Recreation Specialisation among New Zealand Whitewater Kayakers: A study of motivation and site preference

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of specialisation to motivations and site preferences among whitewater kayakers. Subjects consisted of 358 whitewater kayakers in New Zealand. Data was collected via an internet survey in New Zealand in 2008. Research questions addressed the delineation between levels of specialisation and associated relationships with motivation and site preference variables. Results found that high levels of motivation and site preference for wilderness values, enjoyment of nature, similar people, achievement, and physical fitness were supportive of a social world perspective, regardless of the specialisation level. Specialisationrelated differences emerged for achievement, teaching others, and challenge/safety. Low motivation and preference were found for introspection, family togetherness, escape, equipment, facilities, and novelty. Hammett, Backlund, and Bixler (2004) indicate that recreation resource managers would find this information to be instrumental in aiding future policy and planning decisions.

Key words:

• recreation specialisation
• motivation
• site preferences
• social world