The thrill of extreme sports is a supremely popular one. There are literally millions of people all over the globe who regularly seek the adrenaline rush that comes with extreme adventurous sports. But what are extreme sports? They are typically defined as a sport that is high in risk, speed, or height.
As the world of extreme sports evolves, new activities become extreme sports examples all the time, adding to a growing list of experiences you must try. The best thing about extreme sports is they can take you, quite literally, all over the world.
Just be sure to take out extreme sports travel insurance before you go. We take a look at some of the world’s most exciting extreme sports, and the best places to try them.
Downhill skateboarding
Forget the local skatepark, downhill skateboarding is the coolest way to ride a board. This sport involves skating, as the name suggests, on a downhill stretch of road or track. Skaters can reach incredible speeds of up to 85 mph, which can result in fairly serious injuries so make sure to wear plenty of protective equipment.
Where to try downhill skateboarding? California, the birthplace of skateboarding itself, is one of the best places for this extreme sport. Santa Barbara is a great choice and also offers sun, sea, and surf all year round. California is the perfect base for skaters who want to check out some of the world’s best skateparks too.
Ice swimming
Swimming in icy waters is nothing new, in fact, it has been enjoyed as a health activity in the Arctic Region and other parts of Northern Europe for hundreds of years. Its amazing health benefits, including improved immunity and better circulation, are now widely understood. An official ‘ice swim’ requires a one-mile swim, in water that is at least as cold as 41°F, although any cold swim can have health benefits.
Where to go ice swimming? It’s easiest to find colder waters during winter but you can find year-round chilly waters in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Alaska, Canada, and parts of Ireland and the UK. If you head to any of these places in winter, you’ve also got a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Extreme downhill mountain biking
This adventurous sport is ideal for mountain bikers who are looking for a bigger challenge and a greater release of adrenaline. It involves using a specialized downhill mountain bike and cycling down tough, steep terrain. Courses generally feature huge jumps and deep drops. Although it’s not widely known in comparison to more headline-grabbing adrenaline sports, extreme mountain biking is actually one of the oldest on this extreme sports list.
Where to go extreme mountain biking? North America is one of the world’s best destinations for this sport. Many ski resorts become downhill bike courses during summer, such as the Winter Park in Colorado and Whistler Mountain Bike Park in BC, Canada. Top permanent downhill courses include Mountain Creek Bike Park in New Jersey and Mammoth Bike Park in California, which can be enjoyed any time of year.
Zip-lining
Zip-lining is more than just a sport. Of all the activities on this extreme sports list, zip lines have the most practical real-life applications. They have been used to transport people, medical supplies, food, and even weapons across mountainous terrain for over 2000 years. It’s also one of the safest sports on this list. Whether you want to zip through a valley, gorge, canyon, perhaps through a forest, or between two mountaintops, this sport can be enjoyed all over the world.
Where to zip-line? It’s got to be Zip World Bethesda in North Wales, the longest zipline in Europe and the fastest in the world. A holiday to North Wales in the UK is also an opportunity to explore Snowdonia National Park. Alternatively, try out the world’s highest, La Tyrolienne, located in Val Thorens, which just happens to be one of the best ski regions in France.
Volcano boarding
Every bit as crazy as it sounds, volcano boarding, also known as volcano surfing, sees participants riding a flat board down the outer slopes of a volcano. The safe option is to board down a dormant or inactive volcano, but true adrenaline junkies opt for active volcanoes, which pose risks such as flying lava and poisonous gases.
Where to go volcano boarding? The world’s most famous spot is the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua, but bear in mind that it is an active volcano.
Cave diving
The most extreme (and dangerous) way to scuba dive, cave diving enables you to go to places few humans will ever reach. This sport can only be enjoyed by those who are already experienced scuba divers, and it requires specialist additional knowledge, skills, and equipment.
Where to go cave diving? Australia is one of the world’s top destinations for this adventurous sport, thanks to a huge number of underwater caves and sinkholes. The Bahamas and The Dominican Republic are other popular spots. All of these destinations happen to be ideal for winter sun.
Bungee jumping
Arguably the ultimate of all adrenaline sports, and something that everyone should try at least once. It’s relatively safe, although you should always jump with established bungee providers. Participants are attached to a long, elasticated rope and quite literally jump from a high point.
Where to bungee? In China, you can jump off the highest bungee jump in the world at Macau Tower, some 233 meters high. The historic Navajo Bridge that crosses the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon National Park is another spectacular option closer to home.
Wingsuit flying
Always fancied flying but never had the wings? Well, you can now with the advent of wingsuit flying. An extreme sport that really earns this title, in wingsuit flying, participants wear a suit that stretches out to form ‘wings’ between the legs and between the arms and body on each side.
This suit increases the surface area of the body and allows one to glide through the air. Participants reach an ideal glide ratio of 3:1, which means for every meter of falling, they glide forwards three. All wingsuits are fitted with a parachute for landing. If this isn’t quite exciting enough for you, you’ll be pleased to hear that jet-powered suits are in development.
Where to fly? Popular spots include Yosemite National Park and Lake Elsinore in California, Troll Wall in Norway, and for the experts only, ‘The Crack’ in the Swiss Hinterrugg.
Extreme ironing
A bit of a tongue-in-cheek adrenaline sport that has garnered a cult following, extreme ironing is exactly what it sounds like. The sport involves taking an ironing board, iron, and crumpled shirt to the most unusual and precarious places, despite not actually having an electricity supply.
Where to do extreme ironing? Anywhere extreme such as a mountaintop, under the water, or perhaps mid-ski. Wherever you do it, just be sure to stay safe and think before you iron.
Highlining
Every single activity on this extreme sports list is risky, but highlining is potentially the most dangerous. Highlining is a form of tightrope walking, or slacklining, where the rope is suspended typically hundreds of meters high.
This may be between two very high trees, across two cliff edges or mountains, or perhaps over a dangerous body of water. Highlining can be perfectly safe when done with a harness, but some of the biggest names in the sport do it without any sort of protective equipment.
Where to do highlining? The city of Moab, Utah is a popular base for highliners looking to access the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as is LA, which offers easy access to the Joshua Tree National Park, where the sport is thought to have originated.
Tips for an extreme sports holiday
If you’re planning on taking a holiday specifically with adventurous sports in mind, make sure you are fully prepared. Only engage in sports that you already have experience in, and only do activities such as bungee jumping with experienced providers that have an excellent safety record and risk assessment. Whatever you do make sure you take out extreme sports travel insurance or check that your existing travel insurance offers cover for extreme sports.
Is there an extreme sport near me?
It might seem like extreme sports only take place in far-flung places, but you’d be surprised at how many activities you can do close to home.
Of course, not all adventures need to be extreme; there are many fantastic destinations that are ideal for taking an exciting active holiday, without jumping from a great height or visiting an active volcano. Remember to check current travel guidelines before you book a holiday packed with adventurous sports.
So what are you waiting for? Choose your sport and destination and book your extreme sports travel insurance. The world is waiting for you.
