The Outdoor Foundation Releases New Report on Participation in Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Foundation Releases New Report on Participation in Outdoor
Recreation

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In 2008, American
participation in outdoor recreation was marked by encouraging growth in
important segments of core outdoor activities as well as continuing, though
less dramatic, declines in youth participation, according to a new report, the
2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, released today by The Outdoor
Foundation(R). These trends show the beginning of adjustments in American
lifestyles brought about by a challenging economy, shifting demographics and
changing times.

"In today's economy, people are returning to simpler lifestyles," said
Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. "Historically
economic downturns have resulted in increased participation in outdoor
recreation. Nature-based activities provide fun, affordable recreation and
vacation opportunities for individuals and families."

The Outdoor Foundation's 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report is the
only detailed study of its kind tracking American participation trends in
outdoor recreation. The study is based on an on-line survey capturing
responses from over 40,000 Americans ages 6+ and covers 114 different
activities.

Key Findings

-- Popular Pastimes: In 2008, 48.6 percent of Americans ages 6+
participated in outdoor recreation and made an estimated 11.16 billion
outdoor excursions.
-- A Return to Nature: Activities like backpacking, mountain biking and
trail running showed double-digit increases in participation in 2008,
and hiking and camping showed nine percent and seven percent
increases,
respectively.
-- More Indoor Youth: Participation in outdoor recreation among youth
ages
6-17 dropped six percent -- resulting in a combined 16.7 percent drop
over the last three years.
-- Busy Lifestyles: Today's kids are struggling to find time to get
active outdoors and are foregoing outdoor pursuits in favor of other
competing priorities. Among outdoor participants ages 6-17, lack of
time
is the primary reason they don't get outdoors more often.

-- Outdoor Participation varies by Ethnicity: Participation in outdoor
activities is higher among Caucasians than any other ethnicity and
lowest among African Americans in nearly all age groups.

The 2009 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report is available at:
www.outdoorfoundation.org/research

About The Outdoor Foundation The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor
enthusiasts. Through ground-breaking research, action-oriented convening and
outreach and education programs, The Foundation is working with partners to
mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great
outdoors. www.outdoorfoundation.org

SOURCE Outdoor Industry Association

Karen Boe, Media Relations of Outdoor Foundation, +1-801-230-5404,
kboe@outdoorindustry.org