The Wild and the Hazardous

In this homogeneous world of the mundane, there is very little that screams for attention. Let us forget about the all the shammed violence and third world anomalies that garner our malady like gullibility.

In our haste to gratify our perennial material lust, we have shut down the doors to the erstwhile virtues of valour and stoicism. What we are left with is the plain carcass of soulfulness thrown around in the name of globalization. Sports, too has mouldered into an unanticipated vortex of business minded ideals. Well, not entirely unanticipated. Any sharp minded blighter could have foreseen the advent of commercial entities when Kerry Packer defiantly founded World Series Cricket in 1977. Packer saw an opening and whimsically bossed the Australian Cricket Board into submission. And that meekly submission, triggered frenzy in the sub continent. Oh yes, cricket had barged its way into one of the fastest emerging economies in the world. And post liberalization, cricket peaked! Peaked like a hippie on psilocybin. And today, we have a rather robust BCCI dictating terms and hiking its way to monarchy.

The premises are strikingly alike in Europe and North America. While European football swirls around in a luring whirlpool of cash, America has pompously exhibited its financial surplus with the mighty NFL. Valued approximately at an unbelievable $32 billion, the NFL is the embodiment of everything commercial.

The sports industry, as it marches today, is one of the most profitable ventures. Like all things monetary, it has evolved multifold since the late 1950s. With that, sports is seen a steady source of financial support. It is a safer career bet than it was a few decades ago. Sure it requires mechanical dedication and stark allegiance. But isn’t that partly an obligation to the fat wads thrown at them? Isn’t that why they are called professional sportsmen? It is only natural that professional sportsmen are lured by the money. For everyone has wants and desires.

It has thus become very difficult to find sports that uphold the aforementioned archaic qualities of valour and stoicism. And in this hysteric chase for financial security and modernity, we have forgotten how precious and ephemeral life is. With that in mind, I would like to throw light on a few outdoor activities that border on daredevilry and the bizarre. Nevertheless, they only celebrate the transitory nature of life.

1. Speed Skiing

Well, speed skiing is all about that flush of a momentum one experiences while skiing downhill in a straight line. With speeds of over 240km\hr, it is the second fastest non motorized sport in the world. And that ought to divulge just how arousing this sport can be. The rules, however, are uncomplicated – do not die, but propel yourself just as fast as gravity can pull you down. Dying equals disqualification!

As much as it can satisfy one’s libido for adventure, it also involves a huge element of risk. (That is, if at all you manage to survive that ghastly moment of imbalance on your pair 2.5 meter long skis.) At such speeds, a collapse can induce high friction so much so that it can melt your air-tight latex suit and cause severe burn injuries. Yes! You might just burn your body on damn snow!

Speed skiing is generally performed on steep, particularly designed courses. They are usually located on high altitudes to minimize air resistance. The initial expanse of 300 metres is used to gain speed and momentum. Upon passing the launching area, the top speeds are measured. This timing zone stretches a mere 100 metres. And the final 500 metres are used for slowing down and coming to a stop.

2. High Altitude Climbing

Gravity be damned!What could possibly be more valorous than scaling intimidating landscapes that span over 7500 metres! The very magnitude of the act could drown you into hopelessness. You will also have to battle your way past an outpour of complications. The lack of oxygen at such dizzy heights can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), where in, the climber will be subject to stern fatigue, nausea and hallucinations to name a few! And if you do miraculously escape the clutches of AMS, there is Hypothermia you have to deal with.

And hypothermia can kill. Kill fast! When the temperature of your body drops below 95 degree F, dizziness and wild delusions take centre stage! Thus, making you so hot that you will want to strip naked regardless of the biting cold. You would eventually black out. It is also told that several climbers have been found dead and naked, with their gears and apparels bundled a fair distance away. Statistics show that, one casualty is registered for every six successful ascends! Such is the baneful proposition.

3. White Water Rafting

Developed in the mid 1970s, white water rafting is the perfect prototype of extreme sports. You will be required to roll and tumble your way across raging whitewaters, provided you have the cojones to. However, there is always the likelihood for severe injuries, if not death. You can get flung out of your raft, or hit sharp rocks and you could even drown in the untamed waters. Ah! Just how much would the virile Cassius have loved such a challenge on the vehement Tiber!

The Colorado River or the Granddaddy of rafting trips, if you will, is well known for its spectacular rapids and canyons. As much as it is a popular destination for rafters, it has swallowed entire expeditions in the past. And for people that desire private trips across this violent stretch, there is a ten year waiting period for clearance!

4. Base Jumping

Man’s tryst with natural flight has been a longstanding fascination. And Base Jumping is only a mere exponent of that fascination. It gained popularity in the late 1970s when filmmaker Carl Boenish shot the first jumps using ram-air parachutes. And since then, it has quite stiffly gone on to become a popular recreational activity – well, for those that are nuts for adrenaline of course.

Clearly enough, this wild act grew out of skydiving, but they are made from much lesser altitudes. And jumpers usually launch themselves from an altitude of 600 metres, which means, they will experience free fall for at least 300 metres at a howling rate of 190 km\hr. And they will have approximately 11 seconds to deploy a parachute! Little room for error indeed.Base Jumping is also considered illegal in many parts of the world. And jumpers will have to resort to covert methods. If caught, they will be charged with accusations of vandalism, tress passing and reckless endangerment. Badassery at its heights!