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On the Edge
by Jon Cervantes, 03.18.03
"The only kids I've seen get hurt real bad are the newbies who don't know what they're doing and don't bother to ask." |
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Looking for that rush volleyball just can't provide? Sick of lying around Sunday afternoons because there's no one to practice with? Try picking up an extreme sport, and you won't regret it.
Extreme sports, also called X-sports, have been around for nearly 40 years, but have really come into their own over the past decade. Including everything from skateboarding to rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, extreme sports offer a rush that requires little or no experience.
"The great thing about rock climbing is the fact that as long as you do it right, there's really no way to kill yourself doing it, but that adrenaline is always pumping like you're on the edge," said Corrisa Krueger, rock climber of four years.
Extreme sports get their name from the fact that they are, well, extreme. These sports are rarely offered as an organized competition like baseball or basketball, creating a relaxed atmosphere that can be favorable. "[Mountain biking] is great because you can push yourself really hard or you can just take it easy. There's absolutely no pressure to perform," commented mountain biking vet Matt Dryden.
What's required? Well, that all depends. What you want to do, and how much time you're willing to put into it, is really going to decide what you need. Cheaper sports, like skateboarding, will probably set you back about $100 every couple of months. Other sports, like snowboarding or rock climbing, can get very pricey since lift tickets and admission fees, not to mention travel costs, often come into play.
Know Your Role!
If you're thinking of getting into something as serious as rock climbing or mountain biking, make sure you have enough money to buy the proper gear and enough patience to use it correctly. "The only kids I've seen get hurt real bad are the newbies who don't know what they're doing and don't bother to ask," said BMX rider Mike Wojick.
Once you get past the early, awkward stages, most people will find a sense of camaraderie with those who also participate in their sport. "When I go rock climbing, everyone there is smiling and talking with you, even if you don't know them," said Krueger. "It's really a nice feeling."
Getting Serious
As time goes on you might even find yourself becoming a little too involved in your new hobby. "For me, riding [freestyle biking] isn't just something I do, it's a way of life. I look forward to it everyday and it shapes a lot of what I do," comments biker Gabe Hart.
If you are serious about picking up an extreme sport as a hobby, you're off to a good start. The Internet is full of info on just about everything out there and a simple search for your sport on any Web browser should yield tons of sites selling gear. For tips and info, check out www.playhard.com.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Just remember, safety is a huge factor in having fun and, as in any other sport out there, there is a danger of seriously hurting yourself. Make sure you know what you are doing and always ride, or climb, safe. |
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