and deadlines are outlined in the Admissions Handbook.

If you are having trouble getting the information together, or have any questions at all, please contact your Course Advisor immediately so we can help you.

Payment of tuition is due 90 days before course start, or within 5 days of enrollment if you are within the 90-day window. Payment information and policies can be found here.

Information pages

Admissions Handbook

What you need to know about becoming an Outward Bound student. Policies, Procedures, and helpful information for all students and parents. Please read it all!

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Describes our courses and the essential criteria an applicant must meet in order to be eligible for course participation.

HIOBS Course Preparation and Physical Fitness

A great reference that will help you get physically and mentally prepared for course.

Self Care on Course

Download this form to learn more about how we manage general hygiene, menstruation, and more on course!

HIOBS Vector-Borne Disease Information Sheet

Learn more about vector-borne disease signs, symptoms and prevention. Includes a % discount on Permetherin treatment at InsectShield.

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"WHAT DO I BRING?"

Summer in Maine is often warm and sunny, but cold fronts are common and these bring wind and rain. Out on the water, the air stays cool and moist so warm, quick drying clothing is essential. The sun can be intense making sun protection (sun screen & clothing) very important. Temperatures at night can drop to the 40s and even lower in May and September. Daytime temperatures range from the 50s to the 80s.

REQUIRED CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

Bringing the required clothing on your course is crucial to being prepared for ALL the weather conditions you may encounter. On expedition, you carry a lot less than when you travel in the regular world. The clothing on this list is designed to keep you warm if it is cold or wet and be flexible enough to allow you to pack away items if it is hot. Please bring everything on the list.

Sizing & Layering

Packing several light layers rather than fewer heavier layers allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Inner layers should fit closely, middle layers should fit loosely and outer layers should be just a little bit baggy. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on your layers together.

Packing

Before your expedition, your instructors will check your gear; they will assess your clothing with the actual route and the anticipated weather in mind. Items you don’t take on expedition will be stored safely at base. We suggest leaving the tags on any items you purchase in case you don’t actually pack them for expedition, but please note that you should check with each store to see what their return policies are. If there are items that you would like to bring but which are not mentioned on this list, feel free to call and ask your course advisor at 855-802-0307.

Outward Bound Provides

Please note that Outward Bound provides all other equipment including (but not limited to) sleeping bags & pads, backpacks or duffel bags, dry bags, lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device). There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment.

Tick- and Mosquito-Borne (Arboviral) Diseases

Tick- and mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing risk of traveling in the wild regions of the Americas, including our course areas in Maine, New Hampshire, Florida, the Bahamas, Brazil and Costa Rica. Fortunately, there are prevention steps that are very effective and, in most cases, treatment is relatively simple and recovery complete, so long as the diagnosis is made early. Students and their families should educate themselves on the risks, prevention measures, and signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.

Since prevention is always better than treatment, we STRONGLY recommend pre-treating your footwear, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, jackets and hats with a chemical barrier containing permethrin, at least two days before traveling to your course. Applied correctly and allowed to dry before wearing, the treatment remains effective for up to a month. For even longer-lasting protection, you can either purchase clothing with permethrin embedded within it, or send your clothes to Insect Shield®, who will treat them and ship them back to you, ready for your course. Use the Coupon Code “HIOBS” to receive a 15% discount on both clothing and treatment services at this website (please note that you need to use the coupon separately for products/ service).

Permethrin spray is readily available at many retailers, including: Dick's Sporting Goods, Campmor, and Walgreen's.

For more information, please download our Vector-Borne Disease General Fact Sheet.

PLEASE BRING ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION

You are welcome to bring extras of the items marked with a plus (+) sign. Where a range of quantities is indicated, e.g., “1-2” bring the smaller quantity if you are on a one-week course, and the larger quantity if your course is 10 days or longer. There are multiple brand name options available at varying prices. The clothing and equipment on this list is widely available in many places. Specialty outdoor stores like L.L.Bean, REI, Campmor and Eastern Mountain Sports will have a range of appropriate items to choose from. Discount retailers, like Sierra Trading Post and the REI Garage often have good prices on name brand gear and clothing. You may also locate many first- quality clothing and equipment items at military surplus stores and area consignment stores and thrift stores, such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army.

The HIOBS website has some great items, which you will find hyper-linked within the packing lists. A complete collection of HIOBS-recommended-for-course items can be found HERE.

COVID Requirements:

You will need to bring two COVID-19 at-home test kits (four tests total) to the course. Abbott BinaxNow (2 boxes; 4 tests) is the required test brand. However, if for some reason you cannot obtain it, Quick Vue At-Home (2 boxes; 4 tests) can be used. You will take a test on days 1, 3, and 5 of course. The fourth test is a backup.

Tops

TOPS
2	LONG UNDERWEAR TOPS	Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight.
2 (for 9 days) 2-3 (for 15+ days)	SPORTS BRAS (as needed)	Quick-drying synthetic bras.
1-2	SYNTHETIC T-SHIRTS	Can be 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester but all synthetics dry faster. One could be a tank top. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1	LONG-SLEEVED, LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRT	Old loose fitting dress shirts are great for sun protection. Thrift stores generally have the best and brightest selection! Can be cotton. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1	WIND JACKET	Lightweight, breathable, unlined nylon jacket
1	WARM FLEECE JACKET OR WOOL SWEATER	Thick: 300-weight Polartec® or the equivalent in wool or pile. A full front zipper helps you vent and makes layering easier. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1	HOODED RAIN JACKET	Synthetic Rain Jacket (Gore-Tex or like material)

Bottoms

4-7	UNDERPANTS	Synthetic and quick drying fabrics work best
2	LONG UNDERWEAR BOTTOMS	Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight.
1	QUICK-DRY PANTS	Loose-fitting, lightweight nylon fabric dries quickly.
1-2	SHORTS	Loose-fitting, quick-drying athletic shorts.
1	SWIM WEAR	One-piece quick-drying swimsuit, t-shirt and/or sports bra and shorts, or lightweight swim shorts
1	RAIN PANTS	Synthetic Rain Pants (Gore-Tex or like material)

Head, hands, feet items

HEAD, HANDS and FEET
1	SUN HAT	For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with chin strap or a baseball cap. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1	WINTER HAT	Make sure it covers your ears when you pull it down. Wool or synthetic only. Check out the HIOBS Store for some great options!
1	HEAD NET	Fine mesh bug net that will fit over your head, to be worn as needed on land. HERE is a good example.
2-3	SOCKS	Thick: wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON.
1-2	LIGHT SOCKS	Thin synthetic socks
1	RUNNING SOCKS	Synthetic sock
1	RUNNING SNEAKERS	Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear
1	CROCS (or similiar)	Closed-cell resin clogs with partial foot coverage, drainage and ventilation holes, and a heel strap
1	RIVER/ WATER SHOE	Appropriate design for OB courses with heel straps, and toe caps or bumpers; can also be an old pair of sneakers you can get wet

Personal items

PERSONAL ITEMS
1	INSURANCE CARD		If you have health insurance, please bring your card, or a clear photocopy of both sides of it.
1	$25-75 CASH, OR A CREDIT/DEBIT CARD		To buy snacks during travel or to pay for lost or damaged gear. Items from the school store will be for sale at the end of your course.
2	HAND SANITIZERS		Pocket-sized squeeze bottles of hand sanitizer
1	HEADLAMP AND BATTERIES		Minimum three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Bring one set of alkaline batteries per week of course. Many headlamp varieties offer a red-light mode for preserving night vision, which is a useful option.
1	WATER BOTTLE (WIDE-MOUTH)		32 oz. water bottle. Wide-mouth makes filling easier.
1	PACK TOWEL		A synthetic, wringable towel, also called a chamois, a sports towel or a swimmer’s towel. No cotton.
1	SARONG (or large piece of fabric)		A length of very light cotton or rayon (3’ x 7’), preferably not white, to wrap around yourself while changing clothes. A non-fitted twin bedsheet can be used.
1	WATCH		Make sure it’s waterproof and inexpensive. Stopwatch, light, and alarm are useful functions.
1 PR	SUNGLASSES		Bring a strap to hold them on and a hard-sided case to protect them when you’re not wearing them.
2	EYEGLASS SYSTEM (if needed)	Bring a hard case and a keeper strap for your glasses. Bring two pairs, or a pair of contacts and your glasses.
1	JOURNAL / NOTEBOOK	Personal journal or notebook, put in a Ziploc with pen. You may want to take notes during your course. (5" x 8 1/2" or smaller.)
1	SPOON & BOWL	Spoon can be metal or plastic. Bowl can be wood or tough plastic; having a secure lid for it has been very helpful
1-2	BANDANNAS	Useful for shading your neck from the sun, cleaning sunglasses, as pot holders, and more.
2-3	PLASTIC BAGS	Gallon-sized Ziploc®-type with a closure for keeping things dry or separating wet items
1	TOILET KIT (BASIC)	Toothbrush, small trial-size toothpaste, comb, brush, and dental floss. Don’t bring soap, deodorant, makeup or razor.
	DISPOSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS	An ample supply. Changes in diet and activity can produce changes in cycles.
1-2	SUNSCREEN	8-oz, minimum SPF 30. Do not bring aerosol sprays.
1	LIP BALM	Minimum SPF 30
1	INSECT REPELLENT	Bring a small unbreakable container, 10-50% DEET. No aerosol sprays.
2 sets	PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (if needed)	MUST be in original bottles or vials. The extra set is just in case the medication gets lost or damaged.
1 set	TRAVEL CLOTHES & COURSE END TOILETRIES	Clean clothes for the trip home, towel, soap and shampoo for the course end shower.

Additional items (for cooler month programs)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS for Cooler months: May, June and September
1	FLEECE VEST OR LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT	Mid-weight: can be Polartec® fleece, wool, or the equivalent weight shirt or 100- or 200-weight Polartec® vest.
1	MEDIUM WEIGHT PANTS	Mid-weight: 100- or 200-weight Polartec® or the equivalent
1	MITTENS/GLOVES	Can be wool or fleece.

Optional items

OPTIONAL ITEMS (These are NOT Required. Please only buy them if you plan to use them after your course!)
1	BUG SHIRT	This can be a wind jacket with a hood that cinches, or you can bring a mesh one. The most durable models can be found at www.bugshirt.com or www.woodscanada.com.
1	MEDIUM WEIGHT TOP	Mid-weight long-sleeve layer to fit over your long underwear top, and under your heavy fleece. Can be wool or synthetic fleece. For people who stay warm easily, this isn’t necessary in mid-summer. Consider bringing this item if you often find that you are sensitive to cold or damp.
1	LIGHT GLOVES	For blister and sun protection. Bring if you are sun sensitive. Can be light cotton work gloves or fingerless sailing, cycling or weightlifting gloves.
1	CAMERA	Your cell phone CANNOT be used as a camera. You will be required to leave your phone at base. Due to the risk of damage from weather and the expedition, we suggest you not bring a camera unless it is waterproof and durable, or disposable and inexpensive. GoPro cameras are allowed. You will only be able to film or take photos with the instructors’ and other students’ permission.
2-3	STUFF SACKS	Made of lightweight nylon in many colors, these help to keep your clothes and gear organized.
1	BALACLAVA	A hood-shaped hat that covers your head and neck. You could also bring a neck gaiter and a second hat.
1	FOOT POWDER	Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size:4oz.

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Click on the "+" links below for travel information.

Travel Intro

Please review the times and locations for Course Start and Course End as you plan your travel to and from course. You should also be familiar with the information on the COVID-19 Health and Safety page.

Do not purchase any travel tickets until your Course Advisor has notified you that you are cleared for course participation (your Course Advisor will notify you that you are cleared once the Admissions Process has been completed). We also recommend that you wait to book travel until your Course Advisor notifies you that we have the minimum number of cleared students on course (see the Admissions Handbook for more info!)...

Once you have been cleared for participation and the course is a "go", your Course Advisor will send you a link to a Travel Form where you will enter your travel plans. You may also choose to send us your travel itinerary (forward us your airline confirmation) if you have connecting flights. If you are planning on dropping off by car, you still need to complete the Travel Form.

TRAVEL DETAILS (FLIGHTS AND DROP-OFFS) ARE DUE TO YOUR COURSE ADVISOR 7 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR COURSE START DATE. This helps our airport shuttle teams get organized and ensures we have enough seats available for all students needing a ride.

All students traveling without an adult/ guardian must bring an ID with them when traveling to and/or from course. If you need to obtain a non-driver ID card, please see your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. For more information, go to www.dmv.org/id-cards.php.

Delays on the Day of Travel

If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival to Maine, we can help troubleshoot solutions so that you can get to your course start - please call 855-802-0307. During business hours, you will be able to speak with your Course Advisor. After hours please follow the prompts for the on-call person for sailing programs.

Wheeler Bay Course Start

COURSE START

Your course begins at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the arrival options below:

Arriving BY CAR

Students can be dropped off at the Jetport to meet the HIOBS van shuttle. You must arrive BY 1:30PM. The address is 1001 Westbrook St, Portland ME 04102.

Upon arrival, please park in the hourly parking and go to the Baggage Claim area. Look for Hurricane Island Outward Bound School staff members – they will be wearing HIOBS apparel, and will have a sign or clipboard with the HIOBS logo (see below). Students may gather in the foyer between the escalator and baggage claim area of the airport starting around 1:00 pm. If you don't see HIOBS staff when you arrive, please sit tight and keep your eyes open for them. They are often moving around greeting students, helping gather baggage and answering questions. Students should check in as soon as possible with the HIOBS staff member, and then wait in one of the seating areas until we have accounted for everyone.

Arriving BY PLANE

Students must arrive BY 1:30PM. Our HIOBS staff and shuttle van will meet students at the airport. Once you get there, look for Hurricane Island Outward Bound School staff members – they will be wearing HIOBS apparel, and will have a sign or clipboard with the HIOBS logo (see below). Students may gather in the foyer between the escalator and baggage claim area of the airport starting around 1:00 pm. If you don't see HIOBS staff when you arrive, please sit tight and keep your eyes open for them. They are often moving around greeting students, helping gather baggage and answering questions. Students should check in as soon as possible with the HIOBS staff member, and then wait in one of the seating areas until we have accounted for everyone. Unaccompanied Minors - see note below.

If you are arriving early, we suggest purchasing food before going to baggage claim. There are very limited places to eat once you've exited security.

If you think it makes more sense for you to arrive directly at the Wheeler Bay base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS FLYING INTO Portland Airport.

PARENTS of students ages 13-16 who will be flying unaccompanied—please read carefully:

Recently, the airline industry has adopted stricter guidelines for children ages 16 and under flying unaccompanied by an adult. Each carrier has different rules about who must fly with Unaccompanied Minor (UM) status, depending on the minor’s age, the flight route and stops. This UM status will require an additional fee of $100-$150+, and may require additional forms. If your child is under 16 and is traveling without an adult, you MUST check to see if the airline you have chosen will designate them as an Unaccompanied Minor, and inform us of his/her status. This allows us to ensure we have sufficient staff at the airport to meet your child upon arrival, and/or accompany them until they board their flight after Course End. We cannot ensure this level of staff support without advance notice.

Your airline will ask you for a contact person and phone number as the designated "pick up" person. Please contact your Course Advisor to get these details.

NOTE: The airline may not apply this status when you originally book the travel, but may choose to do so at a later date. They may require you to upgrade to UM status (and pay the additional fee) when your child checks in with the airlines to fly to Course Start. WE STILL NEED TO KNOW – please call us if this happens. Some airlines may require students 13-15 years old to be designated as Unaccompanied Minors when they check in at the airport for departure at Course End – even if they weren’t designated as an UM on the originating flight, so please make sure to ask your airline about their policies at the time of booking.

Wheeler Bay Course End

COURSE END

Course will end at the Portland International Jetport (PWM). Please choose one of the departure options below:

Departing BY CAR

If you are being picked up at the Jetport, whoever is picking up should park in the hourly parking and then come to the Departures area. Our staff will be in the check-in/ departure area of the airport assisting those students who are traveling by air with their check-ins by around 12:30pm. Please check in with HIOBS staff before departing.

Departing BY PLANE

Please do not schedule a departing flight earlier than 1:30 PM. Our staff will assisting students in checking in by around 12:30pm. PLEASE SEE NOTES BELOW ABOUT FLYING AS AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR (any student below 16 years of age, flying without an adult).

If you think it makes more sense for you to be picked up directly from the Wheeler Bay base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.

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