Am I Extreme?

Everyone has done something a little risky or a little crazy. It felt extreme at the time right? Just who gets to decide just who or what qualifies as extreme?

Okay, here we go. I've already heard the whispering. What does a female know about extreme sports? How can that grandpa compete against people half his age? He/she is a little chubby/old/young/etc. to be into extreme sports isn't he/she? Well, who are you to decide who's got it in them?

Here is the way I see it:

• Too young? The best time to test your limits is before you become aware of your own mortality. Kids are fearless and they're resilient. Nyjah Houston is eleven-years old and giving the pro's on the Dew Action Sports Tour a run for the money. He ended in 2nd place in the first leg of the tour. He's been boarding since he was five. I read somewhere that Tony Hawk had his oldest son on a board at three! Give kids the proper protection and guidance and let them test their own limits.

• Too old? In many extreme sports disciplines the athletes are staying competitive much longer. Previously, an expiration date of about the mid-20's existed. There are now competitors in their 30's and pushing 40's in skateboarding and BMX. Adventure racing has a strong camp of teams whose members are 40's-50's and are proving that experience and stamina can dominate over youthful energy.

• Too chubby? I've seen some kids that are just BIG. They are out there runnin' with their friends all day, hangin' at the bike/skate park doing everything that their friends are doing. Yeah, maybe they aren't as aerodynamically gifted as their thinner counterparts, but they are out there and they are doing it.

• Not "the type" I'm sorry, who gets to decide that? If a person has the skills, then they are the type (even if they wear a three-piece suit a few days a week!). What if someone has the spirit but the physical ability has diminished with the years? Things happen to people: injuries, illness, life changes. That doesn't mean that there is any less spirit in them than there is in the next guy.

  So, if you find yourself wondering, "am I extreme"? Look in your heart for your own answer. If your heart says "yes" but the body doesn't agree, remember: Extreme sports need fans as much as they need competitors.