Extreme sports are thrilling activities that often come with a high level of risk. They usually involve speed, height, intense physical effort, and specialized equipment. Their popularity skyrocketed in the early 90s, thanks to various marketing campaigns, endorsement by commercial companies, and platforms like the X Games and Extreme Sports Channel.
Generally, these action-packed sports are a hit among youngsters who are typically self-coached. Unlike traditional sports where formal training is the norm, extreme sports enthusiasts often train themselves. The outcome of extreme sports is often influenced by unpredictable natural elements like wind, snow and mountains – a feature that adds to the excitement and unpredictability.
Take snowboarding, rock climbing, and surfing as examples. The conditions for these sports are never constant. Also, traditional sports primarily measure success in terms of distance, time, and speed, but in extreme sports, it’s all about style points and innovative techniques.
But what drives people towards these risky sports? Many participants say it’s the adrenaline rush. However, medical perspective suggests it’s not solely adrenaline at work; other hormones like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are also released because of the body’s heightened physical demands.
There’s a huge range of extreme sports you can try. Some common ones include mountain biking, rock climbing, drag racing, and surfing. There are several derivatives of these sports too. For instance, skiing has been modified into extreme sports like barefoot and extreme skiing. ‘BMX biking,’ although a dangerous activity that can result in severe injuries, is another example of a recreational activity turned extreme.
Lesser-known types also exist like kite land boarding, which involves a large skateboard-like board pulled along by a kite. Another example is ‘bouldering,’ which is a rope-free version of rock climbing. The most daring might try BASE jumping, which involves leaping from a high structure or cliff with a parachute.
A word of caution for younger enthusiasts: it’s recommended to learn and perform these sports under expert guidance due to their inherent risks. Despite the danger, extreme sports can be highly thrilling and a joy to watch if performed properly.
