You won’t be surprised to hear that extreme sports aren’t for the faint-hearted. No matter how dangerous they may be though, there are still certain health and safety procedures that must be followed. Whether it’s volcano boarding or air kicking, extreme sports still come with a list of rules to adhere to. In this guide, alongside Renault Megane dealers, Lookers, we explore a number of the most extreme of extreme sports and the guidelines in place to ensure that participants are fully safe throughout.
Volcano boarding
In this sport, participants must hike to the summit of a volcano, with Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro a very popular choice. Then, they simply slide down – sitting or sliding – on ply wood with a thing metal board underneath. Hitting speeds of 30mph adds another reason to why this sport simply isn’t for the fainthearted. There’s a rope attached to your board for stability, while riders are given a one-piece suit for protection if they crash. Protective goggles and leather gloves are also provided.
Creeking
On holiday, kayaking is something we often enjoy doing. Creeking, on the other hand, is whitewater kayaking to the limit. In the 1980s, with the introduction of more durable kayaks, daredevils thought they’d attempt to take the plunge off high waterfalls. The adrenaline rush is increased due to the fact you don’t know if you’re going to hit off a jagged rock or be sucked beneath the water. To try to limit any potential injury, it’s vital you wear safety equipment, including life jackets and a helmet.
Xpogo
Remember hopping on a pogo stick when you were younger? Well, imagine that activity but hyper charged! Extreme pogo involves competitors showing off new skills and tricks as you’d expect on a BMX. Jumpers can reach heights of nine feet, making this sport extremely dangerous. To try to limit injury, those who partake are required to wear a safety helmet. If you’re looking to join a stunt team, you’ll also be required to undergo a medical and be signed off as being fit and healthy.
Air Kicking
Air-kicking traces its roots back to Germany and is the invention of stuntman Jochen Schweizer. It involves participants being catapulted into the air, flying more then 25ft before landing in a pool of water or a foam pit – safety at its finest! This is not one to take part in if you have any joint injuries.
Le Mans 24-hour race
Running since 1923, the Le Mans 24-hour race is held every year and is the world’s oldest active car race; famous for its test of endurance and efficiency. However, it is also a very dangerous race, with 22 drivers having lost their lives over the years while competing. While battling a tough course, drivers must also battle fatigue. To make it slightly safer, each team has three drivers who each steer for a total of eight hours across stints of up to two hours. However, sleep is still limited, meaning it’s often tough to stay focused.
General extreme sports
Although this guide covers a few of the more extreme examples of extreme sports, when it comes to extreme sports as a whole, it’s vital that you warm up properly. Any cold muscles are more susceptible to injury, so be sure to do some light exercise for approximately five minutes before gently stretching any muscles that are to be exercised. It’s also essential that you don’t try to imitate stunts that you might have seen on television, as these people are professionals! And, whatever you do, do not participate in an extreme sport alone. You should always have a partner who can assist you in the event you are injured.
Are you inspired to add an extra bit of excitement into your life? Remember to always be wary of any extreme sports and take care to avoid injury wherever possible.
Sources
https://www.lemans.org/en/page/rules/107
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/extreme-sports-list-2017
https://expertvagabond.com/volcano-boarding/
https://www.wired.com/story/24-hours-le-mans-logistics/
http://www.capitolint.com/Fairs/xpogo/xpogoREQ.html
https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/news/extreme_sports_injuries_4412
https://www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/entertainment/the-top-ten-most-extreme-sports-in-the-world/?v=8&n=f