What is Extreme Ironing?

Extreme ironing is a unique British-born sport that combines physical and mental challenges with humor. Participants engage in extreme activities like scuba diving, spelunking, and cliff climbing while ironing their clothes. Despite its seemingly absurd nature, extreme ironing has gained popularity and even has its own organization, the Extreme Ironing Bureau (EIB), which regulates the sport. The rise of extreme ironing led to the creation of world championships and inspired various forms of the activity, such as underwater ironing and ironing while kayaking.

Notable achievements in extreme ironing include ironing the Union Jack flag on Mount Everest and setting records for ironing underwater. Safety guidelines include wearing helmets, using harnesses, having a spotter present, and gaining experience in the related extreme activity. Extreme ironing championships feature different sections, such as urban, water, forest, Lauda, and freestyle. While extreme ironing is not an Olympic sport, it has gained international recognition and continues to attract enthusiasts.