Ever wonder if there's an extreme sport for each letter of the alphabet? Well… there is! And even though there's a prominent abundance on the letter “S”, there are also some lesser known thrill-makers than could be interesting to you. Read along:

 

A is for Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing is either your cup of tea or it isn't… for some people moving through the snow on skis isn't enough of an adrenaline rush, and for others' there's no greater adrenaline pump than to fly on your skis down the slope.  

 

B is for Bungee jumping

Bungee or Bungy jumping has become somewhat of an epitome of extreme activities. It consists of jumping from a tall structure, ususally a bridge or a cliff, while connected to a large elastic cord. If that's not enough, some people jump from helicopters or hot-air-balloons, or above crocodile infested waters. It's a two-thrill point activity: first you get the rush of adrenaline while you defy every preservation instinct and jump, and the second is when the cord pulls you back into the air. 

 

C is for Caving

Caving is a sport that requires both guts and technical skills, because different caves pose different challenges and dangers. There's darkness, unpredictable and uneven surfaces, claustrophobia-inducing spaces and water hazards. Some might not consider caving an extreme sport, because it is relatively slow-aced, but there are many dangers you could come across.

 

D is for Downhill Skateboarding

A skateboard might not be a “traditional” extreme sport, but riding it downhill sure is adrenaline inducing! The riders use a hybrid longboard that has longer decks, wider trucks and softer wheels, enabling them to reach extremely high speeds. Every style and terrain requires a different longboard model and the designs are continuing to evolve and adapt to the skater’s needs and new ideas.

 

E is for Extreme Skiing

If alpine skiing doesn't cut it, you could always try extreme skiing! It's performed on long, steep slopes in mountainous terrain. It's very dangerous - a single mistake at the wrong moment can lead to serious injuries or lethal consequences. 

 

F is for Freediving

Freediving is a form of underwater diving without special scuba equipment - the diver has to hold their breath until resurfacing. There are many forms of freediving - more extreme, less extreme, competitive and non-competitive. Freediving requires a lot of practice and attention, to be able to hold your breath for such long periods of time.

 

G is for Gliding

Gliding is an air sport in which pilots use an unpowered aircraft, such as a paraglider. Without a motor, the aircraft moves only by gliding through the air, so a skilled pilot should always be onboard the vehicle.

 

H is for Heliskiing

You might've heard about water skiing, but how about we go in the air? Helicopter skiing or heliskiing is a type of back-country skiing with a helicopter. It can take the skier to otherwise inaccessible locations.

 

I is for Icediving

If you love the cold, Ice Diving is for you! It's a type of “penetration diving” where the diver goes under ice. There is usually only a single entry/exit point, meaning the sport requires special procedures and equipment, and you should definitely not be claustrophobic! Ice diving is done for the purpose of recreation, public safety, scientific research and as an extreme sport.

 

J is for Jet Skiing

Popular at many beaches, jet skiing is a high-speed water sport that is great for developing coordination and balance skills, as well as leg muscles. The sport is one of the most popular water activities due to its ability to reach high speeds while on an easily controllable watercraft. It’s probably the fastest water sport out there and many people have it as a first extreme sport.

 

K is for Kitesurfing

Of course, the king of extreme sports - Kitesurfing. Also known as kiteboarding, it uses the power of the wind to draw the athlete and the kiteboard across water. This sport can also be performed on sand and snow, and can be really addictive, because there are many tricks to be learned!

 

L is for Longboarding

Longboarding is a sport where the performer rides a longboard downhill. Some riders can reach speeds exceeding 50 mph. A longboard is, well, longer than a skateboard, is morre stable, durable and comfortable to use on higher speeds.

 

M is for Mountain Biking

MTB or downhill biking is a gravity-assisted mountain biking sport. The riders race against the clock and pass through tight and uneven terrains an ordinary bike wouldn't survive. Mountain biking is all about steep, downhill terrain with no extended climbing sections, which results in high-speed descents.

 

N is for Nordic Skiing

Nordic Skiing is a type of competitive skiing that includes all sports practices where the heel of the boot cannot be fixed to the ski. It includes cross-country skiing, ski jumping and biathlon.

 

O is for Ocean Rowing 

People usually row for recreation at lakes or ponds, but the ocean poses a greater challenge. Ocean Rowing involves rowing races across entire seas and oceans in special ocean rowing boats, and it's considered one of the ultimate endurance sports.

 

P is for Paragliding

Paragliding can either involve a parachute or a propeller. The pilot sits in a harness which is connected to a fabric wing. Paragliders can reach great heights and soar for a few miles at the time.

 

Q is for Quadrathlon

Quadrathlon (also called quadriathlon, tetrathlon) is an endurance sport event, that is composed of four individual disciplines: running, cycling, swimming and kayaking in any order. The event is extremely intense and requires vigorous training before entering, because it puts an extreme strain on the body.

 

R is for Rafting

Rafting is sometimes believed to be a very approachable team extreme sport activity, in which the performers use an inflatable raft or kayak to travel through rough, unstable water. Whitewater rafting as an extreme sport is often done on dangerous sections of water such as unexpected steep waterfalls, sharp rocks and more.

 

S is for Standup Paddleboarding

Standup paddleboarding, or SUP, is a relatively young extreme sport. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider sits until a wave comes, standup paddleboarding riders stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. It's a relatively tame extreme sport and it's quite beginner-friendly.

 

T is for Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a sport like sledging. The rider uses a toboggan to slide down snowy slopes. It's a relatively mild adrenaline inducing sport, so it's very approachable for beginners or families with children.

 

U is for Underwater Target Shooting

If you want to make something harder, do it underwater! UTS, or underwater target shooting includes freedivers who dive in a swimming pool, using spearguns to fire at targets.

 

V is for Vert Ramp

Vert ramp can acommodate all kinds of other extreme sports - skateboard, bike, snowboard, ski, etc. Half-pipes and launch ramps allow riders to defy gravity and pull off amazing tricks. Of course, there's a certain level of risk of injury!

 

W is for Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a combination of surfing and sailing. A windsurfer uses a longboard that is powered by the wind pushing through the sail. Advanced windsurfers can perform tricks such as jumps on the water. Depending on the waves, this sport can be a recreational activity and a super extreme sport at the same time.

 

X is for XPogo

A pogo stick can become extreme! The sport is more dangerous than it seems and requires skill. Extreme pogo is becoming more and more popular among adrenaline junkies. The tricks, flips and jumps can come up to 9 ft in the air. This relatively new sport is already increasing its fanbase because of its thrilling nature.

 

Y is for Yoga Sport 

Yoga might seem like a calm, meditative activity, but some people like to spice it up, by performing yoga positions (asanas) in sporting competitions and extreme conditions or heights!

 

Z is for Zorbing

Zorbing is a fun activity that every child can practice. You get into a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill. Zorbing can also be done on water, where the orb floats on the surface. It's a very fun activity for people of all ages.