“Thinking outside the gunnels”: considering natures and the moral terrains of recreational canoe travel

Recreational canoe travel, often perceived as a means for social change and connection with wilderness, operates within multiple 'natures' that require ethical consideration. This study introduces a relational approach to responsibility, framed by the concept of 'moral terrain,' to navigate these diverse canoeing landscapes. Drawing on geographic ethics and inspired by previous research at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it argues for outdoor leisure as a moral space demanding enhanced responsibility. The approach is exemplified through narratives from Arctic riverscapes, illustrating its potential application in complex environmental contexts.

Grimwood, B. S. R. (2011). “Thinking outside the gunnels”: considering natures and the moral terrains of recreational canoe travel. Leisure/Loisir, 35(1), 49–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2011.549196