Queenstown base-jumper Chuck Berry (44) has chased danger for 20 years but still thinks an "angry woman" is more dangerous than any of the 19 near-death experiences he has had in his stunt career.
This is completely normal, according to a study on the personality characteristics of extreme sports participants by Dr Erik Monasterio, of the University of Otago.
His four-year study has found those participating in extreme rock climbing and base jumping are likely to be single, male and more prone to alcohol and drug addiction.
The only thing differentiating these extreme sports enthusiasts from an imprisoned "psychopath" was their level of maturity, Dr Monasterio told the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists conference in Queenstown yesterday.
While criminals and the sporting junkie both show high levels of "novelty-seeking", the latter scores higher in self-directedness and co-operativeness.
"These people have the same personality characteristics of the drinking, drugging and fast-car driver," Dr Monasterio said.
The risk-taker is more likely to be single ... and "actively avoid responsibility".
"They're not thinking, just acting and doing what they call getting into the zone."
Dr Monasterio was a mountaineer for 20 years until he found, at the age of 40, the thrill of the chase with the aim of finding a wife was more appealing.
He said 5%-10% of any population tended to be "risk-takers" and their choices could be illegal drug use, harmful drinking or the adrenalin rush of jumping.
The chance of serious injury participating in [extreme] sports was 5000 times greater than work accidents - making a 9 to 5 job the safe, yet less thrilling option for this group.
"If you choose those experiences, you're chasing the devil."
Mr Berry said this was all part of the experience.
"It is hard not to. I get a lot out of it and it is part of my lifestyle," he said.
"I just find it makes you feel good."
