Erik Rabinowitz

OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING OF FLY CASTING USING TRADITIONAL AND VIRTUAL MODELING WITH AND WITHOUT AUTHORITY FIGURE

Traditional and virtual modeling were compared during learning of a multiple degree-of-freedom skill (fly casting) to assess the effect of the presence or absence of an authority figure on observational learning via virtual modeling. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Virtual Modeling with an authority figure present (VM-A) (n = 16), Virtual Modeling without an authority figure (VM-NA) (n = 16), Traditional Instruction (n = 17), and Control (n = 19). Results showed significant between-group differences on Form and Skill Acquisition scores. Except for one instance, all three learning procedures resulted in significant learning of fly casting. Virtual modeling with or without an authority figure present was as effective as traditional instruction; however, learning without an authority figure was less effective with regard to Accuracy scores.

A Preliminary Investigation of Sensation-Seeking and Risk-Based Recreation among College Students: Implications for Intramural and Outdoor Programs

The primary purpose of this study was to examine sensation seeking tendencies and preference for risk-based recreational pursuits among college students who participated in intramural or outdoor programs, as well as students who had not participated in either. Also examined was expressed preference for one type of programming versus the other. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (Zuckerman, 1994) and Risk-Based Recreational Desires and Participation Scale were administered to students. Students who participated in outdoor programs (OP) scored higher on sensation seeking exhibiting greater tendencies (e.g., thrill and adventure seeking) than intramural program (IP) participants or nonparticipants (NP). The same was true for students who preferred outdoor versus intramural programming. Males who preferred OP versus IP scored higher on sensation seeking while this was not observed among females. OP participants engaged in more risk-based recreational pursuits than IP or NP, although over half of IP and NP expressed desire to participate in many of the pursuits not already engaged in by a majority. Implications for IP and OP development and marketing toward college students are discussed.

Constraints to Rafting at an Artificial Whitewater Park

As recreational activities in natural settings such as rafting are replicated artificially, professionals’ understanding of participant behaviors, motivations and constraints may need to be updated. Constraints for recreation activities in artificial environments might differ significantly from those in natural environments. As such, the primary purpose of this study was to examine constraints to participating in rafting at an artificial whitewater park. An onsite survey of visitors at an artificial whitewater facility was conducted in the southeastern United States in early fall 2007. Based on the results of this study it appears the primary constraints to participation are similar to traditional river rafting in that lack of time and companionship are major constraints. On the other hand, artificial facilities differ in that they present new constraints such as lack of preparedness. The creation of artificial whitewater facilities near populated areas could reduce the constraint of “no areas near me for this activity” found in the studies of constraints to river rafting. The number of artificial whitewater parks and facilities will require significant funding therefore constraints research in this area will be critical and more research is definitely needed on these artificial facilities. 1 Rabinowitz et al.: Constraints to Rafting at an Artificial Whitewater Park Published by ScholarWorks@GVSU, 2010 Journal of Tourism Insight s Vol. 1 No. 1 74 include factors such as lack of money and time. This study utilizes the typology classification proposed by Crawford and Godbey (1987). Numerous studies have focused on the constraints that preclude people from engaging in various leisure activities (Bialeschki, & Henderson, 1988; Crawford, & Godbey, 1987; Gilbert & Hudson, 2000; Jackson, 2005, Lee & Scott, 2009). Studies examining constraints to whitewater boating on rivers have been conducted (Nyaupane, Morais, Graefe, 2003, 2004), however the examination of constraints to rafting at artificial whitewater facilities is a new field of study. While there are obvious differences between rafting on a river and an artificial run, there might also be many similar constraints (e.g., risk, cost, time investment, lack of skill, etc.). Earlier studies conducted on whitewater rivers served as a starting point for this research project.

Sanitation procedures and policies among university climbing walls in the United States

The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine sanitation practices, procedures, and policies presently being used at University climbing wall facilities in the United States. Using a systematic random sampling of University climbing facilities a total of 54 university climbing walls directors responded to the telephone survey. There appears to be a lack of consistency amongst University climbing facilities concerning sanitation practices, procedures and policies. There are numerous direct sanitation recommendations for administrators to consider from this article. For example, the need for establishing a sanitation schedule for all equipment which might include frequency of each items cleaned, type of cleaning materials/agents, detail procedures, staff protections, participant protections (i.e. does the wall need to be shut down to do this type of cleaning) may be suggested. Air quality and chalk issues, impact attenuating surfaces (mats and barefoot belayers), bloodborne pathogen concerns, rental equipment (e.g., shoe cleaning, helmets and lice problems), climbing shoe cleanliness (e.g., removal of shoes and harnesses before entering restrooms policies, bottoms of shoes cleaning, and much more are brought to light in this article. To date, there is no evidence or study that anyone has been exposed or even ill directly from an indoor climbing facility due to sanitation levels. However, a proactive examination, discussion and possible need to establish industry level sanitation best practices may be necessary.