Understanding Nature sports: a participant centred perspective and its implications for facilitating learning and performance

Nature sports is a term used to describe a collection of physical activities that are frequently defined by characteristics of their environment or an inherent risk. These perspectives overlook new aspects of nature sports and motivations for participation, imposing an inaccurate perspective on the design and facilitation of learning experiences. Namely, that nature sports are undertaken by participants with an inherent need for risk. This paper presents an alternative perspective based on critiques of the traditional notions of the experience of participants which goes beyond notions of risk taking and thrill seeking. Adopting a participant focus provides insight into the constant evolution of techniques, participation, philosophies and the continuous striving for creativity and innovation. Effective learning design and facilitation in nature sports therefore demands adaptability, flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and the capacity to facilitate a participant’s interaction with their environment.