Extreme
September 19, 2008
K2 Bottleneck Pics
The K2 is the second tallest mountain in the world, but it is regarded by many experienced mountaineers as the most difficult. It is part of the Karakoram range in the Himalayas along the Pakistan-China border. Here's the k2 bottleneck wikipedia definition: "The Bottleneck is a location along the South-East Spur, known also as Abruzzi Spur - the most used route to the top of K2, a mountain in the Himalayas on the Pakistan/China border. The Bottleneck is a narrow couloir, which is overhung by seracs from the ice field east of the summit. The couloir is located only 400m below the summit, and climbers have to traverse about 100m exposed to the seracs to pass it. Due to the height (8200m) and the steepness (80-90 degrees) this stretch is the most dangerous part of the route and has claimed over 20 fatalities[1]."
May 25, 2008
Frenchman Michel Fournier challenges the Sound Barrier Record with a 25 Miles Jump From Pressurized capsule
Today, Frenchman Michel Fournier, a 64-year-old retired French army officer, will fly almost 25 miles into the sky in a giant balloon with a pressurized capsule and plunge headfirst towards the earth, soaring through the atmosphere for an estimated 15 minutes. A lot can go wrong when you're trying to reach 130,000 feet up in the air. At above 40,000 feet, there's no longer enough oxygen to breathe. At 12 miles up, the air pressure can cause blood to boil. Fournier will be taking the trip in a special space suit, but if it malfunctions, he'll be dead within seconds. If the jump is successful, Fournier will set records for falling the longest, farthest and fastest of anyone in history. If he makes it, Fournier will set records for falling the longest, farthest and fastest of anyone in history. The fall will be the accumulation of 20 years of research and physical and emotional preparation. To pay for his training and equipment, Fournier has sold almost all his belongings and spent roughly $20 million, mostly raised from private donations.
December 18, 2007
Avalanche Riding by Jeremy Jones
Jeremy Jones does it big in some unstable snow conditions, to say the least. Check out this sick clip from Draw the Line. A word of advice...avoid avalanches.
Via GetOutdoors Via Backcountry
December 12, 2007
SkyJump or SkyWalk on New Zealand's Auckland Sky Tower
Going to New Zealand? Start your trip of right by jumping off the tallest building in the country, Auckland’s Sky Tower. The SkyJump consists of Falling at approx 85km per hour for around 11 seconds before slowing in the last few meters to land gently. Unlike bungy jumping, there is no hanging upside down or bouncing around. What a rush! Don't worry it all legit and SkyJump is OSH approved and provides new dimensions of comfort and safety. Just check yourself into Mission Control, Level 2, Sky City, corner of Federal and Victoria Streets, Auckland. Do it 364 days a year at Sky Tower Auckland. If that's too crazy for you you can always SkyWalk around the Auckland’s Sky Tower's walkway grating.
Via Gadling
December 10, 2007
Flying Like a Squirrel with a Wing Suit
Here a Besportier we are always on the prowl for new sports and extreme activities, the latest being Flying Like a Squirrel with a Wing Suit. The wing suit mimics the natural aeronautics of a flying squirrel and provides crazy thrill seekers an outlet to express their craziness. It also works as an alternative to base jumping and free-falling, which we agree are so totally boring. Instead of just dropping out of the sky and eventually pulling a rip cord, Wing Suit like the "Flying Dude" attempt to glide fly back to a snowy mountainside runway. “All of this is technically possible,” said Jean Potvin, a physics professor at Saint Louis University and a skydiver who does parachute research for the Army. But he acknowledged a problem: “The thing I’m not sure of is your margins in terms of safety, or likelihood to crash.” This video of the flying dude is amazing! If you are interested in Flying Like a Squirrel with a Wing Suit, the suits cost about $1,000.
More info at New York Times
Via Complex
November 6, 2007
Extreme Wheel Chair - First Skatepark WheelChair Backflip
If you haven't already heard, we'd like to introduce you to the world of extreme wheel chair riding. We thought this was pretty cool! This is the First Skatepark WheelChair Backflip by Aaron Fotheringham. Enjoy!
September 7, 2007
Jet PI T-73 Jet Pack
The Jet PI T-73 Jet Pack is latest model of Jet PI jetpacks to grace our skies. While other models including the H2O2 and the H2O2-Z JetPacks are for demonstration use only, the T-73 JetPack powered by a T-73 turbine engine will be sold to qualified individuals that have undergone extensive training. Yes that means you! For $200,000 (includes training JPIC) you can finally fulfill your childhood dream of flying like superman with out a care in the world, for around 9 minutes or 27 miles that is. The Jet PI T-73 Jet Pack has a maximum speed of 83 mph, uses Jet-A fuel, and weighs 180 lbs. The T-73 is currently set for release December 11th 2007. JetPack International.
Check out the Jet Pack in action at the Orange County Choppers Jet Bike Unveiling!
August 2, 2007
Dirtsurfer Boarding
The Dirtsurfer is a one of a kind two-wheel in-line design which brings the feeling of surfing and snowboarding on land. Dirtsurfers have a low centre of gravity and large BMX style wheels which provide an easy to balance equation while being great over rough terrain. Dirtsurfers are known for their manoeuvrability, tricks, downhilling and off road capabilities and they look really sporty! The Dirtsurfer is inspired by surfers who wanted to simulate surfing on land, once tried you will be hooked! Buy the Dirtsurfer FlexiDeck Pro 20 Inch board for a price of $711 US and the whole package which comes with Deluxe foot straps for a price of $772 US. Kites sold separately. StreetGadgets.
Check out this video of some high-speed Dirtsurfing