Nature Sports: Current Trends and the Path Ahead

Abstract

Evolving in a unique historical conjuncture, especially associated with global communication, corporate sponsorship and transnational entertainment industries, nature sports have experienced an exceptional growth, both in participation and their increased visibility across public and private space. Since their emergence in the 1960s, these new forms of sport spread around the world much faster than most traditional sports. The growth and development of some nature sports activities has led to a process of sportivisation, resulting in the incorporation of these activities into the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The rapid expansion of nature sports has been accompanied by a cultural fragmentation that supports a new profile of participation. This chapter focuses on the benefits and outcomes of nature sport participation through selected case studies. For example, it highlights the meaningful and challenging experiences of participants across numerous activities, ranging from surfing, mountain climbing, ultramarathon running and BASE jumping.