For the Love of Strange Sports

Why are we interested in strange sports? For many of the same reasons that we love mainstream sports. Strange sports are adrenaline-charged. They require skill and technique, and most importantly they entertain us. One difference may be that strange sports are often unassuming and uncomplicated.

No need to figure out the off-side rule in Zorb bowling. You’re the ball and your goal is to knock down the pins, now get to it. Playing it on a ski mountain instead of a flat field…then it’s a case of aim and let go. Want to add a fun twist? Have your friends get in front of the ball and try to outrun you. That will get your (and your friend’s) blood pumping.

What Are Some Strange Sports?

We have already mentioned Zorbing. This is the game where you climb into a giant hamster ball. You will find out the history of this strange sport and all of the different games associated with Zorbs. This strange sport can be family-friendly but can also be amped up to be a challenging wild ride.

We will also introduce you to the wild and wacky game of toe wrestling. This is a super-charged grown-up version of the thumb wrestling you did with your buddies growing up. You may be surprised to know it’s a high injury sport with participants experiencing bruises, cuts, and even broken bones during events. The current toe wrestling champion is going for his 17th world title this year. No other sportsman has held 17 world title wins before.

Do you think you can’t compete in horse sports because you don’t have a horse? Let us tell you all about hobby horsing (yes that’s a real sport). This Finnish sport has its competitors prancing around while riding on a hobby horse (the stick with a horse head on top). Participants compete in costume categories, jumps, and even dance to choreographed music. Before you ask, yes, there are videos.

Upcoming Blogs

We still have many more strange sports to share with you. Wife carrying is a fun sport that started with dark beginnings but now is a popular event held all over the world. In some places, the prize is the wife’s weight in beer. Doesn’t that reward just sweeten the pot after toting your sweetie (or being toted)?

Extreme ironing is a strange sport that started as a joke between brothers and has been since picked up by daredevils all over the world. You will appreciate the irony between the mundane act of ironing and the adrenaline locations chosen by these wild cards. We will give you the inspiration to start planning your own unique scheme for this strange sport.

As if surfing isn’t enough adventure on its own, these adrenaline junkies are volcano surfing. This strange sport takes its participants to some of the most beautiful (and dangerous) locations in the world. Read about the do’s and don’ts of this wild lark and then decide if you want to put it on your extreme adventure list.

Now for something a little bit on the gentler side of strange sports. We will tell you about pumpkin boating. This isn’t just a tale from a Stuart Little novel but it’s a real-life strange sporting event that happens every year. Participants use hollowed-out giant pumpkins to either race or participate in regatta-style events.

Even though it might sound a bit outdated, lumberjack competitions are still very popular. Some of the events included are definitely a tad strange but they are a testament to the strength and determination it takes to be a lumberjack. Plus, unlike many strange sports which have little or no prize money, these competitions can bring in the big bucks.