A fellow lover of the outdoors and active enthusiast of getting to the real wild of Vancouver Island, Brandon Wright recently was on a talkshow on CBC Radio. The radio host asked him how should the public treat those taking risk in adventure sports. The event that brought about this interview was the death of a base jumper in Squamish BC, Seattle man who died BASE jumping in B.C. loved the sport
Public Perception on Taking Risk in Adventure Sports
The question was how should the public perceive and deal with “extreme sport” enthusiast? Individuals like Brandon and Myself with sports such as surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, free diving and other similar activities that many of us on the west coast call normal were the focus. Other activities like white water rafting, high elevation slack line and base jumping were added into the mix.
Public’s Perception of Cost of Taking Risk In Adventure Sports
My biggest frustration with the public’s perception is discussion on risk mitigation and economic impacts. As stated and supported by one caller, my view that it is exponentially more dangerous riding your pedal bike downtown Victoria versus me climbing one of the island alpine summits.
Then costs of Search and Rescue (SAR) was brought up. The uneducated weekend warrior hiker costs the medical and emergency community to a far greater impact than those than take them time to become proficient and skilled in their passion.
Why We Are Taking Risk In Adventure Sports
I could go on but I know we all feel and think the same that a life of drinking pop, eating bad food and watching cable tv puts a far greater burden on our medical and emergency services.
Only one point I was hoping would have come up, many of use do these things to fill a need internally for ourselves but also we do so to inspire others. Not to do what we do in so much as to just get out and experience the world we live. Break away from the routine that is imposed on us by modern society, pull back the veil from our eyes and learn to live again.
If you want to read a short post that talks about my mindset that had me arrive at the opinions above please check it out Are You Living Life To The Fullest
Be safe, Be mindful and Explore Beyond The Usual
Risk is everywhere. The drive to get to your hike or climb is probably far more risky than the hike/climb you do. Regarding rescue, does anyone ever question people being rescued from burning buildings or wrecked automobiles? Why then would one question being rescued from the backcountry?
It’s amazing to me how we, as a society, spend a lot of time trying to play it safe…and accept the statistically dangerous things as typical. I also think it’s important to be generous and kind with people they try to move out of their comfort zones. I’m trying to be patient with myself in that regard!
It’s the unique way of looking at what things are dangerous and what things give us “life” . I couldn’t agree more that everyone has their own comfort zones and I am excited for them to explore their unique individual boundaries.