What do participants perceive as the attributes of a good adventure sports coach?

Abstract

This paper presents a mixed-method investigation of client's perceptions of a good adventure sports coach. Semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically, and the findings used to inform a subsequent larger survey that sought to verify the importance of the themes identified in the interviews. The findings draw an alignment between the attributes of good coaches in traditional sports, as reported in previous studies, and those of adventure sports coaches. However, they also identify three additional attributes that are critical for good adventure sports coaches: (1) in-depth knowledge of the adventure sports environment, (2) a very high degree of individualisation, and (3) an explicit focus on developing the participant's confidence.The implications for training adventure sports coaches are discussed.

Proposing a new conceptualisation for modern sport based on environmental and regulatory constraints: implications for research, coach education and professional practice

“…The association with tourism frequently engenders a greater element of perceived risk but little real risk; an important component to the commodification of risk (Brown, 2000;Loynes, 1998;Varley, 2006). However, this overlooks many independent participants who learn to undertake these activities, sometimes with the assistance of a coach (Collins & Collins, 2017;Eastabrook & Collins, 2020). The associated link with commodified instructor-led or guided adventure, and therefore as a touristic activity, is sometimes a misrepresentation of adventure sport.…”

“…Engagement within these different environments is enabled by equipment and technology advancements, but also different motivations for participation (Eastabrook & Collins, 2020). Therefore, some participants may, either out of choice or training necessity, engage in sports that take place across a range of these environments, while others may participate within a single environment.…”

Learning the trade – recognising the needs of aspiring adventure sports professionals

“…Within practice and academia, the distinction between the differing genres of adventure sports has been unclear and detrimental (Collins & Carson, 2021). The terms are used and applied very loosely with limited attempts to differentiate between them (Cohen, Baluch, & Duffy, 2018;Eastabrook & Collins, 2020). However, adventure sports possess some specific characteristics; they are often non-competitive in nature, take place in natural outdoor environments, operate to a set of ethics that are held within the community of practice (Wenger, 1998) or by the individual participant and can be characterised by an active engagement with risk (Brymer & Gray, 2010).…”

Key characteristics of optimal developmental experiences in a group of expert Sea Kayak Guides

“…Optimal developmental experiences need to exhibit authenticity, diversity and a real risk to be contextually accurate (Eastabrook & Collins, 2020), in addition to providing an opportunity for reflection beyond the immediate context (Ericsson, 2002(Ericsson, , 2006Mees et al, 2020). Eastabrook and Collins (2020) assert that a feeling of authenticity is created during an experience through the interaction of three elements: Adventure, challenge and context. For the experience to feel adventurous, the individual must be positioned at the centre of the activity and be encouraged to make real, consequential decisions.…”

“…For the experience to feel adventurous, the individual must be positioned at the centre of the activity and be encouraged to make real, consequential decisions. To be challenging, the experience should be both cognitively and physically demanding and include a degree of learning (Eastabrook & Collins, 2020). Authenticity is created via deliberate practice in a contextually accurate environment (Ericsson, 2002).…”