Sure, we all had a chuckle when rhythmic gymnastics made it’s debut in the Olympics, but these random sports make water ballet seem as common as apple pie. If you never found your groove in basketball or football, there’s still hope for you in one of these crazy sporting events.
The World Rock, Paper, Scissors Society is going strong with thousands of members worldwide. Since most everything in the realm of obscure sporting originates in the UK, it’s no surprise that this sporting foundations has roots in an 1842 law stating “any decision reached by the use of the process known as Paper Scissors Stone between two gentleman acting in good faith shall constitute a binding contract. Agreements reached in this manner are subject to all relevant contract and tort law.” Yes, this is the same game you played as a six-year-old and grown men have found a way to make it into an international competition. If you’re looking to break into the RPS scene, here’s an insider tip from the pros: most men tend to begin with rock, since it’s seen as more powerful and domineering, so lead with paper in round one.
Also known as hacky sack, the footbag is basically a small ball that people kick around with their feet. Similar to volleyball, footbag net players kick their hacky sacks back and forth over a low net. Before you snicker, take a look at world-class players during a championship match. These dudes know how to work a small bag of beans! Footbag is the perfect game for soccer players who hate running.
- Extreme Ironing
Action-oriented OCD sufferers around the globe unite! These goofballs (from England, of course) find the most random and dangerous locations to press their clothes. The toughest part seems to be repelling with ironing board and power source in tow. From mountaintops and kayaks to scuba starching and skydiving, extreme ironing is gaining steam and recognition around the globe. I’m all for it. They can press my pants on a portico any day.
- Zorbing
AKA “Globe Riding” seems to be more of a tourist attraction than an international sporting event, but it’s definitely random and active enough to qualify for extreme sports status. Start at the top of a hill, get into a giant hamster wheel, and roll downward. Actually, the ball you ride in is cushioned by a larger outer sphere. And did I mention you ride in a harness? We can thank New Zealand’s Dwane van der Sluis and Andrew Akers for their development of the Zorb–their innovative design has even been adopted as the official symbol of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Curling is that weird Olympic game that you can’t ever remember the name of. The one they play on ice with a broom-like stick and a oversized hockey puck–sound familiar? The “skip” or captain of the team takes charge of the “stone” and directs its position down the lane, much like shuffle board. The sweepers then wipe the surface in front of the stone as it heads toward the target. Whichever team lands their stone closest to the center target wins.
- Midget Tossing
This totally inappropriate game takes the cake for ridiculous sporting. Willing (and well-paid) midgets or dwarfs outfit themselves in velcro and are tossed by taller men at a mattress. The team that sticks their midget to the highest point on the mattress wins. Unbelievable. There are no other words to describe this bar game. In most countries, including the U.S., the game is banned. I wonder why?
Totally fun to watch, this submerged, non-contact hockey game takes place on a pool floor. Players have to hold their breath as they dip down to take shots and make passes while outfitted in fins, mask, snorkel, ear protection, gloves, and stick. This game is a total body workout and takes great endurance to swim, dive, and hold one’s breath for extended periods. It’s easy to see how this game got roots in the diving community, and, of course, the UK. Folks across the pond still call it…drum roll please…Octopush.
- Shin Kicking
Thanks again to the Brits for developing another sporting gem, Skin Kicking. The objective? Kick the daylights out of your competitor’s shins. It’s as simple as that. Whoever falls down wincing in pain first loses. Both kickers don white lab coats (?) and hold each other at the shoulders which they kick each other in the shins. Apparently sprained ankles are highly common in this game. Kieron Lee, 2010 Shin Kicking World Champ, knows a thing or two about knocking down the competition since taking the crown from the favorite Gareth Price.
- Unicycle Marathon
No, you don’t have to dress like a clown to participate. Unicyclers look like two-wheeled cyclists without a second wheel and spin their legs at least twice as fast. And competitions are set up around the globe for sprints and long distance cycling. The differences? Riders may not “fall” across a finish line and, on occasion, competitors who fall must exit the race. Dismounting is highly frowned upon. Held every two years, Unicycling USA hosts the International UNICON games with races and artistic presentations.
- Wife Carrying
Love is patient, love is kind, but occasionally it boasts when you can haul your mate through an obstacle course. As recently as the 19th century, Finnish men still practiced wife stealing, and to pay homage to that lovely tradition, Finland hosts the Annual International Wife Carrying Competition today. Men may take any (willing) woman over the age of 17 through the course, but must carry her gently–excessive bouncing receives a deduction of 15 points. The winner gets to take home their wife’s weight in beer. Oh, the romance.
Ashley G writes about ways to save money on sporting goods and how to stay fit for less using coupons, fitness center specials, and by working out at home.
Sure, we all had a chuckle when rhythmic gymnastics made it’s debut in the Olympics, but these random sports make water ballet seem as common as apple pie. If you never found your groove in basketball or football, there’s still hope for you in one of these crazy sporting events.
