Wow, here's a newsflash, the increase in people climbing over the last 18 years has led to an increase in the number of climbing related injuries in emergency rooms says a new study, Rock Climbing Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments in the U.S., 1990–2007,  in the Sep issue of American Journal Of Preventive Medicine. Some of the other findings:

• An estimated 40,282 patients were treated in emergency departments for rock climbing–related injuries in the U.S. over the 18-year period. (1990 - 1997)
• Patients aged 20–39 years accounted for more than half of all injuries. (Really? Shocking that people climbing the most account for the most injuries)
• Fractures, sprains, and strains accounted for the largest portion of injuries (29.0% and 28.6%, respectively)
• The lower extremities were the most frequently injured body part, accounting for 46.3% of all injuries; ankle injuries accounted for 19.2%
• Men were more likely to sustain lacerations and fractures
• Women were more likely to sustain a sprain or strain
• Falls were responsible for three quarters of all injuries (77.5%).(shocker)
• Overall, 11.3% of patients were hospitalized.

Full press release from K2 about the tribute ski...Rest in peace brother.

On March 26, 2009, ski legend Shane McConkey died in a ski BASE jumping accident in the Italian Dolomites. In countless ways, McConkey defined skiing as a lifestyle and by pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Shane was a member of the K2 Skis team and was a creative thinker who challenged conventional wisdom in ski design. His Pontoon rockered powder ski, introduced in 2004, was one of the most profound innovations in ski design in decades. His concept was soon after adopted by the snowboard market thus making the sports more fun for millions of enthusiasts.