Taking part in extreme sports in the wilderness can be a transformational, addictive and fun experience that will stay in anyone’s memories for a long time.
It’s important to understand that you’ll need to be prepared physically and mentally, whether you’re attempting to build your own snowboard and try it on the slopes, riding the waves with your surfboard, or climbing a mountain. Not everything will go according to plan, so precautions are necessary regardless of your skill level. The wilderness can be dangerous at times, that’s why safety is crucial even for the most seasoned extreme sports enthusiasts.
Below are some tips on preparing for your participation in an extreme sport in the wild:
Don’t Forget To Bring Or Wear The Right Equipment
Appropriate equipment is one thing that can make a significant difference to your sports adventure out in the wilderness. The type of gear will depend on the sport you’re partaking in. Some sports require knee pads, warm clothing, and boots, others might require helmets, ear defenders, or safety goggles. For example, if you’re taking part in any extreme sports requiring a handheld weapon, researching the best IWB holster for Glock 19 or whichever shooting device you’re using can make you much more comfortable.
Improve Your Muscle Strength
Before taking on a significant extreme sport in the wild challenge, work on your muscle conditioning. Ideally, perform some muscle strength training months before your adventure. This step is essential because the appropriate equipment won’t matter if you can’t avoid exhaustion or muscular pain while in the outdoors. Side planks, single-leg deadlifts, jumping squats, lunges, and squats are some of the exercises you can perform each day before your upcoming challenge. You could also try hill walking, cycling, jogging, or yoga to strengthen your muscles. You could be less likely to sustain an injury if you do these workouts before participating in an extreme sport.
Enhance Your Endurance And Stamina
When you’re cycling, hiking, or running in the wilderness, how far do you think you can go, and for how long? Extreme sports require higher levels of endurance and stamina, especially in the wild where you’ll need to maintain energy levels across varying landscapes and weather conditions. Work on your endurance beforehand to make sure you can go the distance.
Get Into The Right Mindset
An extreme sport in the wild won’t only push you physically but also mentally. It’s true whether you’re going mountain climbing or snowboarding, if you want to thrive in a harsh environment you have to possess a significant amount of focus and courage. In fact, before a grueling physical activity in the wild, many thrill-seekers engage in mind focused games like poker or chess to get their brains working as part of their mental conditioning. Entering the right mindset allows you to perform at a higher level; always keep in mind that the mental part of any extreme sport is equally, if not more important, than its physical aspect.
Research the Surroundings to Familiarize Yourself with the Terrain
It’s always wise to familiarize yourself with the surroundings before starting your activity. Whether you’re going alone or as part of a group, research the place you’re heading, identify the best routes, and gather information about the weather. If you get separated from your group or the environment is affected by poor weather, familiarizing yourself with the terrain will significantly help.
Make Sure to Pack the Essentials
The essential items that you need to pack and bring with you on your adventure will depend on the extreme sport you’re engaging in, for example you might need a puncture repair kit if you’re heading out for a mountain bike trail. Of course, packing plenty of food and water is also a must, especially when you’re going to be in the wilderness for most of the day or overnight. It’s highly recommended to pack light when engaging in extreme sports in the wilderness, but make sure you have some basic items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.
The Bottom Line
Extreme sports in the wilderness become more enjoyable when you work hard to improve your muscle strength, enhance your endurance and stamina, and prepare yourself mentally before tackling the challenge.
These activities also become safer when you wear the most appropriate equipment, research the surroundings, and pack any essential items to keep you safe and happy. Consider these tips before your next adventure to make sure you can focus on your performance!