- #31
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Huckleberry said:
I don't know.
Do you live near Watts? Maybe you just need more exposure.
Is the World's Highest Swing in Harbin Worth the Thrill?
- Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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- Swing
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the thrill and safety of the world's highest swing located in Harbin, China. Participants share their personal feelings about heights, thrill-seeking behavior, and the psychological aspects of engaging in extreme activities. The conversation touches on the nature of bravery versus thrill-seeking and includes anecdotes about other adrenaline-inducing experiences.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express excitement about the swing, describing it as "awesomely scary" and fun.
- Others share their fear of heights and express that the swing is not for them, questioning the motivations behind such thrill-seeking activities.
- A few participants debate the definition of bravery, suggesting that thrill-seeking may not equate to bravery but rather a desire for adrenaline.
- One participant mentions the idea of swinging with a long chain and how it might limit the swinging motion.
- Several anecdotes are shared about other adrenaline-producing activities, such as air combat, whitewater kayaking, and skiing, comparing them to the experience of swinging at great heights.
- Concerns are raised about the safety of the swing and the potential for accidents, with discussions about the mechanics of aircraft and the risks involved in high-g maneuvers.
- Some participants question the likelihood of structural failures in aircraft during extreme maneuvers, while others speculate on the reasons for safety concerns related to fire hazards.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally express a mix of excitement and fear regarding the swing, with no clear consensus on whether it represents bravery or thrill-seeking. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the motivations behind engaging in such extreme activities and the safety concerns associated with them.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying assumptions about bravery, thrill-seeking, and safety, with some relying on personal experiences that may not apply universally. The discussion includes unresolved technical details about aircraft safety and the mechanics of extreme activities.
I don't know.
Do you live near Watts? Maybe you just need more exposure.
- #32
Huckleberry
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No, I don't live near Watts, and I've never been there. The closest I've been for a walk near there is North Hollywood. I've been around a bit though and seen a few tough streets in my lifetime and I'm no worse off for it.
I just thought it was odd that the chances for any kind of injury on this swing is very small, but I would still be very afraid to use it. Yet, the risk of injury for something as simple as driving a car or walking down just about any street is much higher, and I have no fear of that.
I've done some skydiving before and I was surprised at how easy it was to climb out onto the wing of a plane and let go. Yet, I don't think I would ever go bungee jumping. The ground is just too close, but not close enough!
I just thought it was odd that the chances for any kind of injury on this swing is very small, but I would still be very afraid to use it. Yet, the risk of injury for something as simple as driving a car or walking down just about any street is much higher, and I have no fear of that.
I've done some skydiving before and I was surprised at how easy it was to climb out onto the wing of a plane and let go. Yet, I don't think I would ever go bungee jumping. The ground is just too close, but not close enough!
- #33
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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Even though statistically driving a car or walking down a street, or stepping into a bathtub are more dangerous, the "perceived" danger is not as high. I could never get on that swing.Huckleberry said:
How'd you like to play tennis at the Burj Al Arab Hotel?
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- #34
Astronuc
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Careful with that lob.Evo said:
I wonder how many aces are served? - #35
Huckleberry
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Thankfully I don't play tennis. I may never play it again after seeing that photograph. I'll leave the perceived danger to the thrill seekers. That stuff is too scary for me. I'd rather pick up white-water rafting or shark photography.Evo said:
- #36
Jimmy Snyder
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Me either. It's always the bad ones.Evo said:
- #37
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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jimmysnyder said:
So true. Let's hope that swing is a *good* one. 
- #38
mattmns
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I don't think I would play tennis up there. I am one of those people that gets so into the sport that I forget where I am at and would likely fall off.
- #39
Cyrus
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Id love to have a parachute and just jump off the edge of that tennis court. That looks like fun.
- #40
Huckleberry
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I wonder where those things landed, or if Matt even cared.
- #41
Cyrus
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Why would he?