What kinds of sports are categorized as extreme sports? You’ve probably seen the term “extreme sports” in magazines, heard about it on the news, watched it on television and seen it advertised in sporting goods stores. So, what exactly are extreme sports? Read on to learn about this exciting trend in sports.
There are a lot of extreme sports and the term is becoming more and more common as the concept of extreme sports gains popularity. Extreme sports are those that have a high level of supposed risk, not necessarily a high level of actual risk plus the term itself is a contradiction as they are not always sports. The catchphrase is often used as a marketing term and, while not always conducted by a younger demographic, they are usually the primary target audience.
Extreme sports are normally non-traditional. They are usually associated with an anti-establishment, unapologetic lifestyle branding that rejects authority; recently, however, the anti-establishment culture has become less of a requirement. Compliance to cultural norms and respect for authority is completely acceptable. Neither are high speed and adrenaline technical requirements for an activity to be an extreme sport, but it’s true that they are often associated with it.
The word ‘extreme’ has been tossed around over the last 20 or so years. Virtually everything from energy drinks to television shows has carried the name. Extreme sport, for me, comes from the idea that these sports involve rebelling against the status quo and attempting the impossible. Doing the very things that were previously thought of as things that were never done, like big wave surfing, free climbing, free skiing and BASE jumping. All of these are extremely dangerous and, until very recently, the idea of even attempting any of these meant a high likelihood of certain death. There’s a second tier that also expresses the same type of principle but doesn’t carry the same level of risk. Injury? Yes, but fatality, not so much. Some sports on this tier are BMX, skateboarding and motoX. These sports are much more accessible and have a larger level of participation, partly because they don’t require the same level of commitment and aren’t as dangerous.
Extreme sports cover a vast assortment of activities. A few of the more common types include mountain biking, climbing and drag racing. Other kinds of extreme sports have developed from familiar activities. For every extreme sport there is equipment and safety gear that has been developed to protect your body, enhance performance and give you an edge in the competition. For example, water sports have evolved into the rush of adrenalin and skill that requires wakeskates, helmets and bindings. Skiing is a common sport in which more aggressive versions such as barefoot skiing and extreme skiing, have developed over the years. Bicycling is a relatively tame recreational activity but riding and racing BMX bikes, on the other hand, is an extreme sport activity that is not intended for children under the age of twelve or for the faint-of-heart.
Extreme Sports even have their own Olympics-like competition called the ‘X-Games’ where participants compete to win bronze, silver, and gold medals, as well as prize money.
As you continue to learn more about extreme sports and your questions regarding it are answered you may be interested in trying some of them out. Certain versions of extreme sports require proper training, while other types, such as mountain biking, can be performed without professional guidance. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to use the appropriate equipment and the proper safety precautions. The necessary equipment can be purchased at different sports stores and will help ensure your safety.
As people, young and old, continue to develop these activities, more will come to understand what extreme sports are. While the trend continues you can expect to see a greater variety of sports available, each one more unique than the last. Who knows, you may even come up with an extreme sport of your own. Good luck and stay safe and here is a list of popular extreme sport :
♦ Earth:
Skateboarding, longboarding, mountain boarding, sandboarding, drifting, BMX, motocross, aggressive skating, mountain biking, rock climbing, free climbing, parkour, sand kiting
♦ Water:
Surfing, long/short, body boarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, cave diving, paddle surfing / stand up paddle, kayaking, cliff jumping, scuba diving, knee boarding, white water rafting, skim boarding, jet skiing
♦ Snow and Ice:
Snowboarding, snow skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, snow kiting
♦ Air:
Base jumping, skydiving, wing suiting, bungee jumping, high-lining, hang gliding, paragliding, slacklining
