Some of us need to get a little adrenaline pumping every now and again to stay stimulated and full of life. Many seek thrills by leaping from airplanes, bungee jumping, base jumping from bridges, or careening down mountain slopes on bikes. On the whole, extreme sports have become mainstream and can be accomplished with relatively little risk. They are called extreme for a reason, though, and must be approached with an abundance of caution.
First and foremost, know yourself and your own limitations. Overcoming personal challenges can be empowering but should not be done at the expense of your health and well being. If you have a pre-existing injury, aggravating it by subjecting it to extra strain and torque is unwise.
Second, make sure the equipment you are using is properly cared for and properly used. Seek professional help when trying an extreme sport for the first time. If you take equipment out of storage after a long period of disuse, check it for wear and tear. Take it for maintenance and do not hesitate to replace older equipment.
Finally, use your best judgment. Do not defer to friends or even professionals if they encourage you to do something that seems unsafe. If it scares you, it is probably unsafe.
To attempt any kind of thrill seeking without insurance is a recipe for disaster. Medical insurance, dental insurance, and even life insurance will protect you and your loved ones from financial ruin if something goes wrong. Even when everything goes as planned, injuries can still happen. Having a broken bone set or spending a night in a hospital after a concussion can cost tens of thousands of dollars if you are uninsured.
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