If you are someone who is looking for new ways to challenge your physical limits, there are plenty of options. One of them is participating in extreme sports. By definition, extreme sports or adventure sports are activities that involve high-risk and often associates with speed, high physical exertion, and heights. If you are a beginner in the field of adventure sports, it can be a bit scary for you. After all, fear is a strong element. However, it is also easy to overcome it.
One of the best parts about choosing to do extreme sports is that these sports do not have limitations. Unlike traditional sports, there is no restricted field. Moreover, you get to travel and spectate new places. In addition, there are many types of extreme sports – from mountain biking and skateboarding to surfing and BASE jumping. According to Thrill Appeal, there are two types of extreme sports categories; while one is earth-based sports, others are water and snow-based. Depending on your physical limitations and choices, any one of these fields can give you an experience of a lifetime.
So, before you start on your extreme sports adventure, there are some things you need to consider:
Quick Jump
Guide to Extreme Sports – Essential Things to Keep in Mind
Getting the Right Insurance Plan
Firstly, getting the correct insurance is extremely important. Usually, most travel insurance plans do not cover accidents caused by extreme sports because of its dangerous activities and high frequency of pay-outs.
Therefore, it is essential to seek a cover plan that is dedicated to the particular sport chosen by you. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can search for different insurance packages by price first and check the ones that can cover your activities.
In addition, before starting with your extreme sports journey, it is important to speak with your doctor first. The reason is that you may be unaware of some physical limits or health concerns that can impact your journey. The doctor can also tell you what type of insurance you may need to cover that journey.
Research heavily
Whichever adventure sport you choose to try, you need to first find a good tour operator in order to ensure that your experience is as hassle-free, painless and enjoyable as possible. This means researching for multiple contacts of tour operators at the destination of your choice. Reading reviews from various sites about tour operators are another great way to see which ones charge too much or if they can provide a good service.
Bring the Correct Equipment
In most cases, extreme sports instructors or providers will provide you with the necessary equipment you need for your first try. You can check if your provider supplies you with the equipment or not. The various types of equipment can depend on your choice of sport and can include BMX bikes, mountain bike helmets, and snowboards. Beginners are recommended to choose equipment with multiple gears so that they can easily get a grip of the sport.
However, purchasing equipment from your tour operator or stores near the site of sport can be very expensive. This is why it is important to ask beforehand or bring your own equipment. This way, you can also stay ensured that the equipment you will work with is of good quality.
Additionally, in case you are unfamiliar with the correct equipment, you can always contact your tour operator for suggestions.
Stay in Your Limits
Since performing extreme sports can circulate a good amount of adrenaline in the body, it gives some people the feeling of immortality – meaning that they might forget to be careful. While this confidence boost is not bad, it can sometimes cause mistakes to happen. You are not safe from injuries or mistakes, especially if you are a beginner.
It is important to receive some training from a professional before deciding to try it alone. And even then, it is important to know your physical limits. For example, if you choose surfing as your preferred adventure sport, then you cannot simply jump into the water with a surfboard. Instead, you have to take it step-by-step; especially with an instructor by your side. Once you start your training, you will realize that you are gradually becoming good at it.
While it is clear that extreme sports shine a light on the extent of human capabilities, there is no harm in being prepared first.
Recommended Adventure Sports For Beginners
Trail Running. Running, in general, is greatly beneficial to the body and mind. Trail running specifically is an adventure sport that takes normal running a notch higher because the path you need to follow can at times be extremely challenging. Apart from getting shoes that fit well, it is also best to start on rather flat terrains. Once you get the feel of it, challenge yourself to run more technical terrains.
Climbing. Wall climbing or rock climbing is not only perfect to train your body physically, but it is also a great way to train your mind. Look for climbing centers within your locality to start in this sport. Then, you only need to invest in a good and comfortable pair of shoes because all the other equipment needed for the sport can be rented.
Hang Gliding. If you want to experience the feeling of naturally flying, then hang gliding is an adventure sport that you can try. With hang gliding, you will have the ability to race close to the ground underneath you or fly high up into the air. However, you need to find a trustworthy school with seasoned trainers, as well as research diligently about meteorology, which is a significant part of this sport. For the little less adventurous souls, tandem paragliding is another great option.
Kayaking. If you love the thrill of water sports, then kayaking is one of the perfect adventure sports for you. Kayaking in rivers is sure fun, but challenging way to make your heart pump with adrenaline. Apart from the sport itself, kayaking is a great way for you to discover new places, and even meet new friends and acquaintances.
One of the best parts about participating in this category of sports is that activities such as mountain climbing, surfing and kayaking do not carry the same downside of being constrained in one location, as compared to football. Moreover, these sports are not focused on winning or losing either. So, if a participant has a balanced state of mind and possesses well physical attributes, they can look forward to a thrilling world of extreme sports.
