Adventure sports help to discover ourselves and overcome fears. Niharika Nigam shares the change in perspective in the last decade towards this field
Experiential travel has gained momentum over the years. People want to spend on experiences and creating memories more than ever, and this has become a favourable trend for the adventure sports industry. Comprising of various diverse activities services and experiences, it has created a niche for itself in all holiday packages and itineraries, be it budget trips or luxury vacations.
The term ‘extreme sports’ is associated with high- adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, scuba diving, surfing, rock climbing, etc. They are different from our usual sporting activities, in the sense that they are more mentally challenging and about overcoming fears. They consciously establish equanimity amidst ‘perceived chaos’ or usually fearful situations, rather than a test of skill and stamina. This is why standing at the edge of the bungee bridge, you can have an athlete back off, while someone at 110 kgs could not only attempt it but accomplish as well. It’s an entirely different ball game and we love seeing people face their fears and rise above them.
Why indulge in adventure sports?
They offer thrill, excitement and adrenaline rush of accomplishing a milestone by overcoming fears. By indulging in these action-packed activities, people get to have their once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories to be cherished forever. Needless to say, it’s a great de-stressor too.
Discover yourself
Adventure sports are also a way towards self-discovery. Extreme sports such as mountain biking, scuba diving; kayaking, rafting, and bungee jumping are life-changing experiences that demand extreme courage and mental strength. Those who step out of their comfort zone for leisure are considered to be extremely audacious.
Research published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology reveals that adventure sports lead to a positive transformation in courage and humility. Bane, one of the research participants discussed his experience of windsurfing in storm conditions and admitted that it triggered an absolute life transformation, making him better and stronger.
Test your limits
People participating in adventure sports go beyond their limits to overcome the anxiety and negativity in their lives. Moreover, they acquire self-reliance, improved self-esteem, and confidence to face challenges and situations more optimistically. Such experiences often result in better well-being and improved life expectancy, reveals the researches.
Joy of living
It is a common misconception that adventure sports are for fitness/adventure enthusiasts or ‘experts’. Just like any other activity in life, while better fitness levels improve the experience, it is definitely not a prerequisite. In fact, one must experience these activities to generally improve their joy of living.
Find your calm
When the pandemic struck us, tourism was the worst hit. However, once everything started getting unlocked, people found solace in traveling and adventure sports to satiate their wanderlust.
Pushing your mental confines, adventure sports often put you in extreme situations which naturally make you handle it maturely and calmly. Flying in the open air after jumping out of the plane is not a cakewalk. Being in such a situation triggers chemical reactions in your mind but keeping your cool is what it demands. Such epiphanies develop you into a more matured and composed personality.
Broaden your horizons
Meeting new people and visiting new places introduce you to a new world every time. It expands the range of your knowledge and perception. New culture, habits and lifestyle help you become adaptive to the environment. You get the opportunity to indulge in unexplored terrains of life and perpetually gain better perspective. Involving in adventurous activities is an ideal getaway from the anxious life. This is a self-realisation journey that welcomes you to an entirely different world of thrill and positivity.
(The writer is Director-Business Development of an adventure sports company, Jumpin Heights.)