One in three Brits are too worried about embarrassing themselves to try a new sport, according to a recent poll. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that extreme sports like scuba diving, surfing, and mountain biking are the activities they’re most keen to try, but feel they’ll never get the chance. Other sports adults would like to try their hand at one day include snowboarding or hang gliding, with 14 per cent expressing interest. Meanwhile, 12 per cent are enticed by the thrill of white water rafting.
A significant 39 per cent confessed to feeling anxious about the potential dangers of these sports and believe they’re ‘too old’ to start from scratch. Yet, 40 per cent wish they could recapture the fearless attitude they had in their youth, but social anxiety around trying new things has increased with age. The study was commissioned by cycling clothing brand Endura, which has launched the ‘Don’t Crash Course’. This initiative saw adult beginners, aged between 31 and 59, taught how to mountain bike by five-year-old Bo Barnes and his professional mountain biker father, Joe.
The participants followed the confident youngster through an exciting trail in the picturesque Bedgebury Forest in Kent, demonstrating that age is no obstacle to new experiences. Dr Abdi Mohamed, a senior psychologist with the NHS who is collaborating with the cycling brand, commented: “The reason trying something new can be so daunting is often rooted in social anxieties – worries about not fitting in, lacking the right gear, or feeling too old or inexperienced.” He added: “These anxieties can create significant barriers, making it difficult for individuals to take that first step towards new experiences.
By adopting a positive mindset, the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt can be significantly reduced.”Overcoming the fear of the unknown is a critical step in building self-confidence, allowing individuals to embrace new challenges with a sense of belonging. Just above three in 10 (31 per cent) hold the view that taking up a new sport is most feasible before adulthood, under the age of 18, and a mere 3 per cent reckon that trying a new sport is easiest when 35 or older.
Parents believe their children are more fearless than they are – but Endura is hoping to encourage more adults to get involved in a sport they’ve always wanted to try. The beginner’s programme is designed to help newcomers conquer their fears and master the basics, as well as reminding them not to worry about what they might look like, how they feel, or fears around ‘fitting in’ and instead embrace the thrill of youthful excitement often lost as we get older.
Noah Bernard, Endura’s SVP, added: “We want to break down the barriers that prevent us from riding, so that everybody can enjoy the euphoria of the ride.”One such barrier is anxiety and self-doubt, but with sessions such as these, we hope to show more people out there that enjoying the full thrill of outdoors is well within reach, and that sometimes all you need is the right guidance and mindset.”
The top 20 extreme sports Brits would like to try out include scuba diving, skydiving, surfing, paragliding, horse riding, rock climbing, snowboarding, hang gliding, sailing, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, martial arts, motocross, cross-country skiing, skateboarding, kite surfing, ice climbing, bouldering, and BASE jumping.