Outdoor recreation takes military members on adventure trips Published July 20, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Brittney Frees 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- From rock climbing on the red sandstone cliffs in Wasgau, to scuba diving in Holland, the outdoor recreation office here offers anyone with a valid identification card or pass who can access the base the opportunity to experience outdoor adventures throughout Europe. In addition to the many adventure trips throughout Europe, outdoor recreation also offers classes for scuba-diving certification and photography. Sabers can take day trips to go caving and rappelling for $40 per person or paintballing in Oberweis, Germany, for $15 per person. River cruises and sailing experiences are available too. "The Red Sea trip my family and I went on was one of the best trips of my life," said John Dymond, 52nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment repair technician. Outdoor recreation also offers a high ropes course for $40 per person that includes transportation, gear, a guide and admission. For people looking for a mental and physical challenge, the office offers a day trip for a high-ropes course in Traben Trarbach. "Outdoor recreation is here for the Spangdahlem community," said Michael Kirsch, 52nd Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation programmer. "Our staff strives to provide the best outdoor adventures in Europe." Outdoor recreation gives Sabers the opportunity to rent equipment like tents, canopies, cots, grills, stoves, dunk tanks and even bouncy castles for a daily charge. If Sabers do not want to rent equipment, they can also purchase their own outdoor gear, and sports gear through outdoor recreation. Sabers can pay $25 to have their snowboards waxed, repaired and the edges sharpened. Outdoor Recreation also restrings racquets and performs routine maintenance on bicycles, skis and snowboards. For more information, visit http://www.52fss.com under the sports and recreation section or call DSN 452-7170.