Sport Psychology for Adventure & Action Sports
Supporting athletes who perform in environments where uncertainty, consequence, commitment and pressure are part of the challenge.
Adventure and action sports often place athletes in environments where pressure, uncertainty and consequence are part of the experience. Whether you're a climber managing fear of falling, a surfer performing in challenging waves, a sailor preparing for competition or an athlete striving for consistent performance, sport psychology can help. I provide evidence-based support to help athletes build confidence, manage pressure, improve focus and develop the psychological skills needed to perform at their best.
Athletes I Commonly Support
Climbers
Surfers
Sailors
Motocross riders
Mountain and adventure athletes
Endurance athletes
Team sport athletes
Although many of the athletes I work with come from adventure and action sports, the psychological skills we develop apply across a wide range of sporting environments.
Fear and Performance
Learning to perform effectively even when fear is present.
Returning After Setbacks
Rebuilding confidence after injury, mistakes or difficult experiences.
Confidence and Commitment
Developing trust in your preparation and decision-making.
Identity and Self-Worth
Developing a healthier relationship with sport and performance.
Managing Pressure
Performing consistently when outcomes feel important.
Focus and Decision Making
Staying present when distractions, uncertainty or consequences are high.
Why Adventure & Action Sports Present Unique Psychological Challenges
In many sports, mistakes can feel costly, but in adventure and action sports, this can be magnified.
Athletes may experience:
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heightened awareness of risk
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intrusive thoughts
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self-doubt
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hesitation
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overthinking
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avoidance
My background in climbing, surfing, adventure sport, and performance psychology helps me understand these experiences from both a practical and psychological perspective.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Performance Psychology
My work draws upon evidence-based approaches including:
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Sport psychology
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Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
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Acceptance-based approaches
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Performance psychology
Together we develop practical strategies that help athletes perform more effectively while building a healthier relationship with pressure, fear and uncertainty.
Experience & Resources
My work in adventure and action sports is informed by practical experience, published research and ongoing professional development. I currently support Team England Surfing and GB athletes from a range of sporting backgrounds, alongside publishing research and educational content on performance psychology and REBT.
Explore the resources below to learn more.
Research and Resources
Published Work
Lumby, Kathryn, Woodford, Lindsay, & Turner. Martin J. (2026). “Leaving the Door Open”: Using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy With Sport Climbers Who Experience Fear. The Sport Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2025-0179.
Events
Online talk - Identity and Self Worth in Adventure Sports
Details coming soon...