Lena Katz
Perilous sports from volcano surfing to running bulls
“When you run the bulls in Pamplona, the point is not to race them—it’s to catch them, to face them as long as you can.”
So says 61-year-old Spaniard Carlos Gil, and he should know. Gil has been running the bulls since the age of 18, and has seen the event evolve from a unique local tradition into the world-famous televised spectacle it has become. Whereas young Americans or Europeans might run once or twice—thereby earning a lifetime of bragging rights back home—Gil runs each of the eight mornings of el encierro (literally, “the enclosing") during the Festival of San Fermin in Navarre, Spain, every year. He has run every section of the half-mile itinerary—from the exciting first sprint, through the crowded cobblestone midway, to the final exhilarating stretch leading into the bullring...
Perilous sports from volcano surfing to running bulls
“When you run the bulls in Pamplona, the point is not to race them—it’s to catch them, to face them as long as you can.”
So says 61-year-old Spaniard Carlos Gil, and he should know. Gil has been running the bulls since the age of 18, and has seen the event evolve from a unique local tradition into the world-famous televised spectacle it has become. Whereas young Americans or Europeans might run once or twice—thereby earning a lifetime of bragging rights back home—Gil runs each of the eight mornings of el encierro (literally, “the enclosing") during the Festival of San Fermin in Navarre, Spain, every year. He has run every section of the half-mile itinerary—from the exciting first sprint, through the crowded cobblestone midway, to the final exhilarating stretch leading into the bullring...
Lena Katz Perilous sports from volcano surfing to running bulls “When you run the bulls in Pamplona, the point is not to race them—it’s to catch them, ... more
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1
Running of the Bulls
“There are 2000 or 3000 people running in Pamplona,” says veteran runner Carlos Gil, “but most of them never see the bulls. Some of the newcomers run so fast and so far ahead that they arrive at the bullring before the bulls have even started the itinerary.” Although the legendary annual run only lasts for three or four minutes each morning, it is by far the most famous part of the Festival of San Fermin (in Navarre, Spain), which takes place from July 6 to July 14 every year.
2
Elephant Polo
Social and highly intelligent creatures, elephants are naturals to the game of polo, even if their version is somewhat less nail-biting than the equestrian variety. Indian royalty first introduced the sport to the world more than 100 years ago, and the country still puts an emphasis on it pageantry, staging colorful and beautiful exhibition matches that are safe enough for tourists to enter.
3
K-1
One of the latest crazes to erupt from the Asia continent is K-1, an aggressive, fast-paced form of mixed martial arts that combines several different “standup” fight techniques--including tae kwon do, Muay Thai and karate. Though various countries, including the United States, hold “Grand Prix” qualifying matches, the competitions to watch are the “super fights,” particularly those that take place in the Tokyo Dome.
4
Sand Surfing
The dunes of some of the world’s deserts are as ideally suited to sailing atop a board as the best mountain ski slopes or most awesome ocean waves. Riders wear protective gear to shield them from gusting sand and other potential hazards. This sport originated in the Atacama Desert in Chile, where it is unlikely that you’ll ever hear any of the participants shouting “Kowabunga!”
5
Volcano Surfing
Dustier and, at times, more scenic than snow- or sand-boarding, volcano surfing is the sport of choice for adventurers eager to hang ten on a steep mountainside of ash and cinder. Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro is ideally suited to this newly conceived sport. It is also the “youngest” volcano on the continent--as well as one of the most active.
6
River Surfing
When river waters rise due to rain or incoming tides, they create waves that are actually surfable--that is, if you’ve got the coordination and the courage. Though Munich pioneered the idea of surfing a “standing wave,” South America took the concept to the next level, as derring-doers began surfing the Amazon pororoca--a ferocious and powerful tidal bore that travels inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
7
Cliff-Diving
As if plunging off a craggy precipice wasn’t dramatic enough, Acapulco’s La Quebrada Cliff Divers have added a few twists to this breathtaking sport, incorporating duo dives and torch dives into their nightly program. This act is even more dangerous than it appears: In addition to the shallow water and rocky shoals, the divers have to take tides and wind sheer factor into consideration.
8
Highest Bungee Jump
The fact is, bungee jumping has always been as toe-curlingly scary for onlookers as well as participants. Hence the constant cluster of gazers at Bloukrans Bridge in the Tsitsikamma Forest region of South Africa. Jump operators at Kiwi Extreme run the highest commercial bungee jump in the world from the arch support of the bridge, located 525 feet above the ground. Yikes.
9
Offroad Racing
The godfather of the motorized free-for-all, the SCORE Baja 1000 race takes an entire week to run, culminating just outside of Cabo San Lucas. If you think you’ve got the stuff to compete, a few spaces are still available for this January’s event. Even weekend road warriors can qualify through presenting sponsor Wide Open Baja. This offroad adventure specialist also provides 4- and 7-day packages, just in case you need to work your way up to the big race.
10
Sledging
Whitewater rafting a bit too ho-hum for you? Strap on flippers, a helmet and a hydroboard, and face the river rapids head-first. This rafting-boogie boarding hybrid was invented in Europe, perfected in New Zealand, and is just now entering the U.S.--but only in a few locations outside Aspen, Colorado. Have fun--but proceed with caution.
[source: https://www.forbestraveler.com/adventure/worlds-scariest-sports-story.html ]
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