Buzz
Bear Grylls, the star of 'Man vs. Wild', has led an incredibly daring life. As a former member of the British SAS, he has explored the world’s most treacherous environments and survived situations that would easily defeat an ordinary person. There's not much Grylls won’t tackle, but even he has his limits.
These ten extreme challenges are those that Bear Grylls hasn't faced yet, and they might even be too intense for him. Perhaps he hasn’t taken them on yet, or maybe they’re just beyond what he’s willing to attempt. Whatever the reason, these are some of the most daring feats anyone could try if they consider themselves as adventurous as Grylls.
10. Volcano Surfing on Cerro Negro
If you're not familiar with 'volcano surfing', it's not exactly what it sounds like. While you might imagine riding the flowing lava, it’s actually about sliding down the cooled slopes of Cerro Negro near Leon, Nicaragua, a volcano that erupted long ago, leaving a hardened surface perfect for this extreme activity.
Cerro Negro is an active volcano that emerged just over 160 years ago, making it a relatively young geological feature. Its cone consists of fine volcanic rock, and it didn’t take long for someone to discover that it’s not only possible to surf down the volcano, but it's an exhilarating experience!
While this adventure isn’t overly hazardous, it does come with its share of risks. To enjoy the thrill, you’ll need to attach a wooden board to your back and hike 728 meters (2,388 feet) up the rocky black terrain. The climb takes around 45 minutes, and once you reach the summit, you can surf down the slope.
Depending on your bravery or skill level, you can choose to either sit or stand on the board as you descend. A full-body suit is mandatory for protection, and you’ll definitely appreciate it if you take a tumble. The volcanic rock is extremely sharp, and falling could result in painful scrapes.
9. The Running of the Bulls
One of the most famous events worldwide, the Running of the Bulls takes place every year during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, Spain, from July 6 to 14. The bull run begins on the 7th and continues daily at 8:00 am throughout the festival, attracting participants and spectators from across the globe.
For over three decades, the running of the bulls has been broadcast to a global audience, drawing both locals and tourists to Pamplona to take part. To participate, one must be at least 18 years old, run in the bulls' direction, avoid provoking them, and steer clear of alcohol consumption.
In this event, participants aren’t exactly running with the bulls, but rather, from them, making it a pretty dangerous pursuit. Each run involves six bulls and two groups of oxen, weighing several tons in total. The animals charge forward at speeds of up to 24 kph (15 mph).
Injuries are common, and while fatalities are rare, there have been 15 recorded deaths since the start of record-keeping in 1910. More often than not, participants are hurt by colliding with one another or in the chaos of a pileup, which can lead to severe trampling injuries.
8. Wing Walking
Bear Grylls, despite his fear of heights, has demonstrated his willingness to jump out of almost any flying object. However, even he hasn't tackled one of the most perilous extreme sports—wing walking. This dangerous feat involves climbing onto the wings of a moving plane, and it’s not just risky, it’s also incredibly challenging.
To try wing walking, there are a few essentials you’ll need. First, proper training is a must. Secondly, you’ll need a suitable plane for the stunt. Jets are out of the question because of their speed, so a vintage propeller-driven plane is what you’ll need—‘old fashioned’ being the key.
Biplanes are the go-to aircraft for wing walkers, as they were the first planes used in daredevil air shows a century ago. Wing walking involves much more than simply attaching your feet to the wings of a plane; many performers have mastered the art of holding on during complex aerial stunts.
Some daring individuals have even moved between two planes mid-air, though it’s extremely risky. In 2018, Canadian rapper Jon 'Jon James' McMurray tragically died during a wing walk for a music video. Generally, wing walking is reserved for professionals, but with the right training, even an ordinary person can give it a try—courses like those at the Mason Wing Walking Academy in Sequim, Washington, can teach you the ropes.
7. Shark-Diving Around Guadalupe Island Without A Cage
If you've seen *Jaws*, you’re probably wary of sharks. While it’s wise to give these formidable creatures their space, the reality is that Great White sharks don't typically target humans for food. However, they often test bite unfamiliar objects, which makes it potentially hazardous for divers.
While it's true that people often cage-dive with sharks, providing a barrier between them and the creatures, it's far less perilous than it may seem. For most, the cage is more than enough protection. However, some rare divers opt to go without it, diving straight into the water with the sharks, a practice that's incredibly uncommon.
It used to be more common to swim without a cage, but nowadays, Mexico rarely allows such permits. However, specialized shark diving permits are still available. If you meet the country's strict requirements, you might be able to share the waters with a Great White shark, unprotected by a cage.
Sharks are far more interested in other prey than in a diver, so the danger is not as high as many might assume. Still, the risk is real, and anyone attempting this should be fully prepared. At the end of the day, using a cage is the safest choice, as it provides an additional layer of protection.
6. Kayak Your Way Across The English Channel
The English Channel spans between 240 km (150 miles) and 34 km (21 miles) in width, making it one of the most challenging bodies of water to cross. With its icy temperatures and heavy shipping traffic, the Channel is not a place for the faint-hearted, which is why kayaking across it is considered highly dangerous.
Unlike kayaking through a treacherous river filled with rapids, this adventure takes place on open water. To ensure your safety during the journey, it’s best to charter support boats and hire guides. Crossing the English Channel typically takes around six hours, so it’s not a challenge for the faint-hearted. (LINK AAA)
Although it’s not necessary to be an expert kayaker, with only a few months of training on a small craft, you might be able to complete the journey from the United Kingdom to the European mainland safely.
While a minimal amount of training may suffice for crossing, it's highly advisable to spend up to a year preparing for such a feat. For those who crave a real challenge, attempting the crossing without the assistance of a support craft is possible, though it’s strongly discouraged.
5. Ice Climb Like Wolverine At Helmcken Falls
Bear Grylls has faced countless perilous climbs throughout his adventurous career, conquering some of the world's most difficult peaks. However, there is one climb he has yet to attempt, a climb considered the most hazardous ice climb on Earth: Helmcken Falls.
Helmcken Falls is a stunning waterfall located along the Murtle River in Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. With a height of 141 meters (463 feet), it ranks as the fourth tallest waterfall in the country. While it offers breathtaking views in the summer, it transforms into a dangerous and sharp array of icicles when winter sets in.
Climbing Helmcken Falls is possible, but it is a feat reserved only for experienced climbers. In winter, the waterfall freezes and forms an ice cone that rises up to 50 meters, requiring climbers to ascend through the cave formed by the falls, making it a steep and challenging ascent.
One of the most perilous climbs at Helmcken Falls is called Wolverine, a climb rated WI 11, which is the highest level on the WI scale. This dangerous climb, which involves scaling through aerated spray ice, was first successfully completed by Klemen Premrl and Tim Emmett in February 2012, and remains the only known climb with this rating.
4. Free Solo Climbing El Capitan
When rock climbing, climbers rely heavily on various gear, with its significance varying depending on the climber's skill level. For those who are exceptionally experienced, there is a daring form of climbing known as 'free solo climbing.' This style involves scaling cliffs without any ropes or safety equipment, and is not for beginners.
Free-solo climbing refers to the extreme sport of scaling rock faces without any safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, or pads. It’s as close as one can get to emulating Spider-Man in real life, and only a handful of brave individuals take on this thrilling challenge on a regular basis.
Arguably the most treacherous rock to free-solo climb is El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This granite giant reaches nearly 3,000 feet in height and stands almost perfectly vertical. While it might sound impossible, there is someone who has actually done it.
In 2017, Alex Honnold completed the free-solo climb of El Capitan without ropes or any form of safety gear. Starting at 5:32 am, he reached the summit just under four hours later. While this awe-inspiring feat is technically possible, it is only for those with the skills of Honnold himself.
3. Solo Cross Antarctica
Crossing Antarctica is one of the most perilous expeditions a person can undertake. The frozen expanse has been a coveted goal for explorers for centuries, with the first successful mission to the South Pole occurring in 1911. Bear Grylls has conquered this challenge, but crossing the entire continent is a far more hazardous feat.
While crossing Antarctica with a team has been attempted — and tragically failed — on numerous occasions, completing the journey solo was a feat only achieved in 2018. Colin O'Brady and Louis Rudd both embarked on the journey on the same day, though they took slightly different paths. They successfully crossed the continent unsupported and unaided, pulling 300-pound sleds behind them.
In order to complete their journey, O'Brady and Rudd had to traverse the frozen land without resupplies or support, relying entirely on their own resources. Their expeditions began on November 3rd, at the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf, and they both passed by the South Pole Research Station, finishing their respective journeys on December 26th and 28th.
Antarctica remains open to those daring enough to take on the challenge of crossing it. While it is possible to make such a trek, it requires extensive training, adequate supplies, substantial funds, and serious physical conditioning.
2. BASE Jumping Mount Everest
This extreme adventure begins with the demanding climb of Mount Everest, a challenge that requires rigorous training. Bear Grylls famously reached the summit at the age of 23, but he did not just stop there — he took the leap off the mountain wearing a wingsuit.
Though it may seem like an impossible challenge, it has actually been achieved. Valery Rozov, a legendary Russian BASE jumper, gained worldwide recognition for completing a successful jump from the Changtse, the northern peak of Mount Everest, wearing a specialized Red Bull wingsuit.
Rozov made his jump from a staggering 7,220 meters (23,690 feet), a record at the time. He glided down toward the Rongbuk glacier, which lay more than 1,000 meters below, reaching speeds as high as 125 mph during the descent.
Replicating Rozov’s incredible feat is possible but requires several key elements: a similar wingsuit, intensive training, and the ability to summit Mount Everest. Additionally, depending on the location, you might need approval from the Chinese government to avoid violating their airspace.
1. Cave Diving The Blue Hole
While general diving is considered relatively safe with proper training, cave diving is an entirely different and far more dangerous endeavor. The most perilous underwater cave dive is at 'The Blue Hole,' located just north of Dahab, Egypt, in the Red Sea.
Around the globe, there are numerous so-called 'Blue Holes', but only one is simply known as The Blue Hole. This submarine sinkhole reaches a depth of 100 meters (328 feet) and features a narrow opening to the sea, referred to as the saddle. Within the area, you'll find a 26-meter (85 feet) tunnel, called 'the Arch,' surrounded by a rich variety of coral and fish species.
The Blue Hole is a prime destination for freedivers and cave divers from all corners of the world, yet it has earned a reputation as the deadliest diving spot on Earth. Fatality estimates have surpassed 200 divers over time.
Divers' bodies have been discovered deep within the Blue Hole, with memorial stones placed throughout the area to honor those who have lost their lives. While the Blue Hole remains accessible and many divers make it out safely each year, even experienced divers have perished in its depths. Proceed with caution when exploring it.
