When most days feel monotonous and boring, a little extreme sports can really help keep the blood pumping. The adrenaline and excitement is unparalleled to most other hobbies. Though you already are a pro in most athletic sports, some can still have their fair share of danger. Even expert athletes can get severely injured if they aren’t careful. If you want to know some of the most extreme sports out there, here’s a short list along with the dangers that come with each of them.
Free Solo Climbing
A great way to challenge your core muscles and dexterity is through wall climbing. At first glance, it seems a bit intimidating because of the height, but you’ll soon find that that’s only half the problem. Most climbers do it indoors, but there are those that take it a step further and climb actual mountains. People would follow routes that already have hooks in them.
If you are looking for something that has more thrill while also appreciating nature, free solo climbing lets you bask in the great outdoors. Unlike traditional wall climbing, this one doesn’t make use of any harness or support. You rely entirely on your skills and abilities.
For many, finding your own path and overcoming challenges are the best parts of it. However, this hobby is all about knowing your limits as well. Since you will be doing it solo most of the time, that means there won’t be anyone there to catch you if you fall. Expert free solar Alex Honnold says that there is maybe an 80 to 90 percent fail rate at a pro level, so it’s really about mastering your movies.
Deep Sea Diving
When you’ve gotten bored with land, then it’s time to explore the vast oceans! Diving is an extremely popular sport. People would travel across different countries just to find new diving spots. Sometimes, they go in looking for specific things such as sunken ships or marine life. This is great for those that love history or want to experience life in the sea.
Because you can be vulnerable under the sea, diving has its share of risks. This is not something that just anyone can do, and you have to get a license to dive, especially in dangerous locations. The water pressure can easily cause neurological problems that would require an open MRI scan. Others even experience lasting memory and brain problems from frequent driving.
Heli Skiing
You’ve heard of skiing, but have you ever gone skiing off a helicopter before? In Canada, you can actually do what they call heli skiing, wherein you jump off a helicopter and down the mountain. It doesn’t sound as extreme as it does. In fact, the helicopter is pretty low on the ground, so you won’t be jumping off too high. However, this is not something for novice skiers because they usually take you away from the commercial landscape of a resort.
One of the main dangers of this sport is the unpredictability of the snow. An avalanche can unexpectedly occur and have you trapped. It can be dangerous if there is a snow storm, and your helicopter gets stuck in the air. Normally, organizations that manage this have very good practices when it comes to safety.
Mountaineering
For those that want to get away from the urban setting, mountaineering may feel like a great escape from the hustle and bustle of life. If you are someone who already likes hiking and camping, then this can be a hobby you can get into. With this, you are battling against high altitudes and are going against the regular trails. Some would require special equipment because you will be scaling against cliffs or fighting with the weather.
You don’t know what to expect in far off mountains. Some can have falling rocks and boulders and if you are alone, then it could be fatal. There’s also the possibility that you can fall into crevices and cracks where people can’t find you. If you plan on climbing off season, it can also be quite dangerous depending on the location. This is why it is important to always inform others and follow directions of guides when mountaineering.
High altitudes can also be an issue for some. When you climb too high too fast, you may experience dizziness and nausea. The thin air and lack of oxygen can also affect your brain. It’s important to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and to pace yourself properly. Weather in high altitudes can also worsen, especially in mountains with snow tops.
