S2.E21: Case Study: Planning for Mishap with Will Gadd

Summary

In this episode of 'Delivering Adventure,' hosts Chris Capio and Jordy Shepard discuss the importance of planning for mishaps in adventure sports with professional athlete and Alpine guide Will Gadd. Gadd shares a dramatic story of a rockfall on the Ferman Ledges, emphasizing the need for risk communication and situational awareness. The hosts highlight the value of discussing potential hazards and preparing for emergencies, even when conditions seem ideal. The episode underscores the critical role of proactive risk management in ensuring safety during adventures.

Takeaways

• 🧗‍♂️ **Risk Communication**: Will Gad emphasized the importance of discussing potential risks, such as rockfall, with his clients before embarking on the climb.
• 🤝 **Team Preparedness**: Having a plan and discussing it with the group can prepare everyone for emergencies, as demonstrated when a rockfall occurred and the group knew what to do.
• 🏔️ **Situational Awareness**: Will's attentiveness to the environment and the potential for rockfall, despite the seemingly ideal conditions, highlights the need for constant vigilance.
• ❄️ **Weather Impact**: The script mentions the impact of weather on mountain conditions, suggesting that even cold weather can't guarantee safety from hazards like rockfall.
• 👥 **Group Dynamics**: The group's reaction to the rockfall was influenced by their trust in Will's leadership and the preparation they had undergone.
• 📝 **Documentation and Learning**: Will's decision to write an incident report and share it publicly after the event underscores the value of documentation in learning from incidents.
• 🔗 **Industry Collaboration**: The story suggests the importance of sharing information within the adventure guiding industry to prevent similar incidents.
• 🛡️ **Risk Management**: Will's proactive approach to risk management, including training in short roping and setting limits, contributed to a better outcome during the incident.
• 🌟 **Professional Standards**: The discussion about incorporating safety features like REO in climbing gear reflects the push for higher safety standards in the industry.
• 💡 **Leadership and Decision Making**: Will's experience illustrates the critical role of a leader in making informed decisions and preparing for the unexpected.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the podcast 'Delivering Adventure'?

The main theme of the podcast 'Delivering Adventure' is exploring what it takes to share adventures professionally with friends, family, and as a career. It features stories, advice, and trade secrets from top adventure guides, managers, marketers, and athletes.

Who are the hosts of the podcast 'Delivering Adventure'?

The hosts of the podcast 'Delivering Adventure' are Chris Capio and Jordy Shepard.

What is the significance of the Ferman Ledges in the context of the podcast?

The Ferman Ledges are significant because they are the location of a story shared by professional athlete and Alpine guide Will Gadd. The story highlights the importance of planning for mishaps even when the risk seems low.

Who is Will Gadd and what is his role in the podcast?

Will Gadd is a world-class climbing, paragliding, and whitewater kayaking athlete, as well as a professional guide. In the podcast, he shares his story of an incident on the Ferman Ledges to emphasize the importance of risk communication and planning for mishaps in adventure activities.

What is the role of risk communication in adventure planning as discussed in the podcast?

Risk communication plays a crucial role in adventure planning by ensuring that all participants are aware of potential hazards and have a plan to respond to them. It helps in preparing everyone for unexpected situations and can significantly impact the outcome of an adventure.

What are the five hazardous attitudes mentioned in the podcast and how do they relate to adventure planning?

The five hazardous attitudes mentioned in the podcast are anti-authority, impulsivity, macho, invulnerability, and resignation. These attitudes can negatively impact decision-making and risk management in adventure planning, and the podcast discusses the importance of managing these attitudes to ensure safety.

How does the podcast suggest leaders should prepare their groups for potential dangers?

The podcast suggests that leaders should prepare their groups for potential dangers by discussing and practicing responses to emergencies, being situationally aware, and not skipping steps in risk management, even if the perceived risk is low.

What is the importance of situational awareness in adventure guiding as discussed in the podcast?

Situational awareness is crucial in adventure guiding as it allows leaders to make informed decisions based on the current environment and potential hazards. It helps in anticipating and preparing for risks, thus enhancing the safety of the group.

What lessons can be learned from Will Gadd's story about the rockfall on the Ferman Ledges?

From Will Gadd's story, the lessons learned include the importance of risk communication, planning for mishaps, being situationally aware, and the value of practicing emergency responses. His experience underscores the need for thorough preparation and clear communication, even when the risk seems low.

How does the podcast address the challenge of people's reactions during emergencies?

The podcast addresses the challenge of people's reactions during emergencies by emphasizing the need for leaders to educate their groups on what to do in case of danger and to practice these responses. It acknowledges that people may not always react as expected under stress and that leaders should be prepared to guide their groups through emergencies.

What actions did Will Gadd take to mitigate the risk of rockfall on the Ferman Ledges?

Will Gadd mitigated the risk of rockfall by discussing the potential hazard with his clients, looking for signs of recent rockfall, and having a plan in place for how to respond if rocks did fall. He also ensured that his clients were aware of the plan and were prepared to act quickly if necessary.