"When you're young, you can bounce back pretty easy from a slam," Burnquist said. "When you get older, the slams hurt more. They're not as easy to get up and walk away from."

But slams are an unavoidable part of his trade. In an attempt to be the best, pros such as Shaun White, Ryan Sheckler and Bucky Lasek will always be trying to fly higher, farther, faster and do it while twisting, turning, flipping and crashing.

That's what makes "extreme" sports extreme. Without the risk, Burnquist said, there would be no appeal.

A few weeks ago, Dew Tour BMX rider Stephen Murray was attempting a double backflip at the Baltimore tour stop. He lost control in mid-flight and landed head-first. He crushed three vertebrae in his neck and is now paralyzed below the neck.

That injury had a sobering affect on the free-wheeling athletes on the tour but has not deterred any from competition.

Thursday afternoon, Burnquist, White and the other stars of the sport took to the vert ramp for their prelim heats. Canada's Pierre-Luc Gagnon posted the highest score at 88.25, while White landed the fifth-best score at 82.00, equaled by Burnquist's second run.

Always a risk-taker, Burnquist said he is a licensed pilot and a frequent skydiver. Health insurance, he said, was hard to find until he signed a contract with an employer and was able to get in on their group plan. His life insurance policy has provisions for all of his high-risk behaviors.

Still, it's a life he has no intention of leaving.

"This is better than I ever hoped for," he said. "I'll do this as long as I can."

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com