When the term ‘extreme sports’ first came on to the scene, it only really pertained to a small group of new activities. Among those worthy of the accolade included sports such as BMX, base jumping, surfing, white water rafting and a few more. Even in the early days however, it was clear to see that some of the sports (and people) were are little more extreme than others. You can’t really compare jumping off the kerb on your skateboard to hurtling down a 70 degree slope with board strapped to your feet, dodging trees, rocks and deer, whilst trying to outrun an avalanche.
Nowadays however the range of sports that fall under the ‘Extreme Sports’ umbrella is quite frankly staggering. There are thrills to be had everywhere, including in the sky with paragliding, to in the water with the currently very popular, paddle boarding. In some cases it is no longer impressive enough to turn up to the beach with your surfboards, you now need to be involved in kitesurfing, land yachting, skim boarding and loads of other sports that people have dreamt up whilst presumably under the influence.
Some people think this is a bad thing and that the term ‘Extreme Sports’ should only be reserved for those sports either around from the beginning or that contain an element of danger so great that only those will a bit of screw loose are willing to give them a go. However, extreme sports are not held by the shackles of a few peoples closed minds, they represent more…a way of life in fact. It’s about attempting something your have never done before. Maybe falling over a few times and picking up some cuts and bruises, but succeeding the long run. It’s about picking up some second hand kayaks on a whim and taking them out on the river for a quick blast, and feeling alive when you make it to the still-water in once piece. So the term ‘extreme sports’ has boundaries that are meant to be pushed and that change over time, which is not a bad thing, it’s just evolution.