Extreme sports offer a special challenge, pushing the physical and mental limits of athletes. For some people, beyond the rush of adrenaline, the experience of nature is what matters most. Others want to overcome fear or attempt something nobody has done before.
Extreme sports: sport as an addiction
Extreme sports are always associated with risk. These extraordinary expeditions and projects by elite athletes are usually carefully planned and prepared. The right equipment is absolutely essential. We present 20 unusual adventure sports; some are not very common, but all of them are exciting.
Modern extreme sports: canyoning (canyoneering)
This involves descending a canyon from top to bottom. Canyoning, also known as canyoneering in the U.S., combines abseiling, downclimbing, jumping, sliding, swimming, and sometimes diving.
Coasteering: adventure on the coast
Coasteering has been available to tourists since the 1980s and is a mixture of swimming, climbing, cliff jumping, and crossing natural obstacles along the coast.
Ice climbing as a competitive sport
Ice climbing is among the relatively young extreme sports; however, it is not suitable for the faint-hearted. Since 2002, ice climbing has been a competitive discipline, with World Cup events held in the glacier village of Saas-Fee.
Acrobatic kitesurfing
Kitesurfing combines several extreme sports. It has its origins in windsurfing and offers a mix of sailing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
Wakeboarding: experience the ultimate adrenaline rush
Skiing: a road trip to the mountains
Mountain biking on snow, full of adrenaline
Heli-biking: adventure sport for those who want a truly special experience
Scenic flights and heli-skiing
This is a dangerous sport compared with heli-biking. Scenic flights and heli-skiing are the perfect solution for those who want to combine skiing with a breathtaking flight.
Glacier hiking
In the mountains: climbing Mount Everest
Freestyle wingsuit flying
In some extreme sports, such as wingsuit flying, you can make the dream of flight feel real. If you want to glide like a bird, look for a qualified, certified wingsuit instructor.
Fun sports for the more adventurous: rafting
Canoeing and whitewater rafting provide plenty of excitement and impressive views.
Whitewater kayaking
River surfing
River surfing is a form of surfing that gives a feeling of freedom even in the middle of the city.
Beach sailing
Land sailing, also known as sand yachting, is one of the older extreme sports and has a long tradition in Europe. Today, it takes place across a wide range of dry surfaces and beaches.
Volcano boarding
Marathon run over 100 km
Crossing the Channel: a challenge for top athletes
Sailing around the world
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
miranda_shida
Ryan Scorfield
