Ep. 524: Vol-Bivouac Paragliding 1,200-Km of the Canadian Rockies - Benjamin Jordan

In this episode of the Adventure Sports Podcast, Curt Linville speaks with Zeb Smith, a consultant specializing in helping adventure outfitters and guides succeed in the outdoor industry. They discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in this sector, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, including rising costs. Zeb shares his journey from CPA to consultant, the significance of permits, the seasonality of revenue, and strategies for retaining talent in a transient workforce. The conversation emphasizes the need for aspiring outfitters to gather information and seek support to turn their passion into a sustainable business. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Adventure Sports Business03:02 Zeb Smith's Journey and Consulting Approach06:02 The Importance of Business in Adventure Sports08:58 Transitioning from Hobby to Business12:08 Advice for Aspiring Outfitters15:04 Navigating Permits and Regulations18:00 Seasonality Challenges in Adventure Sports21:04 Retaining Talent in a Seasonal Industry24:03 Leadership and Employee Engagement26:06 Impact of the Pandemic on the Outdoor Industry30:51 Setting Goals and Vision for Business33:54 Career Paths in Outdoor Leadership36:36 Passion vs. Profit in Outdoor Business38:25 Navigating Economic Challenges45:48 Empowering Employees for Sustainable GrowthSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

7 Maj 52min

Jim is still at it! See his YouTube channel, Jim Baird - Adventurer. But in this historic episode, Jim shared what it was like ten years ago to build a platform in the adventure and social media industries. If you like far north adventure, canoeing, snowmobiling, winter camping, and summer whitewater, then this episode is for you.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

3 Maj 49min

Adventure changes lives. It equips us to better manage life's challenges. This episode is one part a tribute to how motorcycles were a positive force in Curt's life and the other part a trip report from Curt's and Travis' five day motorcycle adventure offroad in the San Rafael Swell, Utah.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

30 Apr 56min

In this revisited episode from 2017, Oli France shares stories of his somewhat risky adventures traveling the spine of Asia. Oli graduated in Outdoor Leadership (BA) from the University of Central Lancashire. At the time of this recording, he had traveled to 50 countries, and had climbed mountains in half of those, including the likes of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. In winter 2016, Oli traveled overland by any means from Hong Kong to Istanbul, along the mountainous spine of Asia, crossing eleven countries and climbing fourteen mountains, in a journey documented in his book: The Trail of the Mountain Folk. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

25 Apr 59min

Curious about climbing 14ers? What about skiing Chamonix? What about AT skiing? Matt Leskanic, an experienced skier, shares climbing and skiing his first 14er. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

22 Apr 54min

In this episode, Mason and Curt reflect on the past decade of the Adventure Sports Podcast, discussing the evolution of podcasting and their personal journeys. They share insights on the importance of adventure, the impact of family and life changes, and the transition to conservation work. Big plans discussed, bringing new energy and perspectives to the show while emphasizing the value of listener engagement and community building. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

10 Apr 49min

In August of 2024, Alden raced in the Silk Road Mountain Race, a 1,200-mile, unsupported bikepacking race in Kyrgyzstan. With nearly 100,000ft of elevation gain, it's often touted as the toughest bike race in the world. A crash on Alden's 14th day of racing put him out of the general classification, but he was able to fix his bike and complete the ride, earning himself a finisher's stamp as the 100th rider to finish out of 101 finishers.Alden Roth is a filmmaker, ultrarunner, and endurance bikepacker from West Virginia. He's the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Board in Charles Town, WV, his hometown and is also a co-owner of Rocketfuel Studios, a video production company that tells stories about food and the outdoors. Alden has completed several ultramarathons, including a sub-24-hour finish at Rim to River 100 and several multi-day bike tours and races.All of Alden’s links:Video Production Company, Rocketfuel Studios - https://www.rocketfuelstudios.com/Film Festival, Filmed By Bike - https://filmedbybike.org/would love to encourage people to submit to Filmed by Bike, if that's okay with you - https://filmfreeway.com/FilmedbyBikeFilmFestivalInstagram: @aldenroth2 - https://www.instagram.com/aldenroth2/Ascend WV - https://ascendwv.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

5 Dec 20241h 4min

Curt Linville is an adventure lover, backpacker, fly fisher, skier, proud co-founder of the Adventure Sports Podcast, and now a published author. Curt recently wrote and released 99 Words - Building a Better Life, a book about grabbing hold of life and to craft it into an adventure worth living. 99 Words is a tool kit meant to empower those who are ready to live meaningfully. Through hope, clarity, and love, 99 Words offers breakthroughs for relationships, candor, money, fun, sex, careers, health habits, authenticity, perception, and even for the meaning of life. What you believe and value changes your outcomes. Life can be better than it is because you can be better than you are.Curt can generally be found on the trails of Colorado, mountain biking, hiking peaks, backpacking, backcountry skiing, or exploring on his 20-year-old dual sport motorcycle.You can be entered to win a copy of 99 Words by filling out this form in the next 48 hours: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G6wYWztWlGu5CiHNqQgZm5IoFtmPBA_TXxLX2Lt6xuI/editYou can buy 99 Words: Building a Better Life on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0JYoywoLearn more about Curt here: https://www.curtlinville.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/adventure-sports-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

27 Nov 20241h 10min