What You Missed at Ekstremsportveko (Extreme Sports Festival) 2016

The 19th Edition of Ekstremsportveko witnessed a week of extreme action where over 1500 challenged themselves in the elements – which we know aren’t always cooperative.

Since its conceptualization in 1998, Ekstremsportveko has become the largest sport and music festival of its kind. Hosted in Voss, Western Norway, it ties in over 200 competitions in kayaking, rafting, mtb-bmx, skateboarding, skydiving, paragliding, hanggliding, multisport, freeride, big air, climbing, BASE and longboarding.

All of that, while giving a tribute to the kind of sports that appreciate nature in its rawest form and all that comes with it.

Basing itself on a combination of the four elements:

water–kayaking, rafting, kite surfing and freeride;

air–skydiving, base-jumping, paragliding, hang-gliding;

earth–longboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking;

fire–the musical component of the festival, where the sound of soul, reggae, funk, hip-hop and R&B dominates

Although the competitions are a big part of the week, they are not always the main focus for the athletes. Knowledge sharing, when hundreds of top athletes are gathering in one place, is just as important.

New to the competition this year: Vossakriger

With warlike elements, participants competency of tactical solutions, physical strength and mental stamina was tested through a challenging obstacle course. Qualification rounds determined the 10 fastest men and the 5 fastest women who advanced to the finals.

On top of all the athletic action, the music program has become a major part of the total festival experience. During the last three days of the event, national and international artists spice up the festival with their vibrant music within the genres; pop, rock, funk and reggae.

Ekstremsportveko is owned by the non-profit organization Stiftinga Ekstreme Voss – The Ekstreme Voss Foundation. Having only two people working in the administration full time all year round, the festival relies heavily on positive and hard working people. Every year 300-400 volunteers from all over the world contribute to make the week a huge success.

To get all the results and find out how you can participate next year go to their website: ekstremsportveko.comAll images courtesy of the photographers attributed.