Most dangerous sports in the world

To a kid, games and sports never seem dangerous; they are seen only as a mode of entertainment. But sports today have a lot more to offer in the form of adventure and excitement. The most dangerous sports in the world are by far the most thrilling and adventurous bouts one can ever be a part of.

The race or the battle in these cases is generally against environmental factors. Like in all other sports a win is crucial here too, but the race to survival is the main goal in these extremely challenging sports.

We take a look at some of the most intriguing and demanding forms of the world’s most dangerous sports.

10) Cave Diving

Cave Diving

At #10 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Cave Diving.

The sport is all about underwater diving in caves. It could be a deadly sport if the dive is not perfectly planned. Use of Scuba equipment has to be well organised in terms of breath hold, surface supplied and decompression capacity.

Cave diving came into practice after Jacques Yves Cousteau introduced the Aqua Lung in 1943.

9) Offshore Powerboat Racing

Offshore Powerboat Racing

At #9 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Offshore Powerboat Racing.

Offshore Powerboat Racing is as thrilling in reality as it looks on its cover. The first offshore powerboat race took place in England, when riders had to race to Calais in France. The specially designed boats are backed by high powered engines. The races start from a specific point, say A, which is between all the powerboats.

The event is an extraordinary exhibition of monster boats fighting for glory.

8) Equestrianism

Equestrianism

At #8 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Equestrianism.

Equestrianism is more commonly known as horse riding. In competitive sports, Equestrianism is very well-established in the form of races Under Saddle and In Harness.

This sport has a lot of risks involved. The rider is at least 4 metres above from the ground while the horse could travel up to 65 km/hr, which can result in severe injuries during a fall. Hence the rider needs to measure his approach while riding a horse.

7) Luge

Luge

At #7 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Luge.

The first Luge race was organised in the 15th century in Norway, while the first organized meeting to encourage this sport took place in 1883 in Switzerland. The riders are known as Lugers. They can accelerate their sled to a speed up to 150 km/hr. The race takes place on the basis of time recorded, i.e. each Luger gets to clock his time individually. The race mainly happens on ice, while there are artificial tracks available as well.

FIL is the official governing body of the sport, and 53 countries are members of this federation.

As with many of the other extreme sports, Luge is one of the most dangerous sports in the world. Injuries are often fatal or very serious because of the high speed the cart generates.

6) BASE Jumping

BASE Jumping

At #6 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is BASE Jumping.

Participants in BASE Jumping jump from fixed objects and use a parachute for safe landing. BASE stands for four categories of fixed objects: building, antenna, span and Earth.

In 1912, Franz Reichelt jumped off the Eiffel Tower with his newly made coat parachute. But sadly he died, as this was his first test of his new parachute. The event was still important though, as it got people to begin experimenting and figuring out better solutions for BASE Jumping.

In 2006, a study reported that 1 out of every 6 participants in BASE Jumping suffers fatalities.

5) Canyoning

Canyoning

At #5 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Canyoning.

Canyoning is also known as Canyoneering. Hiking down the canyon during rappelling or scrambling is what is principally associated with this sport. Climbing with rope work and technical jumps and swims from the Canyon are popular events in Canyoning.

Canyoning is one of the most dangerous sports as an emergency escape plan out of the sides of a canyon is almost impossible due to the heavy downstream of water.

4) Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater Kayaking

At #4 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Whitewater Kayaking.

Whitewater Kayaking is all about racing in extreme currents of water. The rowing of the Kayak has to be in white water. The term ‘white water’ refers to the tides caused by solid currents in water.

Whitewater Kayaking originated some 8,000 years ago. River running is the most artful form of Whitewater Kayaking.

3) Free Ice Climbing

Free Ice Climbing

At #3 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Free Ice Climbing.

Climbing or ascending to the cliff of a hill is dangerous. It’s even more dangerous if you are without a rope. But what if the climb is on icefalls, frozen waterfalls, frozen cliffs and rock slabs covered with frozen water?

Arguably, Free Ice Climbing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.

2) Bull Riding

Bull Riding

At #2 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Bull Riding.

‘Man versus beast’ is a plain and simple summary of the game. The rules of Bull Riding are quite simple. You need stay mounted on the top of a bull whilst the bull tries to buck you off.

Simple, isn’t it? Well, not quite. Originally, around the time of the 16th century, Bull riding was way too brutal towards the animals – the game didn’t stop until the bull perished. The rules changed gradually and now points out of 50 are given to both the rider and the bull.

Even-stevens on points, but a bull will remain a bull; entering into the arena with a bull is no friendly sight. The sport is made for modern gladiators who know how to face death.

1) Air Racing

Air Racing

At #1 in Sportskeeda’s list of most dangerous sports is Air racing.

Air Racing is a motorsport that first took place on 23rd May, 1909. The race takes place on a fixed route. The winner is decided on the basis of shortest time taken to complete the race.

Aero GP is an official tournament for Air Racing. The international air racing series has eight specially designed high-performance sports planes with speeds of around 400 km/hr.

This is the only international tournament where the aeroplanes compete simultaneously in the race.