Extreme Ironing on Rivelin Needle, Sheffield, UK. Image via Theredrocket at English Wikipedia.

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

Andrew Martin
3 min read1 day ago

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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…

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Andrew Martin
Andrew Martin

Written by Andrew Martin

Dabbler in soccer, history, investing & writing. Master’s degree in baseball history. Passionate about history, diversity, culture, sports, film and investing .

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