In this study I explore how whitewater kayaking has affected my own identity development, and compare this to the experiences of six young kayakers and recent graduates of the Adventure Guide Diploma program at Thompson Rivers University. Using autoethnography I explore and analyze my own journey with the sport. This formed the basis of my inquiry, and informed the questions I asked the 6 research participants. Through qualitative interviews I explore how these 6 kayakers feel their identities have been affected through whitewater kayaking in the two years since they learned how to kayak. This study adds to the relatively small body of research showing that adventure sports such as whitewater kayaking can have a profound affect on participants’ identities. I postulate that whitewater kayaking offers opportunities for self-discovery, identity creation, and character development, and that meaningful reflection can help kayakers take advantage of these opportunities.
