The meaning of adventurous activities for 'women in the outdoors'

Adventurous activities are growing in popularity as a form of leisure and recreation, yet many non-participants find it difficult to understand what motivates people to seek out situations in which there is an element of danger and risk. This research examines the meanings of long-term participation in outdoor adventure for women working in education. A biographical method was employed to explore narratives generated through life story interviews that related to the nature and impact of the women's adventure participation. Key themes focused on the significance of adventurous activities, experiences of fear, and relationships in the outdoors. The women in this research emphasised the benefits, values and importance of adventurous activities, and indicated ways in which their participation had influenced all aspects of their lives. They placed particular significance on time for themselves away from everyday life which they associated with feelings of rejuvenation and calm. When describing their experiences in the outdoors the women reported unusually high levels of fear, and placed particular value on shared experiences which often overshadowed aspects such as physical challenge.