Transcript
Extreme sports are popular all over the UK. Not just in the mountains of Snowdonia or Scotland. But what attracts people to these sports? Is it adventure or danger?
People who enjoy fast and dangerous sports, like white-water rafting, are called thrill seekers or adrenalin junkies.
I’m at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham in the centre of England and this is the white-water course. Seven hundred metres of foaming water with drops or rapids. And the skill is to stay afloat in the rough water.
I’m here to meet Pas Blackwell, a white-water rafting expert, and to find out why so many people enjoy the thrills and spills of this extreme sport.
Carmen: Hi, Pas.
Pas: Hi, Carmen.
Carmen: So this is a specially built course, but you raft on rapids all around the world. What do you most enjoy about white-water rafting?
Pas: I really enjoy being outdoors and on the water. I really enjoy the freedom of just you and nature and I really enjoy the challenge.
Carmen: So why do people like dangerous sports?
Pas: I think people like to push themselves - to see how far they can go – to really test themselves, against the elements, water and air.
Carmen: So, are you an adrenalin junkie?
Pas: I don’t think of myself as an adrenalin junkie, but I do really enjoy the rush of trying to get from the top to the bottom and get through situations that occur out on the river.
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In the countryside there are lots of wide open spaces and lots of extreme sports to choose from. But what do adrenalin junkies do in the city? Well, parkour, sometimes called free running, is becoming popular in London.
Parkour started in France. And the idea is to get from one place to the other as fast as possible; jumping and climbing over whatever is in the way. So I’ve come to a parkour class in West London to find out what it’s all about. Rebecca Ahmed has been doing parkour for more than a year.
Carmen: So Rebecca, why do you like parkour?
Rebecca: It’s really fun, it’s original and it keeps me fit. That’s why I come.
Carmen: Do you need any special equipment?
Rebecca: Not really, we just use what’s around us like steps, railings and trees, but as long as you’ve got a good pair of trainers, you’re fine
Carmen: Is it difficult?
Rebecca: I wouldn’t say it’s difficult – it’s more about the fear. If you’re not scared you can do it.
I’m not sure I’ve got the balance for parkour. Extreme sports can be dangerous, but they’re also lots of fun.
Comments
this video made me both sad and happy
made me sad because I'm living in country(Syria) has got no places for fun and even there are we will not be able to go because of money
what a misery life
and made me happy because i enjoyed the sports and the fantastic sightseeing of England
I would like to try free running " Parkour " , i like running and jumping so much .I think it is so enjoyable
hello there
thank you so much for such amazing website
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my warm regards
Hi! I'd like to use this video in my English class, how can I download it? Or do I have to stream it online?
i am sorry but you really cannot since they are copyrighted
team
Hi vinzi6!
We're very happy for teachers to use our videos in class, but unfortunately, for legal reasons, these videos are not available for download so streaming is the only option. If you want downloaded materials, try our Elementary Podcasts; they have mp3s for download. Don't forget, you can also try TeachEnglish for lesson plans and topic ideas - they have a whole series of lessons based on our Britain is Great videos.
Good luck!
Jeremy Bee
The LearnEnglish Team
Really great I would also like to do this if I can.
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Sorry written wrong not rally but it is " Really "