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Extreme sports (also known as an action sport) is a term for any of several newer sports involving adrenaline-inducing action. They often feature a combination of speed, height, danger and spectacular stunts. Levels of danger vary widely, but there is always an element – an “extreme” factor – that causes an adrenaline rush which keeps participants loyal to their sport. Some participants termed ‘adrenaline junkies’ develop an obsession with their sport and even claim to be “addicted to adrenaline”. (This is the result of a misnomer, since often the high obtained is a product of increased levels of dopamine endorphins and serotonin).

Extreme sports are most often pursued by young adults who wish to push their own limits of fear and physical ability, and in doing so, also help to push the limits of their sport as a whole. Because of this youthful demographic, extreme sports often attract their own kind of youth culture with associated clothing fashions and music. Indeed, the distinction between an extreme sport and a conventional sport is often as much due to marketing as the level of danger involved or the adrenaline generated. For example, snowboarding has a more extreme image than skiing mainly because it is newer, even though skiing is a faster and at least equally dangerous way of getting down the mountain. Also, only individual sports are generally considered to be extreme, so a sport like Rugby Union, though dangerous and adrenaline-inducing, is disqualified both by its traditional image and because it is a team sport.

The term gained popularity with the advent of the X Games, a made-for-television collection of such events. Advertisers were quick to realise the appeal of the event and competitors and organisers are now flooded with sponsorship. The high profile of extreme sports and the culture surrounding them has also led people to invent jokey parodies, such as Extreme ironing, urban housework, extreme croquet, extreme unicycling, house gymnastics, and extreme wheelbarrow.

Purists often reject the stereotypical “adrenaline junkie” image and enjoy their activities for many diverse reasons. Practitioners might enjoy developing their physical and/or mental skills, seek mastery of inhospitable environments, look to escape from the mundane rigours of day-to-day existence, or simply love the wilderness environment in which many of these sports take place. Bob Drury, a paraglider pilot says:

“We do these things not to escape life, but to prevent life escaping us”.

Or, alternatively, from an anonymous source:

“All who live, die. But not all who die have lived.”

Several extreme sports, including snowboarding, were included in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Some extreme sports have been around for many decades and the proponents span many generations, often including well known personalities. For example rock climbing and ice climbing has spawned such immortal names as Edmund Hillary, Chris Bonington and more recently Joe Simpson. Another example is Surfing, which was originally invented centuries ago by the native inhabitants of Hawaii.

Is your dad one of those guys that has everything? If so it can be pretty difficult to come up with great ideas for Fathers Day gifts. The truth is, it really doesn’t have to be that difficult. This year, why not break from the routine of buying simple household items or clothing and get your Dad something he will really love for Father’s Day. When you select an adventure gift, you are guaranteeing this year’s Fathers Day gift idea will be something to remember. No more books, tools, or clothes. Instead, why not fulfill a lifelong dream of Dad’s to take part in spine-tingling, adrenalin pumping extreme activity.

If your Dad is the type of guy who likes to put the pedal to the medal then all you need to do is look to motor sports for his Fathers Day gift idea. How about a turn in a V8 Supercar or a day driving a rally car? If you prefer to go more toward the wet side then your Fathers Day gift ideas list should definitely include a ride in a jet boat at top speeds or a ride down the whitewater in a kayak. If those Fathers Day gift ideas still don’t sound quite right then you can opt for a parachute jump or paragliding experience. Whatever way you decide to go, this will certainly not be business as usual when it comes to Father’s Days gifts.

The point really is, you don’t have to fall back on the same old gifts you’ve gotten Dad for Fathers Day year after year. Your Dad will love to have a Fathers Day gift that breaks from the routine. What dad wouldn’t prefer an adventure activity over something he would just go out and buy if he needed it or wanted it?

To purchase your Fathers Day gift adventure is a very simple matter. Just pick up the telephone or stop by an extreme activity provider and purchase a gift voucher for a Fathers Day gift outing. You’re dad will be able to pick the day that best suits his schedule. If you are having trouble deciding what activity he will like the most, then make your gift voucher for a Fathers Day gift and open ended one and Dad can select his own custom adventure. Either way, you are certain to make his day when he opens up that gift and sees that he’s going to be able to take part in something he’s always wanted to do.

While you’re at it you might even pick up a voucher for a gift for yourself. That way, you can go along with dad and he will get double the please from his Fathers Day gift. He’ll have someone to share it with and you will be telling stories about this very special extreme Fathers Day gift for years to come. Either way, you certainly can’t go wrong with your gift giving this year. This will truly be a Fathers Day gift idea to remember.