Whether its racing a motorbike at 200mph, or diving off a cliff, extreme sports are everywhere these days. With Red Bull getting involved and sponsoring more and more options, the category of sports that we can only deem ‘not for the fainthearted’ is particularly prominent in modern life. In order to limit the risk involved each of these sports comes with a strict set of rules. Here, with Renault Megane dealership, Lookers, we take a look at the variety of sports that adrenaline junkies all throughout the world are taking the plunge and getting involved in on a daily basis.
Xpogo
This sport is much like what we all did as children, which was certainly dangerous enough, without effectively turbo charging it. Extreme pogo involves competitors showing off new skills and tricks as you’d expect on a BMX. Jumpers can reach heights of nine feet, making this sport extremely dangerous. To try to limit injury, those who partake are required to wear a safety helmet. If you’re looking to join a stunt team, you’ll also be required to undergo a medical and be signed off as being fit and healthy.
Le Mans 24-hour race
Established in 1923, the Le Mans 24-hour race is the ultimate test of endurance and efficiency. The competition at the Circuit de la Sarthe is held annually and is the world’s oldest active car race. However, it is also a very dangerous race, with 22 drivers having lost their lives over the years while competing. While battling a tough course, drivers must also battle fatigue. To make it slightly safer, each team has three drivers who each steer for a total of eight hours across stints of up to two hours. However, sleep is still limited, meaning it’s often tough to stay focused.
Volcano boarding
This sport does exactly what it says on the tin. Competitors head to Leon in Nicaragua. Climbing up active volcano and then boarding down the side of it. Presented by Red Bull, those daring enough to get involved sit or slide on ply wood with a thin metal board underneath – danger is particularly present in this sport. Hitting speeds of 30mph adds another reason to why this sport simply isn’t for the fainthearted. There’s a rope attached to your board for stability, while riders are given a one-piece suit for protection if they crash. Protective goggles and leather gloves are also provided.
Air Kicking
Air-kicking, similarly brought to you by Red Bull, was invented by German stuntman Jochen Schwiezer. It involves participants being catapulted into the air, flying more then 25ft before landing in a pool of water or a foam pit – safety at its finest! This is not one to take part in if you have any joint injuries.
Creeking
Described as the ideal sport for adrenaline junkies, creeking is whitewater kayaking to the limit. In the 1980s, with the introduction of more durable kayaks, daredevils thought they’d attempt to take the plunge off high waterfalls. The adrenaline rush is increased due to the fact you don’t know if you’re going to hit off a jagged rock or be sucked beneath the water. To try to limit any potential injury, it’s vital you wear safety equipment, including life jackets and a helmet.
All extreme sports
We may all take it for granted but warming up is essential when it comes to avoiding injury. No matter what extreme sport you take part in, it’s crucial that you warm up sufficiently. Any cold muscles are more susceptible to injury, so be sure to do some light exercise for approximately five minutes before gently stretching any muscles that are to be exercised. It’s also essential that you don’t try to imitate stunts that you might have seen on television, as these people are professionals! And, whatever you do, do not participate in an extreme sport alone. You should always have a partner who can assist you in the event you are injured.
This is just a small list of the extreme sports which exist throughout the world. Adrenaline junkies across the world are throwing themselves into new situations everyday and coming up with more sports. The question is, do you see yourself as a daredevil?
Sources
https://www.lemans.org/en/page/rules/107
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/extreme-sports-list-2017
https://expertvagabond.com/volcano-boarding/
https://www.wired.com/story/24-hours-le-mans-logistics/
http://www.capitolint.com/Fairs/xpogo/xpogoREQ.html
https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/news/extreme_sports_injuries_4412
https://expertvagabond.com/volcano-boarding/