This Crazy Sport Is The Fastest Way To Get Down An Idaho Mountain

When it comes to climbing mountains, boots have always been my preferred method of getting around. Imagine soaring less than 100 feet off the ground at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour when descending a mountain peak. People do this...for fun.

The mountains I've hiked in my lifetime most people would consider tiny. The highest I've ever climbed was about 8,500 feet. I attempted to climb Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in 2009, but a lightning storm and park safety officials prevented me from finishing the final couple hundred feet. That walk down kicked my ass.

The worldwide reported speed flying fatalist list stands at 93 victims, according to information found online. Considering this activity has been deemed a sport for close to 20 years, that number could be a lot higher.

Get our free mobile app

Speed flying (or speed riding) is a sport I didn't even know existed until this week. Of course, I'd heard of paragliding and parachuting, but speed flying is sort of a hybrid of the two. People race each other down mountains at speeds of close to 100 miles per hour with nothing but nylon and some cords keeping them airborne. Idaho has its own speed flying Facebook group for those interested in learning more.

The worldwide reported speed flying fatalist list stands at 93 victims, according to information found online. Considering this activity has been deemed a sport for close to 20 years, that number could be a lot higher. I'll just continue to keep my boots on the ground, but more power to the speed flyers of the world.