Understand the activity and the safety measures needed

The world is divided into thrill seekers and the play-it-safe kinds. And most likely, people have shades of both. Whichever side of the argument you tilt on, when it comes to adventure, thrill should never equal danger.

The fears you battle and take on should be only your own. It is essential to understand the dos and don’ts in an adventure sport.

That extraordinary shot of an adrenaline rush is an addictive love. To know it, you must have to have experienced it at least once in your lifetime. Here are a few quick tips to understand the basic requirements for a smooth ride as you go on endless adventures.

One must know about the place. There can be sudden weather changes and in terms of extreme adventure, weather plays an important role. In most adventure sports, sudden change in weather can create havoc. Be careful, especially about stormy or rainy weather for safety reasons. Check the normal temperature of the place you are visiting and avoid going in challenging weather.

Look at testimonials around an adventure operator. The more well-established a place, the higher its success rate is! Experience only makes them richer. Ask questions. Understand how the activity is done and what are the safety measures. What type of clothes should you carry and what should you eat before going for sport? A seasoned operator will welcome questions. Note them down and ask doubts without hesitation. It is for your positive experience.

Check their medical conditions. Each sport will usually have age and weight criteria. As well as some health conditions unsuited to their kind of extreme sport. Pay attention and honestly disclose any health criteria that may be nagging you or that you aren’t sure of.

• Never ever undertake an adventure under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Life on the edge is supposed to be about intense consciousness —don’t cheat the system!
•  Leave videography to experts. Do not do it on your own. Do not be distracted by your own experience. All adventure experience providers will have their own videography methods, leave it to them.

Do not overeat and keep yourself light. You don’t want to throw up during the activity. Do not litter. As much as the experience is about you, it is also about tuning into your environment. Being one with nature intensifies the experience; and to enjoy it fully, cherish your environment as much as you do your experience.

Refrain from haggling on terms and conditions with the management. These are high-risk activities and protocols are kept in place for the safety of everyone involved. Trust their system and respect the experts. They are operating the activities for a reason. Their staff is well trained and experienced to manage the sport for a long time.

Be mentally prepared. Fear is expected but panic can be dangerous. That can usually lead to unfortunate body posture and subsequent mishaps. Be calm, and be prepared. This is the leap of faith to face your fears in one go. People have done it before and some of them have done such extreme adventure activities multiple times. The industry would not have such a huge audience response if it was that fearful. Make your mind up and be confident about a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

(The author is Director, Business Development at Jumpin Heights)