The Role of Technology in Adventure

With more technology, the outdoor recreation scene is changing dramatically. Different aspects of ‘adventure’ are being explored as a new wave of activities has revolutionised the idea of adventure in the outdoors. Bungee jumping, base jumping, jet-skiing, and paragliding are just a few activities being participated in, for one reason: enjoyment. It may be argued that, although they cannot really be compared, doing a bungee jump could be considered more exhilarating than climbing up a mountain. It is a common viewpoint that, “You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again-so why bother in the first place” (Daumal, R., 1967). Many people would argue that the thrill of a bungee jump is an adventure in itself. There are such a variety of activities to take part in the outdoors. Some of these activities involve more ‘adventure’ than others.rnClimbing has been revolutionised over the past century. As with many activities in the outdoor scene, it may be viewed that it has changed dramatically due to familiarity, popularity, and commercialism. Climbing has become a sport, and speed climbing is now very popular. Some people would argue that the idea of using already fixed bolts to climb with is not ‘real climbing’ and not in the slightest bit ‘adventurous’. Indoor climbing walls, indoor white water rapids, and now even indoor surfing are becoming increasingly popular. To some people, the idea of surfing indoors, or rafting indoors seems ridiculous. However, the idea of climbing indoors doesn’t get this reaction anymore. It could be argued that this is due to the fact that through familiarisation, indoor climbing walls have been accepted as they’ve become more popular. However, many people would also argue that climbing indoors, in a controlled environment is not an adventure experience.rnThere has always been a desire to do something different; from the first trip to the North Pole, to the recent ski down Everest. A sense of achievement is directly involved in this respect. In some ways, these feats such as skiing down Everest, and climbing Everest without oxygen, are purely egotistical. One has to wonder whether these are acts of seeking enjoyment, a sense of achievement, egotistical stimuli, or even the money involved in many recent expeditions and events. There is no doubt that there is adventure involved in the majority of events such as these, however, it may be argued that the desire to achieve more is purely out of competitiveness. The desire to get out of the normal way of living to experience difference is becoming increasingly popular. Motives for doing so include seeking adventure, seeking difference, the aesthetics of natural beauty, and seeking physical achievement. Through modernisation, the outdoor scene has definitely changed. In some respects, it has achieved different perspectives of adventure and subsequently acquired completely different outcomes for the individuals involved. However, it may be argued also that it has lost some of its’ ‘adventure’ through progression of discovery, and also the development of technology.