Have you ever heard of stone passing? If not, you’re in for a treat. Stone passing is an extreme sport that involves running down a steep hill while dodging giant boulders rolling towards you.

The History of Stone Passing

Stone passing originated in the Basque region of Spain in the 1800s. It was originally a way for farmers to train their reflexes and quick thinking skills.

It quickly turned into a competitive sport among the farmers, with the first official stone passing competition being held in the early 1900s. The sport has since spread to other parts of the world, with competitions and exhibitions being held in countries like Chile, Peru, and even Japan.

How it Works

Stone passing is not for the faint of heart. The premise is simple: run down a steep hill while dodging giant boulders. The hills used for stone passing are usually between 45 and 60 degrees in incline, making them nearly vertical.

The boulders used weigh between 80 and 200 pounds and are rolled down the hill by competitors at the top.

The rules of the sport are fairly straightforward. There are usually two competitors racing down the hill at a time. They start at the top of the hill and must navigate their way to the bottom without being hit by any of the rolling boulders.

The winner is the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill.

The Risks and Dangers

Stone passing is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world. Competitors risk serious injury or even death with every run down the hill.

The boulders used in the sport can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, making them virtually impossible to dodge if they’re headed your way. In fact, it’s not uncommon for competitors to break bones or even suffer concussions while participating in stone passing.

Additionally, the steep incline of the hill can make it difficult for competitors to maintain their footing, which can lead to falls and even more serious injuries.

The Appeal of Stone Passing

While stone passing may seem like an incredibly dangerous activity, it’s also incredibly thrilling. The rush of adrenaline that comes with trying to dodge a rolling boulder is unparalleled.

Stone passing requires a great deal of skill and quick thinking, making it a sport that’s both physically and mentally challenging.

For spectators, stone passing is also incredibly exciting to watch. The tension is palpable as competitors race down the hill, trying to avoid the rolling boulders.

It’s no wonder that stone passing has become a popular sport in many countries around the world.

The Future of Stone Passing

Despite its risks, stone passing continues to gain popularity around the world. New competitions are being organized every year, and the sport is starting to gain more recognition in mainstream media.

Despite this, many people continue to view stone passing as too dangerous and risky to be a legitimate sport.

Only time will tell if stone passing will continue to gain popularity or if it will eventually be phased out due to safety concerns.

In Conclusion

Stone passing is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and dangerous sports in the world. While it may not be for everyone, for those who are brave enough to try it, the rush of adrenaline that comes with dodging a rolling boulder is unmatched.

Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, stone passing is an experience you won’t soon forget.