Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 5(2): 61-73, 2016 – Participation in
adventure recreation is increasing in popularity in recent years. However, out of the 13
million people who participated in outdoor recreation activities globally, 12 million are no
longer participated in these activities due to low satisfaction of the acitivity, which includes
the implementation of activities, environment and facilities provided (Outdoor Industry
Foundation, 2013). This study aims to understand the patterns of participation, specifically in
whitewater rafting activity by identifying the motivation factor and the satisfaction level of
participants. It also examines the relationship between motivation and satisfaction in
whitewater rafting activity. Recreation Experience Preferences Scale (REP) was used to
identify the motivation factors, while Leisure Satisfaction Scale was employed to assess the
level of satisfaction in whitewater rafting activity. The respondents consisted of 404 people
who participated in whitewater rafting in Kampar River, Perak. Mean, standard deviation and
Pearson Correlation were used to answer the research questions. Results showed that
elements of nature, excitement and sociability as the main motivation in the activities of
whitewater rafting. Higher satisfaction levels were recorded in the aesthetic, psychological
and social. This study revealed that there is a positive relationship between participants‟
motivation and satisfaction in whitewater rafting activity. In conclusion, the motivation
factors that encourage participants to participate in whitewater rafting activity may not
necessarily be the same factors that contribute to participants‟ satisfaction. Therefore, the
operators of the activity and the related parties need to identify factors that contribute to
satisfaction of aesthetic, psychological and social in whitewater rafting activity to ensure
higher satisfaction in participation of this activity.