Your journey begins...
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.
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.
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.
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 typically take the form of a running and/or swimming activity, though may include another element that you learned during your course. 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.
Sea Kayaking
- Boat fit and packing techniques
- Paddle Strokes, braces, and rolling
- Open water rescue techniques
- Towing
- Surfing
- Beach camping
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
- Recreate Responsibly wilderness ethics
- Nutrition and ration planning
- Navigation using map/chart & compass
Group Dynamics
- Leadership and decision making
- Followership and expedition behavior
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Individual and group goal setting
- Independence and Interdependence
- Community Building and Empathy
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.
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.
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.
Please make sure to click on the drop-downs below and read through all the information!
Please bring all Required Clothing & Gear
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, Campmorand Eastern Mountain Sportswill have a range of appropriate items to choose from. Discount retailers, like Sierra Trading Postand 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 Goodwilland The Salvation Army.
The HIOBS website has some great items. A complete collection of HIOBS-recommended-for-course items can be found HERE. Please contact your course advisor for suggestions.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
Tops
- 2 Long Underwear Tops: Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene, or other synthetics; silk is less effective—NO COTTON. Light or medium weight.
- 2-3 Sports Bras: Quick-drying synthetic bras.
- 2 Synthetic T-Shirts: Can be 50/50 blend of cotton/polyester, but all synthetics dry faster. Long sleeves are preferable for sun and bug protection.
- 1-2 Cotton T-Shirts: Nice for dry weather or for sleeping in.
- 1 Wind Jacket: Lightweight, breathable, unlined nylon jacket.
- 1 Warm Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater: 300-weight Polartec® or the equivalent in wool or pile. A full front zipper helps you vent and makes layering easier.
- 1 Fleece or Wool Shirt or Vest: Can be 100- or 200-weight Polartec or equivalent in wool or pile.
- 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.
- 1 Hooded Rain Jacket: Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak.
Bottoms
- 4-7 pairs Underwear: Synthetic fabrics work best, but cotton is okay.
- 2 Long Underwear Bottom: 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 Rain Pants: Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak.
Additional Clothing
- 1 Swim Suit: One-piece quick-drying swimsuit, t-shirt and/or sports bra and shorts, or lightweight swim shorts
- 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 set Travel Clothes: Clean clothes for the trip home (will not be worn during the course/on expedition)
Head, Hands, & Feet
- 1 Sun Hat: For sun protection, either a broad-brimmed hat with chin strap or a baseball cap.
- 1 Winter Hat: Make sure it covers your ears when you pull it down. Wool or synthetic only.
- 1 Head Net: Fine mesh bug net that will fit over your head, to be worn as needed on land.
- 2-3 pair Socks: Thick wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON.
- 1-2 pairs Light Socks: Thin synthetic socks that can be layered under thick socks for additional warmth.
- 1 pair Running Socks: Synthetic socks.
- 1 pair Running Sneakers: Full-coverage, below-the-ankle, athletic footwear
- 1 pair Crocs or Water Sandals: Crocs- Closed-cell resin clogs with partial foot coverage, drainage and ventilation holes, and a heel strap OR Water Sandals- Appropriate design for OB courses with heel straps, and toe caps or bumpers. For Sea Kayaking expeditions: beaches can be very slippery and contain sharp rocks, so it is important that shoes have good grip on the bottom and fit feet closely.
Personal Items
- 1 Headlamp & Batteries: Minimum three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Bring one set of alkaline batteries per week of course. Preferred: a style that offers a red-light mode for preserving night vision.
- 1 Water Bottle: 32 oz. water bottle. Wide-mouth makes filling easier.
- Spoon: Spoon can be metal or plastic (bring an extra spoon if possible).
- 1 Pack Towel: A synthetic, wringable towel, also called a chamois, a sports towel or a swimmer’s towel. No cotton.
- Watch: Make sure it’s waterproof and inexpensive. Stopwatch, light, and alarm are useful functions. Smart watches are NOT permitted on the course.
- Sunglasses: Bring a strap to hold them on and a hard-sided case to protect them when you’re not wearing them.
- Journal/Notebook + Pen: 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.)
- 1-2 Bandannas: Useful for cleaning sunglasses, as pot holders, and more.
- 3-4 Plastic Bags: Gallon-sized Ziploc®-type with a closure for keeping things dry or separating wet items
- Basic Toilet Kit: Toothbrush, small trial-size toothpaste, comb, brush, and dental floss.
- 1-2 Hand Sanitizers: Pocket sized squeeze bottle of hand sanitizer
- Course End Toiletries: Towel, soap and shampoo, deodorant, etc. for the course end shower and to prep for travel home.
- 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.
- Lip Balm: Minimum SPF 30.
- 1 Insect Repellent: Bring a small unbreakable container, 10-50% DEET. And/or Avon Skin So Soft. Do not bring aerosol sprays.
- 2 sets Prescription Medication (if needed): MUST be in original bottles or vials. The extra set is just in case the medication gets lost or damaged.
- 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.
- Insurance Card: If you have health insurance, please bring your card, or a clear photocopy of both sides of it.
- $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.
Optional Clothing & Gear
These are NOT required items. Please only buy them if you plan to use them outside of your course.
- Hooded Rain Jacket & Rain Pants: Outward Bound will issue you sailing rain (“foul weather”) gear, but in light rain or spray, lightweight gear is often more comfortable. Can be Gore-Tex or coated nylon. Make sure that the seams are taped or welded so they can’t leak.
- 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 pair 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.
- Camera: Due to the risk of damage from weather and the expedition, we suggest that if you bring a camera it should be waterproof and durable. A disposable camera is a great choice - just make sure to read the directions so you know how to use it on course! 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.
- Swimming Cap: Useful if you have long hair.
- 1+ Ear Plugs: Swimmers’ type may increase swimming comfort by preventing water from entering your ears. Foam earplugs may block out noise for improved sleep.
- Foot Powder: Corn starch, baby powder or Gold Bond all work. Maximum size: 4oz.
- Extra pair Water/River Shoes: 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
Please note that Outward Bound provides all other equipment, including (but not limited to):
- Sleeping Bags & Pads
- Backpacks or Sea Duffels
- Shelter (tents or tarps)
- Cookware
- Food (3 meals/day + snacks)
- PFD (Personal Flotation Device) as needed
- Foul Weather Gear (for Sailing courses)
HIOBS Instructors will carry a fully stocked First Aid kit. You do not need to bring your own first aid kit or "just in case" OTC medications that you do not regularly take if they are listed below.
This kit includes, but is not limited to:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen (non-aspirin)
- Aspirin
- Laxatives
- Anti-diarrheal
- Antacids
- Decongestant
- Antihistamine (Benadryl or similar)
- Sea-sickness medication
- Band-Aids/Bandages
Click on the "+" links below for travel information.
Please review the times and locations for Course Start and Course End as you plan your travel to and from course.
Do not purchase any travel tickets until your Course Advisor has given the "go-ahead" to book travel for your course. This message will be in either your Cleared to Participate email or a separate message confirming the course is cleared to book travel.
Travel details (flights and drop-offs) are due to your Course Advisor 10 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. You will receive a Travel Form link from your course advisor. Please complete this form, even if you are being dropped off by car.
Students flying without an adult/guardian may need to bring an ID 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.
COURSE START
Arrival Location: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102
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.
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 Outward Bound base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
COURSE END
Departure Location: Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102
Please do not schedule a departing flight earlier than 1:30 PM. Our staff will assisting students in checking in by around 12:30pm.
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.
If you think it makes more sense for you to be picked up directly from the Outward Bound base, please contact your Course Advisor to discuss alternate arrangements.
Changes to Travel Prior to Course Start
If you encounter changes to your travel plans after you have submitted your Travel Form, please contact your Course Advisor to update them about the change.
Delays on the Day of Travel
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival, please refer to the on-call number(s) in the "Final Details" email you received (will receive) 2-days before course start. Keep in mind that your course advisor may not be in the office on your travel day and will not be able to assist you with travel delays. So it is important that you contact the number noted in the Final Details email to notify your program team of the delay.
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