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Nothing quite like dropping off a plane. Photo: Filipe Dos Santos Mendes
Adrenaline junkies dream of turning the impossible into the possible with aplomb. Successful surfers, wingsuit flyers, snowboarders, etc… they’ve all got a hint of step-outside-the-box craziness – the good crazy, of course. While there’s always a dash of vaguely anti-establishment doctrine inherent to our sometimes-grimy culture, we actually share more traits in common with Airmen than you might suspect. We take calculated risks for things we believe in. As such, here are a few reasons why action sports junkies might be surprisingly great candidates for the military, specifically the USAF Air Force Special Operations unit. Simply put, we support our armed forces who dedicate their lives for our freedom in this beautiful country.
This feels nice. Image: GoPro
1. We crave the adrenaline.
In the end, adrenaline is what drives the infatuation. We need adrenaline to master our craft, whether that’s from pulling into a giant barrel or beginning our pre-training in a Cessna 172. After I spent 14 hours in a prop plane, I knew immediately the guys in the Air Force had more courage than I had ever credited them.
2. The experience is the reward.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to throw yourself out of a plane from 13,000 feet. It forces you to think rationally about the opportunities you’re given in life. Doing it while actually doing some good in the world is a nice twist.
Risk management.
3. To be successful, we need to take risks.
Risk equals reward, and we all know it. I’ve never seen such a risk like protecting our country. I also haven’t seen such a risk like Josh Sheehan throwing down the first ever triple back flip on a BMX bike. You might think the two factors have little to do with one another, but they share a . It boils down to dedication; try your hardest, get back up and do what needs to be done and be able to tell yourself, “I’ve done my best.”
Photo: Roger Steinbacher
4. That feeling of freedom is precious.
Not every adrenaline junkie is cut out for the USAF Air Force Special Ops. That goes without saying. However, there are special folks in the action sports community who are mentally and physically equipped for the demands of the military, and the opportunity to serve your nation’s freedom is a privilege.
Photo: Sean Brody
5. Our differences make us stronger.
It’s always about teamwork and worth ethic. None of us would be where we are today without help and guidance from someone else – someone who teaches us a new trick or guides us in a new direction to achieve our goals. With help from others, we accomplish our goals and build a bond like no other.
