Extreme Nicaragua: Extreme Sport Just Got CrazierWhenyou think of Nicaragua what is the first thing that comes to mind?For many, it's the Sandinistas, the left-wing revolutionary partythat dominated the political landscape in the last part of the 20thcentury. For others, it's images of romantic white sand beaches orlush tropical rainforests. But, did you know that Nicaragua isquickly becoming known as the world's hottest extreme adventuredestination for one of the craziest sports ever imagined?
In fact, adrenaline junkies from allaround the globe are discovering that Nicaragua is home to some ofthe best rushes available, everything from windsurfing to crocodilesafaris, extreme diving and mountain biking. However, one sport inparticular is gaining worldwide attention...
You'll never find it in the Olympics.Mothers won't want their kids to take part in it. And, if you canescape a day of it without cuts, bruises, broken bones, or mildconcussions, you'll be one of the lucky few.
What is this insane sport, you ask?Volcano surfing, of course!
Volcano surfing is quickly becoming thelatest craze that extreme sportists are flocking to Nicaragua toexperience.
After heaving, huffing, andscrambling up the face of some of the country's most ruggedvolcanoes ? many of which are still very active, like the popularCerro Negro ? volcano surfers take a few minutes to view theamazing panoramic vistas, say their prayers, and then strap war-tornsnowboards to their feet and hurl themselves right down the volcano.
Taking advantage of the ashenmountainsides ? many of which are still smoking hot ? surferscarve up the volcano and soar down the mountain like a blast ofmolten lava?careful to avoid (or attempt to do so, at least) thecountless shards, rocks, and hidden obstacles that make the downhillexperience more like trekking through a vertical minefield than apleasant day in the snow.
Many veterans of this topsy-turvy sportsay it's an unmatched burst of adrenaline. Even when the goingisn't so fast and furious ? often you'll be knee-high insilt-like ash and moving slower than a turtle ? the fact thatyou've chosen to ride down the face of an active volcano with onlya little board between you and certain danger has a sexy quality allits own!
If you're asking yourself what thedraw of such an insane sport is'it?s probably not for you. But,if you're that one in a hundred who, once they've heard of it,have to do whatever it takes to get on that volcano?you don?tneed anybody to explain the appeal. Pure adrenaline, totalexcitement?and, often some wickedly good scratches and scars thatwill provide years of fireside story-telling of that one summer when?
So, if you're headed to Nicaragua,take time to enjoy the timeless romance of the Caribbean Sea or thecalm peacefulness of the white sandy beaches and crystal blue watersof the Pacific Ocean. Take in the remarkable magic of the tropicalrainforests, jungles, and wildlife reserves. Check out the amazingreal estate bargains that can be found in every corner of thisbeautiful country. But, when you've had your fill of these moreplacid experiences, take a bumpy ride west over toward Cerro Negroway and ? even if you don't do it yourself ? check out thethrill seekers and action heroes who are defying gravity (and sanity)as they tear it up down the face of an active and ready-to-rumblevolcano.
It's an experience you (and yourbody) won't soon forget!
