Cover 5 extreme sports to try this year (Photos: Pexels)
5 extreme sports to try this year (Photos: Pexels)
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Beyond show or stunt, these sports demand mental clarity, physical control and the rare ability to surrender. In a distracted world, that’s the true thrill
For many, the turn of a new year, and indeed the midpoint of a decade, often sparks a desire for fresh experiences, a craving to push beyond the mundane. While some might opt for a new hobby or a challenging intellectual pursuit, a growing number are seeking their thrills in the realm of extreme sports. More than mere pastimes, these are visceral encounters with adrenaline, gravity and the limits of one’s own courage.
In 2025, extreme sports continue to evolve, with advancements in equipment and accessibility making once-exclusive pursuits more attainable for the intrepid amateur. Whether you are a seasoned thrill-seeker looking for your next challenge or someone contemplating their first foray into the world of high-octane adventure, there is a discipline ready to ignite your senses.
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We round up a selection of extreme sports poised to make waves in the coming year, each offering a distinct pathway to exhilaration and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Drifting
Above Red car drifting on a grey asphalt race track (Photo: Pexels / Jaxon Matthew Willis)
Red car drifting on a grey asphalt race track (Photo: Pexels / Jaxon Matthew Willis)
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Drifting, for the uninitiated, is about mastering the delicate balance between control and the precipice of losing it entirely. Originating in Japan, this motorsport involves intentionally oversteering to cause loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tyres, while maintaining control from entry to exit of a corner. The appeal lies in the theatricality of the manoeuvre: the smoke, the screeching tyres, the sheer audacity of guiding a powerful vehicle sideways at high speed. As spectator sports go, it’s undeniably gripping, but as a participatory one, it demands immense skill, precision and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics.
- Reason to try: The sport continues to gain mainstream traction, with professional drifting series drawing significant crowds and investment. Furthermore, advancements in sim racing are making the theoretical aspects of drifting more accessible, allowing enthusiasts to hone their techniques virtually before hitting the tarmac.
Skydiving
Above A pair of men skydiving (Photo: Pexels)
Above Parachuters on air (Photo: Pexels)
A pair of men skydiving (Photo: Pexels)
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There are few experiences that rival the raw, unadulterated sensation of freefall. Skydiving, the act of jumping from an aircraft and descending to earth with the aid of a parachute, remains the quintessential extreme sport for many. The initial seconds of freefall, plummeting at speeds exceeding 120 mph, are often described as an overwhelming rush, a complete sensory overload that culminates in the serene glide once the canopy deploys. It’s a profound exercise in trust; trust in your equipment, your instructors and ultimately, yourself. Tandem skydiving offers the perfect entry point, allowing first-timers to experience the thrill securely harnessed to an experienced instructor.
- Reason to try: The safety record of skydiving continues to improve, and technological advancements in parachute design and safety equipment are making the sport more appealing to a broader demographic. The rise of experience economy tourism also means more readily available and well-organised skydiving centres.
Paragliding
Above Paragliding adventure over Ölüdeniz Mountains (Photo: Pexels)
Paragliding adventure over Ölüdeniz Mountains (Photo: Pexels)
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If skydiving offers the thrill of the plummet, paragliding provides the wonder of flight. Imagine launching yourself from a scenic cliffside to glide on currents of air, suspended beneath a fabric wing. Paragliding is perhaps the most accessible form of free flight, requiring no engine, just the power of wind and a keen understanding of aerodynamics. The experience demands a delicate touch, an understanding of weather patterns and a respect for the elements, but the rewards are truly breathtaking.
- Reason to try: The increasing popularity of eco-tourism and adventure travel is driving more interest in activities like paragliding. Equipment has also become lighter and more user-friendly, expanding its appeal.
Canyoning
Above Person climbing on waterfall (Photo: Pexels / Weigner Luan)
Person climbing on waterfall (Photo: Pexels / Weigner Luan)
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For those who crave a multi-faceted outdoor adventure, canyoning presents an exciting proposition. This sport involves navigating a canyon from top to bottom using a variety of techniques, including walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling) and swimming. It is a full-body workout and a mental puzzle, demanding problem-solving skills and a comfortable relationship with heights and water. Each canyon offers a unique challenge, from cascading waterfalls that require a controlled descent to deep pools demanding a plunge.
- Reason to try: The growing desire for off-the-beaten-path adventures and a stronger connection with nature makes canyoning an increasingly attractive option. Guided tours with certified instructors are widely available, making it accessible even for those with limited experience.
White-Water Rafting
Above Group of people rafting (Photo: Pexels / Hilmi Işılak)
Group of people rafting (Photo: Pexels / Hilmi Işılak)
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White-water rafting is a team sport that combines the thrill of navigating tumultuous rapids with the beauty of riverine landscapes. Participants, often in a crew of four to eight, paddle an inflatable raft down a river, guided by an experienced raft leader. The exhilaration comes from the raw power of the water, the sudden drops and the coordinated effort required to manoeuvre through challenging sections. It’s a test of teamwork, communication and quick thinking, offering an unforgettable and sometimes hilarious shared experience.
- Reason to try: Improvements in raft design and safety protocols, coupled with the increasing popularity of outdoor group activities, continue to boost interest in white-water rafting. Artificial white-water courses are also expanding accessibility.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
