If you’ve ever watched any of the “X Games,” then you might be familiar with some of the more mainstream extreme sports, however, risk goes well beyond skateboarding and mountain biking. Imagine what kind of thrills you could find on Hilton Head Island! Here are a few you might not have considered.
Shark Fishing
What it is:
Finding the right place, at the right time, with the right bait, to lure in an 8-15 ft. shark, winning the battle to bring it aboard.
Why it’s extreme:
Hammerhead, bull, and tiger sharks (the most common you will find in the area) can weigh up to nearly a ton. A fight against such a shark could test your muscles for hours.
Where you can try it:
Kitesurfing
What it is:
Much like water skiing, the participant has a board strapped to her feet. However, instead of being pulled by a motor boat, the participant is pulled by a giant kite.
Why it’s extreme:
The element that gets your heart jumping is the opportunity to take off flying, then crashing back down onto the water. The kite is designed like an airplane wing, so jump heights can reach 30 ft. or more. Strong winds can add to the speed and danger in this sport.
Skydiving
What it is:
The participant jumps out of an airplane at 10,000+ ft., free falling for about 45 seconds at about 125 mph and then deploying a parachute at about 5,000 ft. to slow the participant down to about 30 mph for the rest of the way down.
Why it’s extreme:
You’re jumping… out… of… an… airplane.
Where you can try it:
You can still find motocross and skateboarding in Hilton Head. You can even find a “lazy” beach bum triathlon. But if you really want a rush, be sure to check out some of these lesser known extreme sports.