Publications

• Challenge Courses, Zip Lines, & Aerial Adventure Parks: A Historical Primer and Examination of Current Trends & Statistics

Zip Line Expert & Aerial Adventure Park Expert

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Michael R. Smith is an industry-recognized expert in zip lines, challenge-course, and aerial-adventure-park design, operations, and risk management, with more than three decades of experience in the field. He is regularly retained by plaintiff and defense counsel to provide expert-witness services, accident investigations, and standards-compliance opinions under ASTM F2959, ANSI/ACCT, PRCA. and related industry standards. Mr. Smith is the principal of AdventureSmith, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in risk management, technical inspections, operational audits, staff training, and business development for adventure-tour operators. From 2009 to 2023, he also served as founder and managing partner of an award-winning zip line canopy tour and aerial adventure park operations in Vermont and Tennessee. He holds a B.A. in Wilderness Leadership from Prescott College (1998) and a Master’s in Training and Development from Oakland University (2004). Mr. Smith currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and is ACCT's representative on the Professional Ropes Course Association's (PRCA) Standards Committee. Mr. Smith is also a member of the ASTM F24.61 Subcommittee overseeing ASTM F2959. He is certified as an ACCT Level II Inspector, NAARSO Level II Inspector, ACCT Approved Operation Reviewer, ACCT Challenge Course Manager, and is a licensed inspector in multiple U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions. Mr. Smith has been retained to investigate incidents and provide expert opinions in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Why engage Mr. Smith 1. 30+ years of operation, design, training, and inspection experience allow him to see incidents from multiple perspectives 2. Leadership and participation in national standards development (ANSI/ACCT, ASTM F2959, PRCA) and trade associations 3. Balanced experience in both plaintiff and defense work — he understands how opposing experts think 4. Recognized authority in risk management, training, and operational safety for zip line and aerial adventure facilities 5. Deep understanding of the market ecosystem — insurers, vendors, manufacturers, and governing associations 6. Experience educating counsel and industry professionals in the standard of care, accepted practices, and industry-leading practices 7. Nationwide engagements — from extensive commercial canopy tours and aerial adventure courses to mobile and residential/backyard zip line kits EDUCATION - Master of Training and Development (MTD), Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michigan, 2004 - Bachelor of Arts: Wilderness Leadership, Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona, 1998 - Graduate, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Lander, Wyoming, 1997 CERTIFICATIONS - ACCT Level II Professional Inspector, Association for Challenge Course Technology - NAARSO Level II Inspector (advanced), National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officers - ACCT Approved Operation Reviewer, Association for Challenge Course Technology - ACCT Challenge Course Manager, Challenge Towers INDUSTRY VOLUNTEER WORK - Association for Challenge Course Technology = Board of Directors Secretary, 2023-present = Board of Directors Member, 2014-2017 = Accreditation and Certification Committee, 2019-2023 = PR & Marketing Committee, Chair, 2012-2013 - ASTM F24.61 subcommittee member, current ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS - 80,000+ total hours of adventure industry experience - 3,000+ hours of training received and continuing education hours - Delivered guide & facilitator training workshops to 1,300+ participants - Developed 17 commercial adventure tours & dozens of traditional challenge courses