Cable Wakeboarding for the First Time: How Young People Make Sense of Risk in Adventure Recreation

Abstract

Cable wakeboarding can be defined as a risky adventure recreation activity in which young people are the primary participants. Based on interviews and observations focusing on cable wakeboarding in Sweden, young people’s understanding of the risks associated with this activity was analysed. According to the thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts and field notes, the participants’ interpretations of risk were related to the social/spatial context of the adventure recreation activity. Furthermore, the analysis resulted in the identification of two themes: the content of the cable wakeboarding information and procedures, and the city beach community. Overall, the participants’ sense-making of risk in adventure recreation was explored and found to be framed by local attachment and a combination of individualistic and collectivistic perspectives of risk.