Odyssey Adventure Racing Academy (OARA) is the longest running adventure racing school in America and is respected as "the most inclusive" place to learn adventure racing in the country. Aspiring adventurers of all levels will learn and receive adventure race certifications in Navigation/Orienteering, Whitewater and Flatwater Paddling/Swimming, and Fixed Ropes, the necessary adventure racing skills while attending the academy. We will also teach  Mountain Biking skills and field repairs, along with Team roles/dynamics, training, nutrition, hydration, supplementation, race strategy, maximizing efficiency in all areas, foot/body care, pre-race planning, what/how to pack, gear - required vs not, supported vs. unsupported factors/planning.

Students of all experience levels participate in the 4-day or 6-day course that, in addition to covering the disciplines listed below, focus on physical training, race strategy, team dynamics and outdoor survival skills. Activities are held in scenic locations throughout the New River Gorge National River. Instructors are accomplished adventure racers and experts in the various disciplines.

The course is designed to address the varying skill levels of the students. These classes are also for those who do not necessarily want to race but who want to acquire expert instruction in all or any of these areas. The Academy, which has been featured in many national and regional media outlets, offers the following curriculum:

Navigation/Orienteering
Military navigators and experienced adventure racers teach map and compass skills that students later use in daytime and nighttime orienteering exercises through the forests surrounding The New River Gorge.

Whitewater and Flatwater Paddling/Swimming
Experienced river guides and adventure racers teach paddling, river swimming & river rescue skills as students negotiate class I-II+ rapids on the historic New River.

Fixed Ropes
Professional rock climbers and adventure racers provide training in belay set-up, customized ascending, traversing and rappelling using fixed ropes. Instruction takes place along the "Endless Wall," one of the premier climbing locations in the East.

Mountain Biking
Mountain bike racing champions and adventure racers share riding techniques and field repair tips. Students then take to scenic fire roads and single-track trails to test out their skills..

Racing
Participants in the Academy's 6-day course will participate in a 12 Hr Adventure Race designed for the student only and receive a 50% discount for the Odyssey One Day Hour Adventure Race.

Other topics covered: Team roles/dynamics, training, nutrition/hydration/supplementation, strategy, maximizing efficiency in all areas, foot/body care, pre-race planning, what/how to pack, gear - required vs not, supported vs. unsupported factors/planning