Hiking is a popular activity enjoyed by beginners and experienced hikers alike. Choosing the right trail is crucial to avoid running out of energy or snacks before reaching halfway. However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
OP runs a small business guiding and training groups to hike. They received an inquiry from “Womens+ Adventures” and assumed it was an LGBTQ+ group due to Pride Month. After discussing hiking levels and collecting information, OP created a training plan, planning to hike Gray’s Peak. Upon meeting, OP realized “Womens+” meant plus-sized women. No problem, as their forms indicated good condition. However, the first 4-mile hike with a 750ft elevation gain was disastrous. Many ignored OP’s attire and supply suggestions. The hike was slow, with frequent breaks and complaints. Afterward, OP questioned their fitness honesty, suggested a smaller goal, and assigned daily brisk walks. The second hike was worse. OP decided to refund the pro-rated cost. The group’s leader reacted angrily, accusing OP of fatphobia. Despite OP’s experience with overweight clients, they refunded the money. Social media backlash followed, calling OP names. Some friends criticized OP for not being more patient.
Scroll down below to read the story in OP’s own words.
1. OP, hired to train and guide hikes for a group of very out-of-shape women, canceled due to difficulties, facing backlash.
2. OP runs a small hiking guide operation, training various groups. OP tries to be kind in wording and has served all kinds of clients.
3. OP received an inquiry from “Womens+ Adventures” during Pride Month, assumed it was LGBTQ+, collected info, exchanged money, and started the training plan.
4. OP planned a Gray’s Peak hike for “Womens+ Adventures,” thinking it was LGBTQ+. Later, OP realized it meant plus-sized women, but their forms indicated good condition.
5. The first hike was awful. It was 4 miles with a 750ft gain. Many ignored OP’s suggestions and struggled, with frequent breaks and complaints.
6. After returning (6 hours later), OP questioned the group’s honesty about their abilities. The leader was defensive, offended by smaller goals, and some mocked OP’s preparation advice.
7. The second hike went worse. OP decided to refund pro-rated costs after realizing the plan wouldn’t work. The head reacted angrily, accusing OP of fatphobia and mockery.
8. OP emphasized their experience training overweight clients, noting patience. They highlighted realistic expectations were lacking, referencing starting with local park walks.
9. OP refunded the money after difficulties but faced social media backlash and criticism for not persevering and showing more patience. AITA?
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article.
10. OP’s priority is safety and realistic expectations for all hikers, which weren’t met. Cancelling was responsible, not malicious.
11. Safety comes first in outdoor activities. OP’s decision was sensible given the group’s fitness levels and their responses.
12. OP tried their best to accommodate but safety and realistic goals matter in outdoor activities.
13. Those women should have given a thought before signing up for a 14er.
14. A plus size woman cant understand how it could take 6 hours for the 4 miles hike.
15. It’s crucial to match hiking goals with fitness levels.
16. OP’s decision was based on safety concerns and mismatched expectations, which is responsible leadership.
17. Feeling bad for the women, really.
18. NTA. Hiking requires preparation and realistic goals. OP’s cancellation was about safety and fitness, not malice.
19. Outdoor activities require realistic preparation and no lies.
What are your thoughts on this story? What would you do, or how would you react if you were in OP’s position? You know that your feedback means a lot to us; therefore, we want you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. For more such articles, keep visiting our website. Have a nice day!
