The Iron. Everyday, household appliance…or vital part of one of the most exhilarating and potentially dangerous sports around? Lizzie Kerr reports on the reality of “the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt.” It could only be…Extreme Ironing!

Everybody’s heard of extreme sports like surfing, sky diving and snowboarding and the likes of Tony Hawk - pro skateboarder and Mat Hoffman - BMX superstar. But how many of us can honestly say we’ve tried, or even heard of, a sport as eccentric as Extreme Ironing? The answer I’m guessing, is not very many. But this is no dirty Sanchez madness or Jackass lunacy, this is mundane domesticity gone mad!

By definition, extreme sports refer to those which are subject to uncontrollably dangerous outcomes. So how does ironing possibly fit the bill? No, it doesn’t involve lassoing a hot iron above your head, or ironing at 100mph on the 100% cotton setting, (although this could come into it). If you haven’t already guessed, Extreme Ironing literally is ironing in ‘extreme’ locations. Anything goes. Underwater, on cliff faces, upside down and even whilst parachuting! You might think it’s crazy, but for some, Extreme Ironing is an (almost!) serious sport!
Aside from the sporting challenge, extreme ironing offers something for the creative and active Ironer. Planning where and when to iron and taking a surreal photo or two are all part of the Ironists rituals. In fact some argue that Extreme Ironing is more about performance art and spectacle than sporting endeavour. But for those who take it seriously, there really are no limits. The first (and possibly the last!) World Championships were held in 2002 in Munich, Germany. 12 teams which included Australia, Britain, Croatia and Chile were tested on ironing speed and skill in a variety of hazardous environments - from purpose built climbing walls to strenuous rivers and tree tops.

So, how do ‘ironists’ seek the ultimate thrill? By taking an iron and board to places people have never been before, just to get the creases out of their clothes. Unlike most sports, there are definitely no limits, no rules and only one aim; to be the best and most extreme Ironer! As long as it’s ironing, competitors can take their iron to the highest, lowest, coldest and most ridiculous places Earth has to offer! And, of course, the least number of creases there are afterwards, the more respect they get. Extreme Ironing offers the Ironist much more than a quirky sport and an interesting way to carry out household jobs. It’s a challenging lifestyle that provides participants with unbeatable excitement whilst leaving them looking their smartest.

The first person to see his dirty clothes as more than just laundry was Phil Shaw who invented Extreme Ironing in 1997 when he and his roommate decided to “do a spot of ironing whilst rock climbing.” Since then, the sport has spread worldwide and has become popular with hundreds of people who have all found excitement like no other in the bizarre activity. Since Phil’s first adventure, people have taken their ironing boards to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, ironed in the middle of some of the busiest streets in the world and leaped out of planes, all whilst de-wrinkling their clothes!

It’s true that absolutely anyone can take up Extreme Ironing. The Ironist community, it would seem, is always up for welcoming new associates who are all are keen to share photos of their triumphs. The only advice coming from the Pro-Ironists being - start simple as it can be an exceedingly demanding sport!

There’s nothing like a bit of sporting juxtaposition with friends so why not create your own extreme sport or spectacle using a domestic appliance or musical instrument. Do be careful though and go for the least hazardous-of which ironing definitely isn’t!

By Lizzie Kerr

Since its creation, Extreme Ironing has inspired others to take ordinary activities to the edge of orthodoxy. ‘Extreme cello playing’ being a local take on unusual sports. Unlike Extreme Ironing, there is little competition, merely the urge to outdo in extremity the last place played. And the great thing here is that its focus is to raise money for various charities through sponsorship.

Extreme Cello playing started when 3 Cellists from good old Sheffield were inspired to create their own spin on the unusual extreme sport theme after seeing the Extreme ironing World Championships documentary. The trio have since performed on top of Mam Tor, in the Blue John Cavern and have even walked 45 miles from Manchester to Sheffield with 6 cello playing stops along the way! In 2006, the Cellists took part in the “Cathedral roof tour” which involved playing on the roofs of every Cathedral in England in record time. And in July 2008 they played on the peaks of the tallest mountains in
England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Check out my interview with Jeffrey, one of very Cello-playing maestros at
www.radiowaves.co.uk/cube
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