From Extreme Ironing to Wife Carrying: The Weird and Wonderful World of Unusual Sports

I don't think I'd be good at this.

Have you ever heard of "extreme ironing"? That's right, it's a real sport where people combine the thrill of extreme outdoor activities like rock climbing, skydiving, and whitewater rafting with the mundane task of ironing clothes. Participants take their ironing board and a wrinkled garment to the most remote and unexpected locations, such as the top of a mountain or in the middle of a river, and get to work. It may sound ridiculous, but it's a growing sport with competitions and even a world championship!

Bossaball being played

Another unusual sport is "Bossaball," which is a mix of volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, and acrobatics. It's played on an inflatable court with trampolines and a net dividing the two teams. Players can use any part of their body, including their feet, hands, and head, to hit the ball over the net. But what makes Bossaball truly unique is that there's a DJ playing music during the game, and players can perform acrobatic moves and flip while they play.

This takes some serious skill

If you want something more low-key, you might enjoy "competitive equestrian vaulting."

This sport involves performing gymnastic routines on horseback, with teams of up to three people competing against each other. The horse runs in a circle while the athletes perform handstands, cartwheels, and other acrobatic moves on its back. It's like a combination of gymnastics and horseback riding, requiring strength and balance.

Now this is true love

But perhaps the most absurd sport of all is "wife-carrying." Yes, you read that right. This sport originated in Finland and involved male participants carrying a female teammate through an obstacle course. The catch? The female teammate has to be carried in a particular way known as the "Estonian Carry," where the woman is upside down and her legs are wrapped around the man's neck. The course can include hurdles, water obstacles, and even a mud pit. The first team to cross the finish line wins the wife's weight in beer!

So, there you have it, folks. From extreme ironing to wife-carrying, the world of unusual sports is full of surprises. Who knows, maybe you'll find your new favorite hobby among these bizarre options!