Performance in Adventure Sport...What can we learn?
Article: Participants’ perceptions of performance in adventure sport
The study explores how people who actually participate in adventure sports (like kayaking, climbing, or mountaineering) define “performance.” In traditional sports, performance is usually about a scoreboard; in adventure sports, it’s much more personal… and that’s why we love it. It is also why it can have such huge benefits for young people.
Here are a few takeaways that we, as residential providers for school trips, can implement:
Autonomy is the Real Goal
In adventure sports, people primarily want to be able to do things on their own, rather than just mastering a skill for the sake of it. I think that’s important for us to remember during an introductory residential: autonomy is the main aim, rather than just the technical skill itself.
Believing You Can is More Important Than Being Able To
The feeling of being capable is what we are looking for during a session—not just the adrenaline rush, although they often go hand in hand. Those conversations with kids who don’t think they “can” are crucial.
Preparation & Social Engagement are Core
Briefings, packing bags, remembering lunch, and putting on sun cream—these can all feel like “admin” on a school trip, but it’s important to remember the role they play. They are crucial preparation periods and provide opportunities for social interactions in different contexts.
Create Authentic Micro-Adventures
As a growing outdoor company, we feel the pressure to standardize everything and be more process-led. I sometimes get frustrated that we haven’t got everything “dialed” and wonder why some days aren’t identical to the last—but they never are.
It is important for us to choose which parts of the experience we want to standardize and which parts we definitely don’t. We want to ensure the experience is as varied as possible and that the young people are actively involved in the process. For example, involve them in weather-related decisions or last-minute changes to programs and routes. Ask yourself: Does a chat with the team need to be in private, or can it be done in front of the group? Or even with the group?
