From SoulCycle to SUP, Recreational Sports Features Free, Fun Classes

From SoulCycle classes to kayaking on the bay and evenings at the golf driving range, the Recreational Sports program is offering a selection of free fun, healthy, and community building activities for Dominican students this fall. 

The goal is for students to connect with each other while enjoying Marin’s many options for outdoor exercise and relaxation, says Matthew Gaulding, Recreational Sports and Allen Sports Club Manager.

The golf driving range and the hiking programs are particularly popular this semester, Gaulding says, particularly as Marin is enjoying daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and warm evenings. “It’s the perfect time to get outdoors,” he notes. 

Biology Edgard Morazan ’22 has participated in Recreational Sports since his freshman year. “During my experience with Dominican Rec Sports, I have found time to step away from my student responsibilities to be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery from hikes around Marin County and also to enjoy casual games of volleyball the last couple of years,” says Morazan, a member of the men’s soccer team.

Below are some of the options available this semester:

Spin Classes at SoulCycle
Recreational Sports has partnered with SoulCycle in nearby Larkspur to offer a weekly Dominican cycle – as well as shoe rentals – on Tuesdays from 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. through December 8. SoulCycle has moved its indoor spin classes outdoors in order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. 

Kayak and SUP Paddle
With Dominican located close to the San Francisco Bay and an expansive network of inland waterways, both kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are popular water sports. Students can sign up for a two-hour kayak or SUP paddle through Dominican’s partnership with 101 Surf Sports. Just reserve a spot 24 hours in advance for a Friday departure at either 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. Bring the receipt to Rec Sports for reimbursement. 

Golf Driving Range at McInnis Park
The McInnis Park Golf Course is only four miles north of the Dominican campus. Every Friday from 7-9 p.m. students are invited to practice their golf skills at the driving range. Rec Sports has three driving range stalls reserved and will provide unlimited balls to hit. Students can borrow clubs from the pro shop, and Dominican golf coach Gary Nelson will stop by during some sessions to teach lessons.

Sunday Hikes around Marin
Marin County is home to miles of amazing hiking trails and some of the most beautiful coastline in California. Every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Rec Sports will lead a socially distanced group hike to locations throughout the county. Recent hikes have included the Marin Headlands – where students enjoyed stunning views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse – and the Gold Hill Fire Road Trail, which climbs San Pedro Mountain and offers great views of campus, San Rafael, and the San Francisco Bay. 

In-Person and Online Fitness Classes
Students wishing to stay on campus to exercise can take advantage of a new partnership with Novato’s The Room, which offers a variety of fitness classes including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), metabolic conditioning, strength, and mindful movement. Most classes are online via Zoom live stream or on-demand videos. Following Marin County guidelines, Dominican is hosting in-person sessions on Tuesdays from noon-1 p.m. in front of Conlan Gymnasium. Students must bring their own mat/towel and water. The area will be sanitized and participants are required to socially distance.

Other Recreational Sports classes include Zumba, now offered in-person every Thursday, and Yoga, also offered both online and in person. Rec Sports currently is developing an E-sports program with Men's Soccer, launching a pilot program with a three-week FIFA soccer tournament in order to develop schedules and leagues before a formal launch this winter.

The full menu of courses offered by Recreational Sports is here, along with links to RSVP for specific classes. Dominican faculty and staff also may participate in classes, space permitting. For more information, contact Matthew.Gaulding@Dominican.edu.