Motivational factors and experiences of swimmers in the Lake Balaton crossing

Abstract

This research paper examines the motivational factors and experiences of swimmers participating in the Lake Balaton Crossing, a 5.2 km open water event held annually in Hungary. The study aims to understand why swimmers persistently engage in this recreational sporting activity over time. A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted, targeting swimmers who had completed the Lake Balaton Crossing at least five times. The questionnaire collected information on participants’ demographics and explored their motivations for returning to the event. Content analysis was used to analyze the data collected from 398 participants. The results revealed several common motivating factors, including the desire for challenge and competition, the pursuit of personal goals, the experience of flow, the pleasure and relaxation derived from swimming, the sense of belonging to a community, and the positive impact of swimming on health and well-being. These findings align with previous research and highlight the importance of adventure, personal growth, and community in motivating swimmers to participate in the Lake Balaton Crossing. Understanding these motivations can inform event organizers and contribute to strategies that enhance participation and engagement in recreational sporting events.