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‘Fear is essential’: what makes an adrenaline junkie, and why sensation seekers are always looking for a new thrill

  • Roland Sharman, founder of HKOutsider, a community of adventure seekers, is scared of heights, but is a fan of climbing, canyoning and coasteering
  • Like many adrenaline junkies and sensation seekers, Sharman is always looking for new ways to challenge himself, a trait that is linked to brain chemistry

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Hong Kong-based adventure lover Roland Sharman, seen coasteering in Sai Kung, has a fear of heights. “That fear is what introduced me to vertical adventure because I realised that, to find a forward path of empowerment, I would have to face my fear head on,” he says. Photo: Iurgi/HK Outdoor Adventures

When Roland Sharman sees a cliff, he likes to jump off it or scale it, which is unusual behaviour considering he’s scared of heights. But facing his fear was the best way to conquer it.

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“That fear is what introduced me to ‘vertical adventure’,” says Sharman, referring to rock climbing, canyoning and mountaineering – “activities that focus on climbing up, or abseiling down from, a height”.

“I realised that to find a path of empowerment, I would have to face my fear head on.”

Sharman is founder of HKOutsider, a community with a shared love of adventure activities, including his favourite Cs: canyoning, coasteering and climbing. “They all get the adrenaline flowing,” he says.
Roland Sharman is the founder of HKOutsider, a community in Hong Kong who share a love for outdoor adventure, including canyoning, coasteering and climbing. Photo courtesy of Roland Sharman
Roland Sharman is the founder of HKOutsider, a community in Hong Kong who share a love for outdoor adventure, including canyoning, coasteering and climbing. Photo courtesy of Roland Sharman

The 53-year-old Briton is part of a growing global movement of thrill seekers. “Adventure is cool and very much part of popular culture,” he says.

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But what makes some people adrenaline junkies, while others are content with a leisurely stroll along a beach?

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