6 Common Misconceptions About a HIOBS Course- Outward Bound

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6 Common Misconceptions About Taking a HIOBS Course

Believe it or not, most students sign up for a Hurricane Island Outward Bound School (HIOBS) course without any prior knowledge of particular activities or prior outdoor experience. Fear not—we are here to provide you with everything you need to have an incredible, safe, comfortable, and fun experience in the field!

We're here to help.

From thinking you need to be an expert hiker, swimmer, kayaker, etc., to worrying about your personal hygiene, we’re here to answer your burning questions, soothe any nerves, and reassure you that your upcoming HIOBS course will be an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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1. Outward Bound is really difficult & only for people with outdoor experience.

One of the most common misconceptions about Outward Bound courses is that you need to have prior outdoor experience in order to take part in one. This is far from the truth! When you sign up for a course, you’re just as ready as you need to be. In fact, the typical student has no outdoor experience, and we assume you’ve never put hiking boots on, seen the ocean, cooked from a camp stove, etc. If you do come with skills, it’s always great to lend a helping hand to your fellow crew members!

2. Outward Bound is only for teens & "troubled youth."

Throughout our 60-year history, HIOBS has offered a variety of expeditions and programs focused on a wide array of participants. While many of our offerings have changed and evolved over time, we continue to provide outdoor opportunities for people of all ages and demographics—from students (middle and high school) and adults (18+), to Veterans and professionals. We believe that learning occurs at all stages of life, and the social, emotional, and teamwork components of our courses offer benefits for people of every age. As our Director of Talent & Culture, Eli Walker, says, “Any stage in someone’s life is a good stage to do an Outward Bound course.”

3. Your need to be an experienced swimmer.

Many individuals take a HIOBS course without knowing how to swim. Fear not—we have accommodations for these students! On all of our sailing, sea kayaking, canoeing, & whitewater courses, students are equipped with a PFD, regardless of their skillset. For those who are uncomfortable in the water, we offer two PFDs: one for swimming and one to keep on deck/use while underway. Our instructors also give students the opportunity/choice to improve their swimming skills!

4. Good hygiene is difficult to maintain on course.

While you won’t have the luxury of taking a shower or bath during your expedition, you will be able to do basic cleanup every day—i.e. washing your hands (several times a day), brushing your teeth, washing your face, and combing your hair. On some courses, you will swim every day, and on courses where that isn’t possible, swimming and dipping in the lakes or the ocean is included as often as we possibly can. As you can imagine, there’s nothing like some cold, refreshing water to wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead!

In addition to everything mentioned above, maintaining health and well-being in the wilderness is important to us, and outdoor hygiene is taught on every course. To learn more, you can check out our Course FAQs and download our Self-care on Course document to learn more.

Course FAQs Self-Care Sheet

5. There is a lot of downtime with nothing to do

Our students often wonder what they’ll do during those times when there’s “nothing to do” on course, especially without their cell phones or access to other technology. Rest assured that there is ALWAYS something to do while you’re on your Outward Bound course!

If you’re on a pulling boat, there are rotating stations: individuals are either navigating, on the helm/bow watch, handling the sails, etc. And when you anchor for the night, it’s then time for the cooks to prepare dinner while everyone else sets up the sleeping tarp.

In the field on a land-based expedition, there is a similar structure with shared tasks, responsibilities, and both team and individual projects that teach skills and help keep everything running smoothly. Having something to do at all times makes it easy to adapt to course life and learn to live in the moment. For those who struggle with social anxiety and are nervous about group dynamics on course with people they’ve never met, remember that everyone is in the same boat, learning together, and there is always personal downtime scheduled throughout your course as well.

6. Course food is bad, and it’s difficult to accommodate food allergies

SO false! People are often surprised that not only are meals on course actually good, but cooking them can be fun! There’s nothing like having a hot bowl of coconut curry after a long day of hiking, or waking up and munching on fried bagels with cream cheese after your morning dip.

Food allergies and dietary restrictions are extremely common, and there is almost always at least one person per group who needs accommodations met. HIOBS is well prepared for these, and our instructors pack-out food with a lot of care and attention to these factors before the course starts. Always share any special dietary needs with your Course Advisor, so we can make sure you’re well taken care of while you’re with us!