A Qualitative Examination of Risk Among Elite Adventure Racers

Abstract

The growing sport of expedition-length adventure racing incorporates activities that previ-ous research has determined to be high in risk, such as mountaineering (Breivik, 1996), kayaking, canoeing (Boga, 1988). white water rafting, and mountain biking (Schneider. 2001). Though Schneider (2001) found that adventure racers score among the highest sensation seekers, very little is known about the experiences of risk taking and sensation seeking among elite level adventure racers. Kay and Laberge (2002) qualitatively exam-ined how adventure racers assign levels of authenticity to different events, including the popular Eco-Challenge event, but their focus was not on the psychological aspects of adven-ture racing. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the social and psychological phenomenon of risk in adventure racing. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten world-class Eco-Challenge participants. Following inductive analysis (C^Z. Salmela, Baria, & Russell, 1993) five general categories emerged, including: 1) risk socialization, 2) the space of risk, 3) mediators of risk, 4) negotiating/coping with risk, and 5) sensations. These themes are discussed at length, and connected to previous research on risk-taking and sport. Finally, suggestions for future research on risk and adventure racing are proposed.