Aerial Adventure Environments: The Theory and Practice of the Challenge Course, Zip Line, and Canopy Tour Industry

Aerial Adventure Environments: The Theory and Practice of the Challenge Course, Zip Line, and Canopy Tour Industry provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to the aerial adventure industry. The first of its kind, this text combines the key components of high and low ropes challenge courses, zip lines, canopy tours, and aerial adventure parks into one essential guide for students and existing professionals.

Written by leading experts with both practical experience and theoretical knowledge in the field and endorsed by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA), and the European Ropes Course Association (ERCA), this complete resource contains the foundational information needed to understand the industry of aerial adventure environments. It provides practitioners with the tools they need to lead successful adventure experiences whether they are working directly with participants, designing and building structures, training staff, or conducting operational and marketing activities.

Readers will learn about the historical beginnings and global development of the industry, the theory and fundamentals behind aerial adventure programming, facility and equipment management, personnel training, and operational guidelines. The text presents practical information on understanding the desired outcomes of a variety of clients and how to design and deliver safe, effective, and inclusive adventure experiences with consideration for self-directed, guided, and facilitated experiences. The discussions of professional competencies and current industry issues and trends, as well as tips on how to obtain training, equip readers for success in the profession.

Chapter objectives, summaries, and review questions reinforce learning, and Putting It Into Practice elements illustrate practical applications of the content. Related online materials delivered via HKPropel include 21 checklists and forms that provide real-world value and include sample participant evaluation forms, job descriptions, challenge course questionnaires, program plans, and more. Special features throughout the book highlight four themes critical to the aerial adventure environment profession:

• Risk Management sidebars demonstrate how the management of risk must be embedded in every stage of the experience.
• Active Participatory Experience sidebars emphasize the hands-on nature of aerial adventures, whereby participants choose their level of challenge and their own adventures.
• Industry Standards sidebars cover best practices for subjects such as equipment selection, facility development, practitioner competencies, and management decisions.
• Social Justice and Human Diversity sidebars focus on the recent expansion of participants in aerial adventure experiences and the importance of inclusivity.

Aerial Adventure Environments is at the cutting edge of this exciting and fast-growing sector of the outdoor adventure industry and is an invaluable resource for navigating the industry and understanding current practices, philosophies, and trends.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is included with all print books.

Elizabeth (Liz) Speelman, PhD, is a senior lecturer in the outdoor education program at Georgia College and State University, and she teaches challenge course, group development, and facilitation classes. She is also the director of the Outdoor Center at Georgia College, where she works with both university and community groups on the challenge course.

Speelman has facilitated and managed challenge courses since 2002. She earned her PhD with her meta-analysis on challenge course research, and she continues to focus on the current state of outcome-based challenge course research. She earned her Challenge Course Manager certification in 2018. She is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and served on the research committee from 2010 to 2016. She is also a current member and former board member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

Mark Wagstaff, EdD, is a professor of recreation, parks, and tourism at Radford University. He teaches a challenge course leadership class and oversees the Radford University challenge course program, which he founded in 2004. Wagstaff has managed and worked on challenge courses since 1988.

Wagstaff has conducted research and published articles on various challenge course topics. He has coauthored and coedited numerous publications, including Outdoor Leadership: Theory and Practice, Controversial Issues in Adventure Programming, and Technical Skills for Adventure Programming. He is currently a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and serves on their research committee. He is also a member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE).

Scott Jordan, PhD, is an associate professor in the Northern Michigan University outdoor recreation leadership and management degree program. Jordan has 16 years of experience managing challenge course programs and consulting in the challenge course industry, encompassing zipline canopy tours, aerial adventure park construction, and operational standards. Jordan is a former board member for the Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA) and assisted in the development of the Ropes Challenge Course Installation, Operation and Training Standards (ANSI/PRCA 1.0-.3-2014).

Kathy Haras, PhD, is the vice president of Adventureworks! Associates in Dundas, Ontario, where she is responsible for risk management, quality assurance, and inspection services. She is a licensed zip line mechanic in the province of Ontario and an Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) level 2 professional inspector (with supervisor endorsement). She provides challenge course programming, installation, inspection, training, certification, and consulting services at approximately 80 sites annually and presents extensively on challenge course topics. Haras is currently the chair of the ACCT Design, Performance, and Inspection Standards Writing Committee.