Surprisingly Dangerous Sports You Might Not Have Considered

1. The Higher You Go

In the first place, we have mountaineering. We are pretty sure you didn't see this one coming, but it had to make the cut. The sport sounds straightforward, but the risks are more than you think. Falling or slipping is pretty standard, and unfortunately, many cases go unreported due to the terrain.

2. Beware of the Bull

Bullfighting is a universal sport, one of the few sports activities on all continents. Seeing two bulls locking horns is exciting, but that also makes it pretty dangerous. Cases of fans getting mauled, maimed, or taken out of commission are pretty rife, and it's always recommended to keep an eye out lest the bulls come charging your way.

3. The Head Is Not a Punching Bag

Martial arts are brutal sports, but boxing usually takes the cake. This is mainly because the chances of you leaving the ring unscathed are pretty low. In boxing, headshots are rampant, risking severe problems such as brain damage. Luckily, there are weight classes and regular checkups to mitigate the risk.

4. Putting Pedal to the Metal

The dangers of racing need not be outlined. People were not meant to travel for 200 miles per hour in metal contraptions. In case of a crash, the survival rate goes down. In some cases, the fuel ignites, leading to a gruesome end. The worst part is, sometimes, the accident is not even your fault, and you're caught in the crossfire.

5. Even Horses Have Flaws

Another exciting sport that makes this list is the elegant Polo. On paper, it looks pretty safe, but when you consider the unpredictability of horses combined with the use of heavy mallets and balls, you start second-guessing things. One bad swing, and you're out for the count. Moreover, if the horses wild out, the riders risk getting trampled.

6. Let's Catch Some Waves

Surfing will forever be cool. Catching waves and being free from the elements is something everyone dreams of. Sadly, the ocean isn't exactly predictable, making this sport a risky business. A poor landing or animal attacks are pretty standard.

7. Beware of Hunting Season

Foraging and hunting are fun, but a lot of work and preparation goes into these activities. Unfortunately, camouflage makes it easy for someone to get shot accidentally; these cases are more than you can imagine. Additionally, don't be surprised if the hunter becomes the hunted. Animals can join the party and turn the tables, leading to nasty repercussions.

8. Have You Heard of Icarus

For most adrenaline junkies, skydiving is at the top of their list. It's an exhilarating sport, but it takes one minor misstep for things to go awry. The level of preparation needed in this sport is massive, but that has yet to remove all cases of tragedy. From faulty parachutes to human error, this sport makes you wonder if it's even worth it. Additionally, we doubt when the Wright brothers came up with the airplane, their goal was to have people jump out of it.

9. When Bodies Mash Together

We can only have this list if we include rugby too. It's a contact sport that's pretty physical, so injuries are unavoidable. Just imagine someone weighing hundreds of pounds slamming into you. It sounds like a lot, and we must admit whoever came up with this sport was a wrestling lover or just loved knocking people down. We must admit it's pretty fun, though, especially when you're the one dishing out the pain.

10. Look Out for the Fast Balls

Fans of Jai Alai usually need to be aware at all times lest the fast-flying rubber balls hit them in their face. It's a high-octane event marred with high risk, which is probably why its popularity has declined. Nevertheless, we are tempted to join the fun of pushing boundaries and sending balls moving faster than bullets.

As much as our list paints a grim picture, there's no need to fret. With proper preparation and the necessary work, you can enjoy your favorite sport without holding back. So don't let fear stop you from having a fantastic time.