Psychology of Extreme Sports

Extreme sports, such as base jumping, mountain climbing, or scuba diving, are examples of activities that go against the natural human instinct of protecting ourselves from danger. Although extreme sport lovers put their lives at risk while they are performing these activities, they actually have good reasons for their passion.

1. This is the single most attractive factor in people’s interest for extreme sports. The adrenaline flow is what differentiates them from any other type of sports. The thrill that is derived in extreme sports is higher than in any other sports or activities. The athletes are fully unprotected and facing direct danger. However, this is not a problem for extreme athletes. On the contrary, they find pleasure in the challenge of maintaining calm and apply their skills in such extreme conditions.

2. The reason why people enjoy these sports are that they are normally played, exercised or practiced in free or uncontrolled environments. It means while traditional athletes play in controlled environment like fields and gyms, extreme athletes have to work and display their skills in free-flowing natural environments. Therefore, they are more challenging and unpredictable.

3. Extreme sports, as the name goes, are about pushing the limits. The balance and control of regular instincts application is tried in the highest pressure scenario. The response, tension and the grip over the uncontrollable is the main feeling that makes people passionate about playing or watching extreme sports.

4. Extreme sports are about the natural elements - air, water and land. Extreme sports are loved because the natural elements inspire people. The passion of man to overcome natural barriers is an addiction for these athletes and spectators.