Abstract
Growth in the adventure sector has increased the demands on adventure sport professionals. Satisfying a diverse range of participatory motivations, however, requires an adaptable and flexible workforce. In this discursive paper, we suggested that a narrowing of service skills caused by commodification and sportification are compounded by general (mis)perceptions of who best suits the adventure sector. Accordingly, this paper discussed two important implications for outdoor professionals to improve inclusivity standards. Specifically, using mountain leadership as an exemplar, we firstly, presented themes in connection with motivations and social dynamics. Secondly, we contextualised these themes against pertinent environmental challenges. Finally, we presented a decision making approach and its requisite planning and reflective skill-sets, designed to assist mountaineering professionals to negotiate the complexity presented by individualised service provision. We concluded that there are no simple solutions to these complex and multiple issues. Services require better alignment between epistemology and delivery via an epistemological chain.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 311-322 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 23 Jun 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Oct 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- hiking/hill walking
- leisure
- metacognition
- nature sports
- professional practice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation