Are you tired of simply laying on the beach, sightseeing or hiking every time you go on vacation? Are you looking for something to spice up your holiday experience? If the answer is yes, our list of extreme sports is just what you need.

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BASE Jumping

If you thought skydiving was exciting and dangerous, wait until you try BASE Jumping. This extreme sport was first practiced in the 60s, but it wasn’t until 1978, when Carl Boenish performed a BASE jump off El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, that the sport really caught on.

BASE jumps are performed off skyscrapers, antennas, bridges and cliffs and, compared to skydivers, who leap out of an airplane at 15,000 feet, BASE jumpers dive off at around 2,000 feet. That gives them 5.6 seconds of free-fall before impact with the ground. That means they have to open their parachutes almost as soon as they dive and have to make sure they don’t hit nearby objects.

BASE Jumping is regarded as one of the most dangerous recreational sports, with over 130 fatalities recorded since 1978. Most BASE jumpers have a solid skydiving background and master the sport under the guidance of a seasoned BASE jumper.

Ostrich Racing

Everyone knows ostriches are pretty fast, so it’s no surprise somewhere along the way people got the bright idea of riding them. Ostrich racing is common in North African countries and around the Arabic Peninsula, but it has also spread to the US.

Despite protests from animal activists, ostrich races are still organized in Florida or Arizona. They appeal to the public, because they are a more exciting alternative to the boring, old horse races.

Ostriches can be ridden in a race by a smaller person and, although they are harder to manage than horses, they are a lot faster.

Volcano Surfing

Just think of it as snowboarding, without the snow. Volcano surfing, sometimes referred to as volcano boarding, was born on the black slopes of Cerra Nera, a young, active volcano in Nicaragua. That’s where it’s still practiced today, by thrill-seekers who come from all over the world just to get a big adrenaline fix.

Volcano surfing will have you climb to the top of Cerra Nera, from where you can’t even see the bottom, and then slide down on custom plywood boards, either sitting down or standing. Apart from the danger of falling at high-speeds and injuring yourself, adding the possibility of Cerra Nera erupting at any time really makes volcano surfing an extreme sport.

Nuclear Globe

If you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped inside a bubble, Nuclear Globe is the perfect way to find out. Just slide inside it through a small hole and start acting like a hamster on a wheel. Supposedly, it’s the most fun you can have on top of the water.

The best way to experience Nuclear Globe is with an opponent. Paddle your way towards each other and bump until one of you bounces into submission.

Saudi Sandal Skating

Sandal Skating is not an extreme sport per se, but if you’re looking for some genuine thrills, you have to try it the next time you’re in Saudi Arabia. Just like the video says, even if you think you know this country, you probably haven’t seen anything like this before.

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