Extreme Sport Innovations

Incredible Innovations for Safety in Hazardous Sports Equipment

Have you ever wondered what people wear or use to help them survive crazy life-threatening sports? Why would anyone gamble with their lives knowing those choices were dangerous and often fatal? Excitement, the quest to go beyond human endurance, or romanticizing heroism are often the reasons.

These wonder-lust individuals are not going away so why not help them avoid tragedy by improving their gear and equipment? This post will touch on a few of these mind-boggling innovations.

Snowboarding, Skiing, Climbing, Hiking, and Paragliding the Extreme in Winter Sports

Some of the riskiest thrill-seeking activities ever can be experienced in the Alps. The Alps are Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain range system, dominating 7 Alpine countries: Switzerland, France, Italy, Liechtenstein Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. An outdoor enthusiast of this dangerous and unpredictable region must be aware of sudden rock slides, avalanches, inclement weather, isolated areas with no immediate help, and getting lost. Planning and tactical preparation, a keen sense of weather conditions, and variables are essential for a safe adventure or rescue.

The following products are but a few of the out-of-the-ordinary but spectacular innovations for extreme mountain safety.

Osprey Soelden Pro 32 Mens Ski, Snowboard, Backcountry Avalanche Backpack

Lightweight, E2 electronic avalanche airbag
Front panel J-zip with access to avalanche safety kit pocket containing a shovel handle and probing sleeves.
GPS/Radio Pocket with mic harness webbing attachment points. bundled nano
Stow-away helmet carry with dual positions in front or top of the pack.
Single zippered hip belt pocket and gear loop for essential climbing gear.
A-frame and vertical pocket ski-carry and vertical front panel snowboard carry

. The Apex 8000 Down Suit

A hybrid of a science and practical experience product.
Scientific testing in cold chambers to quantify important indicators such as internal temperatures and relative humidity* during rest and activity.
Under intense lab conditions the suit has been proven to perform near flawless.
Montane hi-altitude athletes tested the suit for its durability and easy maneuverability.
Cutting-edge technologies and featSpeed riding rigorous required standards.

Ski Paragliding/Speedriding

Speedriding is a form of winter paragliding but with a small surface wing. Take-off and landing are on snow-covered trails and are carried out with skis or a snowboard attached to your feet. This can be an exhilarating experience albeit dangerous.

The Gin Speedride Harness and Gliders

Speedride harness provides ease and comfort, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider.
The rucksack side of the harness has ski and equipment attachments for touring.
Ergonomic shape and ventilation system on the back make it easy for transporting
Turn the bag inside out to convert it into a harness. Legs are independent and the shoulder straps slide through the front strap for ease when skiing.
The harness includes a GIN “fast packing bag”, located in the zipped pocket on the right leg. Used to carry a bundled Nano while skiing between runs.
New improved pulleys for a paragliding speed system.
Shoulder attachment points for a rescue parachute
A covered “tunnel system” for the rescue bridle routing.
Increased container volume.
Removable Airbag with new zipper lock system.
Automatic buckles on the chest strap,p (Safe T bar) / manual buckles on leg straps

Last Word

This post offers a small window into what is possible with what seemed impossible a few years ago within the vast Alpine extreme sport experience. For further information on Alpine sports and equipment, many sites are available (see below). New and inventive crazy winter sports such as alpine soccer/ football and ice diving also await the daredevil in you. Safety is paramount for a return home, so be prepared and pray.