A study examined motivation factors related to participants' level of development in outdoor adventure recreation pursuits. A survey was completed by 164 undergraduate recreation majors from separate, but similar, sections of a required 13-day outdoor education practicum. Respondents rated fun and enjoyment as their most important motive for participating in adventure experiences, followed by personal challenge, feelings of achievement, and doing something new/different. Respondents rated as least important, status among peers, respondent's image in society, requests by others, and competition. Adventure recreationists followed a pattern of development, with challenge being the factor that explained the most variance. In general, motivations moved from extrinsic at the beginner level to intrinsic at the expert level. This study supports the notion that certain extrinsic motivation strategies could encourage beginners' involvement. These techniques could be withdrawn as involvement becomes more intrinsically motivated with participant growth and development. Separation of developmental levels may, therefore, be beneficial. (Contains 39 references) (TD)