Brighton's mean feats

X-treme freaks can have it all if they head for the south coast over the Whitsun bank holiday.

Adrenalin '98, part of the Brighton Fringe Festival, boasts a heady mix of BMX, skateboarding, in-lining, climbing, kung fu and parachuting, packed into two days of competition, workshops and demonstrations by top competitors.

The OxyAdrenalin' Streetcourse is the culmination of a project which has enables local skaters and ramp-building experts to design and construct their own streetcourse. It includes a funbox, quarterpipe and drop-in sections where competitors can work up a head of steam. And over the two days, visitors can try out the course for themselves.

In-line events take place on the Sunday; with events ranging from competition on the streetcourse, to street hockey and a fitness class taken by Dawn Irwin, one of the UK's most experienced trainers.

Monday signals skateboarding, with spot prizes and expression sessions for board rats of all levels. Last year's event was won by home competitor, RJ and this particular event has gained a reputation for producing great tunes, large crowds and excellent competition.

BMX events also take place on Monday, with informal open jam and expression sessions on the streetcourse and a purpose built Animal BMX area. The Animal team will include World No 3 rider, Simon Tabron, who'll be sure to make some big air and grabs off the quarterpipe. This one might be safer to watch, but if you want to display your own moves then you can register in the morning.

The festival doesn't just focus on the above disciplines; there will also be a Surf Expression Session and general aquatic action, past the famous Brighton pebbles, in the sea. For those of you who wish to hone your physical and mental skills without the help of a board, bike or skates, a more hands-on approach comes in the form of the Kung Fu demo with AMA affiliated martial arts instructor, Russell Southern.

This year's event also boasts an Entre-prises climbing wall on both days. There will be three climbing faces, standing six-metres high, and with varying routes that offer climbers easy routes to near-impossible ascents.

"Adrenalin' 98 is about supporting all parts of the community," says project co-ordinator Kirsten Santry. "There are lots of creative activities which do not have a strong infrastructure, so the festival has been set up to bridge this huge gap."

In short, Adrenalin' 98 caters for the majority of people including those who keep their feet firmly on the ground, but still enjoy watching others risk life and limb performing death-defying feats of bravery - or stupidity.

Spectators can add a little bit of spice to the day's proceedings by sponsoring a posse of fearless individuals to jump out of an aeroplane clutching a mere slip of silk. OK, it's a parachute, but it will still be great to watch (call Justin or Kirsten on 01273-673777).

If you think you're ready to give it a go in person, then Airworks of Glynde are offering two paragliding flights for the price of one to all Adrenalin' 98 programme holders.

"Hopefully people will recognise that Adrenalin' is a good place to come and showcase what the community wants to do," says Santry. "It's not a commercial venture. People come together, take part and jam together because they want to - and it will get better every year."

Adrenalin' 98 Hove Promenade, Brighton (01273 673777) 24-25 May 11am- 7.30pm. Entry is free