Sports to the Extreme

For anyone, riding a bike can be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. But some riders want a thrilling, pulse-pumping ride, whether it's through the woods and over the rocks on a mountain bike or navigating track-based obstacles in bicycle motocross, or BMX. This book captures the excitement and rush of extreme biking, from its California origins to today's X Games and Olympics. Readers will explore some of the biggest names in extreme biking and learn about exciting and challenging races. They will also learn about the bikes, gear, styles, stunts, and lingo associated with this speedy sport.

Welcome to the exciting, dynamic world of parkour! This acrobatic and athletic discipline that makes ordinary-though highly coordinated and graceful-people appear to be superheroes has caused a sensation online, as videos of practitioners running up walls, vaulting over obstacles, leaping across the roofs of buildings, and generally treating urban areas as their own personal obstacle courses went viral. Readers will learn about parkour's roots in France, as well as how the sport developed and spread worldwide. Safety is always emphasized in the text, as are "do not try this at home" cautions to the reader.

Skateboarding as we know it today emerged as a popular sport in 1950s' California, but in the time since the first wheeled boards "surfed" the streets, the sport has evolved and reached sporting extremes. In this high-interest title, fans of skateboarding and other extreme sports will read the captivating backstory behind one of the most popular street sports today, with profiles of the key figures on wheels and the tricks that they invented. Safety and gear are covered, as is the development of organizations and leagues to monitor the sport and boost its popularity.

Pairing the extreme risk taker with some of nature's most remarkable-and challenging-formations, the sports of rock and ice climbing demand much of those who dare to attempt them. But for those with the patience and endurance to master the proper techniques, these outdoor sports are proof that great risk can yield great reward. This volume prepares readers interested in pursuing these exhilarating activities by providing a full rundown on the basics of climbing as well as the equipment and skills required. Readers will learn how to begin training and how teamwork and dedication can help them conquer the greatest heights.

The thrilling sensation of flying free thousands of miles above the earth has made skydiving one of the most distinctive and popular extreme sports. Though the sport began with primitive parachuting hundreds of years ago, modern skydivers have adapted new techniques and equipment to perform ever more daring tricks in the sky. Training and licensing, types of jumps, safety measures, and competitions are covered in depth. Readers will be enthusiastic to learn more about the challenging and rewarding adventure of skydiving.

Extreme air sports such base jumping, skydiving, bungee jumping, and gliding can be a rush. Jump overboard and explore the world from the eyes of an extreme athlete.

Extreme land sports such as skateboarding, BMX, motocross, rock climbing, and parkour are thrilling to watch. Jump on board and explore the world from the eyes of an extreme athlete.

Extreme water sports such as surfing, boarding, skiing, rafting, and diving can take your breath away. Dive in and explore the world from the view of an extreme athlete.

Extreme snow and ice sports such as snowboarding, skiing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and sledding can put you on the edge of your seat. Slide in and explore the world from the view of an extreme athlete.

The captivating, fast-paced world of motorsports gets an in-depth view in this resource that covers everything from motocross to speedboat racing to aerial acrobatics. Vivid photographs illustrate each offshoot of motorsports, including a brief history of the sport, important people who helped shape the sport, and details about some of the fastest and most high-endurance competitions. For those interested in getting started in any of these sports, the book includes resources about the type of equipment needed, the importance of getting proper training, and how to find local motorsport racing associations and local competitions.

One of the most popular and exciting water sports in the world, surfing has a rich history dating back to at least the eighteenth century. The International Surfing Association estimates there are more than twenty-three million surfers worldwide. Windsurfing's popularity peaked in 1984, but by the mid-1990s, it began a rapid decline. Today, however, the sport is again gaining momentum, and younger generations are learning what a fun and exciting sport it is. Readers will learn the history of both sports, the skills and equipment needed to participate in them, and how to surf and windsurf safely.

Though kites have been around for centuries, only recently have they been used for surfing and snowboarding, creating the exhilarating new sports of kiteboarding and snowkiting. Kiters experiment with new tricks and can even display their talent at internationally sanctioned competitions. Along with that thrill, however, there is an element of danger. Participants need to take the appropriate safety measures, such as using proper equipment and checking weather conditions. When approached and handled correctly, kiteboarding and snowkiting are activities that can be enjoyed to the extreme.