WHOOSH! Nothing gets fans' hearts racing more than an extreme athlete launching high into the air or zipping along on the track--except when that big stunt sets a new record! Behind every big-time record is a dramatic story of how an extreme athlete achieved greatness in their sport. From the greatest rock-climbing records to the most awe-inspiring aerial stunts, here are record-setting moments that will keep extreme sports fans turning the page for more.

How do you pick extreme sports GOATs? Is it snowboarder Chloe Kim or skateboarder Tony Hawk? Or maybe it's BMX legend Dave Mirra. With so many sports, how do you choose? It comes down to stats, history, and hunches. Read more about some of the legends of extreme sports and see if you agree that they're the greatest of all time.

Understanding the motivations behind those who partake in extreme sports can be difficult for some. If the popular conception holds that the incentive behind extreme sports participation is entirely to do with risking one’s life, then this confusion will continue to exist. However, an in-depth examination of the phenomenology of the extreme sport experience yields a much more complex picture. This book revisits the definition of extreme sports as those activities where a mismanaged mistake or accident would most likely result in death. Extreme sports are not necessarily synonymous with risk and participation may not be about risk-taking. Participants report deep inner transformations that influence world views and meaningfulness, feelings of coming home and authentic integration as well as a freedom beyond the everyday. Phenomenologically, these experiences have been interpreted as transcendent of time, other, space and body. Extreme sport participation therefore points to a more potent, life-enhancing endeavour worthy of further investigation. This book adopts a broad hermeneutic phenomenological approach to critique the assumed relationship to risk-taking, the death wish and the concept of "No Fear" in extreme sports, and repositions the experience in a previously unexplored manner. This is valuable reading for students and academics interested in Sports Psychology, Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Tourism, Leisure Studies and the practical applications of phenomenology.

Filled with insightful analysis and compelling arguments, this book considers the influence of sports on popular culture and spotlights the fascinating ways in which sports culture and American culture intersect. This collection blends historical and popular culture perspectives in its analysis of the development of sports and sports figures throughout American history. American History through American Sports: From Colonial Lacrosse to Extreme Sports is unique in that it focuses on how each sport has transformed and influenced society at large, demonstrating how sports and popular culture are intrinsically entwined and the ways they both reflect larger societal transformations. The essays in the book are wide-ranging, covering topics of interest for sports fans who enjoy the NFL and NASCAR as well as those who like tennis and watching the Olympics. Many topics feature information about specific sports icons and favorite heroes. Additionally, many of the topics' treatments prompt engagement by purposely challenging the reader to either agree or disagree with the author's analysis.

Students and extreme sport enthusiasts will not only learn about the sports themselves, but also about the techniques, innovations, engineering, and physics behind them. How do ice yachters achieve speeds of up to 150 MPH? What does take to become a pro snowboarder? Other parts of the encyclopedia highlight key areas of study, such as extreme sports and the media, the controversies surrounding, and the impact of extreme sports on our culture. A resource guide of print and electronic sources, competitions, organizations offers students an insider's guide to all things extreme. Inside readers will discover BASE (Building, Antenna tower, Span, Earth) Jumping. What's more dangerous than leaping off of a tall building? Jumping off a structure that's much closer to the ground, and that's exactly what many BASE jumpers regularly do. The risks include malfunctioning parachutes, landing on rocks, into electrical wires and more. Readers will learn about Bhang Gliding, where experienced pilots perform full barrel rolls, inverted maneuvers and other stunt flying moves. It is no longer unusual for an experienced hang glider to travel 200 miles or reach altitudes above 10,000 feet. Coverage also includes information on caving, which involves exploring caves that travel deep into the earth, moutain biking, and many other sports.

A unique new reference work, this encyclopedia presents a social, cultural, and economic history of American sports from hunting, bowling, and skating in the sixteenth century to televised professional sports and the X Games today. Nearly 400 articles examine historical and cultural aspects of leagues, teams, institutions, major competitions, the media and other related industries, as well as legal and social issues, economic factors, ethnic and racial participation, and the growth of institutions and venues. Also included are biographical entries on notable individuals—not just outstanding athletes, but owners and promoters, journalists and broadcasters, and innovators of other kinds—along with in-depth entries on the history of major and minor sports from air racing and archery to wrestling and yachting. A detailed chronology, master bibliography, and directory of institutions, organizations, and governing bodies—plus more than 100 vintage and contemporary photographs—round out the coverage.

For this new edition the book has been completely revised, bringing the subject up to date in line with recent developments. Key changes address issues surrounding government policy and public sector leisure provision, the National Lottery, global conditions such as the world economic climate and the European Union, and communication and travel advances. New content also covers: play, recreation, leisure and the needs of people leisure trends, planning and government the legacy of CCT and the introduction of Best Value management, training and operational aspect of Leisure & Recreation management Leisure and Recreation Management deals with the theory of leisure studies as well as the day-to-day practicalities of managing sport, leisure and recreation facilities, ensuring this book's continued success as a student textbook and a guide for the practitioner.

'Leisure and Recreation Management' is essential reading for anyone interested in exploring both the theory and the practicalities of managing leisure and recreational facilities.

The world's best-selling annual is back and bursting with thousands of amazing new records, never-before-seen images and mind-boggling trivia. And as always, we have a few more surprises in store for you... As well as all your favorite records for talented pets, superhuman achievements, big stuff and extreme vehicles, you'll find show-stopping superlatives from brand-new categories. Topics making their GWR debut include waterfalls, twins, ballooning, apps, lightning, manga, archaeology, drones, and pirates - and that's just for starters! So, get ready for your yearly dose of mind-blowing feats and wonders in Guinness World Records 2016 - the global authority on record-breaking.