Extreme sports are a permanent (and ever-expanding) part of the American sports scene. Whether it’s snowboarding in the winter, skateboarding in the spring, wakeboarding in the summer or trail running in the fall, opportunities to participate in extreme sports are becoming more numerous each year.

According to SGMA International’s analysis of the current Superstudy on Sports Participation, extreme sports can be enjoyed in snow, water, on a sidewalk, or on wheels.

Most Popular Extreme Sports in the USA

(U.S. population; 6 years of age or older)

Sport # of Participants (participated at least once in 2001)

1. In-line skating. 26,022,000

2. Skateboarding. 12,459,000

3. Paintball. 7,678,000

4. Artificial Wall Climbing. 7,377,000

5. Snowboarding. 6,797,000

6. Mountain Biking. 6,189,000

7. Trail Running. 5,773,000

8. BMX Bicycling 3,668,000

9. Wakeboarding. 3,097,000

10. Roller Hockey. 2,733,000

11. Mountain/Rock Climbing. 1,819,000

12. Boardsailing/Windsurfing. 537,000


This information has been abstracted from the Superstudy on Sports Participation conducted by American Sports Data, Inc., which monitors more than 100 sports and fitness activities. SGMA International, owner of The Super Show, is the global business trade association of manufacturers and marketers of sports apparel, athletic footwear, licensed products, fitness, sporting goods equipment and related business/professional organizations. SGMA International advances members’ interests through a major trade show, market research, communications, public policy, sports promotion, and international business development programs. SGMA International, 200 Castlewood Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408; www.sgma.com.