Lund, Lisbeth Kronsted (2019) Sea-kayaking, well-being and experiences of the sea. Masters dissertation, University of Cumbria (awarding body Lancaster University). Item availability may be restricted.
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Abstract
This study explores the influence of sea-kayaking on subjective wellbeing and vitality, the role of the body and the interaction with the environment as part of the experience. The qualitative research presented here comprises interviews, sensory-ethnographic and reflective diary data, that was collected in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland 2018 during and after a seven-day sea-kayaking journey. The primary analytical approach is based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). It draws on body and eco-oriented phenomenological inquiry of sea-kayakers lived nature-experiences. The salience of using holistic health model the ‘salutogenesis’ model (Antonovsky, 1996) in the context of sea-kayaking adventure is discussed. These perspectives may bring a contribution to the sea-kayaking field, outdoor sectors concerned with health and wellbeing, future ‘blue’ health intervention designs, or other outdoor adventure professions.
Findings: Wellbeing outcomes in sea-kayaking were related to the body-sensory experiences in the environment. ‘Vitalising dynamic’ effects were related to the presence of the natural element of water, and the corporeal immersion in the environment by sea-kayak. This is suggested as a ‘corporeal experiential dialectic’ - a ‘sublime-invigorating’ effect and ‘calming-soothing’ effect. Spatial-perceptive alterations, ecological-aesthetics, heightened-awareness emergent with sensory-bodily experiences were seen as contributing to this. These experiences - both positive and challenging/negative experiences – are contributive to meaning-making, authenticity, resilience, sense-of-coherence, subjective-wellbeing in the broader contexts of the participant’s life. Sea-kayaking is contingent with ‘salutogenetic’ model (Antonovsky, 1996).
Future implications: Contemporary outdoor ‘aquatic’ adventures as ‘counter’ or ‘official’ narratives may require further consideration in future research, as well as potential important differences between health discourses.
| Item Type: | Thesis/Dissertation (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Departments: | Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies |
| Additional Information: | Dissertation presented in part fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in Outdoor and Experiential Learning or Development Training, University of Cumbria, 2019. |
| Depositing User: | Anna Lupton |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Mar 2019 10:37 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jan 2024 08:01 |
| URI: | https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4545 |
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