As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, adrenaline is a hormone in the adrenal gland that is released into the bloodstream to prepare the body for high-stress situations. While many people only experience what is known as an “adrenaline rush” during moments of panic or fear, there are those who seek it out purposefully to feel its effects.
These individuals are typically referred to as “adrenaline junkies” and put themselves in stressful or dangerous situations to trigger an adrenaline rush for their enjoyment. Here, we want to take a look into some of the top sports and activities loved by such people that are sure to give even the most die-hard adrenaline junkies their fix.
Skydiving
When it comes to an adrenaline rush, you can’t get much better than free-falling out of an airplane. With nothing to protect you but a parachute, skydiving is considered one of the more extreme sports out there. Most people assume it’s too risky
and want to concentrate on ways to live longer.
Although skydiving deaths are relatively rare, if something goes wrong while falling from 10,000 feet, the results can be catastrophic. But it’s this level of danger that keeps true enthusiasts coming back for more.
Surfing
There are not many activities that pin man against nature more than the art of surfing. With the ultimate goal being to harness the energy of the ocean by riding a wave, it’s equally as beautiful as it is dangerous.
The ocean is an incredibly unpredictable environment, so putting yourself at its mercy for the thrill of riding a wave is something only true adrenaline junkies are able and willing to do. With drowning being one of the greatest dangers while surfing, it’s certainly not the only one. Head injuries, risk of skin cancer, collisions, shark attacks, rip currents, and razor-sharp reefs are just a few of the things surfers need to watch out for while in the water.
While these dangers can sound significant when listed all at once, it’s also important to know that serious or fatal injuries while surfing are not common. As long as you never surf alone and pay attention to things like weather conditions or shark warnings, the risks are significantly decreased.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is basically surfing, but usually on a lake instead of an ocean. A boat pulls the wakeboarder, who is holding onto a rope. Once the boat has enough speed to generate a decent-sized wake, the wakeboarder can stand up and surf it like a wave on the ocean. The wakeboarder can continue to hold onto the rope like water skiing, or they can drop the rope for an extra challenge and thrill.
Wakeboarding doesn’t have a lot of the risks that come with surfing. Since it commonly happens on lakes, there shouldn’t be threats like reefs, sharks, or rip currents. As long as the wakeboarder is wearing a lifejacket and they, as well as anyone in the boat, are watching for other boats, this should be a fun sport where you enjoy the challenge of seeing how long you can ride the wake.
Hunting
While some people may seek solitude and experience a deep connection with nature when hunting, that doesn’t mean it lacks its fair share of heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled moments. From the seconds before pulling the trigger to encountering a predatory animal, hunting is not for the faint of heart and is far from a casual stroll through the woods.
Hunting takes patience, determination, and the ability to stay calm in high-stress situations. While hunting may not be traditionally stressful, the adrenaline is probably going to hit you the moment you see your target and continue until you take your shot. The headspace necessary to be a successful hunter is why it is popular for military members and why some hunters’ load-outs are full of military surplus equipment. Ultimately, depending on the hunt, it can feel a lot like going to war.
Motocross
Motocross combines rugged off-road terrain with the need for speed. Riders must maneuver through jumps, bumps, and tight turns, constantly pushing their limits with every twist of the throttle. And don’t forget the thrill of competition. Motocross offers competitions ranging from speed to freestyle, guaranteeing excitement as you compete for the first-place trophy.
While you should wear a helmet, pants, boots, and a jacket while riding a motorcycle, this is even more true for motocross. With all the tight turns and jumps, you’re almost guaranteed to crash at some point, which adds to the thrill of the sport. Proper precautions include a full-face helmet, boots, and attire designed to protect you from getting scraped up too much if you fall.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is similar to motocross in that it involves riding a bike through rugged terrain. But this time, you’re riding a bicycle. The bicycle will have much thicker tires than you’d need for a bike that never leaves the bike lane in a city since you’ll be riding over rocks, sticks, and other natural obstacles that would damage weaker tires.
Mountain biking usually involves challenges like steep hills, rocky trails, and tight switchbacks that require good reflexes and intense focus. One wrong move can send you to the ground, and if that happens, hopefully, you’re not riding too close to the edge of a cliff or rocky hill. Make sure you wear a helmet, control your speed, and know your limitations when choosing which trail to tackle next.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing may not seem very scary to some, but that’s because those people have never been hundreds of feet in the air with only a rope for their safety—and sometimes no rope at all! Avid rock climbers are all about reaching the top, and many of them are willing to risk their lives to do so.
Failure to use and maintain safety equipment means one misstep could result in falling to your death or being seriously injured. That’s why free climbing (rock climbing where you rely on your hands, feet, and physical strength instead of any equipment) is a dream for adrenaline fanatics around the world. There’s something about people testing their skills and guts against something as strong as a boulder that keeps climbers coming back for more.
Recreational Shooting
Few things are more exhilarating than firing a weapon, even if it’s just at a target. Walking into a shooting range, smelling the gunpowder, seeing people with custom Glock back plates, and hearing discharging weapons are enough to get anyone’s blood pumping.
Now, imagine yourself in front of the target with your finger on the trigger of a firearm, and adrenaline will undoubtedly course through your veins. Holding the power a firearm possesses in your own two hands can be a thrilling experience, and the sensation of pulling the trigger can be addicting!
White Water Rafting
If you’re looking to have adrenaline pumping through your body while flying down a river of turbulent, fast-moving water, then white water rafting might be for you. Rafting enthusiasts test their skills and grit against daunting rapids with nothing more than an inflatable boat and the dangers of capsizing or being swept away always around the next bend.
As if being bashed against rocks in a boat isn’t scary enough, it’s not unusual for people to find themselves launched out of the boat and into the cold water with nothing but a lifejacket to save them.
Although adrenaline primarily serves as a biological process to help keep us alive in dangerous situations, for some people, it is a natural high that they can’t get enough of. These adrenaline junkies are always on the search for the next thing to trigger this automatic response to threatening circumstances. Want to see why these adrenaline lovers do what they do? Try one of these activities and see for yourself!
