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.

$4.7 million dollar verdict in climbing wall case against Alpine Towers in South Carolina Court

Expert witnesses appear to be the reason the jury found for plaintiff; who are they?

Numerous reports are available online about a jury decision in a South Carolina case awarding $4.7 million to a paralyzed man who fell while climbing. The facts, as reported, state the man fell after his belayer failed to catch him. The belayer lost her grip on the rope and the plaintiff fell 20 feet to the floor shattering a vertebrae.

The family after the verdict stated they hope the verdict would "lead to improved safety conditions at similar climbing walls across the country." Post verdict it is difficult to determine if this was a pre litigation sentiment, but it is always interesting to hear a plaintiff voice a reason for suing other than money.

The plaintiff:

"cited faulty design, saying the belay equipment lacked an automatic locking device that could have prevented Keeter's [plaintiff] fall. The suit also said Alpine did not adequately train Fort Mill High School faculty members."

"You don't put kids in a position where their lives literally hang in the balance based on the attentiveness of other kids," Harpootlian [plaintiff's attorney] said Friday. "That is what our experts hammered."

Negligent design and/or construction and negligent training of the staff by the defendant appear to be the claims the plaintiff succeeded in proving. Negligent design and/or construction in this case is going to have major affects if all climbing walls are supposed to use auto locking belay devices. The reason is auto locking belay devices have people problems also. I have never heard or found a case where an auto locking belay device failed, however I know of dozens of situations and several suits where the belayer used the auto locking belay device improperly.

Negligent instruction is always available when the people trained want to pass the buck or in an effort to CYA act dumb. Besides, memories fails. Here again, this will just lead to more paperwork as climbing wall builders attempt to prove they trained adequately by leaving behind documents.

See Verdict brings 'closure' for student hurt in climbing wall fall.

This case if better facts come out could have a major effect on the climbing wall industry and challenge course industry.

I've also been told by several people that it was an Alpine Tower's Tower, not a climbing wall but a tower.

For other blogs about climbing wall cases see: UK court holds climber 75% responsible for his injuries, Child falls on auto belay at climbing wall, Update on climbing wall accident at Wood River YMCA Climbing Wall, Climbing accident at Ketchum Idaho indoor Climbing Wall and Student suing school district for climbing wall injury.

For Law Review Articles about climbing wall cases see: Warning labels found to be inadequate in climbing harness that was improperly clipped in, Case Brief: Climber's Suit Against Belayer Denied and Update on Releases: Climbing walls and health clubs.

Patagonia Mountaineering School Needs a Full Time Manager

So, the time has come. We've gotten bigger and it's time to hire a full time manager. 

We're looking for someone (or a couple), full time, year round, to help run our mountaineering school. You'd spend most of the year in Chile, and part of the year in Alaska. 

Ideally, you can speak both Spanish (pretty fluently) and English (very fluently), but we'd be willing to speak to someone with a knack for learning languages, who is willing to learn Spanish. 

You need to be very computer literate. And by this, I don't just mean that you can type and use excel (these are minimums in the 21^st century). We're looking for someone who is familiar with the internet and how it can be leveraged for a small business.  Social networking (Facebook, twitter), search (Google, bing), and paid search (adwords) are all important components of our business, and we would like someone who is familiar with most or all of these from a business prospective.  Programming experience (html, php, or Dreamweaver) is helpful, but not necessary.

You'll also be responsible for our basecamp, client relations, and numerous other responsibilities.

If you (or someone you know) may be interested, please see our full job description/application form at www.mountainguideschool.com/docs/manager.pdf. 

Thanks a ton and we hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

Ben and Jaya

2nd Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS)

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

for the

2^nd Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS)

at the

2010 National Conference on Outdoor Leadership

 

Estes Park, Colorado

February 17-20, 2010

 

Submissions to the 2^nd annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) are now being accepted. OLRS is intended to provide a forum for practitioners and scholars to share recent and on-going research related to outdoor leadership. The symposium is being held in conjunction with the National Conference on Outdoor Leadership, sponsored annually by the Wilderness Education Association (WEA). The goal of this symposium is to help promote the development of evidence-based practice in the field of outdoor leadership. Submissions will be blind peer-reviewed and judged according to their relevance to the field of outdoor leadership as well as the basic quality of the research conducted. Presenters will have 15 minutes to present their research, followed by five minutes of questions. Accepted abstracts will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL). (For more information on JOREL please see www.ejorel.com)

 

Eligibility of proposals:

1. Only studies that have not been previously published or presented should be submitted.
   
2. Only studies that are completed or near completion should be submitted. A full report of findings and conclusions are expected at the presentation and in the published abstract.
   
3. Authors of accepted proposals must register for the conference by the early registration deadline. Any presenter who fails to do so will be dropped from the research symposium. Please do not submit an abstract unless you are committed to attending the symposium.
   
4. Abstracts must be submitted no later than November 1, 2009. Authors will be notified by December 15, 2009 regarding the status of their submissions. Authors must submit revised abstracts by January 15, 2010 for inclusion in a book of abstracts to be distributed at the symposium.
   

 

Submission guidelines:

1. Abstracts should be no more than two pages in length, using Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides), and single spacing.
   
2. Abstracts should follow standard formatting for journal articles: Background (which includes the introduction, review of literature, and statement of hypotheses/research questions), Methods (which includes a description of site, sample, instrument, procedures, and analysis), Results, Discussion, and References (which may be listed on a third page). Conceptual articles may use alternative headings.
   
3. Abstracts should be written and formatted according to the guidelines of the APA Publication Manual (5^th Edition).
   
4. A cover page should be included providing the following information: abstract title, names and affiliations of all authors, and contact information (including phone, fax, and email) of the principal author.
   
5. Documents should be saved in Microsoft Word format.
   
6. Abstracts that do not adhere to these guidelines may be rejected without further review.
   
7. Abstracts should be submitted to Bruce Martin at martinc2@ohio.edu by November 1, 2009. "2010 OLRS Abstract" should be written in the subject heading.
   

 

Questions regarding the Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium should be addressed to the symposium co-chairs: Bruce Martin at martinc2@ohio.edu or 740-593-4647; or, Marni Goldenberg at mgoldenb@calpoly.edu or 805-756-7627.

Change

Change is a constant. That about sums up my knowledge on this ball circling the sun. As it nears the end of another rotation for me (my birthday) I am thinking about change. I hope I am doing OK on the issue of change. I find myself skipping a lot of instructions for some things and just reading what I want to learn, rather than learning everything the new gadget does. I attribute that to time, not a resistance to change. I hope I am right.

What I see in my friends and family that are older and a few younger, is a resistance to change. That frustrates me as I attempt to help them. I have a friend whose business is going under, to some extent because they never adopted new business techniques. Their argument is email is not personal and a phone call is. I've never considered a phone call personal, at best an annoyance. Worst, I never get this client on the phone for days; they are always on the phone talking and are always days behind. They might consider email or texting or whatever to be impersonal, but it is a lot better than voicemail.

Change is important in your business. Not just the changes in the law I write about all the time here, but change in what you and your business need to do. Change in your customers. Can you expect them to come to the same section of whitewater year after year after year and not get bored? Change is needed for all of us, you, your business and your customers.

Resistance to change is also a major problem in a business. If you don't look at changing and evolving and moving on, you will slip behind. I have a great client who from day one was working on his exit plan. He is working at putting that plan into place and doing so many years before either of us expected. He embraces and looks forward to change. He sees change as opportunity, not as something to fear.

Before law school I sold insurance. Every time we had a rate increase the insurance salesman would groan. We would lose customers as they went looking for cheaper automobile insurance. One agent always smiled. I asked him why and he said more money. We were paid a commission of 15% of the automobile insurance premium and any increase was more money in our pocket. That is called looking forward to change.

However what bothers me is the possibility that I may become resistant to change. That I get stuck in a world or a time and due to whatever reason refuse to keep moving forward, thus sliding backward. I am writing this as a reminder for me as well as you. I hope someone reminds me to read it. I am also writing this for my friends and my nieces and nephews. I think my nieces and nephews will end up being in charge of the issue of change. When I refuse to, it is time for the home basically. If I can't embrace, not just accept and enjoy change it is over.

So nieces and nephews I want you to tell me about the latest and greatest. Whether music that I can't understand the lyrics or gadgets or technology, it is your job to kick me in the butt and make me stay up with change. It will be your job to remind me to change. To accept change, to embrace, and to love change. To laugh at me when I refuse to change and to love me when I don't want to change…as you shove my wheelchair over the cliff.

Ortovox CheckandRide

I have an Ortovox
CheckandRide. I've spent hours looking at it trying to "figure it out." Like a lot of life, why it is a valuable piece of winter backcountry equipment and how it works was a lot easier to understand when I quit working to understand it and just started to use it.

The CheckandRide is a cylinder. The cylinder has different sections that twist or rotate. By following the components starting at the first one you spin the risk factors for an avalanche for the day and terrain you are getting ready to hike or ride. At the end by scanning the entire cylinder you have a good idea of the risk, for that day, sort of.

When I would work my way through the cylinder I kept waiting for it to say, go or don't go or give me a reading on a scale, 1 is low risk 5 means you are going to die. It doesn't do that. Day after day I worked the CheckandRide and did not get an answer.

But the CheckandRide works beautifully! It works in two ways. First to make the Ortovox
CheckandRide work it makes you check all of the factors to determine if you are going into Avalanche terrain. It needs information and you have to find the information for that day and that trip. It is a checklist that makes you check every factor. How often have you gone to terrain that you have hiked and ridden in the past, looked it over and made a mental decision based on past experience and what things "look like" today? The CheckandRide makes you look at all of the factors every time you go out, not just making a guess based on the last trip, a sunny day and desire.

The second way is the CheckandRide does give you a final evaluation. By using the CheckandRide, when you are done you know whether you should go or not go. It makes you think about every factor and makes you understand what you are doing so you know what you need to know. You can't gauge an avalanche based on a scale. You need to factor in several other things. What is your risk scale? How much risk are you willing to take on? What about your friends you are riding with that day? Or maybe you are riding alone that day? All of that has to be factored into your day and the CheckandRide makes you do that.

I attached the Ortovox
CheckandRide to my ski pack with a small carabiner in a way that makes it swing and rattle when I grab the pack. Right away I'm reminded to work through every factor. It continues to rattle and thunk on things until I take it off and work through the eleven risk until I know where I am going and what I am getting into. The Ortovox
CheckandRide will safe your life because you have to understand the risk factors of your trip. The CheckandRide makes you find them before you go out the door.

Thanks Ortovox.

Breast cancer survivors unite for Paddlefest

Dragon boat teams race for disease awareness, unity

CINCINNATI – All eyes will be focused on two bright and colorful Dragon boats on the Ohio River June 27 as two teams of regional breast cancer survivors race for both bragging rights and awareness about the disease.

The Kentucky Thorough Breast Team and The Dragon Dream Team from Akron, Ohio will hit the waters on the final day of the Ohio River Way Paddlefest, a family-oriented, canoe and kayak river event that's expected to attract more than 1,500 enthusiasts for two days of water sports and entertainment launching from Coney Island Park. The Finish Line Festival & Dragon Boat Races take place 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 27 at Yeatman's Cove in Sawyer Point Park. The inaugural Dragon Boat Races with teams of 20 paddlers per boat will race on the Ohio between the Purple People Bridge and the Taylor Southgate Bridge.

"Back in the day, there was the race between the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville," said Kentucky team member and State Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Florence. "Now, we have Thorough Breast versus the Dragon Dream Team." Her team races in a large, 54-foot long traditional dragon boat, which was funded by a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization through the Three Rivers District Health Department. Not surprisingly, it's painted pink so that anyone who sees it knows what the team is about.

"Any time we can get out into the community, we are able to promote breast health, cancer awareness and show others that there is life after cancer, that as a survivor, you can go out and be active," said Wuchner, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2006. "My personal motto with cancer is 'not just fighting and surviving, but thriving.' It's very inspiring and emotional to be a part of this team."

Jim Thaxton, of the Three Rivers District Health Department, said he, too, is amazed by the team's courage. He was responsible for spreading the word about the team through visits to regional hospitals and cancer support groups, recruiting team members.

"You would never know it, but a few of those women were terrified of getting out into the water at first," he said of the team's early days. "But the team is so bonded, they helped each other and now it is effortless. They are very competitive and ready to race."

The race between the two teams will finish the weekend celebration, which will also involve live music from five local bands, food, refreshments, craft vendors, and paddling films, as well as a Kids Expo. Proceeds from Paddlefest 2009 will be used by the Ohio River Way, Inc. to develop the Ohio River Water Trail, support local river education and advocacy organizations and to work with partner organizations to complete the downtown-to-Lunken Airport segment of the Ohio River Bike Trail.

No matter the competition, Wuchner says she really looks forward to being out on the Ohio River with her 'sisters.'

"You will be hard-pressed to find a person who has not been affected by cancer," she said. "Every team member is a survivor with their own amazing story. While none of us would say our cancer diagnosis was a gift, our journey to healing has been a gift and we're sharing that with each other and our community on the beautiful Ohio River during Paddlefest."

Contact Person: Teresa Lubric
Company Name: Ohio River Way Paddlefest
Telephone Number: (513) 588-6936
Email Address: ohioriverpaddlefest@gmail.com

Web site address: http://www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest/

Permit Outlaw? We just call them pirates, sentenced to jail

The morning report for the National Park Service on April 10, 2009 reported a man was given jail time and probation for threatening an NPS ranger. The man was originally in trouble for camping in National Parks without the necessary paperwork.

See "Permit Outlaw" Sentenced For Threatening Ranger. I've never heard of the term Permit Outlaw, we just always called people who don't have permits pirates. However this is an example of how a minor problem escalates when you lose your temper.

Denali National Park & Preserve (AK) International Exchange Brings Nepalese Climber To Park

This is just a repost of a news release from the NPS Morning Report for June 15, 2009. But I found it interesting to see the NPS reaching out in this way. At the same time, it is Denali National Park which has always been a little forward thinking in the NPS system.

Denali National Park and Preserve's mountaineering rangers are excited to host volunteer mountaineering ranger PhuNuru Sherpa, a member of the Mt. Everest mountain climbing community, a guide with International Mountain Guides, and an instructor with the Khumbu Climbing School in Phortse Village, Nepal. 

With sponsorship from the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation, 29-year-old PhuNuru is participating in an educational exchange program at both Denali and Mt. Rainier National Parks during the 2009 mountaineering season.  At Denali, PhuNuru is serving on a 30-day high mountain ranger patrol on Mt. McKinley that started on June 3^rd. 

Throughout the month, PhuNuru will be working and training with NPS mountaineering rangers to further develop his technical rope rescue skills and emergency medical response, and in return will share his high altitude Himalayan expertise.  Through this mentoring relationship, NPS staff will also provide the opportunity for PhuNuru to enhance his search and rescue leadership skills and learn resource management and 'clean climbing' techniques to put to use in a professional capacity back home in the Himalaya.

The Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF), based in Bozeman, Montana, founded the Khumbu Climbing School in 2004 with a mission to improve mountain safety for Nepali climbers and other high altitude workers by encouraging responsible climbing practices. Denali mountaineering ranger Brandon Latham had the opportunity to work with the ALCF in February 2009 by teaching technical rope rescue skills to the Nepali instructors at the Khumbu Climbing School in Phortse.  Latham will serve as the lead NPS ranger on PhuNuru's Mt. McKinley patrol. 

In early July, PhuNuru Sherpa will head south to continue his educational exchange, joining the mountaineering ranger team at Mt. Rainier National Park and Preserve.
[Submitted by Maureen McLaughlin, Public Affairs Specialist]

International Mountain Guides has a permit to guide climbers at Mt. Rainier National Park and Preserve.

CAMP USA WAREHOUSE SALE - JUNE 20-22, 8a-5p DAILY!

It doesn’t matter what you leave behind, only that your friends are happy that you were there.

Adrenalin Junkie, Death Wish or Living Life to the Absolute Fullest

Many times I've been asked to explain why someone died. Not how, not what happened, those are always asked first, but why. Why did the loved one put themselves in that position to make the mistake or accept Mother Nature to their death? It is not an easy question to deal with, let alone answer. I doubt I have ever done a good job, or even an adequate job. The best I can do is describe some of the forces, or emotions that drive those of us who enjoy the outdoors.

I had not ridden my bike in 18 days because of a Grand Canyon River Trip I rowed for O.A.R.S. I hopped on my bike tonight and went out for an hour. My normal route is on the local bike path that rises 800 feet in the middle then down 800 and back up 250 to a road for awhile. About a mile later I turn into a subdivision and hop back on the bike path to return home.

The first half up to the top is drudgery. I put Jimmy Buffett on my MP3 player and gradually crank out the miles working up a sweat and some muscles. The drop down after the climb is on five switch backs and three tight turns till the path starts back up. I went screaming into a switchback tonight braking way too late, turning the bike as tight and as low as I could go, worried about my wheels and anything I could not see. A momentary, microsecond of emotion flushed through my body. Not really fear, just that feeling that comes when the adrenalin is surging. And I smiled. Not a grimace in fear or panic but a smile. I love that feeling of coming out of a near disaster in control, or to an extent some control, and living through it.

I once sat around a table with some famous mountaineers, all who had fallen over 100' while climbing some as much as 2500'. I asked them what they were thinking as they fell. Generally the response fell into three categories: (1) Man this is going to hurt; (2) how the heck am I going to get out of this mess; and, (3) boy are my friends going to give me grief over this. None of the climbers mentioned fear, panic or the idea of dying in their conversations. It was just not part of the psychic. They all loved the sport, they all were still climbing after the near death experience and they are smiled as they talked about their falls. They were all still climbing and guiding.

Later on my bike ride as I was crossing from a bike lane across two lanes of traffic to a turn lane I had my right leg hugging my bike and front chain ring. Consequently I felt the road grime and dirt rubbing on my leg. I was hugging the bike hard because I barely had control. I did it because I was in traffic, being buffeted by the wind and crossing potholes. Again, not fear, not necessarily a surge of panic, but real concerns, Cadillac Escalade are big! but again on the edge and loving it. The rest of the ride was fun. I was alive and I knew it.

When I work for O.A.R.S. I row a gear boat. Garbage, kitchen stuff, anything needed etc and no customers. I like gear boats. I don't have to entertain; I can think about things and enjoy the day. I enjoy showing the canyon to people, watching their face as they see new things and experience the rush. I recently helped a man climb up behind the Elves Chasim waterfall and jump out. It just required a little coaching and support and he talked about how great the experience was after the trip. I love that. I love the Grand Canyon, but more I love the way I can entertain and interact with people.

But more importantly I am past 50 and doing the job of a 20 year old kid. I am working as hard as I can and asleep before I hit horizontal some nights. I get up and put vitamin I (ibuprofen) in my mouth before I say good morning and spend ten minutes trying to get some body parts to work. I compete at a very basic level with myself.

I also can also run the rapids any way I want. I can drop in holes and push the limits. I see the beauty, I see the smiles, but inside I am pushing it. I can see how big I can go, how much I can lift, how many miles I can hike, how far I can go, how much water I can have hit the boat. I get a rush. I stand up and ride the rapids on the deck of the cooler or boat. I spin through rapids, I love to show off. But I love to push it, to see if I still got it and can give it back. I smile as the water drips off and the boat teeters on the edge and I push it over and through. I love it.

I don't know why I love that rush. I don't know why my days are better after I have it. I went out on the rid tonight with a sore knee and hands from the trip and I came back with a soaring soul. The ride was fun, the rush was wonderful. It is not a fix, it is not a need. It is just something that I enjoy.

Panic – Maybe if you do, you shouldn’t

Many of the problems that start as problems grow to a mess and end up as a legal issue start when someone loses it. So many times I've seen people get into more and more trouble because they panic and they cannot stop the escalation on their own.

Once swimmer from another boat on a class IV whitewater rafting trip resisted efforts to be rescued. He was screaming for help but could not get control. I hit him with two throwbags (ropes), got paddles to him twice and finally got so close with the raft we ran over him. In all of those situations he could not grab anything. Eventually I got the boat to show, jumped in the water and did the old Boy Scout lifesaving moves.

Another time a customer from my boat fell out. He kept screaming for help as he bounced down the river. He bounced because his butt was scraping on the bottom. Finally a rafting bus driver reached down from the show and pulled him out of the river. The bus driver did not get his cowboy boots wet.

People who panic I call tiger meat. 1000 or more years ago they would have been eaten by a tiger or some other predator.

Panic attacks are similar and I found a great article that says you can overcome and control panic attacks. Panic Attacks: The Lowdown

Coalition for Education in the Outdoors: Call for Abstracts

Coalition for Education in the Outdoors

Tenth Biennial Research Symposium

January 15-17, 2010

Call for Abstracts

From January 15-17, 2010, an international research symposium will be held at the Bradford Woods Campus of Indiana University in Martinsville, Indiana, a short drive from the Indianapolis Airport. The purpose of this gathering is to advance the empirical, conceptual, and theoretical bases of outdoor education. Like the first nine CEO Research Symposia, this symposium will bring together a wide array of researchers to explore current and future trends in using the outdoors for educational and therapeutic purposes. In addition to spotlighting current research, the program includes featured presentations on timely issues and ample time for both structured and informal dialogue.

The symposium is purposely small and informal to promote productive interaction. The event draws people interested in adventure education, organized camping, environmental education and interpretation, and other outdoor education contexts. Because of the diversity of topics, the informal exchanges, and the quality of sessions, this event is a favorite of both well-established and emerging scholars in the field. It's also affordable; about $200 will cover registration, lodging, and meals.

Persons wishing to present (oral and/or poster) at the symposium must submit an electronic copy of their abstract (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages; references only may extend onto a third page; 12 pt Times New Roman preferred) addressing the background, methods, results, and discussion of the study (authors of conceptual papers may use other headings). It is expected that presentations at CEO will not have been previously published or presented elsewhere. Abstracts that ask the same questions, use the same analyses, and make the same logical arguments should not be presented at CEO. Abstracts of works in progress may be submitted provided that a full report can be given at the January symposium. Abstracts are due by September 14, 2009.

All abstracts and manuscripts will be critiqued and evaluated by three reviewers. Notification of acceptance will follow on or around October 18. Individuals whose abstracts are accepted will be expected to present their study at the symposium. They will also be provided with more detailed instructions about preparing manuscripts and the review process for the refereed publication, Research in Outdoor Education, Vol. 10. In addition, abstracts of all presentations will be
compiled and bound for dissemination at the symposium and on-line through the CEO website. Questions about the submission or review process can be directed to Amy Shellman (amy.shellman@cortland.edu) or Jim Sibthorp (jim.sibthorp@health.utah.edu), review coordinators for CEO 2010. Questions regarding conference logistics or registration can be directed to Andy Young (anderson.young@cortland.edu).

The time line for the review process is:

September 14     Deadline for submission of abstracts

October 18         Notification of acceptance/rejection - invitation to prepare full manuscripts

November 13    Revised abstracts submitted for binding and distribution at symposium

January 15-17     Research Symposium (15 minute presentations and/or poster presentations)

How to submit abstract:

1. Send e-mail attachment in MS Word.

2. Use lead author's name as document file name (e.g., SMITH.doc).

3. Put "CEO Abstract - <lead author's last name>" in "subject line" of email message.

4. In body of email message include…

• Preference for oral report or poster presentation.
  
• Full title of the abstract.
  
• Names, affiliations, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of ALL authors.
  

5. Send to:

Dr. Amy Shellman, amy.shellman@cortland.edu     

voice: 607-753-4263

Deadline is September 14, 2009

For further information about the symposium, contact the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors, SUNY Cortland, Park Center, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045 (Voice: 607-753-4971; Fax: 607-753-5982 or E-mail: rls@cortland.edu).

Mixed emotions, but a lot of I told you so.

Helmets. Everyone is running around saying you have to wear a helmet. Worse, the people saying this are not helmet manufactures but people who open their mouths before engaging any research or their brain. Worse a celebrity just died re-inflaming the debate by people who just want to kill trees to advertise Viagra and bath soap!

In an article Widow sues over fatal skiing crash
The Rutland Herald reports Killington ski area is being sued over the sale of a helmet. The 44 year old decedent purchased a Giro Omen helmet equipped with a Bluetooth Audio System. He crashed into a tree at Killington Mountain in February of 2008 suffering a fatal head injury.

The allegations state at the time of impact the Bluetooth dislodged and resulted in the skull fracture.

1. An adult man skiing into a tree, an expert skier and the Bluetooth audio caused the skull fracture? Speed * Mass striking a mostly immovable object equals a couple of ounces where the cause of death?
   
2. Helmets won't save you from dying if you hit a tree. Most helmets are effective at preventing injuries due to 12 mph impacts. Most people ski faster than 12 mph, so there is some benefit. However several studies have shown that skiing with a helmet increases the speed at which you ski by more than 12 mph because of feeling safer. Risk Homeostasis. See A new idea that makes sense in helmets: the Bern Hard Hat, and A helmet manufacture understands the issues.
   
3. A lawsuit won't solve any problems or answer any questions in this case.
   

As I have said before and will continue to say, it sucks when someone dies. It sucks for the surviving widow and family. It also sucks for the 20 something members of the ski patrol who have to physically deal with the issues. It sucks for the staff that has to answer questions and deal with the fatality. It sucks for everyone. Our condolences go to the family and the resort.

But a lawsuit won't change anything. People are still going to talk on the cell phones or listen to music and ski…and drive. People are going to ski fast, probably faster if they wear a helmet. People are going to hit trees, fatally if the person is going fast enough or they are inclined to die if they hit a tree.

Wearing a helmet won't stop you from dying if you hit a tree. Most skier deaths are caused by internal injuries anyway. It takes a lot less force to injury your organs or tear or ascending aorta than to cause a concussion in some cases. Wearing a helmet just makes less of a mess if you hit the tree with your head.

The National Recreation and Park Association is actively recruiting to fill the position of Senior Research Associate.

Summary

This position directs and oversees NRPA's research and development policies, objectives, and initiatives. Provides vision and direction for the program, reviews and negotiates key research contracts, facilitates the research agenda, coordinates, collaborates with universities, foundations, and government entities and oversees the research project relationships. Creates a competitive and profitable position for NRPA by formulating research and development programs.

The position also delivers a variety of products, based on original NRPA Research and collaborations, for use in the knowledge center and for sale. Will increase NRPA's capacity (financial, managerial, and intellectual) to act in a strategic, coordinated, and focused fashion in identifying core research areas. Leads and directs the work of others. Provides opportunities for staff, member and partner input on research projects as needed to set the scope. Communicates direction through words or actions to inspire team members to reach goals.

Additionally is familiar with and understands a variety of the field's concepts, methodologies, practices, and procedures in the field of research and relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Develops the strategy and vision to carry out a project from inception through completion; creates teams and collaborations that understand the project's direction. Also responsible for planning and budgeting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
  
• DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORT DEVELOPMENT
  
• RESEARCH OVERSIGHT
  
• PROPOSAL CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
  

DISCOVER the BENEFITS at NRPA!

Conveniently located off the Dulles Greenway, in Brambleton Regional Park in Ashburn, NRPA boasts a warm professional environment, with a relaxing and peaceful view of nature at its finest! All staff have access to indoor & outdoor eating areas, as well as indoor & outdoor fitness opportunities. Our facility has a brand new air-conditioned fitness room with access to showers, as well as foot trails for the outdoor enthusiast. Full time staff enjoy a very rich benefit package that includes group Health, Dental, and Vision for employee and family, paid 80% by the employer; 403(b) fully vested upon hire;; Life insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability paid 100% by the employer; accrue 26 Paid days off per year plus 13 paid holidays, eligibility in the first month of employment, Length of Service Awards and much, much more! NRPA is committed to promoting an environment of work-life balance. To promote healthy lifestyles, at work and away, we have established prog!

rams like Teleworking, FlexTime Schedules, 37.5 hour work-week, Employee Assistance Programs, Educational Assistance Programs, Lunch-and-Learn sessions and more. Discover what we already know NRPA ... a great place to work!

APPLICATION PROCESS

NRPA is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to Diversity. Women and ethnic minorities encouraged to apply.

Requirements/Education:

Masters degree (MA, MS) required, PhD highly preferred. Successful candidate will have 7 - 10 years in planning and conducting research and evaluation, ideally in a higher education setting; P&R experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge and understanding of park, recreation and conservation issues. Skilled in quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis, data collection, manipulation, and management.

Should be skilled in qualitative evaluation methods, including articulation of theory of change, case studies, and organizational reviews. Need to be skilled in evaluating programs, such as: developing logic models, identifying key indicators.

Supervise outside evaluators, and designing data collection methods. Ability to build and maintain credibility with academics in related fields. Understand that the research agenda is going to be applied as an actionable and translatable resource to practitioners.

Exceptional organization and time management skills including multi-tasking and the ability to set/adapt to changing priorities. Ability to interact effectively with all levels of personnel. Must be able prepare reports, presentations, and other documents that make complex topics, data, and analysis understandable to a variety of audiences using narratives, tables, graphs, and maps.

Will represent NRPA as needed at meetings and other forums with a variety of agencies, groups and organizations. Can work occasionally outside of normal business hours in order to meet project deadlines. Be able to travel to off-site locations as needed to perform job functions.

Technology:

Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Access, and other MS based programs),Microsoft Outlook, Data querying tools (example: SQL), Statistical Analysis software (Example: SPSS, SAS), FTP, Internet.

Please visit the following web address or the NRPA website to apply for this position: https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=314632 <https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=314632> .

Thanks,

Amy Roussos

Manager, Branch/Section Services

National Recreation and Park Association

22377 Belmont Ridge Road

Ashburn, VA 20148

703-858-2153

aroussos@nrpa.org

Lawsuit against health club and personal trainer over fatality

The New York Times in an article Health Club and Trainer Are Sued in a Death reported the death of a fashion designer was due to the nutritional supplements a trainer instructed her to take. The trainer is no longer employed by the health club where the fatality occurred and who is a co-defendant. Of course the supplement is ephedra which is the subject with all sorts of claims and allegations, some true and some; even by government agencies, is false. However it is not recommended to be taken by people with high blood pressure, which the deceased had.

The trainer accompanied the deceased to a store to assist her in buying the supplements. The supplement manufacture and retail store are also named as defendants. This fact is a critical one in proving part of any claim.

The suit describes the trainer as a "level two" personal trainer but alleges the trainer did not have the necessary training or knowledge to do a proper job. See Basics of the Article are Good – But it confuses certification, accreditation and most importantly standards.

Another lawsuit in a confused industry.

Well it’s happened: K2 will have its first true commercially guided climb this season

Fabrizio Zangrilli is working with Field Touring Alpine to lead a guided climb on K2 this late summer season. This is probably the first true commercial, guided climb on K2. By commercially guided I mean a guide is being paid to take clients up a mountain versus some people going for free or a trip leader making money on his group of climbers. By clients I mean people who may but probably do not have the total ability/skill/experience necessary or maybe desire to climb the mountain without a guide.

It was to be expected. Most people consider the 1984 guided climb of Dick Bass and Frank Wells as the first commercially guided trip on Everest. However commercial Everest expeditions took off after the 1996 mess. (I refuse to call a natural weather event a disaster.) Publicity good or bad does not deter either mountaineers or those with money and a desire to check a box. It has always been an unconfirmed rumor that after the 1996 Everest mess Mountain Madness added more phone lines, even though its owner and founder had died on the mountain.

This guided expedition occurs after a year where 11 people died on K2 which was reported worldwide for weeks. Publicity good or bad does not deter, just highlight.

See K2's First Commercial Expedition