I’ve been reflecting on this conversation a bit since last weekend. At the time, I definitely agreed. Downhill racing is objectively dangerous. But at the time, we were dangling off the edge of a cliff. I was supported by a single rope anchored to a tree, and they were hanging off hunks of metal jammed into rock. Who are we to judge?
All of these extreme sports are about a strong mindset and mitigating external risk. If you have a strong head game and follow the set processes correctly, then all you have to contend with is chance. Weather, accidents, other people’s reactions. Definitely a lot, but that’s all you can do.