Extreme ironing is an unusual and adventurous activity that combines the mundane task of ironing clothes with extreme sports and adventurous settings. Here are the key aspects of extreme ironing:
- Origin: Extreme ironing was invented in 1997 by Phil Shaw, an Englishman from Leicester, who went by the nickname “Steam.” Frustrated with his housework, he decided to combine his love for rock climbing with ironing, thus creating a new and quirky sport.
- Concept: The idea behind extreme ironing is simple yet bizarre: participants take an ironing board and a regular household iron to remote, dangerous, or unusual locations and iron clothes. The sport blends the dullness of domestic chores with the thrill of extreme sports.
- Settings and Activities: Extreme ironing has been performed in a wide variety of locations and situations, including:
- Mountain cliffs and rock faces
- Forests and beaches
- Canoes and kayaks
- While skiing or snowboarding
- Underwater while scuba diving
- On top of moving vehicles, such as cars and trains
- Equipment: Participants typically use a standard ironing board and iron. While most use traditional electric irons, some have adapted to use portable or battery-powered irons for more remote locations. Safety gear appropriate to the extreme sport being combined with ironing (e.g., climbing harnesses, scuba gear) is also essential.
- Competitions and Community: Extreme ironing has grown from its quirky beginnings into a recognized, albeit niche, activity with organized events and competitions. The Extreme Ironing Bureau (EIB) was established to promote and coordinate events. The first Extreme Ironing World Championships took place in 2002 in Munich, Germany, where teams competed in various categories and locations.
- Cultural Impact: Extreme ironing has gained media attention worldwide due to its odd and humorous nature. It has been featured in documentaries, news reports, and even TV shows, helping to spread its popularity beyond its initial fan base.
- Philosophy and Appeal: The appeal of extreme ironing lies in its blend of the mundane and the extraordinary. It challenges participants to think creatively about everyday tasks and pushes the boundaries of what can be considered a sport. For many, it is a way to inject fun and excitement into routine activities.
Extreme ironing remains a testament to human creativity and the desire to find excitement in the ordinary. While it may not be a mainstream sport, it continues to attract adventurous individuals who enjoy the challenge of ironing in the most unconventional places imaginable.