A sport for everyone - top activities for thrill-seekers
In this installment of our series, "A sport for everyone", we look at the carefree and somewhat crazy world of thrill-seekers, characterized by their free spirit and penchant for unusual experiences and raucus good fun. Here is a run-down of activities sure to please these adventurous souls.
Thrill-seekers have a single-minded focus: living life any way but like the rest of us. Whenever they break out of their routine, it's usually to indulge their inclinations and satisfy their insatiable appetite for new and offbeat experiences.
Competitive spirit is not in their DNA. Their goal is to have a good time, be at one with the elements and get the most out of life.
These personalities often cultivate a somewhat alternative lifestyle, with a slightly different outlook on life as well as an unusual dressing style, musical tastes and habits.
Thrill-seekers can be divided into two main groups. The first group has taken up the torch from the first enthusiasts to popularize extreme sports like surfing in the 1970s. Authenticity, freedom, spirituality and a rejection of restrictions are all values they hold dear.
The second group unites the next generation who have a single goal in mind in their free time: having fun, experiencing new sensations and participating in activities off the beaten track. They have a real zest for living and are also far more interested in carefree living than in achieving sports performance.
Engagement with nature
These activities are embraced mainly by the first group. Thrill-seekers are attracted to watersports and activities in the mountains including skiing, snowboarding, surfing and everything in between: funboarding, kite surfing, bodyboarding, and longboard and paddleboard surfing. Nothing beats practicing a physical activity while at one with the elements.
On dry land, running enthusiasts are attracted to trail racing, a running event over hiking trails and forest paths, either in the mountains or in the forest. Triathlons combine cycling, swimming and running. For the most adventurous, these two disciplines can be practiced over long or very long distances: the first group favors ultra trail competitions while the second prefers Ironman triathlons.
Mud runs and obstacle racing
The popularity of these offbeat events is on the rise. Rolling around in the mud, getting dusted with every shade of powder paint, getting chased by a clown, skiing down a slope costumed head to toe... there's an activity for everyone. Among the best known are the Color Run paint race, the Valentine's Day-themed 'love runs', high heel dashes, mud and obstacle races and zombie races.
