Happy Fourth of July

UIAA Medical Commission provides advice on contraception at altitude

OK, maybe the headlines were a little titillating or confusing, but there are real issues with climbing and drugs. As the article describes there are issues with any drug at altitude. Additionally some women take contraception to control the effects of menstruation cycle while they are climbing

No matter how titillating the medical issues and need for the article is real.

See Medical Commission gives advice on contraception at altitude. You can read the actual article at Contraception and Period Control at Altitude

The Second Issue of the Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Research (JUPTRR) published

We are pleased to announce the publication of our second issue of the Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Research (JUPTRR). The issue and individual articles are available online at http://juptrr.asp.radford.edu/Current.htm.

Thank you for your support of JUPTRR!

The next submission deadline is August 15^th and is a regular issue.  Manuscripts for the special issue on Dark Tourism will be accepted through February 15, 2010.

Please help spread the word!

CURRENT ISSUE

Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research

ISSN 1942-6879

Volume 2, Number 1, 2009

Turning monsters into people: A reflexive study of sex offenders and leisure

D J Williams

This arts-based study serves two interrelated purposes. First, it draws from multiple tales to illustrate reflexivity (and its benefits) between the author, research topic, and participants. Different forms of tales show multiple and diverse human interconnections and the complexity of understanding potential leisure among sex offenders. The importance of prioritizing reflexivity should not be underestimated, particularly when conducting research with populations that commonly are "othered" and sometimes demonized. Within a reflexive context, a poetic transcription from structured interviews with five sexual offender parolees is included to explore the possible essence of leisure as expe rienced by these men. The inclusion of evocative representations emphasizes commonalities of the human condition, yet also illustrates differences between people.

Doctrinal beliefs as a determinant of sin associated with select leisure activities

Steven N. Waller

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the association between religious doctrine and perceived sinful nature of 10 leisure activities identified by the congregation under study. A questionnaire was completed by 188 congregants of a predominately African American, Protestant church located in southern Ohio and results indicated a significant association between the source of belief — personal beliefs, scripture, and religious doctrine — and the belief that certain leisure pastimes are sinful. Results of the study suggest: (1) religious doctrine influences beliefs about the sanctity of leisure activities at the individual and congregational levels; (2) personal beliefs are the greatest determinant of perceived sin associated with select leisure pursuits; and (3) length of membership in a congregation influences beliefs about leisure.

Benefits of hiking: A means-end approach on the Appalachian Trail

Eddie Hill, Marni Goldenberg, and Barbara Freidt

The purpose of this research was to examine the outcomes prompting hiking along the Appalachian Trail (AT). By using means-end theory, linkages between attributes, consequences, and values of the AT hiking experience were made. The researchers conducted forty-three interviews of AT hikers. Self-fulfillment, self-reliance, fun and enjoyment of life, and warm relationships with others were some of the values that emerged. Specifically, strong links existed between hiking and exercise, exercise and health, health and fun and enjoyment of life. While this area of research on the AT is new, results of this study can be used by recreational professionals that work with the AT or other hiking trails to promote appropriate use of natural resources.

Pigskin and black belts: Can martial arts provide insight for competitive and aggressive sports like American football?

P. Brian Greenwood and Jerusha B. Greenwood

Competitive and aggressive sports provide recreational sport contexts for youth and adolescents across the globe. One of the most popular recreational sports worldwide is martial arts, a sport characterized as aggressive yet backed in the traditional form of the sport by a principled philosophy. The researchers engaged in naturalistic inquiry through full participant observation in a traditional martial arts club. The purpose of the research was to closely examine the teaching of traditional martial arts to determine whether lessons could be derived for competitive and aggressive sports like American football. Philosophical and psychological themes emerged from the research, including a counterbalanced ethic of nonviolence and restraint and achievement orientations reflective of the researchers' sport backgrounds, respectively.

Board member compete ncy: A Q methodology approach

Amy R. Hurd, Brent A. Beggs, and Paul Fokken

The purpose of this study was to use developed competencies to examine their importance to current public parks and recreation board members. This was done using Q methodology to determine profiles of public parks and recreation board members and the perceived value they assigned to specific competencies. A principle components analysis was used to factor analyze an 11 x 11 Q sort matrix. The results indicated there are three types of board members including the participatory, community representative, and conceptual nonpolitical. These three types had similarities and differences that demonstrated a better understanding of what competencies are important for board members to function efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Susan R. Van Patten

Executive Editor, Journal of Unconventional Parks, Tourism & Recreation Research

Acting Core Curriculum Director

Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism

Radford University

PO Box 6963

Radford VA 24142

(540) 831-7644

Waivers/Releases work in Colorado: Skier collision with snowmobile dismissed

Aspen Skiing Co. was sued in Federal District Court by a guest who collided with a snowmobile in 2006. The guest had signed a release when he purchased a season pass for Aspen Skiing Co. The Denver Federal District Court dismissed the suit, (probably on a motion for summary judgment.)

The plaintiff's attorney has stated he intends to appeal the decision.

The issues were, according to the plaintiff whether the snowmobile was traveling in a proper way and equipped and operated as required by the Colorado Skier Safety Act (CSSA). A witness reported that the "snowmobile did not have a flashing, siren-like light to warn skiers of its approach." However the CSSA does not require a flashing light. The act only requires a lighted headlight, a red tail lamp, a brake system and a fluorescent flag.

33-44-108. Ski area operators - additional duties.

(3) All snowmobiles operated on the ski slopes or trails of a ski area shall be equipped with at least the following: One lighted headlamp, one lighted red tail lamp, a brake system maintained in operable condition, and a fluorescent flag at least forty square inches mounted at least six feet above the bottom of the tracks.

Nor is there anything in the statute about how a snowmobile will be operated.

However many ski areas, to make their snowmobiles more visible, have mounted flashing lights all over the snowmobiles. Many are also equipped with sirens that are used to notify skiers of their location. Does this change the standard of care? Maybe, but it does not change the statute. Unless and until the statute is changed, the standard of care is probably, hopefully the statute.

For other blogs about the CSSA see Another Ski Area lawsuit and 8 Year old boy sued in Colorado for ski collision

For more information about the Colorado Skier Safety Act at the Outdoor Recreation Law Review see:

Case Brief: 1986 lawsuit against Winter Park raised question – where does the ski area officially begin and end?

Colorado Skier Safety Act

For the original article see: Signed waiver protects SkiCo from collision suit

Court Dismisses Bike Racer’s Lawsuit in PA

Paralyzed bike racer's suit against race organizer dismissed.

We wrote about this in Lawsuit filed against bicycle race organizer which has a discussion of the facts of the case.

The trial judge in this case dismissed the lawsuit because of the two releases the plaintiff had signed prior to the race. One of the releases was from USA Cycling.

The race, the Tour de 'Toona, was not held this year because of finances and the litigation.

However this litigation is not over, the plaintiff has said they will appeal the suit.

It is a very sad situation and all parties including the judge in his 30 page opinion expressed his sympathy for the plaintiff who is now paralyzed.

See Court dismisses biker's Tour lawsuit

Elite Running Coaches to Offer Training Talk at Boulder Running Company

Boulder, CO, USA - Internationally known running coach Bobby McGee and world champion marathoner Mark Plaatjes will host a discussion on run workouts and run training this July at Boulder Running Company. McGee and Plaatjes will discuss what road runners and triathletes can learn from each discipline's unique approach to run training.

• Bobby McGee and Mark Plaatjes
  
• Run Workouts for Runners and Triathletes Wednesday, July 1, 7:15-8:15 pm Boulder Running Company
  
• 2775 Pearl St # 103, Boulder, CO 80302
  
• www.boulderrunningcompany.com, (303) 786-9255 Free event
  

Discussion topics will include recovery vs. frequency, quantifying runs, crosstraining, periodizing training, and developing the abiliity to surge and attack.

All too often, runners and triathletes reach a plateau in fitness because they do the same type of training, week after week. To see improvements in fitness, athletes need to vary the kinds of workouts they do. This means mixing up endurance runs with hill repeats, intervals, and track workouts.

McGee has teamed up with Plaatjes to give runners of all levels a complete collection of workouts and training plans. Run Workouts for Runners and Triathletes is the perfect tool for self-coached athletes to add variety to their training.

Run Workouts for Runners and Triathletes features 21 training plans for all the most popular race distances; 5km, 10km, half-marathon, marathon, Olympic-distance triathlon, half-Ironman, and Ironman. Each plan offers three performance levels, and McGee explains precisely how runners can determine their training paces and balance hard days with easy days.

McGee offers new takes on the workouts all runners and triathletes should practice and master. Each training plan incorporates 80 fresh and challenging workouts including endurance runs, intervals, hills, Yassos, and a variety of tests and bricks. Runners and triathletes can pepper these workouts into their own training plans. Run Workouts for Runners and Triathletes is available now in bookstores, tri and running shops, and online. Autographed copies will be available at this event through Boulder Running Company.

Bobby McGee is an internationally certified track and field coach whose athletes have produced world records, won world championships, and been consistently ranked amongst the best in their events. He coaches runners and triathletes, and has worked with USA Triathlon preparing athletes for the 2004 and 2008 Olympic games. For more information on Bobby, please visit bobbymcgee.com.

Mark Plaatjes is the 1993 Marathon Gold medal winner at the World Track and Field championships. In addition to being a world champion, Mark's running record includes a win at the 1991 Los Angeles Marathon and a 6^th place finish in the 1993 Boston marathon. Mark owns a private physical therapy practice and specializes in treating runners and athletes. He currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, and coaches recreational and elite runners.

Why do I write this blog?

As you can see I get some intense comments on my posts. I welcome them, no matter how frightening they are to read. I believe they have value because they show other readers the other side of the lives that are affected when someone is injured or hurt in the outdoor recreation industry.

I try and direct this post at the idea that you should solve the problems before they become litigation. I think it is important to see how those people affected feel. Once you understand, to a very limited extent, what family members are going through you can help.

Litigation is not a resolution for either side to an injury or fatality. See Litigation costs a lot of money and It's Not Money.

It is very scary to read a post that starts out I am the mother or father of the child/person you post is about. That has happened twice in these pages. See Zip Line Fatality and Serious Disconnect: Why people sue. It is always a devastating state of affairs to when someone is injured. Worse when it is a son or daughter. It has been said that the worst thing to experience in life is the loss of a child.

Yet I believe these comments have value. Too often we look at accidents as disasters for us because of the possible bad PR or litigation and forget the families involved. That reaction then turns us off as humans and turns on an automated response.

We need to be human. We are human when we sell a fun and exciting trip or adventure. We are human when we watch our customers laugh or learn or explore. We are human as we serve up a mediocre dinner and laugh about it without customers who love it as fine cuisine.

I write this blog to inform, to be cynical, to educate but to also to remind you to be human.

Lawsuit filed against bicycle race organizer

It is always sad when a racer is injured, worse when one is paralyzed. For those of us who love to push the limits, it is a real mental argument whether life in wheelchair is life.

Sarah Scott filed a lawsuit against the Tour de 'Toona, a bicycle race in Martinsburg Borough Pennsylvania. As she was rounding a 90 degree turn she "left" the highway and crashed into a ditch. She suffered several shattered vertebrae and is paralyzed from the waist down.

Prior to entering the race she had signed two different releases. The plaintiff is arguing the defendants were reckless and advertised the race as "safe." The plaintiff claims that in past races there were at least two wrecks at the same location without incident and that hay bales should have been placed there as they were in other locations around the course.

However isn't that argument self defeating. If there had been other crashes without injury at a location, why would additional protection be needed?

The plaintiff's lawyer stated "You can't assume [a risk] that you can't see," which in most states is not true. As long as you know that there may be a ditch, or other problem and you continue the activity, you know and understand, you assume the risks.

The article states that there was a lot of emotion in the case. I suspect that this is very true. It is difficult to look at someone in a wheel chair. However the article also states the plaintiff wanted to move up in the cycling world. Between two releases that were signed, if properly written and a knowledgeable racer cycling in a race it is difficult to believe the case should not be dismissed.

Even if dismissed, it will be appealed. There is too much money at stake.

See Tour de 'Toona seeks lawsuit dismissal.

For additional Rec-Law blogs on the subject of bicycle racing or tours see Maybe a little premature on a post: RAGBRAI, and Cyclists suing over hole in bike path

For more cases on bicycle racing see Case Brief: NORBA release saves event operators when race release was lost, Case Brief: Kansas court finds for defendant in bicycle race lawsuit, Case Brief: Death during mountain bike race sparks lawsuit over failure to follow standards and checklists, Case Brief: City of New Orleans and Dog Owner not Responsible for Injured Cyclist, and Jurisdiction can affect the potential outcome of a case.

Grand Canyon Outfitter looking for Hiking Guides

Angel's Gate Tours

We have an immediate opening for a professional guide to lead sightseeing tours, day hikes and the occasional backpacking trip in Grand Canyon. Please contact us if you meet the following requirements:

+ Minimum WFR certified, with CPR. Higher medical certs OK.
+ Good driving record.
+ Must be able to pass Arizona DOT physical. Basic Motor Skills.
+ Outstanding Grand Canyon knowledge.
+ Hiking experience on all South Rim trails.

AGI is an EOE. If you meet the above qualifications please email a resume to job@grandcanyonhikingguide.com

http://www.angelsgatetours.com/

A New MA law will make every Outfitter’s life a pain

A new Massachusetts Data Security Law is causing a firestorm across the business world as it applies to any company that gathers information about ANY Massachusetts resident, no matter where the company is located.

The law requires companies to take measures to protect consumer data, evaluate possible risks to their stores of personal data and create a detailed plan for keeping that data safe.

Businesses in Massachusetts are fighting the law tooth and nail as it will require them to take a number of steps to fall into compliance. What many businesses around the country don't know is that they will also be liable to protect the data of their Massachusetts customers.

The law is a hot-button topic in Massachusetts and its spread will ignite a similar firestorm around the nation.

I can put you in touch with an identity theft protection expert from Identity Theft 911 who can offer your audience a more detailed look at the major components of the new law and surrounding issues at length.