Extreme or action sports are becoming more and more popular, and although many of them have been around for quite some time, there have been newer ones created in the past few years. Recognition of extreme sports is becoming more prominent in the media which also calls for the hope of people educating themselves and understanding the risk factor in any type of activity they involve themselves in.
When many think of rock climbing, BASE jumping, skydiving, cliff jumping, motocross, big mountain freestyle skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding, the thought of danger, risk and sometimes even downright idiocy may come to people’s minds. They are definitely not your traditional sports you would see on a field, court or track. But these extreme sports are a passion of many just like anyone involved in a traditional sport. Risk and injury is a huge factor in any sport whether it’s traditional or extreme.
One of the most important things anyone could do if they want to get involved in an extreme sport is to educate themselves. This includes what type of training is required, the gear involved, taking a class to prepare, asking questions, reading manuals and books on the sport, and understanding what dangers are possible should you go through with it. There are online resources and forums on Web sites you can visit to ask questions as well. You can never prepare enough especially when your safety and even your life may depend on it.
Death is one of the harsh realities involved in extreme sports. Many have lost friends and loved ones in one way or another whether it was from a sudden change in weather conditions, avalanches, equipment failure, user error, or the elements. There have even been instances where someone has thrown rocks over a cliff where a climber was climbing, which resulted in a climber’s death. So this raises the question from many of why do people do these crazy, dangerous, potentially life-threatening things?
Coming from someone who is involved in these types of sports, the answer isn’t necessarily one that can be explained unless you are directly involved in extreme sports. The feeling of accomplishment after conquering a climb you’ve been working on for a long time is an amazing feeling. The adrenaline rush of skydiving or downhill mountain biking is exhilarating. Rappelling down arches or a canyon where the views are spectacular and breathtaking is something you can’t explain to someone and pictures just don’t do it justice when you try and tell them the incredible colors and surroundings you were able to witness.
Athletes and most people involved in these types of sports don’t do it to be reckless. Ask athlete Craig DeMartino, who was disabled from a climbing accident, why he continued to climb even after a traumatic injury. Or ask someone involved with First Descents why they got involved in an extreme sport to help them cope with their cancer fight/survival. Why does a runner run? Why does a composer spend countless hours on a composition that may or may not ever be performed? They do it because there is something inside of them that has the dedicated desire to take a chance. They don’t let fear consume them. It’s what helps them function in a constantly changing world. It’s their escape from the daily grind. It’s their way of challenging themselves just like anybody else.
As advice goes, always be the safest you can be when taking part in action sports. Triple check your climbing harness, knots and belayer before you climb. Do routine checkups on your gear and equipment if you know you won’t use it for a few months. Always check your gear before using it and check the gear of those you head out with. Don’t take a chance on wondering if your anchoring system was set up right. Test out a jump with a bag of rocks or something that will give you an idea of how much clearance you have. Never think it’s stupid to do your safety checks. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when it comes to your safety. Educate yourselves as much as you possibly can. While nothing is guaranteed as far as safety in the world of action sports, you can lower the chances of injury and death by being aware and prepared in every way possible.
Risk comes with many things. You’re taking a risk by driving in a car. Potential danger could be right outside your front door. There will always be one who may not follow the rules or will go out and do things out of recklessness whether it is an extreme sport or not. We don’t always hear the full story of what was behind some of the deaths of athletes or individuals involved in an extreme sport and many are quick to judge or try to place blame on someone. It all comes down to the fact that it was the individual’s choice to be involved in the sport and a hope that they were fully aware of what they were getting themselves into. While action sports may not be worth taking a chance to some, it is one of the drives and a big part of others’ lives that helps them feel alive.
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