‘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

Published: 7:15am, 26 Aug 2023

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.

“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

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.

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