Attempting to explain why extreme sports captivate such a broad segment of the population is like trying to rationalise why we instinctively dislike some people without even knowing them. But much to the chagrin of "artsy types", science once again takes centre stage and gives us evidence-based reasons why we're so drawn to high-risk activities.
So what makes people fall in love with these adventures?
Our brains – whether you use yours much or not – operate beyond concepts of good and bad, and it's this very organ that decides when our emotions should revel and our bodies should release that extra hormonal cocktail. Mind you, we're not suggesting you become Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible... we're simply offering a solid explanation for those who'd never dream of spending leisure time in a coffee shop.
For them and anyone seeking straightforward answers, here's why we love extreme activities – even knowing you might go home with a few scrapes.
Why We Love Extreme Activities (According to Science)
- Humans need adrenaline. Proven. Producing more during extreme situations makes us feel capable of anything. Our bodies send extra oxygen to dilated airways and arteries to pump oxygenated blood to muscles. This hormone from the adrenal glands (perched on your kidneys) prepares body and mind to face external stimuli – in this case, extreme sports.
- There are many hormones, but here the spotlight falls on endorphins (always accompanied by dopamine and serotonin) . Our bodies release extra amounts of this "happiness hormone" after adrenaline spikes. It happens during life's peak moments: falling in love, eating amazing food, having sex... and absolutely when doing extreme sports! But our bodies adapt – the more we repeat risky activities, the fewer endorphins we produce, driving us to seek greater thrills for that full happiness hit. Plus, adrenaline actually prepares us to combat fear and tackle challenges head-on.
- As mentioned earlier, the brain reigns supreme – only it can make us release all kinds of tension. Mind you! It also creates tension, but in this case, it's glorious to forget everything while doing that mad activity you've been dying to try.
- We needn't elaborate on the benefits of physical exercise – when the activity itself demands extra effort, the post-adventure feeling is guaranteed to be unbeatable.
- They test us. Everyone's considered skydiving or canyoning – those who actually do it prove (to themselves and others) not just their capability, but how much they enjoyed it.
- You discover incredible places. You can get an adrenaline hit on the Tube, but when you find an outdoor location where you're experiencing such a high... that mental snapshot becomes unforgettable.
- Let's get millennial... you'll upload your best-ever social media content. Whether you're Team Instagram or Tik Tok, any unusual extreme activity guarantees you "quite a few" likes.
We know there are a thousand more reasons to try (and re-try) the wildest activities that divide people into "would do adventure sports without hesitation" and "won't even watch an air disaster documentary".
If you're reading this, you're clearly in the first camp – and we fellow adrenaline junkies welcome you to our family, whether we're learning from you or vice versa. If you're looking for your next "all-in" adventure with our country's top professionals, click here to find your next "full-throttle adrenaline" moment. The best approach? Don't overthink it...
