Sean Evans, a daring UK roller coaster enthusiast, has built a lucrative career out of facing his fear of heights head-on.
The 33-year-old Sean Evans has transformed his phobia into a profitable YouTube channel, "Lift Hills and Thrills," drawing viewers with his riveting theme park adventures, New York Post reported.
Sean's journey began uncomfortably with his first roller coaster ride, the Corkscrew at Alton Towers Resort, during a school trip. This experience left him avoiding roller coasters for years. However, an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 lockdown shifted his perspective. Cooped up at home, he started watching theme park videos, which reignited his passion for roller coasters and inspired him to share his experiences.
Driven by a newfound enthusiasm, Evans launched his YouTube channel, "Lift Hills and Thrills," which spotlights various theme parks throughout the UK. The idea was to share and create a community where escapism through the virtual theme park experience could thrive. "In lockdown, all we knew was the inside of our house," Evans recalls. He realized the unique escapism that theme parks offer, even if just experienced virtually.
His channel, which highlights both his fears and the sheer thrill of rides, quickly amassed over 20,000 subscribers. His candidness about his fear resonates with many, transforming each upload into a shared adventure with his viewers. "I'm always there shaking and trembling... but as soon as that roller coaster goes down its first drop, the fear kind of washes away," explained Evans in a typical video, capturing his in-the-moment emotions.
Evans set a remarkable record by riding the Nemesis roller coaster at Alton Towers 64 times in just six hours, surpassing a previous record. This remarkable feat was not merely for fun but a strategic move to gain visibility and set his channel apart from others. "I wanted to do something that would make my channel stand out," said Evans about his record-setting experience.
As his confidence and his channel grew, he ventured beyond the UK. One of his significant milestones was conquering the Red Force in PortAventura World, Spain, known as Europe's tallest roller coaster. Scaling over 367 feet, it was a testament to Evans' bravery and determination to overcome his vertigo.
His journey requires extensive preparation. Evans conducts thorough research on each roller coaster and theme park he plans to visit. Understanding the mechanical and operational aspects helps him manage his fear better. "I think it's always worse in your head, so I tried to mentally prepare myself," he shared about preparing for frightening rides.
His unique career allows him to work unconventional hours, often stretching from early morning until 3 a.m., ensuring that he experiences and captures a variety of lighting conditions and park atmospheres for his viewers. One particular video that showcased him on the Velocity ride at Flamingo Land Resort in England earned him approximately $4,000, illustrating the financial viability of his thrilling pursuit.
Despite the financial success and fame, Evans remains grounded and focused on expanding his roller coaster horizons. Plans are underway to explore international roller coasters, including those at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Universal Studios Singapore. Such expansions promise new content for his followers and new challenges for him.
"I basically turned a hobby into a full-time job, and I get paid quite well for traveling and enjoying myself, which many would say is living the dream," Evans proudly states. His journey from a terrified youngster to a professional thrill-seeker continues to inspire those who dream of converting their fears into triumphs.
