After a rigourous three weeks, the class of ’13 has wrapped up their first trail project with Capilano University under the tutalage of Jay Hoots of Hoots Inc. and Daniel Scott of IMBA Canada’s Trail Solutions.

Like every year to date, the first semester’s project is all about building sustainable beginner trail.  Why you ask?  Well, it is the firm belief of the instructors that the students need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of trail design and all that it entails prior to getting caught up with the notions of "sick jumps, dirty berms, and rad wall rides".  Instead they are stressed the importance of concepts such as understanding site hydrology, how other user types perceive trail specs, good drainage, and much more.

"trail"

"Rocksling"

Despite a broken hand, student Zak, helps out his group by constructing a rock sling for moving larger rocks.

Now in its seventh year, the program continues to attract students from around the nation, continent and globe.  This year’s class contains individuals from all over Canada, the United States, Brazil and Switzerland.

For a third year running, Capilano has been building this first semester project in Kinnikinnick Park, situationed in the northwest quadrant of the town of Sechelt, found on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.  What started as an experiment with uncertainties from the District, the neighbours and even the instructors has now flourished into some absolutely beautiful, fun beginner trail.  The local school kids (~450) have direct access to this area and school clubs are making the most of this new, evolving ammenity.  Neighbours that were once skeptics are now stopping by to thank the students for all their hard work while out on their morning walk.  Most importantly the students are learning how to build great, fun trail while leaving a lasting legacy in the community that has opened itself (and its forests) to this rambunctious group of young rippers.

Well done students!

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Photo credit – Jay Hoots

For more information on this program, please follow this LINK.