Jimmy Chin on Free Solo and #VoteTheOutdoors

In this short interview, OIA’s managing content editor Deborah Williams sits down with Jimmy Chin to talk about to talk about the newest film that he and his wife, documentary filmmaker Chai Vasarhelyi created about Alex Honnold's free solo climb of El Cap: National Geographic’s Free Solo. Jimmy talks about the ethical questions that arose throughout the project and the team’s desire to reflect an accurate and unflinching portrait of Alex Honnold. He also talks about why this project and the work that he does as a photographer and North Face athlete are so important to helping people—within and outside the outdoor industry—understand the value of our public lands and waters. Take a listen, and then go see this incredible film, which is coming to theaters nationwide this month. You can find out more at freesolofilm.com

With the impending midterm elections, we have released OIA's first ever Voter's Guide. First and foremost, we encourage everyone out there to vote - but more than that, we want you to vote informed! We have the power to put policymakers in office who will continue to grow the $887 billion outdoor recreation economy. Our Voter's Guide provides expert insights and commentary on key issues and races. We help you understand candidates’ voting records and how gubernatorial and congressional races across the country could affect the balance of power nationwide on issues important to the outdoors. Visit the Voter's Guide find all the info you need to vote informed this November. And please share the guide with your networks using the hashtag #VoteTheOutdoors.

Finally, one of the issues you’ll read about in the Voters Guide and that earned headlines this past weekend is the Land and Water Conservation Fund or LWCF. On September 30, Congress let LWCF expire. Not sure what LWCF is or why its expiration is a problem? Visit outdoorindustry.org/LWCF to get up to speed.