Product Description
Over the last decade "extreme" has become a popular adjective to describe and range of physical pursuits and activities such as bungee jumping, dirt biking, skysurfing and street luge. Yet, nowithstanding its widespread usage, "extreme" remains largely a term to differentiate individualistic, adventure-type sports from traditional team sports such as baseball and hockey. The "Berkshire Encyclopedia of Extreme Sports" offers an in-depth dissection of this new and emerging phenomenon, and its characteristics, philosophy, ideology, functions, history and future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Impressively organized
Collaboratively compiled and deftly co-edited by Douglas Booth and Holly Thorpe (both of whom are faculty members with the Department of Sports and Leisure Studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand), the "Berkshire Encyclopedia Of Extreme Sports" is impressively organized and includes 42 articles on contemporary extreme sports by knowledgeable contributors including scholars and athletes. There are also 19 essays dealing with the social, political, and media context of extreme sports, 35 biographies of leading extreme sports athletes, as well as 73 sidebars (many written by athletes recounting their own exploits). The "Berkshire Encyclopedia Of Extreme Sports" is enhanced with the inclusion of a comprehensive index, extensive cross-references, and a topical reader's guide. In addition to being an essential acquisition for both school and community library Sports & Athletics reference collections, the "Berkshire Encyclopedia Of Extreme Sports" is especially recommended for students and non-specialist readers of any age who have an interest in any or all of those sports and athletic activities which have come to be called 'extreme'. ... Read more

Product Description
Beyond the Comfort Zone delivers a thrilling glimpse into the motivations, successes and failures of extreme sportsmen as they tackle Class 5 kayaking, rock climbing, extreme skiing and adventure racing. In this non-fiction adventure narrative, the counter cultural appeal of extreme sports is the vehicle for delivery of an accessible narrative that appeals to the connoisseur and armchair adventurer alike - validating and dignifying many readers' personal extreme sport experiences.

Beyond the Comfort Zone is comprised of compelling, and at times, harrowing mountain couloir, whitewater river or cliff-side sagas. Settings include New England's Tuckerman's Ravine, Chile's Patagonia, California's Sierra Nevada, Arizona's Salt River Canyon, New Zealand's South Island, and Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Characters include internationally recognized cutting-edge players such as kayakers Corran Addison and Steve Fisher, climbers Royal Robbins and Derek Hersey, and adventure racer Blaine Reeves. Each Chapter delivers the reader the "hows" and "whys" of the world of extreme sports - those in which a mistake often results in debilitating injury or sudden death. Confessions' 220 pages includes 134 grayscale images and 12 hand-drawn location maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book.
First: This book is more realistic (and therefore relevant) than most of the outdoor books you'll ever read.This is because the author discusses balancing real life with intense dedication to sport.

I am not sure why there are a couple condemnations of Bruce on this page- these reviews are wholly irrelevant; I'm surprised Amazon has left them up so long. They verge on slander.

That said, I think in general, readers have come to expect outdoor stories from untouchable, god-like authors, who don't "deign" to mention the real circumstances of their lives that influence their decisions to take to the hills, or likewise mention the influences their experiences in the hills have on their real lives.

People have become accustomed to reading stories by and about the Lance Armstrongs, Ian Thorpes, and Ed Viestrus's, who, while all fantastic athletes and I'm sure worthy human beings, are basically pampered and dedicated to the sport in their every waking moment by a cadre of coaches and personal attendants- a condition that most of us would find difficult to obtain. They don't have "real lives" like the rest of us do that can shape their goals in the outdoors and to which they can bring the freshness of perspective won from a week in the hills. (I admit that they have overcome personal obstacles- but as in the case of Lance Armstrong, even their obstacles have been unusual.) The rest of us have the more typical concerns of real life, like finding employment and satisfying personal relationships, so it does us little good to read a book by one of the prima-donnas of the outdoor world for whom these issues do not apply. I humbly suggest we try to read something by someone like us.

Bruce's book then is about trying to get real life to complement adventure as well as possible- a goal that's admirable enough in this day and age. Just because he lets us in on the failings, miscalculations, and bravado of his past doesn't mean would should condemn him- but rather take heed his lessons as the wise counsel of an elder who is only mortal like we are.

Many people drawn to dangerous sports feel a kind of alienation resulting from being at a crossroads in life; having few responsibilities and no ties to any community after having graduated from college, (for example), and are thus prone to letting that level of alienation influence their impulsiveness and daring while at play. Bruce's book then serves at least as a warning- if you gamble like he did, you have to be very lucky to escape unscathed. At best, it's great nail-biting entertainment- since few of us will ever take the risks he took; following along each tumultuous chapter is great fun. Personally, at age 23, I can relate, and Bruce's book came to me at just the right time.

Glad I don't have to paddle with this guy...
You have to give the guy credit for trying, but he seems to miss the whole point of outdoor adventure through his self-serving and misdirected outings. It's like a train wreck, though, and you just have to keep on reading it to see how bad the author is going to get messed up on his next "expedition". The editorial "praise" is understandably vague, since the only thing the author does worse than "adventureing" is writing about it. We have all met people in our own lives that "just don't get it", right? Well Genereaux is, unfortunately, that guy.

Great stories - gets you motivated to get outside
I stayed up all night hooked on reading chapter after chapter. Each chapter is a new story about the author's harrowing exploits and self-realization. Whether you are a climber, kayaker, skier, or armchair mountaineer, you will enjoy these amazingly personal stories about the motivation behind risk taking and where the "comfort zone" lies in each of us.

Beyond an inflated sense of self worth
Beyond the Comfort Zone is a tedious read at best. It is nothing more than an egomaniacal piece of work from a juvenile author. Most disturbing are his notions of leadership. Save your money. American Canoe Association is sending this book free for joining. I question the ethics and morals of this organization for their choice in associating themselves with the morals and ethics voiced in this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

The real deal
As a younger outdoor shooter this book is a great resource for me. It's really awesome to have all the info in a single place. After reading the book and getting some time in, I think the information here is enough to get any hard-working and creative photographer up to speed with any of the professional shooters out there. Ultimately, buying this book doesn't make bad light good, but it gives you the information to go ahead and put in the work, knowing that if you follow the methods Michael describes you'll come away with a end product you - and hopefully your clients - can be proud of.

I'm a cinematographer by trade and even though this book is geared more towards the stills set, I still find it 90% applicable to what I'm doing in the outdoors.

More Than Just Taking Photos
I just got done reading Michael's excellent new book, and he has done a fantastic job.Not only does he talk about the tools and techniques for getting great shots in various adventure sports (climbing, kayaking, etc), but he details out his approach, how he plans to get the shots he needs, and how he reacts when things change - and they change a lot in the activities Michael shoots.

However, the best he saves for last in the final 3 chapters - all very unique and incredibly valuable. The first section is all about 'adventure portraiture', something I have not seen before and he talks about how to take a great portrait in less than ideal circumstances :-). The last 2 sections Michael shares his tips, knowledge and recommendations for aspiring photographers who want to turn pro.He has some fantastic information, and great references, andthe final 2 interviews (with Corey Rich and Sabine Meyer) should help any person who wants to turn pro.Michael shares all of his knowledge, tips, tricks to help and inspire folks who may want to pursue their dreams, and he lets them know not only can it be done (with a TON of hard work), but shows how it might be done.

All in all, highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the origins and techniques of a variety of extreme sports, and discusses the physical and mental preparation required, safety gear, common injuries, and how to pursue a career in extreme sports. ... Read more

Product Description
This full-color illustrated guide takes you through all aspects of video production, focusing on action sports. From planning and preparation to editing and postproduction, you'll get a solid understanding of the changing technology, camera techniques, and basic to more-advanced shooting principles that can be applied to almost every scenario you encounter. The countless examples of camera tricks and techniques used at major events apply to any kind of shoot.

Equally as important, you're encouraged to go beyond merely recording the scene and learn how to think like a professional cameraman.Predicting and anticipating is perhaps the greatest talent a cameraman can acquire. It means keeping both eyes open and see not only what is happening around your frame, but also what is about to happen in it. Master the techniques and tools of the trade so you can create compelling and creative work.

Includes tips on how to:
* Choose a format
* Develop your own style
* Plan for a successful project, including funding and distribution
* Capture the shot in any environment
* Shooting tips and techniques for skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, freestyle BMX, and more

* Written by a former pro athlete who has experience on both sides of the camera
* Loads of full-color illustrations to demonstrate techniques; includes valuable tips and techniques found nowhere else
* Valuable information on the business side: how to get distribution and what it takes to make it in the industry
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Everything You Need to Know, Except How To Shoot
This book contains very little of what the title suggests, and instead consists of general information that exists in standard filmmaking/cinematography books. I didn't find much in this book that wasn't already covered in "The Power Filmmaking Kit", "The Digital Filmmaking Handbook", "Nuts and Bolts of Filmmaking" and "Practical Cinematography".

I would have like more tips and actual techniques on getting the "shooting" action sports such as specialized gear and cable systems employed in every single action sports flick no the market today. To devote only five pages to "action sport" specific shooting techniques for a book called "Shooting Action Sports" makes the title a misnomer.

Books has been RMA'd

A GREAT READ!
An insightful and fun must-read for anyone in the industry! Grossman skillfully pieced together a great learning tool and refresher recommended for filmmakers of all levels not only in action sports but in all fields.

A VERY CLEAR & CONCISE GUIDE TO SHOOTING ACTION SPORTS
Todd Grossman shoots action sports like no one I have ever worked with before!I have produced over 200 hours of extreme sports programming, and this is a must-read for anyone who wants to work in action sports.This is a well-written, very clear and concise breakdown of how to master shooting action, with amazing insight that can be used for videos, television and/or film.I have recommended this book to everyone I work with, and to any and all aspiring sports camera operators and directors!

aspiring Xtreme film makers must
Any aspiring Xtreme film makers out there that spend their days shooting skaters, boarders and anything else that has you chasing extreme sport action should get this amazing book.
Todd Grosman has a wealth of knowledge in this area and comes so highly recommended that block buster Action Director Rob Cohen uses him on all his films to shoot his Making of Documentaries.
In a nut shell Todd knows what he is writing about because he actually uses these techniques to make him one of the best in the business!

A Perfect DIY Book for Action Sports Filming
The book was well written with easy to follow logical steps for professional looking footage.

I recommend this book to any sports enthusiast who want concise and clear instruction for thrilling and multi-dimensional photography.

More books should be written this well.

Shooting Action Sports: The Ultimate Guide to Extreme Filmmaking ... Read more

Product Description
[BACK COVER]

DISCOVER THE WINNING MIND-SETS OF EXTREME SPORTS ATHLETE-EXECUTIVES

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk jump-starts the world's hottest skateboard company with businessman/skateboarder Per Welinder, who recently sold his share of the company back to Hawk to focus on his thriving clothing line.

Freestyle motocross star Carey Hart discovers that backflips in the boardroom don't fly, but sharp entrepreneurship turns his tattoo venture into a multimedia enterprise.

Rodeo rider Ty Murray, “The King of the Cowboys,” turns his passion for bull riding into a professional sports empire.

Olympian bobsledder Gord Woolley prepares himself mentally every morning, whether polishing his runners or running his communications firm.

Alpine climber Mark Richey learns to rely more on skills than tools to build his architectural woodworking business.

Marathoner Quang S. Pham uses visualization techniques to go the distance as a runner and as a CEO in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mountaineer Guy Downing climbs some of the world's highest mountains and makes a fortune on Wall Street.

PLUS more career-building lessons from sports television CEO Gavin Harvey, skier and bobsledder Kirby Best, polar explorer Bill Baker, mountaineer and CEO Kevin Sheridan, skier and law firm founder Julie Pearl, CEO and race car driver Don Bell, and others

[FLAP COPY]

No guts, no glory.

What does it take to succeed in business? Risk taking. Preparation. Self-confidence. The same principles that drive extreme athletes to the highest peaks of performance. This action-ready guide shows you how to capture the winning mind-sets of champions-for extreme success in business and life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Business Lessons from the Edge
Sound business principles are put into practice by individuals who excell in achieving desired goals. Interesting anecdotes and examples from a variety of perspectives are rendered in a conversational, non-pedantic manner.

Valuable Lessons From World-Class Athlete-Executives
Business Lessons From the Edge gives 26 lessons which should help improve your success in business and in life.The book gives the lessons in three sections: Personal excellence, Team leadership and Team excellence.The lessons are all illustrated using examples from world-class athletes-executives.

The athlete-executives featured in the book have all excelled both in their chosen athletic endeavor as well as their business.They are truly world class.Although world class, many are not household names because of the activity they choose to participate in are often not mainstream sports.But the lessons are still very valuable and can be applied to most businesses.

One of the common traits among the athlete- executive is the search for passion.They all have a driving passion about their chosen sports activity and their business.Passion for what they are doing energizes and drives them to achieve the highest levels of success.But they also know and accept what they are not good at.They know their limitations. This is a very valuable lessons for you and one that we often overlook.

Make sure your chosen work provides meaning."People naturally feel more motivated when they believe the desired outcome is meaningful."You will always have more drive when you believe what you are doing serves a higher purpose.

One of the more powerful lessons was learning from setbacks.Here is the authors' advice on learning from mistakes: 1. Admit the failure 2. Learn from the failure 3. Assess and analyze what went wrong 4. Make sure you don't repeat the mistake 5. Fix what went wrong without blame 6. Redouble your efforts to get it right next time.

There are a couple of other lessons which I found extremely powerful.Eliminate the victim mentality.Victims let events dictate outcomes.Take action.No matter how wonderful your vision, "until you have done something tangible to demonstrate commitment, you vision is still only a dream."

The lessons are all very good and if implemented will contribute significantly to your success in any undertaking - sports or business.At times the illustrations and connections were not as strong as I would have liked.Said differently, at times the illustrations actually were a bit of a distraction from the value of the lesson.At times the discussion of a particular sports activity was a distraction from the point being made.

If you have any interest in some of the extreme sports or the leaders featured in the book, the book will have more meaning.If you are simply looking for important lessons, you can gain from the lessons without letting the discussion of the sports analogy distract you.The lessons stand on their own.

I believe we all need lessons that shine light on ways to be better at whatever we choose to do.These are very valuable lessons and will certainly contribute to your success.




... Read more

Product Description
Provides an introduction to the sport of rock climbing, along with information on the sport's history, styles of climbing, equipment, techniques, popular sites for climbing, and some of the dangers. ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 6 to 12 years. Everybody in-line skates, right? Well, not everyone can do what these wild athletes can! In-line skating has quickly grown from being a summer practice for ice-hockey players into a full-fledged sport. Inspired by the aggressive tricks of skateboarding, in-line skaters perform incredible feats on ramps, in races, and on the streets! This book gives children an insight into: thrilling downhill racing; vertical or ramp skating; tips on buying the right in-line skates; the history of the sport. ... Read more

Product Description
Frostbite. Undertow. Avalanche. Collision. For women in extreme sports, these are all par for the grueling course. If you want to know how they do it—and what on earth possessed them to start—look in Marilyn Olsen1s book,

Whether in 20-foot swells in the Hawaiian tropics or 24,000-foot mountains in the Alaskan wilderness, sports like surfing, mountaineering, wakeboarding and skydiving are designed to test the limits of human endurance. The women who seek out these challenges are a rare breed indeed—and they are among the most formidable athletes in the world. Women Who Risk provides in-depth profiles of eleven female athletes, each of whom has risen to the top of her sport. Among them:

• Lynn Hill, rock climber, who is the only person—male or female—ever to free climb The Nose in Yosemite Park in one 24-hour period.
• Sarah Fisher, auto racer, who became at 19 the youngest driver ever to compete in the Indianapolis 500.
• DeeDee Jonrowe, musher, who has been competing for 20 years in the Iditarod, a dogsled race across 1,100 miles of frozen Alaska.
• Kim McKnight, Arctic Man competitor, who speed-skis down 1,200 vertical feet to the finish line after being dragged along a canyon by a snowmobile going 85 miles an hour.

In Women Who Risk, you'll learn not only what extraordinary feats its eleven heroines have achieved, but also what got them there. You1ll learn what they eat, what equipment they use, and how they train. You1ll learn what frustrates them, and how they maintain the courageous mindset necessary to face giant mountains, 9,000-foot parachute drops, and grueling all-day triathlons.

You'll also learn that, in each and every case, what drives women to compete in extreme sports is a desire to do what they love. Every story in Women Who Risk is the story of a woman who works hard and risks her life in order to follow her dream. The women in this book will inspire both men and women to work harder, live better, and know when it's time to leave fear behind. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is suitable for children of ages 6 to 12 years. Dynamic photographs energise this exciting series on extreme sports and their cultures! Engaging text, historical trivia, star profiles and the sports' hot spots add up to one wild ride. Set includes: Extreme BMX; Extreme Climbing; Extreme In-Line Skating; Extreme Motocross; Extreme Mountain Biking; Extreme Skateboarding; Extreme Skiing; Extreme Skydiving; Extreme Snowboarding; Extreme Sports; Extreme Surfing; and, Extreme Wakeboarding. ... Read more

Product Description

Just in time for the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, National Geographic introduces a brash, bold new series on extreme sports, a subject of high appeal and growing interest to today’s kids. Starting with Ski! and Snowboard!, the series gives young adventurers an informative, up-close look at sports that push human limits. Action-packed visuals and cool, fact-filled text let kids experience vicariously all the thrills and spine-tingling risks of participating in X-sports. From piping and speed boarding to skiing the steepest couloirs, readers will explore different varieties of each sport, learn its special moves, and see what the life of a competitor is like in a fast, fun introduction that will whet their appetites for more!

Each volume is packed with fun facts and details.

• Spectacular photographs capture all the action and allure
• Fun-to-read text filled with hip terms and insider lingo
• Simple drawings teach special moves and techniques
• How-to tips from the pros and champs
• Profiles of legendary competitors
• Safety information and advice

Customer Reviews (1)

Almost Worthless
This book is pretty much worthless as a "guide" to anything.The front cover says: "Your Guide to Jumping, ...(etc.)."Yeah right - jumping is first in the list and there is a grand total of senventeen sentences on jumping, all of which could be deduced from watching one ski jumper jump once.Some of the pictures are okay, but if you want to learn anything about skiing, forget this "guide."National Geographic and Pamela Pollack should be ashamed of producing such a worthless and deceiving book on "Extreme Sports."The only thing extreme about this book is how bad it is. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the sport of extreme skateboarding, including the moves and safety issues involved with the sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful
This is the one of best skateboarding books I ever read in my life. It's got some great moves that alot of famous and non-famous skaters use. I gave it a "4 star" because it doesn't have many pictures, but it's still good and it'll probably suit any skateboarding fan.... ... Read more

Product Description
Prepare For The Most Extreme Adventure of All

How’s this for a challenge: With a teammate you've just met, skydive from a plane, kayak a river of Class IV rapids (no life jackets allowed), and then climb the sheer face of a canyon wall. Keep that up for thirty years or so with your teammate, and you get just a hint of life’s most extreme adventure–marriage! From the adrenaline rush of the honeymoon through the obstacles of growing old together, success and enjoyment in marriage depend on your ability to learn new skills, take big risks, endure tough times, and embrace the extreme life-giving power of a lasting marriage.

Extreme Marriage looks at the ultimate commitment between a man and a woman through the exciting lens of extreme sports. Author Terry Owens explores outdoor challenges like skydiving, caving, high-altitude climbing, and more, linking their lessons to the challenges of married life. Forget the old saying about “marrying and settling down.” This book is the high energy guide for the intense adventure of husband and wife. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the history, equipment, and contemporary practice of extreme skateboarding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Extreme Skateboarding by Pat Ryan
Extreme Skateboarding by Patrick Ryan is about skateboarding and history on when skateboarding began. The book goes over some saftey tips and what gear you need to skate. I recommend any one to read this book if they want to skateboard.

Extreme Skateboarding
My book is about skateboarding. The author is Pat Ryan. He writes books about sports like snowboarding, rock climbing, and of course skateboarding, and that is what this book is about. It tells about skateboarding equipment, competitions, and safety. It also tells about professionals, amateurs, and beginners. It tells how skateboarding was started. It shows how the old boards, wheels, and trucks looked like. It has a glossary that tells what some of the words mean. This nonfiction book really tells you a lot of information. If you want to know what skateboarding is. Then this is the book for you.

Another disappointed mother
I, too, bought this as a Christmas gift for my 17-year-old son. Gifts at that age are difficult, so this was one of the few he was getting. I was very disapointed (to say the least) when a book obviously written for elementary school-aged children arrived. It's very over-priced, too. Pleasecorrect your copy to reflect the appropriate age range!

Disappointed
This book is appropriate for second thru sixth graders. I ordered it for a 17 year old for Christmas and was disappointed. The content repeatedly states the obvious: "Extreme skateboarders like to try new, difficulttricks."

I feel this information should have been stated in thedescripton. Extreme Skateboarding does have great photos. It is a smallbook.

best
buy or die!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 6 to 12 years. Extreme skiers have taken this favourite pastimes to a whole new level! These daring athletes do it all, from winning gold at the Olympics to hitting backcountry mountains. This book shows young readers how this sport strikes the perfect balance between the strength and grace of skiing and the thrilling tricks of such extreme sports as skateboarding. Children will love learning about: the history of extreme skiing; the three main styles of extreme skiing; the different types of skis used for different skiing styles; today's top extreme skiing professionals. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the history, equipment, and safety measures of aggressive style in-line skating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Aggerssive In Line Skating
My name is ... I could not wait to tell you about this book named Aggerssive In Line Skating by Anne T.Mckenna. The Genre is nonfiction becuase it tells you tricks,and it has 48 pages.
The setting is at a skate park in towns.This book is about skating in parks. The cool thing about this book is that it is full of action.
I liked this book because now I sord of know how to skate the ramp. The 2 thing is that I won't fall any more. Now my 3 thing is "I like skating"! I will recomened my friends to read this book.
You should read this book, because it could show you new tricks if you don't now any tricks.The book is called Aggerssive In Line Skating.

A Realy Good Book!
This is a good book!I recomend even beginning aggresive skaters or not yet aggressive skaters to get this book!It has realy amazing pictures!I'm realy happy I got this from the school library!

SOME PLACE LIKE HOME
BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!I recomended it to anyone my kids my wife and everyone loved it and still loves it!

That thang is wack yo
that book was so not the image we need for our sport nobody should make books on our sport they are all trying to make rollerblading a profit sport when its not. More people will be writing book on it then we are no longergonna be an underground sport.....peace ECR302 for life ... Read more