The number of Americans who got outdoors in 2012 hit 141.9 million, a 0.5% increase from 2011, as they took an average 87.4 outings each, according to new research from the Outdoor Foundation. Although participation rates were stable for young outdoor participants from 2011 to 2012, the rates were significantly lower than they were in 2006.
Since 2009, the average annual change in participation has grown in 24 outdoor endeavors and declined in 17 others. The top five laggards, according to the OF, were: alpine/downhill skiing (-8%), cross-country skiing (-7%), rafting (-5%), snorkeling (-4%) and RV and traditional camping (-4%).
Written by Nicolas Yang
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