Back in 1981, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center was two 40-foot cargo containers. Now the SSAC, located on Lake Natoma, forms a 2,000-meter course and just passed its 25-year-mark.

The SSAC has a variety of activities for Sac State students and the general public such as clubs, classes, clinics, and programs. Students receive discounted prices on the classes and clinics offered at the SSAC. The SSAC is the home of the Sac State Hornet women’s rowing novice, second varsity eight and varsity eight, who won the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association championship on April 30.

“The Aquatic Center is one of the most impressive facilities in the nation and is a showcase facility for Sacramento State and our athletic program,” Athletic Director Terry Wanless said. “We are very fortunate as a school and community to have such a place.”

Classes on rowing, kayaking and canoeing, sailing and windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing and wakeboarding are all offered at the SSAC.

All class prices depend on hours and whether someone is a Sac State student, affiliate or part of the general public. Students can go online at www.csusaquaticcenter.com to locate the classes and prices that best fit their interests.

“Our students are provided a number of program opportunities that-are unique to our campus,” said Wanless.

The SSAC also offers many classes in P.E./Kinesiology that Sac State students can take and earn units. Students who wish to register for these classes must do so on the Casper registration system. First class meetings are on-campus with following classes meeting at the Aquatic Center. The clinics are similar to the classes ranging through each sport, except rowing. Prices vary and can be located online.

The SSAC offers four different clubs that students can join, but must pay the general affiliation costs. A paddling club, a sailing club, and a rowing club are offered, and memberships are either bought as a family or individual.

Beginning or novice members must complete one of the basic classes or a private lesson to have access to the equipment or to join the clubs.

Some special events like the Golden State Indoor Championships, Sac State Adventure Race, Pacific Coast Rowing Championships, Pac-10 Championships, SW Junior Championships and many more take place at the SSAC.

“We host some of the most competitive events on the west coast because of the quality of the facility, including average temperatures, calm waters and being shielded from the wind on most occasions,” said Wanless. “It is a great facility for our community as it provides a number of services related to water safety, which is of great benefit to our regional population.”

Any student-athlete from a Sacramento high school can join the Capital Crew, which is the local rowing team.

The SSAC is 15 miles from campus, but students can take the Folsom light rail, get off on the Hazel exit and take a 3/4-mile path that travels over Highway 50 to the Center, said Brian Vulgar, Director of the SSAC.

The SSAC is located on 1901 Hazel Ave. in Gold River.

Karyn Gilbert can be reached at [email protected]