This unique textbook provides a thematic approach to adventure sports physiology based upon applications to specific adventure sports. It covers basic aspects of physiology related to the demands of the activity, training for improving performance, and safety factors.After a brief historical introduction subsequent chapters cover basic physiology and nutrition and then apply these principles to a variety of land and water based sports including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, mountaineering and skiing. The concluding chapters deal with medical factors including risk assessment for individual participants and activities alike. Each chapter includes learning objectives, a good range of tests, problems and information about further reading.