The inside of a nondescript warehouse just east of the Missouri S&T campus seems an unusual place to begin any outdoor adventure. Inside are canoes, kayaks and other outdoor gear waiting to be rented out to Missouri S&T students, staff, alumni and anyone living near Rolla.

Katherine Ramsay, right, and Megan Flatt canoe on the Meramec River near Rolla. Photos by B.A. Rupert
Matt Crinnian, a senior nuclear engineering student from Webb City, Mo., works inside the warehouse space that’s home to OAR, which stands for Outdoor Activities and Rentals and is a committee run through S&T’s Student Union Board.
“OAR rents out a wide array of equipment ranging from the usual canoes, kayaks and rafts all the way to tents, sleeping bags and sporting equipment,” says Crinnian.
Floating opportunities abound only 20 minutes east or west of campus, where there are access points to the Gasconade and Meramec rivers, two of the most popular rivers to float in Missouri.
Students and staff can rent kayaks for $15 and canoes for $25 a weekend.
Don’t have camping gear? OAR also rents propane stoves, coolers, backpacks and even a GPS unit.

Matt Crinnian maneuvers one of OAR’s kayaks.
“Our prices are usually about half that of our competitors,” says Crinnian.
OAR’s price list is available on its website.
For adventurers desiring a group activity or just wanting a journey planned by someone with experience, OAR also organizes group float trips and also a combination zip-lining and rock climbing trip near Branson.
“I can confidently say we have something awesome in the works so keep an eye out for when that becomes a reality,” Crinnian says.
OAR is located at 18th and Holloway streets, next to Truman Elementary School. Email oar@mst.edu or call 573-341-6488 for more information.
Video and story by Terry Barner
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