SAN ANTONIO - Bull riding is considered to be one of the riskiest eight seconds in sports, but despite its dangerous reputation hundreds of cowboys still take on the bucking bulls in the arena at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
This also includes fearless youth competitors.
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"You just can't be scared and you got to give it all you got," said Canyon Bass.
It's the mindset Canyon Bass rides with each time he competes. He says focusing on skill, instead of fear, allows him to hang on tight and ride on in hopes of reaching eight seconds. It's a sport he and his family enjoy.
"My dad did [bull riding] his whole life so he enjoys it but my mom gets a little scared at times, but they both like it," Bass said.
The 16-year-old from Wimberley competed at San Antonio's rodeo for the first time on Wednesday. Yet, he isn't a newcomer to bull riding. Bass is quickly bringing home belt buckles and cash prizes.
Canyon Bass wears a championship belt from the 2019 Leon Rodeo (Spectrum News)
"In Leon, Iowa, over the summer I won a bull riding competition up there," he said.
Bass says his goal is to ride professionally and win world titles while hoping to avoid getting hurt.
"I've been really lucky so far. I haven't broken anything but I've definitely received lots of bumps and bruises," said Bass.
His fellow bull rider, Hagen Helmcamp, can't exactly say the same.
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"I've had three surgeries. I've broken my elbow and I've broken my left ankle twice," said Helmcamp.
Despite his injuries, Helmcamp says he loves the sport and considers it to be in his blood. The 17-year-old from Buffalo, Texas, hopes to become a world champion, but until then, Helmcamp says he's committed to practicing and competing.
"A lot of practice and dedication. You also got to be right with the Lord," he said.
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