The Psychology of Extreme Sports

  • The Motivation Behind Extreme Sports

    One of the most powerful motivators is the satisfaction that comes from succeeding at a hard sport and from the grinding it requires. Although some are looking just for the “high” extreme sports bring, some report it helps them feel closer to nature, more self-aware, at peace and even transcendent.

    The Science Behind Why We Love Risk

  • Extreme Sports And Risk

    Researchers found that extreme sports athletes often don’t consider their sports risky, and dedicate a lot of time studying and minimizing risks. They believe they have done all they can to mitigate risks through hard work and focus. 

    The Science Behind Why We Love Risk

  • “My vision is sharper, and I’m more sensitive to sounds, my sense of balance and the beauty all around me. … Something sparkles in my mind, and then nothing else in life matters.”  - Dean Potter, climber.

    What Motivates Extreme Athletes to Take Huge Risks?

  • “The activity itself enables experiences that are beyond the everyday. People talk about their senses being alive, about being able to see things much more clearly. It gives them a glimpse of what it means to be human as in the capacities they have that we don’t tap into in everyday life.”  - Eric Brymer, psychologist, on the effects of extreme-sports

    What Motivates Extreme Athletes to Take Huge Risks?

  • Extreme Sports Athletes

    Many extreme athletes are careful and thoughtful planners, and avoid thrill-seekers when possible. Most research that links extreme-sports to thrill-seeking, hedonism, and a taste for risk, was done using young subjects, who tend to be impulsive and poor decision-makers regardless. .related-story .bg-story-BHcli7VP .img { background-image: url(https://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/science/2015/01/21/21-baby-athlete.w1200.h630.jpg); } .related-story .bg-story-koEBN1iX .img { background-image: url(https://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/science/2014/10/27/27-public-speaking-fear.w1200.h630.jpg); }

    What Motivates Extreme Athletes to Take Huge Risks?

  • Extreme Sports And Mindfulness

    What attracts many to become extreme sports athletes is something akin to the flowlike state provided by mindful meditation , one in which you’re so in the moment that everything else drops away.

    What Motivates Extreme Athletes to Take Huge Risks?

  • Extreme Sports And Fear

    People assume that extreme sports athletes have no fear, but fear is an important part of the experience. Fear makes them more alert to potential threats and mistakes and, when the conditions aren’t right, it often leads them to give up an attempt.

    What Motivates Extreme Athletes to Take Huge Risks?

  • “Far from the traditional risk-focused assumptions, extreme sports participation facilitates more positive psychological experiences and express human values such as humility, harmony, creativity, spirituality, and a vital sense of self that enriches everyday life.”

    What Motivates People to Do Extreme Sports?

  • Life-Changing Power Of Extreme Sports

    Those who practice life-threatening extreme sports do it to have an experience that is life-changing, to feel alive and have an almost transcendental sensorial clarity. Extreme sports have the potential to induce powerful and meaningful non-ordinary states of consciousness. They have been shown to be affirmative of life and the potential for transformation.

    What Motivates People to Do Extreme Sports?

  • Reasons To Practice Extreme Sports

    The Thrill of Risk-Taking : the danger in extreme sports releases adrenaline, giving the athlete a 'high' so to speak, it also brings some social status. Accomplishment and Respect : trying to complete an event brings feelings of competition and completing it earns respect as many live off the excitement of watching others perform things that they couldn't possibly see themselves doing.

    Have You Ever Wondered What Makes People Do Extreme Sports? Well...

  • 4 Lessons From Bungee Jumping

    Don’t overthink before deciding: On bungee jumping, the longer you wait to jump, the more you make excuses and convince yourself to back out. Live in the moment: Left hanging in mid-air while they pull you back up is an euphoric moment followed by feelings of peace and calm that you can appreciate because you are then living in the moment. Face your fears : you jump despite the fear and in the end you feel empowered and a sense of accomplishment.  Have faith that things will work out: people die bungee jumping but faith the cord won’t snap keeps people jumping regardless. 

    4 things bungee jumping can teach you about life

  • Options Of Adventure Sports

    Skateboarding : Using ramps to pick up speed, you can learn to perform tricks. Mountain biking : Combinies the technical skill and endurance of cross-country and the speed of downhill racing. Snowboarding: Adrenaline rush of speed, learning tricks, or a gentle ascent down the slope - snowboarding offers it all. Surfing: Standing on the board and want to have some fun doing local competitions, find a local club or school. Rock climbing : physically and mentally demanding it requires strength, balance and patience in order to reach the summit using a designated route. Caving: it allows you to go climbing, crawling, wading and swimming all in one. It’s physically challenging and an outlet for a real explorer's spirit.

    Get Inspired: How to get into adventure sports

  • Adventure Sports

    They are fast-paced, action-packed and perfect for those who want to take risks and test their bodies to the extreme. Many clubs offer free trials, and cheap hire of equipment. Adventure sports are fun but often very physically demanding. There are clubs and groups around the world with professional coaches to help you reach your maximum potential in whichever sport you choose. Most adventure sports offer more accessible variations for children or the disabled. 

    Get Inspired: How to get into adventure sports