Survey on Extreme Sports Preferences

Imagine soaring through the air on a wingsuit, freefalling from a plane, or navigating treacherous terrain on a mountain bike. These are just a few of those heart-pumping activities that fall under the category of extreme sports.

Extreme sports are defined as a class of athletic exercises carried out to challenge natural physical limits and environmental hurdles. Bungee jumping, paragliding, windsurfing, storm chasing, and shark diving are just a few of the many examples. 

For some people, these high-intensity activities are a way of life, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. But for others, the very thought of it is enough to send them running in the opposite direction.

Thrill Beyond Risk

It’s easy to see why extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a rush of adrenaline like no other and a sense of accomplishment that comes with pushing yourself to the limits. But at the same time, they come with a level of risk that simply can’t be ignored. While the thrill of these activities is undeniable, there is always the potential for injury or even death.

So why do people continue to participate in these activities? According to science, it’s all down to the hormones that are released during these extreme experiences. Adrenaline floods the body, preparing it to face external stimuli by improving respiratory capacity and increasing euphoria while reducing fear.

Endorphins, another hormone related to happiness, also appear and generate a feeling of well-being and joy. These feelings can become addictive, making people crave more risky experiences to achieve higher levels of excitement.

It’s Not for the Faint-Hearted

But before you jump out of a plane or tackle that treacherous mountain path, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks involved. Even with the best safety precautions, accidents can happen. Extreme sports push the body to its limits, and if you’re not prepared for it, you could be putting yourself in serious danger.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, these sports are surpassing many traditional sports in terms of participation and influence. This surge of participation is particularly noticeable in the post-pandemic era after people have been confined indoors for extended periods during lockdowns.

It is estimated that these sports have nearly 90 million participants worldwide and generate over $200 billion annually. In fact, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris also introduced three new categories of extreme sports to their list; sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing.

To understand why extreme sports are becoming increasingly popular and what draws people to them, Real Research launched a survey on the matter. Hence, hurry and answer the survey on extreme sports preferences on the Real Research app on April 3, 2023. After that, you will receive 60 TNCs as a reward.