Top 10 Extreme Sports

So you think you’re a tough guy, eh? Well, let’s you see you last 8 seconds getting your ass or twig and berries handed to you on top of a raging bull. Some people get their kicks by running AWAY from such beasts, but whether you’re an American rider or one overseas, there’s nothing quite like the intensity of preparing for and executing this challenge. It takes a certain breed to sustain this kind of lifestyle, and while people flock to events to see bull riders do their thing, there’s not much they can do when the bull hits the fan.

The advent of this 21st century extreme sport has been credited to Zoltan Istvan, and it involves a bumpy ride to the dark side of an actual volcano. That’s right, a couple thousand years ago, the poor residents of Pompeii were essentially buried alive thanks to Mount Vesuvius - and now adventurers fight back against volcanoes, so to speak, by getting all up in their business. Times have changed, of course, but one must always be aware of getting all carved up by chunks of ash and flying debris. Oh yeah, the explosive lava is something to think about as well.

We all know that mountain climbing is for pansies, right? So that’s why this slippery sport has gained such momentum in recent years. We’re kidding, of course, as both rock and ice climbers are equally adventurous and crazy. Whether you prefer alpine ice or water ice, the basic laws of nature apply when climbing up a frozen waterfall. One does not simply ice climb; one comes ready with all the appropriate gear, prepared for perhaps the most exhilarating feeling in the world and maybe a nasty fall.

Some of you may already highline on a daily basis… but probably not quite like this. Featured in the 2015 film “The Walk,” highlining is the form of slacklining that is done at challenging heights. This sport requires some intellect when setting up the anchor points, and of course, one must be in tip-top shape and be able to focus too, as the ultimate fail would be plummeting to your certain death. It’s only been since 2010 that slacklining has really become popular, particularly in the form known as tricklining, and it builds on the examples of past highwire artists for more creative expressions of freedom.

All right, so skateboarding probably doesn't seem that “extreme” these days - at least, not if you’re at the Bart Simpson “it's faster than walking” skill level. But every self-respecting skater knows that some broken bones are necessary if you want to call yourself the real deal. We don’t really need to explain the essence of this extreme sport, as YouTube has become a haven for countless skateboarding fails and also some rather impressive feats. The activity is something of a gateway sport for extreme individuals and a culture in its own right. You either skate or you don’t.

Sure, one may enjoy kayaking or canoeing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you enjoy literal downward spirals off waterfalls. But if this does sound like you, then you’re a creeker! Congrats on having a name! What do you need besides a kayak and a death wish? Well, a first aid kit might come in handy, and you’ll certainly need a throw bag and facemask. Those living in the Appalachians have come to know creeking all too well, and there’s nothing like experiencing a “first descent” - whether it’s your own or with somebody else. Beware of Chicken Heads and sieves, and always creek with confidence.

The average person typically struggles when trying to lace up a pair of ice skates, and even more so with the actual act of skating. But if you grew up playing hockey and know how to maintain a certain balance, then you’ll find some value with Ice Cross Downhill. Here’s what happens: skaters shoot down a walled track and try not to break their asses. It’s just like downhill skiing except with sharp skates and hard ice. As you can imagine, the average Ice Cross Downhill FAIL will make anyone wince, especially if you happen to be executing the failure in question.

Speaking of Ice, the one and only Vanilla Ice once reigned supreme in this extreme sport as he was reportedly a three-time Grand National Champion in Dallas. You could say that motocross was the next step up for skaters during the ‘80s, along with BMX riding. Numerous sub-competitions have emerged from this vehicular activity, whether it be freestyle, Supercross or whatever competitors come up with next. Some fly high while others keep it low, but motocross has long been a favorite among your more liberal motorcycle enthusiasts.

Now, the big question: are you an aid climber or a free climber? Not sure? Well, if you’re the former, you'll need some help reaching your destination, but if you’re the latter, then you're on your own, literally. Sure, free climbers take the appropriate measures to prevent…you know…death, but the point of it all centers on the trendy concept of “do it yourself.” When you’re a kid, you climb trees, but if you’re an experienced free climber, you reach a bit higher. Some question the motivation of free climbers, which DOES make sense, but perhaps you just don’t understand the feeling of exhilaration.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Freestyle Snowboarding
Snowmobile / Snowcross
Tow-In Surfing
Kite Skiing

If you’re too scared to sky dive or BASE jump, then you definitely won’t be wingsuit flying. With the suit itself emerging in various forms since the late ‘90s, one may actually transform into a birdman, a batman or even a squirrel, depending on your stylistic preferences, while practicing this sport. Of course, a parachute will be needed for a safe landing, and you may also need a hefty set of balls or a sturdy pair of ovaries. With the arrival of jet-powered wingsuits in recent years, there’s no telling how this extreme sport will evolve for space oddities in the coming decades.

Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite extreme sport? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.