Understanding the Different Types of Extreme Sports

Extreme sport is something that spirited people dream of doing. People come up with so many definitions of extreme sports. There is always an ongoing debate on what truly an extreme sport is. Some people may ask about the characteristics of a sporting event that would make it an extreme one. Extreme sports are events or activities that are dangerous and life threatening. In an attempt to categorize the sporting activities belong to the group of extreme sports, there are characteristics that can be used define the different types of extreme sports.

Characteristics

The different types of extreme sports are mostly favored by the youth. Although not exclusive, the youth population is mainly the target of these types of sporting events. It is a very rare occasion that schools or learning institutions allow students to play extreme sports. Beginning or starting extreme sports athletes begin their careers without a coach or a support group.

Another characteristic of these extreme sports is that they do not follow the traditional characteristics of sporting events. This is because these activities have a higher number of essentially uncontrollable variables or possibilities. Unlike traditional sports where the game is almost predictable and it is controllable, these extreme sports are unmanageable and unpredictable. The athletes of extreme sports do not just go against another participant or athlete but the environmental conditions, challenges and obstacles like weather conditions and terrain-related factors.

Examples of extreme sports

BASE jumping

This type of sporting activity is an example of the different types of extreme sports. This involves a parachute or a wing suit when jumping off from fixed object like a rooftop or the top floor of a building. The acronym B.A.S.E stands for Building, Antenna, Span, Earth - these are the points or areas where a base jumper can jump.

Bungee jumping 

In this type of extreme sport, the participant ties an elastic cord or rope around the waist or body and that is when the participant jumps from a mountain, a tall building, or a bridge. After the elastic rope stretches from the jump, it then again recoils causing the jumper to bounce up and down.

Mountain biking

This type of extreme sports involves a rider and a bike specially made to endure the tough usage along rough terrains. The area where the participant goes to bike is mountainous terrains, which are characteristically dotted with steep slopes and declines.

Rock Climbing 

Another exciting extreme sports is rock climbing. The athlete’s goal is to make sure that the one does not fall while climbing a wall of rock while scaling the wall and moving up, down or side-to-side. The participant’s objective is to reach the summit at the fastest time without touching the ground. This type of extreme sports gets extreme when it is done outdoors. This is because the weather conditions make it harder for the participant to grasp another rock and balance their bodies while defying the force of gravity.

What types of extreme sports suit you? People who do these extreme sporting activities must undergo training before they even attempt doing these risky endeavors especially outdoors where weather conditions are very unpredictable. They must be physically fit and mentally prepared to face all the challenges that lie ahead.

Extreme sports are not for the faint hearted and for those who can’t handle pressure. If a person wants to try these sporting events that person must always consult a physician first and when the physician gives a go signal then the next step would be preparation. Extreme sports are not something you just decide on doing when you wake up one morning. Preparation is the key in making your extreme sporting experience an event worth treasuring.