The identity, epistemology and developmental experiences of high-level adventure sports coaches

The aim of this research was to further the literature on the identity and practices of adventure sports coaches (ASCs). Current research indicates that these coaches hold well-defined epistemic beliefs that underpin their approaches to coaching. We sought to explore whether these findings applied to a more diverse sample and to examine their working practices and developmental experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on high-level ASCs. Inductive thematic analysis showed that (1) the coaches share similar working practices which are unpredictable and varied, (2) that the coaches possess and can articulate sophisticated epistemological beliefs and (3) the coaches consider themselves to be on a constant learning journey.