# High-Speed Train Surfing This Dangerous Sport is Gaining Traction in South America By Michael Baxter | Published 2014-05-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/train-surfing References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/art/staff-riding-marco-casino-train-surfing-in-south-africa-05-02-2014/) & [marcocasino](http://www.marcocasino.com/) The new big thing in South Africa, train surfing, is every bit as dangerous as it is exhilarating. In Katlehong, South Africa, train surfing has taken off as a high octane and [extremely deadly sport](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rail-safety). Imagine climbing on top of a train that is barreling down the tracks at maximum speed. Now imagine having to pull off moves for style points as your body is thrown every which way by the high speed winds. That's the reality for South African's who partake in this train surfing trend. The game isn't all glamorous and extreme though. There is a very real possibility of death. Participants can be crushed or have limps ripped off by the trains as they travel. Using their lives as chips, these daredevils risk life and limb for the thrill. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/art/staff-riding-marco-casino-train-surfing-in-south-africa-05-02-2014/), [marcocasino](http://www.marcocasino.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Train Surfing:** Train surfing is a dangerous sport gaining traction in South Africa, presenting opportunities for safety innovations and extreme sports equipment. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Extreme Sports:** The rise of train surfing in South Africa creates opportunities for the extreme sports industry, including equipment manufacturers and event organizers. - **Transportation Safety:** The dangerous nature of train surfing highlights the need for innovative safety measures and technologies in the transportation industry. - **Risk Management:** The popularity of train surfing calls for new risk management strategies and training programs to minimize accidents and protect participants. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Two-Wheeled Surfing-Inspired Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-skateboard.md) - [Stylized Train-Racing Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denshattack.md) - [Powered Hyper-Speed Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xsport-jetboard.md) - [Ruggedized Electric Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruggedized-electric-surfboard.md) - [Proposed Spanish Speed Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spanish-speed-train.md) - [Indoor Surfing Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-bar.md) - [Panoramic Open-Air Roof Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-train.md) - [Cross-Country Beer Trains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coors-light-chill-train.md) - [Rideable Sandcastle Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rideable-sandcastle-course.md)