Courage, Passion, Fun and Recreational Flow Experience in University Students Studying Catamaran and Windsurfing

Catamaran sailing and windsurfing are nature-based sports that require physical risk-taking, balance, attention, and endurance. Participation in these activities may contribute not only to physical skill development but also to psychological experiences such as courage, passion, pleasure/fun, and flow. This study aimed to examine how these psychological experiences are shaped among university students receiving catamaran and windsurfing training and to determine the relationships among courage, passion, pleasure/fun, and recreational flow experience. The study was conducted using a quantitative correlational survey mod-el. The sample consisted of 255 university students participating in catamaran and windsurfing training at the water sports center. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Recreational Flow Experience Scale, the Passion Scale, the Courage in Nature Scale, and the Pleasure/Fun subdimension of the Recreation Benefit Awareness Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS Macro v4.2. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and serial mediation analysis were performed. The findings showed that courage had significant positive effects on pleasure/fun and passion. Pleasure/Fun significantly predicted both passion and recreational flow experience. The direct effect of courage on recreational flow experience became non-significant when mediating variables were included, indicating full mediation. Indirect effects through fun/pleasure, passion, and the serial pathway were significant. In conclusion, catamaran and windsurfing train-ing contributes not only to physical competence but also to psychological development by enhancing courage, passion, and enjoyable experiences that support recreational flow.