Top 10 Craziest Extreme Sports in the World

This article was last updated by on

When it comes to sports, nothing ceases to amaze us more. Be it a sport played on the ground, in water, or in the sky, there is no limit to the madness in this genre. So, following the context, have you ever wondered what can be the top extreme sport? 

Worry not, because this article explains to you some of the most bizarre and extreme sport humanity has to offer. Some of these top extreme sports are so dangerous that one needs to sign a waiver before playing them. 

Creeking at a Waterfall
Creeking at a Waterfall (Source: Wikimedia)

Based on the extremity and risk factors, we have listed the top 10 most extreme sports in the world. 

Top 10 Craziest Extreme Sports in the World

For some people, some of the sport mentioned here might not seem as risky but, stats speak the facts!

Rank Name of the Sport Origin
1 Train Surfing South Africa
2 Cliff Diving Hawaii
3 Wingsuit Flying USA
4 Cheese Rolling England
5 High Lining USA
6 Volcano Boarding Vanuatu
7 Wing Walking USA
8 Extreme Dinghy Racing Australia
9 Mountain Unicycling France
10 Creeking North America

10. Creeking

Creeking is one of the most dangerous and top extreme sports globally when it comes to risk factors. But, like other sports on the list, this one also attracts tons of viewers and athletes due to its extremity. 

To clarify, this sport is similar to kayaking and canoeing, but it involves descending steep low-volume white fast flowing river water that includes waterfalls, slides, and unexplored canyons.

Not to mention, this sport needs specially made canoes and extra protective gear to ensure athletes’ safety.

<Top 12 Portuguese Best Soccer Players in the World>

On the same note, numerous unusual hazards are attached to the sport, including paddlers getting stuck underwater, rock sticking out of slides, and waterfalls. 

9. Mountain Unicycling

We have all seen mountain bikers going down a steep terrain in their top-notch downhill mountain bikes. But have we ever seen or imagined the same feat being taken in a one-wheel unicycle?

Yes, that is why it is one of the top extreme sport. Falling on number nine, this sport isn’t made for the faint hearts. However, this high adrenaline, extreme, dangerous sport is, in fact, the go-to spot for thrill-seekers. 

Mountain Unicycling (Source: Pinterest)
Mountain Unicycling (Source: Pinterest)

For some folks, riding two wheels down a steep dirt terrain is still not extreme enough. Hence, they have instead stepped it even further by riding a unicycle down the same terrains.

Besides, riding a unicycle is a great struggle in itself, so imagine traversing a mountainside on one seems a step too far. 

8. Extreme Dinghy Racing

So, this is another watersport that has risen as one of the top extreme sport in the world. 

You might be wondering what Dinghy racing is. Well, it is an extreme water sport that takes place through small swamps and canals in Australia.

Not to mention, it is high-intensity racing where one simple mistake or misjudgment could result in a chaotic incident.

Speaking of risks, there are a few other risks that come with the sport. Like, tumbling into the water infested with crocodiles, snakes, and all kinds of other creepy crawlies wouldn’t be a fun thing either.

<15 Most Popular Soccer Leagues of all Time>

As extreme it is, it is equally entertaining too. Dinghy racing seems to grow in popularity year by year. Moreover, after Red Bull put on an annual derby, more thrill-seekers have rushed to the sport. 

7. Wing Walking

We all know that every sport has its fair share of adrenaline rush. But did you know that Wing Walking is one of the most adrenaline-pumping sports in the world?

Here, the performer walks on the wings of a plane during flight. To clarify, the performer is strapped to the top wing of a biplane, where they are then swept through the skies at speeds of up to 135 mph.

During this, the pilot will perform a range of acrobatic maneuvers. This particular stunt has somehow developed into a full-fledged extreme sport called wing walking. 

Compared to the sports in the upper listing, this one isn’t particularly risky as you are strapped to the plane, but who knows what might happen if it’s your bad day. 

6. Volcano Boarding

A volcano in itself is a phobia and terrifying natural calamity to many of us; imagine sliding on a thin board down an active volcano.

Yes, a scene is only seen in action thriller films like Jurassic park? As crazy as it sounds, this top extreme sport draws much attention, with practitioners and onlookers increasing yearly. 

Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro
Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro (Source: Wikimedia)

Volcano boarding is primarily popular in Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. This sport includes participants traveling down 726 meters of active volcano hills, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph.

Just like most extreme sports, safety gear is a prime need. But, what safety gear can protect you from 1,250° Celsius molten lava. Other than this, minor injuries like scratches and bruises are compromisable. 

5. High Lining

If you have a fear of heights, then the High Lining is not for you. Balancing on a rope in itself is an impossible task for most of us; imagine doing it on a 2-inch rope 20 to a couple of hundred meters above the ground.

Some people practice this sport a few feet off the ground, which isn’t much of a problem. But, those extremists take this sport to the next level by high lining across cliff tops, buildings, and other dangerous areas.

The performer usually has a harness attached to themself with the rope, but this does not guarantee safety. Similarly, there have been a few cases where the harnesses have snapped and taken lives. 

However, it is an addictive sport if you like high lining, and it gets more and more extreme. 

4. Cheese Rolling

You might be familiar with this one. Since Cheese Rolling sport’s clips frequently come on the Youtube video recommendations. 

Digging deeper, the Cheese-Rolling is believed to go as far back as the ancient Romans. Although it has been documented to have started back in the 1800s, this sport surely catches much attention. 

Annually held near Gloucester in England, this thrilling race sees a nine-pound round of Double Gloucester cheese rolled down a hill where contestants chase after it with the person over the finish line claiming the cheese as their trophy.

Besides, Cheese rolling may sound funny, but the race to the bottom of the hill consists of a very steep and uneven hill, leading to many tumbling and injuries. Some injuries are, in fact, soo serious that they require hospital treatment.

<15 Most Watched Sports Events in the World>

The tiny event from a small village has since become a world-famous event.

3. Wingsuit Flying

At some point in our life, we’ve all imagined jumping from an airplane with a parachute. Not to mention, it might already be on some of us’s bucket lists. 

Yes, Wingsuit Flying is the pinnacle of acrophobia. It is the only sport that offers you the experience of an actual engineless flight.

Ever imagined how it feels to soar through the sky at super speed? Yes, this sport gives you that ability. With a specially designed suit, you can glide across the sky at speeds exceeding 60 mph. 

To achieve flight, one must spread their arms and legs after jumping from the height. Later, when the ground is closer, a parachute is then pulled to land safely.

Likewise, apart from the risks attached to the sport, it is the closest that you will come to flying through the sky like superman.

2. Cliff Diving

Another acrophobic sport on the list and also ranking second we have Cliff diving. Just like the name says, it is one of the top extreme sport in the world. 

In other words, this extreme sport involves divers throwing their bodies off of high cliffs into the water. Apart from the big adrenaline rush, this sport offers some of the best shots and scenery exposure. 

Imagine free falling down great heights wearing nothing besides your swimming trunks. Yes, you can experience this nowhere else. 

As fun and incredible it sounds, it comes with high risks. Not to mention, the impact from hitting the water is enough to break your bones. Besides, there are rocks and branches to consider, which could be fatal. 

This sport is famous for causing a lot of fatalities and deaths. So, inspecting the waterbody is very important before attempting a dive.

1. Train Surfing

If not in reality, then surely in action movies, we’ve all witnessed this stunt. But did you know that Train surfing is a form of sport? In fact an illegal one in most places. 

Train Surfing in Soweto
Train Surfing in Soweto (Source: Wikimedia)

It involves climbing onto the roof of a moving train and surfing it. This sport is a hazardous sport else; it wouldn’t have made it to the list. First originated in South Africa, it is also a huge problem there. 

In addition, there have been numerous fatalities relating to this sport; no wonder why it is illegal in almost all countries. Although this sport was popular during the 80s and 90s, it has again resurfaced. 

Conclusion

As crazy as the sports mentioned above are, it provides an equal amount of thrills and fun. Not to forget the risk it comes with, but doesn’t everything come with its risks?

At the end of the day, the activities with the most risks are the most fun ones. Is it not?

So, from the top mentioned sports which one was your favorite? Or have you done any of the sport mentioned above? Do leave a comment if you have done it or are planning to do it. 

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Latest News