I was like “Whoa!”

Summary

The author, an avid thrill-seeker, recounts personal experiences with adrenaline-fueled activities, reflecting on the impact these experiences have had on their life choices.

Abstract

The author shares their journey from childhood excitement about rollercoasters to adult experiences with extreme activities like the Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags, ziplining at Myrtle Beach, and contemplating rappelling down a building for charity. Despite the initial thrill, these experiences have led to moments of introspection about the risks involved and the nature of seeking such thrills. The author's enthusiasm is tempered by a growing awareness of safety concerns and the unregulated nature of some extreme sports, yet they remain open to future adventures, including the possibility of spaceflight or a ride on the Vomit Comet.

Opinions

The author has a longstanding passion for thrilling experiences, tracing back to their eagerness to meet rollercoaster height requirements as a child.
After facing the reality of extreme activities, the author admits to a shift in their risk assessment, particularly after nearly reaching the point of rappelling down a building.
There is a clear concern about the lack of regulation in some adrenaline sports, such as bungee jumping and parasailing, which has made the author more cautious.
Despite reservations, the author is still drawn to the idea of extreme adventures, expressing a fascination with the idea of private citizen spaceflight and the unique experiences it offers.
The author values both the physical sensation of adrenaline rushes and the storytelling aspect that comes with having participated in extraordinary activities.

Three times seeking adrenaline rushes made me pause

I am, and have always been, an avid thrill-seeker. I can recall the feeling of finally being tall enough to ride the rollercoasters at theme parks. This is partly because I have an older brother who always accomplished the bucket list wishes of my youth first. Thus, I would count the days, and the inches from growth spurts, until I passed the thin red line that says “54in or taller to ride”. Goodbye, “Whirly Swings”! Hello, “Monster Truck” coasters! This trait was infused into my personality as I’ve grown into adulthood, though I’ve realized that my calculated risk factors have been tamed a bit.

Photo of Dare Devil Dive attraction at Six Flags Over Georgia from Wikimedia Commons

Freefallin'

The Dare Devil Dive is a challenge to behold at Six Flags Great America north of Chicago, IL similar to the one pictured. I had seen it mightily swing guests around in previous visits. To ride on it, I had to pay my way plus half of the cost of each buddy I asked to go with me. (Yes, I really wanted to try it!) We got strapped in the harness and hoisted 150ft in the air. Staring down 150ft…with two buddies…in a harness…at black asphalt…makes one reassess life choices! So, …I pulled the ripcord! I previously said the attraction “swings" guests. Not entirely accurate. Black asphalt “rose" to meet us as we dropped…and dropped…until the steel cable went taut to start the swing part. That took f-o-r-e-v-e-r! Oh, and a nagging doubt surged during our initial freefall that the cable is rated to carry the weight of three grown men! 😳 We survived, but ironically, no rides thrilled me for the rest of the park visit.

Zippity-Doo-Dah!

I had wanted to zipline since I’d seen a late-night host try it on TV. I got my chance at Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures located in Myrtle Beach, SC. The facility looked straightforward, with launch and landing platforms separated by a 600 foot long open field. I don’t remember exactly if there was an “orientation” video. I do remember standing on the launch platform…once again reassessing my life choices! The attendant strapped me onto the zipline, counseling me matter-of-factly like I was going to walk across the field instead of soaring dozens of feet above it. “Just step off when you’re ready.” Step…off…into…thin…air….with nothing but a cable above my head to keep me safe. I gathered up the courage, and took a ride!

Image contributed by the Author.

It was exhilarating! Once I got over the doubt of that first step, I took in the wonderful moments of flight! It was so nice, I had to do it twice!

Livin’ On The Edge

With those experiences under my belt, I jumped at the chance to do “Over The Edge" in 2019. This is an adrenaline seekers event where participants fundraise money for a good cause to take the opportunity to rappel down the outside of a local tall building. Because I found out about it so late, I opted to volunteer for the day of the event. That automatically gave me a turn to scale the building, which is 9 stories high. I strapped into the harness, paid close attention to the safety instructions, and walked to the roof with my volunteer crewmates. The hosts called my name, …but I couldn’t traverse the final 10 feet of roof to begin the adventure. Wow! I’d seen dozens of people do it all morning, coming back rejuvenated. Still, my assessment of life choices came up short this time! I headed back downstairs the regular way, comfortable with my decision.

Thank you. Next!

What’s next, you might ask, dear readers? I’ve thought about bungee jumping, but the “industry” is too unregulated. Places for that can pop up on a random bridge, and then the venture might be gone not long afterward. Or, the crane to which the bungee cord is connected could be raised too low. I’ve seen accidents with that scenario through online videos. I have similar feelings with parasailing ventures which can be freewheeling businesses making a buck off of tourists at beaches.

Photo from Pixabay

What else, then? Private citizen spaceflight comes to mind. Yup! Hey, why not reach for the stars! If I get an opportunity to have an out-of-this-world experience, I’m gonna have to take it! To be able to tell stories about weightlessness…to see the world as a round blue marble…to see the universe unencumbered by the atmosphere or light pollution…that’s worth it! If this turns out to be cost-prohibitive, though, then I’d settle for taking a ride on the Vomit Comet! I’m simply trying to satisfy my innate need…for adrenaline!