Will the change in sports change the sports for business?
When we think of business and sports activities then golf, tennis and sailing are probably the first we think of as they have been used since decennials for doing business.
We all picture the salesman negotiating deals or the CFO convincing bankers on the golf course.
Theses sports were and probably are the best mix of sport, entertainment and business.
However as times are changing, the sports are changing too:
- Windsurfing
- Mountain biking
- Snowboarding
- Kitesurfing
- Paragliding
They are sometimes called extreme sports, although there is already a large group of people practicing these sports every weekend and vacation when possible.
There are less young people learning to play tennis, golf or sailing as there is a much broader choice of sports available than 30 years ago.
Experienced windsurfers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and paraglider flyers have already reached the age of 50 to 55, as they started in the late seventies or early eighties practicing these then extreme and novel sports.
So is there or will be there still be enough people who know how to play golf, tennis or to sail?
Kitesurfing ?
Will business change from the more established business approved sports into these new sports?
Probably not as most of the new high-intensity sports are very individualistic and less social sports.
The new extreme sports:
Hardly any communication
Although people practice these sports on the same spot, they are not communicating with each other during the activity. Maybe they exchange experiences just before and after.
The verbal contact is almost inexistent, whereas the typical business sports provide ample time to speak.
No exclusivity – no luxury – free
Golf, tennis and sailing have always had an exclusivity culture and luxury atmosphere.
Whereas these new extreme sports are so close to nature, there is no space for luxury or exclusivity.
Luxury becomes even a hassle with some of these sports.
There is no barrier to start practicing these sports (except for buying the gear), thus no exclusivity of a club or membership as the beaches, sea, mountains or air are all free to use.
Risk taking and daring
These sports engage to take risks or to show off daring stunts to others. This exposes their practitioners to risks and hazards as it is part of the experience, whereas the classic business sports were avoiding risks and dangers.
Freedom
All of these extreme sports give the feeling of freedom, thus far away from daily business and problems.
You don’t want to be reminded of business as your mind is set on survival in some cases.
Less business during sports?
As there will be less people into tennis, golf and sailing, less business will be done practicing or participating in these sports, as fewer businessmen will have experience of or are skilled in the classic sports.
Moreover these experienced extreme sportsmen will not enjoy being invited for a less challenging game without kicks, as they could be expressing themselves much more in one of the Xtreme sports.
What “extreme” sports do you practice?
Or do you still prefer golf, tennis and sailing?
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