David Flanders of Edgartown recently completed a 75-day course in Baja, Calif., with the National Outdoor Leadership School. Under the guidance of professional instructors, David and his fellow students hiked in the Sierra de la Lagunas mountains of southern Baja, and sea kayaked and sailed in the Sea of Cortez.

The students explored remote areas of the Baja peninsula while learning the fundamentals of backcountry living and travel, as well as the principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. The course began with 30 days of hiking in the rugged desert of the Sierra de la Lagunas, during which students learned basic backcountry camping and navigation skills. Students then spent three weeks sea kayaking on the coastline of the Sea of Cortez, where both ocean and volcanic coastal mountains meet the desert. They spent the weeks studying seamanship, basic paddling and rough water kayaking skills and learning about the natural history of the area. Students then transitioned into the final section of their course, which they spent sailing in yawl-rigged open boats called Drascombe Longboats. They practiced boat handling, navigation, anchoring and other nautical skills while traveling nearly 100 miles along the coast. Students left their course with a strong foundation in mountain and ocean backcountry travel, and a greater understanding of their own leadership strengths and styles.

Founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, the National Outdoor Leadership School runs courses from 10 days to a full academic year in length on five continents for students ages 14 to over 70. For details, call 800-710-NOLS (6657) or visit online nols.edu.