EXTREME ACTIVE RECREATION: ESSENCE OF THE CONCEPT, CONTENT, SAFETY CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article examines the essence of the concept of extreme active recreation, its substantive characteristics, motivational foundations, and safety issues in the context of the modern development of recreational and tourism activities. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing popularity of active and adventure-oriented forms of leisure, the increasing demand for emotionally rich recreational experiences, and the expansion of extreme recreational practices in natural environments. Processes of urbanization, technological transformations, and the need for self-realization stimulate interest in activities associated with physical challenges, risk, and exploration of natural destinations. At the same time, the rapid development of extreme recreation requires scientific clarification of its conceptual foundations, structural components, and safety dimensions. All of the above has determined the purpose of the study. The methodological basis of the research includes systematization, terminological interpretation, and methods of comparative scientific analysis of domestic and foreign approaches to understanding active and extreme recreation. The results of the study indicate that extreme active recreation should be considered as a specific form of recreational activity that combines intensive physical activity, natural environmental conditions, an increased level of risk, and strong motivational components related to self-realization and emotional experience. The article substantiates the distinction between active recreation and active tourism, emphasizing the predominantly local character of many recreational practices in contrast to the route-based nature of tourism. The authors propose an original definition of extreme active recreation as a combination of voluntarily chosen physical and adventure activities carried out in natural environments under conditions of increased physical and psychological stress, substantial dependence on participants’ skills, and the presence of significant risk factors. Special attention is paid to safety issues related to mountain recreation and adventure activities in Ukraine. The study emphasizes the importance of preventive safety measures, rescue infrastructure, increasing tourist awareness, and implementing digital monitoring systems. The analysis confirms that most accidents in mountain environments are associated with anthropogenic factors, including insufficient preparation, underestimation of route complexity, and neglect of weather conditions.