I don’t know about you, but I don’t iron like I used to. Not that I was a big ironer before. But these days, I’m mostly in hoodies and blue jeans. No ironing required.
It is only when I have to look slightly more presentable that I dust off the old iron.
Some people enjoy it. I didn’t realize just how much.
They love it so much that they’ve made ironing a sport. An extreme sport.
It is called “Extreme Ironing.”
What is it, exactly? Well, I’m here to tell you.
Extreme Ironing, also known as EI, is a unique and unconventional sport. It combines the ordinary task of ironing clothes with the thrill of extreme activities.
Yes. People will take their ironing boards and irons to remote and unusual locations, adding an element of excitement to an otherwise mundane household chore. Like, say, to the top of a mountain. Or, balancing on a tricky boulder.
This whole deal started in Leicester, England, in 1997. The sport was conceived by a man named Phil Shaw, who is also known as “Steam,” just so you know.
He did this as a way to infuse fun into his daily routine. The concept quickly gained popularity and evolved into a global phenomenon. I’m saying people have too much time and energy on their hands.
Anyway. Participants, or “ironists,” perform this task in various settings. They iron in places such as mountainsides, forests, canoes, while skiing or snowboarding, atop statues or buildings, underwater, and even in the midst of bustling streets.
And, hey, here’s a thing. These performances can be done individually or in groups.
Apparently, EI has gained some steam of its own and has quite a following. There has been much attention from media outlets worldwide due to its intriguing combination of mundane and extreme elements.
The sport “challenges participants not only to showcase their ironing skills but also to possess the physical stamina and mental resilience necessary to navigate and conquer unexpected environments.” Their words, not mine. They also say they prioritize safety. Famous last words. Again, their words, not mine.
So there it is. Something to ponder for all my adventurous friends.
As for me, I’m sticking with ironing in our bedroom closet with my calm little pair of cotton slacks.
The only extreme thing I do these days is stay up a little past my bedtime.
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“To live would be an awfully big adventure.” – Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie)
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“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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“Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day-to-day obstacles in life.” – John Amatt
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“Adventure is out there.” – Up (Disney Pixar)
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Iron from the mountain tops. Yo ho!
