When it comes to extreme sports, the general public often perceives those who engage in these high-risk activities as irresponsible “adrenaline junkies” who put an unnecessary burden on society. The argument is that when these thrill-seekers take unnecessary risks and end up injured or in need of rescue, the costs associated with their assistance are often covered by taxpayers. For example, a backcountry rescue mission triggered by skiers caught in an avalanche can cost thousands of dollars, and skateboarders, in pursuit of their sport, often damage both private and public property and sustain injuries. While these concerns have received ample media attention, there’s rarely a discussion about the negative consequences of restricting access to these sports. What would happen if we made it more challenging for individuals to engage in these activities? In fact, by limiting their outlets for adventure and excitement—even if these activities are perceived as risky—these athletes might resort to activities that pose greater burdens on society.
While it’s true that extreme sports don’t appeal to everyone, there remains a significant number of people for whom these activities are a crucial and fulfilling part of life. Our society thrives on diversity, and it’s our differences that make it interesting. As Ron Watters, author, outdoorsman, and Idaho State University faculty member, explains in his essay “The Wrong Side of the Thin Edge,” everyone craves adventure to some extent. Some people, however, require more than the average dose of excitement and venture into high-risk activities—sports that push the boundaries where the stakes are higher.
These individuals often exhibit what psychologist Frank Farley calls “Type T” personalities—those who are thrill-seekers and adventurers, constantly seeking excitement and stimulation. Farley argues that Type T personalities aren’t just the daredevils of the world; they can also be our best inventors, entrepreneurs, and explorers. They are CEOs, surgeons, and civil rights leaders. Farley emphasizes that throughout history, the most critical events have been shaped by Type T individuals displaying Type T behavior, from Boris Yeltsin to Martin Luther King Jr. Emigration, Farley suggests, is inherently risky and tends to select for individuals who are high in sensation seeking. Thus, countries founded on immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, probably have an above-average number of risk-takers. Farley warns that the current efforts to minimize risk and risk-taking behaviors could eliminate “a large part of what made this country great in the first place.”
However, Type T personalities also have a darker side. They often become easily bored, and without healthy outlets for their craving for stimulation, they may turn to destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, or reckless driving. Marvin Zuckerman, a psychologist at the University of Delaware, notes that when healthy psychological outlets are lacking, Type T individuals may resort to “the main forms of sensation seeking [which] include sex, drugs, heavy drinking, gambling, and reckless driving.”
People who participate in extreme sports do take risks, but there are far riskier “highs” they could pursue. Sports like rock climbing, mountain biking, and snowboarding offer a high that can only be achieved through self-discipline, hard work, and a healthy lifestyle. Serious extreme athletes are highly trained individuals who prioritize their safety.
Research suggests that the predisposition to risk-taking is likely something people are born with, not a lifestyle choice. It may be hardwired into our evolutionary makeup from ancient times when our survival depended on our ability to hunt and defend against predators or other humans. Today, we’ve eliminated many everyday risks through advancements like seatbelts, airbags, and other safety measures. Most people wear helmets when biking or rollerblading, and warning labels on coffee cups remind us that the beverage is extremely hot. However, we still have an innate need for exhilaration and excitement.
If we don’t provide relatively safe outlets for this need, individuals predisposed to risk-taking may turn to more dangerous activities with more significant personal, social, and economic consequences. Consider the case of an extreme mountain biker who sustains a serious fall. While he may be badly injured, the overall impact on society is relatively small. Medical professionals will provide care, and he might take some time off work to recover. There may be temporary strains on his immediate family, but life will eventually return to normal. But what if the mountain biking trails were closed? This same individual might seek excitement in riskier ways. Perhaps he would stop at a casino on his way home from work, looking for a rush. If predisposed to risk-taking behavior, he might quickly find himself gambling beyond his means. Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can devastate individuals, destroy marriages, break up families, and lead to other addictions and health issues. Many people never recover from gambling addiction and become long-term burdens on society, requiring rehabilitation, welfare, and ongoing medical care.
Issues like addiction often overshadow health concerns, but they are equally important, particularly for taxpayers. Consider the kids at the skateboard park. Without the park as a space to practice and refine their skills, they might opt for more sedentary activities, like playing video games—activities linked to obesity. Researchers have found a strong association between electronic video game playing and childhood obesity. In a world where heart disease and type 2 diabetes are on the rise, discouraging physical activities is counterproductive. Treating the health problems resulting from obesity and heart disease comes at a far higher cost than repairing a few broken bones or repainting railings.
Rather than discouraging or shunning extreme athletes, we should celebrate them for their differences and support them as they push the limits of human endurance and athleticism. T.S. Eliot once said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” With public support, extreme athletes can expand our boundaries and contribute to our diverse and evolving society. By curbing their passions and limiting access to activities some consider too dangerous, we may invite even greater risks in the form of addiction, crime, and health problems—burdens that society will ultimately have to bear.