Adventure Parks of the Future

Just saw this from the amazing Kelly Slater. It immediately conjured images of a comprehensive adventure parks experience of the future where people of all ages/ilks/cultures/geographies can learn and try and fail and succeed in a controlled environment. Practicing adventure skills means failing where it’s safe to do so, and enabling a positive experience when…

Where ‘Urban To Outdoor’ meets Chapter 11 bankruptcy

(reposted from my LinkedIn account at the urging of readers…)  I just read back-to-back articles on Quiksilver going Ch. 11 (along with a host of other action-sports industry brands and retailers) and the ‘Urban to Outdoor‘ trend picked up from the Realtree blog (clearly the more ‘bloodsport’ outdoor referenced there). It does seem the Outdoorsy…

OIBIZ Fall Events – What’s on Tap?

  Fall is the season not only for budget deep dives and strategic plan development, but also for industry event travel. Whether buying events that gather like-minded retailers together or inspiring leadership summits, these are some of the best-of-class annual events in any industry remotely related to Outdoor Recreation. I have faithfully attended the OIA…

Honoring Dean Potter and Solid Protection

It’s truly a sad day. Dean Potter and flying partner Graham Hunt died this past weekend BASE-jumping in Yosemite off of Taft Point. They were not climbing, but BASE Jumping with Wingsuits for controlled gliding. Because they were high profile members of the climbing community (esp. Dean), there has been much press, conjecture and opinion.…

What To Do For Nepal Right Now

I’m on the board of the Access Fund, and we share the feelings of loss and pain within the global climbing community from the April 26 earthquake and subsequent avalanche that hit Everest Base Camp… including with our friends at The American Alpine Club. This extends to the Nepali people and those who are visiting…