Abstract
Theoretical perspective on extreme sports mainly assumed participating as need of risk (thrill seeking) and strong experience (sensation seeking). However, methodology based on this prejudice may lead to results no relating to actual living experience of participants.
Objective: Main objective of this research was to explore if and how Czech extreme kayakers experience mortality in overall context of their sport, using hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative research. Methods: Data were collected by semi-structured interviews (9 male and one female extreme kayaker, aged 21-42 years).
Data were analysed through the Thematic analysis. Results: Results indicate that participants experience their mortality especially through the immediate threat to the lives of kayak community members.
Diversity of extreme kayaking phenomenon and that range of positive experiences which this trigger leads them to nonstop effort of risk minimization, for the possibility to continue in their lifestyle