"Recreational chaser" What's the difference?

[Jason Boggs]

After tonight's episode of Storm Chasers, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this? I don't consider myself a recreational chaser most of the time because I chase for a TV station and I'm out for a valuable purpose. Now, when I'm out of the viewing area, I guess I can consider myself a "recreational chaser" because I'm out for my own benefit. Is it the agenda that makes the difference or what? Does a chaser have to do scientific research while out chasing to be considered a non recreational chaser? Your thoughts...

 

[Jason Foster]

As far as the show goes...just another term.

I don't try to label too much. There are just too many people chasing for so many different reasons these days.

But to further your discussion, I guess a recreational chaser would be for those that view storm chasing as a vacation or hobby. Someone who doesn't get into the science, the video, the money, etc. would to me be more on the recreational side. Somewhat where chasing was in the early and mid 90s before reality shows, live streams, huge research projects.

 

[Joey Ketcham]

Who cares? People chases for different reason, some for the science, others for the pure beauty that mother nature has to offer us. Why does it matter what "label" we fall under?

 

[Ric Burney]

Recreational chaser = 'those not followed around by Discovery Channel camera crew'

 

[Dan Robinson]

Deep down, everyone is a recreational chaser. Find me a chaser who hates storms, trudges out there for 'science' or 'public safety', then comes home and complains to everyone how much he loathes what he does. The root reason for being out there is the same for all of us. Some are just fortunate to find ways to add more legitimacy, either perceived or real, to the act than others.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Who cares? People chases for different reason, some for the science, others for the pure beauty that mother nature has to offer us. Why does it matter what "label" we fall under?

I wasn't really trying to make a big deal over it. I just wanted other opinions, that's all.

 

[Jerry Prsha]

After tonight's episode of Storm Chasers, I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this? I don't consider myself a recreational chaser most of the time because I chase for a TV station and I'm out for a valuable purpose. Now, when I'm out of the viewing area, I guess I can consider myself a "recreational chaser" because I'm out for my own benefit. Is it the agenda that makes the difference or what? Does a chaser have to do scientific research while out chasing to be considered a non recreational chaser? Your thoughts...

I don't think it was used in malice but I do think that it was meant to elevate his position among the rest of us to the viewing public.

BTW, I'm more important than the rest of you!

 

[Laura Duchesne]

Isn't that what amateur storm chaser is, as opposed to professional storm chaser? (non paid versus paid). I honestly don't care what we're called, you could call me a water vapour chaser for all I care LOL. Just give me a darn tornadic supercell and I will be happy.

Meh, same difference.

 

[Dennis Dennison]

Labels lead to Political correctness and then legal decisions on just who can chase and when......

I am recreational-mainly due to living in AZ, and NOT haveing a fortune to spend on gas to chase-ALTHOUGH I HAVE THE TIME_-hint hint hint

Now if I lived in OKC-I would be semi pro, and chase whenever it looked really good in my region.

Josh is a scientist and thus his interest is in gleaming as much data and technical info as possible

Reed is what he is-an EXTREME Dominator!!! He chases for the pure excitement and love of it all-and now with the added electronics, and a rather large case of balls-he may just actually get some missing link data that josh will never see, because as a scientist with an armada-he simply cannot and will not risk it like reed does.

 

[Scott Taylor]

Perhaps "recreational" is their more politically correct replacement for the Y word.

 

[Chris Hayes]

I hate labels as much as I hate political correctness. Maybe they are calling the yahoos the "recreational chasers." I would consider myself a "recrational chaser" if you want to use such a stupid term. I go out and chase because I find storms to be awe inspiring and beautiful, and I love working on my photography skills (espcially in the lightning arena). Recreation is a term for fun. Chasing is fun for me. So I guess I would call myself a recreational chaser.

 

[Marcus Hicks]

I would consider myself a recreational chaser as well. But thinking back on the episode, gang don't be to offended (if you are).... There were lots of "recreational chasers" in postion first. Maybe upset the discovery teams a bit because they were late for the prom so to speak. It was a huge convergance but no more dangerous than a tornado tank barreling down the road at 90+ mph with limited visibility. With that, this latest season of Storm Chasers is really beginning to be more and more like a bad episode of survivor. I think I'll start recording them as an alternative to watching Twister.

 

[Jeff Smith]

R*** T*****, stormchasing god....

All other chasers, "recreational"

I took that kinda personal but oh well. It's showbiz...lol

 

[Andrew Pritchard]

R*** T*****, stormchasing god....

All other chasers, "recreational"

I took that kinda personal but oh well. It's showbiz...lol

The only person to actually use the "recreational" term was the show's narrator. People take all of the scientific imperfections for a grain of salt, but take the other drama and remarks to heart every time for whatever reason.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I didn't even think of it until I saw this thread. Yeah, I chase for fun? So what. Those who get paid fulltime by a TV station or those who make a few bucks selling calendars are also out there having fun. Even the scientists are having fun while doing their research. In the context of the show it meant "other chasers." I wouldn't read too much into it.