Riding around on a dune buggy in the desert under the Yuma sun or jet skiing at Lake Martinez may seem like an expensive or unrealistic thing to do as a weekend activity while stationed at MCAS Yuma. But, Arizona Adventure proves that it’s not.
Arizona Adventures, a recreation equipment rental and activity service department under Marine Corps Community Services, houses ATVs, dirt bikes, camping equipment, paint guns, mountain bikes and many other items. Military members and DoD civilian employees can rent equipment from Arizona Adventures or take part in their group events throughout the year with no to very little out of pocket expense.
Anthony Aviles, an Arizona Adventures employee, tests one of its jet skis at Lake Martinez, Ariz.
Because some of the equipment requires specific safety training, Arizona Adventures offers pre-rental safety courses and, in some cases, requires that trained staff oversee the usage of the equipment during group rentals. The great part of having an Arizona Adventure staff member on your trip is that they take care of organizing the transportation and safe use of the equipment, allowing you to focus on having a great time.
Although Arizona Adventures is located on station and easily accessible, there is still a mystery behind what is offered.
“We are an outdoor facility,†said Bill Cardenas, Arizona Adventures outdoor director. “We provide outdoor activities and programming for our Marines on station and our DoD employees.â€
Specific activities provided by Arizona Adventures include water sports such as jet skiing, boating and tubing, and land sports such as ATV, dirt bike and mountain bike trail riding. The group events can be reserved through the Operation Adrenaline Rush program, which is for Marines returning from deployment; for military units looking for a way to build teamwork and camaraderie; or for eligible patrons seeking a fun way to enjoy Yuma. Some events are free of charge while others have a fee in addition to renting the equipment.
“Everybody can enjoy the same equipment,†said Cardenas. “The only difference is, if you’re coming back from deployment, it’s free. Otherwise, you can still do programming. It will just be a small charge.â€
For more information about how to rent equipment or sign up for an Arizona Adventures event, call (928) 269-2848 or visit www.mccsyuma.com and look under the recreation tab.
Andrea Beach, an ATV Safety Institute and Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor, gives a safety class to the Marines before setting out on an ATV trail at MCAS Yuma, June 4, 2012. This class teaches the Marines how to minimize risk and maximize safety while still having fun.
