Extreme Sports In High Altitudes

Adjusting to the higher altitudes is different for everyone. The best way to find out how your body will react is to give yourself a personal experience.



If you don't have the personal experience in higher altitudes, then you should take extra precautions. If you do not encounter any problems then you can try a shorter, more intense adjustment process and see how you handle it. Make sure you have others with you who are experienced in your extreme sport ... the one time you don't want to go to extremes, is by yourself.



Here's are the basic rules on adjusting to higher altitudes:



- Always start at lower altitudes walking steadily and slowly from lower altitudes to higher altitudes. Plan on the adjustment process taking a few days.



- Plan on working on your adjustment process for sleeping in altitude. While practicing and acclimating, keep your campsites within 1500 feet (500 meters) of each other when camping for the night, but during the day you can rest at higher altitudes.

- If you drive or fly directly to altitudes higher than 10,000 feet (3000 meters), give yourself 24 hours to rest before you start your adjustment process. Also, drink plenty of water everyday.



Here are some important facts to remember in dealing with higher altitudes:

- The effects of higher altitudes can be felt as low as 6000 feet (2000 meters) above sea level, and for some people that number can be even lower.

- Everyone's body reacts differently in higher altitude conditions to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level.

- There is no definite relationship between your body's overall physical fitness and your tolerance to high altitudes. As an extreme sports athlete, if you to push harder and over exert your body, you're more likely to experience AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).



About the Author:

Bobbie Grennier is a freelance writer and master herbalist. She teaches herbalism at www.Herbal-College.com. She publishes www.Sport-Extremes.com blog. Visit her web sites www.Natural-Healers.com and www.Master-Herbalist.com for more herbalist healer information.