C-Forum

This whole waterfall thread got me thinking... whitewater in itself to the masses must be perceived as "dangerous" let alone paddling in it. To the non-whitewater paddler running classIII probably seems like something outlandish. When the said masses see paddlers running waterfalls or big class IV or V in media or advertising is has to seem unfathomable to them. But to us... even those of us that are as happy in classII waters as those of us that live for classV mayhem it seems like a perfectly normal thing to do.

So as a whitewater paddler... what seems more crazy to you then?

I've compiled a short list of "extreme" sports at their "craziest" along with links to videos. Which of these extreme sports do you perceive as the LEAST "crazy".

#1 Jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2FRh_GllnHk

#2 Big Wave Surfing Jaws in Hawaii
http://youtube.com/watch?v=J2YvOeUgx8E&feature=related

#3 Xtreme Skiing or Snowboarding
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ooFqR_SqUMo

#4 Jumping a motorcycle
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4xIQUVtSG9s

#5 Xtreme Mountain Biking
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZNwmpLPhoHw

#6 Running with the Bulls in Pamplona Spain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yTF-uZzOOpg

#7 Speed Riding
http://youtube.com/watch?v=v7BPUcIosrg&feature=related

#8 Jumping out of a helicopter with a wingsuit
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XZxo7IznQnk

#9 Base Jumping
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eBbC90aZmMA

#10 Paddling a whitewater boat over a waterfall
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u822CADsON4


Enjoy the poll... and let's see exactly what crazy means to you.

11. Free Solo Ice-Climbing - http://youtube.com/watch?v=IEyhO13H-eU

philcanoe wrote:11. Free Solo Ice-Climbing - http://youtube.com/watch?v=IEyhO13H-eU

sorry Phil... the [POLL] is closed... I can't add any more choices... please reach up and pull a lever now sir.

(btw... make certain to watch the MTB video... brutal...yet strangely hilarious)

beep beep

you hit the nail on the head with 'perceived' risk or danger.

to most ww rafting/canoeing/kayaking has a very high perceived risk. is there potential risk? yes, could even be very high. but the real risk is very low when compared to driving.

it is just what people think as 'normal' everyday activity. everyone drives to work, school, shopping, to see family, to go on vacation, etc... driving is a need these days. driving has a very high potential and very high real risk. but a very low perceived risk when put beside ww boating or extreme biking etc...
people view driving as a normal everyday occurrence while ww boating is not viewed as such, and so the general public will say, 'hey, that ww rafting is dangerous and you can get really hurt."

when i was at the Outdoor Adventure program at Algonquin College (Pembroke) we had a really indepth class of risk management and covered topics such as this. it was one of my fav classes. i am trying to find some the articles from it. i will post if i do.

wow a mini essay. and probably my longest post on any forum i go to. haha.

nice thread, choice is easy for me, large angry animals scare the hades outta me .

I was looking for the "none of the above" option.

John

Where is the "Members of the opposite sex" selection (since it is Valentines Day)?

how about base jumping in a flying squirrel outfit?


link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F9RJSPnf8A

nukin futs!

PAC wrote:Where is the "Members of the opposite sex" selection (since it is Valentines Day)?

Yeah... not getting your significant other a V.D. gift is dangerous... just not sure we should call it a sport.

bamaboater wrote:how about base jumping in a flying squirrel outfit?


link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F9RJSPnf8A

nukin futs!

You did watch #8 didn't you?

HEY Bullwinkle, Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat...........
Must be the wrong hat.

Well Craig....I have watched all of those clips and I have to say some superb footage....Respect to all those daring to live a lot!!.

Things like "because its there" sping to mind.....some mind expanding experiences.....and there is a common thread with Canoeing, iif you want to go that far

I think the most impressive of the videos was the Helicopter jump.
Being a paddler and skier my vote goes for those two sports. I may have to say paddling may be scarier than skiing, only because the water is always moving and snow only moves at the wrong time. This clip I find to be pretty impressive though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd8AJdcnw4A
Though its on a board
B