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Yes, Extreme Ironing Is A Real Sport That’s Been Around Nearly 30 Years
Some people have been finishing their laundry in very weird ways for decades
Daredevils and adrenaline junkies love testing their limits by scaling treacherous cliff faces, jumping from planes, and dangling from the end of bungee cords. To satisfy such limit-pushing cravings, there’s a constant push to develop new activities that get the blood rushing. This includes the world of extreme ironing, a bizarre but real activity that combines the usually boring chore of pressing clothes with high-octane adventure sports.
Extreme ironing first appeared in 1997 when British rock climber Phil Shaw returned home from work one day feeling conflicted by the competing need to iron his laundry with a craving for some outdoor adventure. In a moment of what can only be described as inspired madness, he decided on the spot to combine the two activities, taking his ironing board and iron to a nearby quarry. There, he managed to accomplish both of the things that had been occupying his mind. Once word of this got out, it quickly caught on, spreading first throughout the UK and then internationally.
The true essence of extreme ironing is from its absurdity and creativity. Extreme ironers seek out the most challenging locations and situations to set up their ironing boards. Over the years, some of the more notable feats have included ironing while bungee jumping; ironing on the tops of mountain summits; ironing while scuba diving; and ironing while stationed on the tops of moving vehicles.
The sport doesn’t just require physical ability and stamina; it also goes hand in hand with humor and the ability to think outside the box to identify new venues. Extreme ironers often document their adventures through photographs and videos, so they can share their adventures with an ever-growing community of enthusiasts worldwide.
As the popularity of extreme ironing has grown, so has the call for organized competitions. In 2002, the first Extreme Ironing World Championships were held in Munich, Germany, attracting competitors from 10 countries. They were judged on ironing skills, creativity, and the difficulty of their chosen locations to iron.There is no official governing body for…
