While some athletes enjoy the structure of conventional sports, others opt for the freedom of extreme sports. Extreme athletes spend their time mastering exhilarating yet dangerous maneuvers everywhere from the oceans' foamy waves to mountains' snowy peaks. Even with the proper techniques, high-speed falls and slideouts are almost inevitable when participating in extreme sports. Always wear proper safety gear and apparel for your extreme sport to reduce the risk of injury.
Skateboarding
Street skateboarding is one of the most dangerous riding disciplines. When riding in an urban setting, you'll have to dodge a number of hazards in the terrain. Oncoming traffic presents a serious danger and can result in bone-crunching injuries. Losing balance on a handrail, "Thrasher" magazine warns, could send you plummeting head-first toward the ground. Ramp skaters are at a serious risk, too. Losing control of your skateboard while airborne may cause you to fall to the flat bottom of the ramp.
Snowboarding
While some snowboarders stick to mellow slopes, others opt for dangerous jumps that involve flips and rotations. When sliding out or crashing, the sharpened edges of the snowboard pose a harmful danger. Wear a pair of thick, padded gloves to avoid cuts and lacerations. According to "TransWorld Snowboarding" magazine, landing short on a long distance jump can send you tumbling across the riding terrain. The landing impact could also cause serious damage to your knees and lower back.
Moto X
Freestyle motocross, also known as moto X, is one of the more dangerous extreme sports. Freestyle riders use a specialized motorcycle, which offers increased handling and maneuverability. The stripped-down design of the bike allows you to perform high-altitude jumps off inclined dirt ramps. Miscalculating a jump can cause you to overshoot the landing --- and send you rolling across the riding terrain at speeds in excess of 30 mph. Moto X riders wear polycarbonate helmets to keep their head protected during high-impact jumps.
Surfing
While surfing can be a relaxing activity on warm summer days, there are a few dangerous hazards that go along with the sport. Big-wave surfers tackle swells 20 feet tall or higher. Losing control while dropping in could send you plummeting toward the ocean floor. Surfers are at an increased risk of drowning because even a minor fall could leave you disoriented underwater. Shark attacks are another serious hazard surfers may face daily.
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