Participant perceptions of performance in adventure sport

Recent papers have demonstrated a growing interest in adventure sports coaching. However, little work has been done to understand the nuances that surround the nature of performance in this domain. Understanding how ‘performance’ is perceived in this domain is essential for the coach. Using thematically analysed semi-structured interviews with 12 adventure sports participants, this research examines how those participants describe performance in adventure sports. The findings support the notion that preparation, socialisation, environment, and challenge are aspects of adventure sports performance. Additionally, these findings identify independence as an aspect of that performance. Independence includes the ability to learn from experience, to develop confidence and decision-making skills. These findings have implications for coach development in adventure sports, specifically the nature of coaching, its assumed outcomes, and the content and focus of such as programmes.