Extreme Sport Culture

1421 Words6 Pages
Extreme sports started in the 1970s with the advent of rock climbing, kayaking, and skydiving ("The history of," n.d. para. 2). These high-risk activities gained popularity as a reaction of the increase in a safety life style, developed by society. People feeling a lack of danger in their every day life started looking for other options to fulfill their need for risk and adventure ("The history of," n.d. para. 3). Extreme sports are usually defined as those, which involve an adrenaline rush and imminent danger ("What is an," n.d. para. 1), such as snowboarding, skateboarding or Downhill Mountain biking. All these kinds of activities involve spectacular stunts, use professional gear, and require physical and mental preparation as they take the human body to its limits ("A look at," n.d. para. 1). One of the main characteristics that differentiate extreme sports from traditional sports is that the challenge is not presented just by the other athletes competing but also by the uncontrollable, unpredictable environmental variables ("A look at," n.d. para. 4), such as, waves high for surfing, or snow condition for snowboarding. In other words, extreme sports athletes seek the thrilling excitement and feeling of satisfaction derived by overpowering the environment. Over the last two decades, extreme sports participation has grown exponentially ("Risk taking in", 2010, para. 2), due also to the improvement in technology, which has allowed break through innovation in regards to equipment used, and new medias. One of the main differences between extreme and traditional sports is that adrenaline can reach its highest level, not just when taking part in competitions or events, due to the rivalry with the other athletes, but also during training. The research for new limits never ends, and the boundaries between life and death are pushed everyday a bit farther. People usually

More about Extreme Sport Culture

Open Document