Extreme sports push your boundaries of physical capability and with heightened risk attract thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies alike. Anyone who craves that excitement that normal athletic pursuits just can’t give will find some of the more extreme sports around the world in this article.
From soaring through the skies to conquering rugged terrains these different sports offer something unparalleled. Here’s a look into some of the most popular extreme sports, what makes them unique and so popular. We’ve also included the most popular locations to really push the limits.
10 Extreme Sports You Must Try
1. Base Jumping
Coming in first is Base Jumping. Base Jumping involves taking the leap of faith off fixed objects such as a cliff face, bridges or tall buildings. Not to be confused with skydiving which starts from an airplane base jumpers increase the risk level jumping from stationary points.
You not only have to make sure you are clear of obstacles but usually you free fall time is much shorter making it a thrilling but highly risky sport.
- Why It’s Popular: Base jumping offers an intense rush and a unique perspective of the world from high above. The excitement of jumping from natural or man-made structures adds to its allure.
- Popular Locations: The Troll Wall in Norway, the Eiger in Switzerland, and the Perrine Bridge in Idaho are all popular locations to push you to your limits.
2. Wingsuit Flying
Proximity flying or more commonly known as Wingsuit flying involves wearing a suit with increased surface area to ‘glide’. Think a flying squirrel when it opens its arms and has the areas of skin that allow it to fly through the air. I like to call it controlled falling but this sport is combining the thrill of skydiving with the sensation of flying like a bird.
- Why It’s Popular: The sensation of flying and the ability to manoeuvre through the air with precision makes wingsuit flying an exhilarating experience. It requires a high level of skill, training and cojones.
- Popular Locations: The Swiss Alps, Yosemite National Park and the cliffs of Norway are popular wingsuit flying destinations with breathtaking scenery just to add that finishing touch.
3. Surfing Big Waves
This one is probably only suited to those that can swim. Surfing big waves is a rather challenging sport that involves taking on large powerful waves. Surfers who do take on these massive waves need exceptional skills, bravery and especially physical fitness to handle the intense forces of the ocean.
- Why It’s Popular: The combination of skill, power, and the beauty of the ocean makes big wave surfing a breathtaking sport. The thrill of riding massive waves and the sense of achievement are its significant draws.
- Popular Locations: Pipeline in Hawaii, Mavericks in California, and Teahupo’o in Tahiti are famous for their colossal waves. These are the waves you can’t even imagine without seeing them.
4. Rock Climbing
This doesn’t sound like a super extreme support on the face of it but with a few tweaks you can really push the boundaries. Rock climbing involves ascending natural rock formations using hands, feed and climbing gear. Even using climbing gear, the physical and mental challenges are tough but to really take it to the extreme free climbing without equipment will elevate your experience to unknown levels.
- Why It’s Popular: Rock climbing offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to connect with nature. The physical and mental challenges keep climbers coming back for more. It’s a sport that very few can master especially without the assistance of equipment.
- Popular Locations: El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Mount Everest in Nepal, and the Dolomites in Italy are renowned climbing destinations.
5. Skydiving
Skydiving as covered above is the sport of jumping out of a big piece of flying metal (airplane) and free falling before deploying a parachute to land relatively safely. Out of all extreme sports its probably one of the more accessible ones with tandem jumps available for beginners. You also won’t be short of finding Skydiving courses especially here in the UK.
- Why It’s Popular: The thrill of free-fall and the panoramic views from high above make skydiving an unforgettable experience. It offers a relatively safe introduction to extreme sports.
- Popular Locations: Interlaken in Switzerland, Dubai in the UAE, and the Florida Keys in the USA are popular skydiving spots. However you can literally skydive anywhere, I would suggest starting closer to home before hitting these big spots.
6. Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is like base jumping, apart from you’ve got a giant elastic band attached to you. You leap from a great height while attached to a bungee cord which stretches and recoils to create a thrilling experience. Usually done from bridges but also cranes and other large structures its known for its heart-pounding excitement with relatively low risk.
- Why It’s Popular: The adrenaline rush of jumping from a height combined with the sensation of bouncing back and forth makes bungee jumping a favourite for thrill-seekers. Given it is low risk vs others it’s a great place to start your extreme sport journey.
- Popular Locations: The Victoria Falls Bridge in Zambia/Zimbabwe, the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa, and the Macau Tower in China are well-known bungee jumping sites.
7. Paragliding
Another form of ‘free’ flying paragliding is where you glide through the air using a lightweight non-motorised wing. It’s usually a basic metal frame with a large wing on top, you are harnessed in allowing you to focus on the amazing views. It offers a serene experience with the freedom to explore the skies. Like skydiving you can fly as a tandem for beginners before taking to the skies on your own.
- Why It’s Popular: Paragliding combines the thrill of flying with the tranquillity of soaring through the air. It’s accessible to beginners and offers stunning views of landscapes.
- Popular Locations: The French Alps, Interlaken in Switzerland, and the hills of Pokhara in Nepal are top paragliding destinations. These are purely due to the breathtaking views, but if you’ve got enough height and hill to get updraft you can paraglide anywhere.
8. Motocross
Yes, Motorcross is an extreme sport and if you’ve ever rode a motorcycle even just on the road you know how exhilarating it can be. Motorcross is an off-road high-speed race on rugged tracks, obstacles and jumps. It obviously requires a good level of skill to be able to ride a motorcycle and manoeuvre around the racecourse but also a great deal of physical endurance. This is one that has a higher risk of injury but endless hours of fun.
- Why It’s Popular: The combination of speed, skill, and the challenge of navigating difficult terrain makes motocross a thrilling sport. The competitive nature and adrenaline rush make it a tempting extreme sport for the more competitive person.
- Popular Locations: The MXGP (Motocross Grand Prix) circuits around the world, such as those in the USA, Italy, and the UK, are popular for motocross enthusiasts.
9. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is one of the few ‘teams’ extreme sports. As the name suggests you are rafting down whitewater. It involves navigating turbulent river rapids in an inflatable raft. You will be required to think quick, work as a team and be able to cope in extreme high-pressure situations. The beauty of Whitewater rafting is there are different levels allowing the less experienced to take on calmer yet still fun waters, going all the way to ‘your life is at risk’.
- Why It’s Popular: The excitement of tackling powerful rapids and the camaraderie of rafting with others make this sport appealing. It offers an exhilarating adventure and a strong connection with nature. Its one of the few sports you can really enjoy with friends and take on as a group
- Popular Locations: The Colorado River in the USA, the Zambezi River in Africa, and the Ganges River in India are popular for whitewater rafting.
10. Ice Climbing
Yes, you guessed it, it involves climbing up ice formations. Things like frozen waterfalls and ice-covered rock faces using specialised equipment. Despite the large physical strength required and nerves of steel what makes this truly an extreme sport is where you need to venture to access this sport. You can find indoor centres that offer the experience, whilst good for training it’s not really the real thing.
- Why It’s Popular: The challenge of climbing frozen surfaces and the sense of adventure in cold, remote environments make ice climbing a unique and rewarding sport. It’s a sport which will take you places the average person will never go.
- Popular Locations: The Canadian Rockies, the Alps in Europe, and the frozen waterfalls in Patagonia are renowned for ice climbing.
Final Thoughts
Extreme sports are there to push human’s limits, to do what the normal person wouldn’t even dream of doing. The thrill of the risk and the sense of achievement pushing your body to the limits is unmatched. As you start your journey into the world of extreme sports and adrenaline-pumping activities make sure to prioritise safety and proper training to fully enjoy the experience. Embrace the adventures ahead of you and let some of the world’s most exhilarating sports take you on a journey you won’t forget.
Most of these sports are on a level that most amateur or new to the scene can partake in and learn whilst allowing the true extreme to push the boundaries but if you really want to see an extreme sport have a look at Cave Diving. For something a bit more leisurely but tons of fun? Check our our article on Padel the new sport to take the world by storm.
