Australians beat underwater ironing record

by Anna Brones on

If you’ve ever had a desire to learn underwater basket weaving, you might first want to start with underwater ironing. As much as this sounds like an April Fools post, 72 Australian scuba divers did in fact break the world record for what they call “extreme ironing” when they dove into the water just south of Melbourne accompanied by their linens and ironing boards.

What exactly is extreme ironing? It’s the “latest danger sport that combines the thrill of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt,” according to the sport’s official website, the Extreme Ironing Bureau. Extreme ironers don’t only press their shirts underwater; the sport can take place anywhere, from a mountainside to in a canoe, all around the world.

Still confused? Check out the Extreme Ironing Bureau’s FAQ section and I am sure that all of your questions will be answered and by that point you too will be ready to add the extreme sport to your list.

Extreme sledding, the latest in extreme sports

by Jamie Rhein on

If you think sledding using a flying saucer is a thrill–I do, the thing can spin, there’s a sled out there that adds a whole new experience to winter sports. Mad River Rocket makes maneuverable adventure sleds that help you get a feeling you’ve turned into Superman. You don’t really leap over tall buildings, but flipping, dipping and darting through trees, over ditches, up embankments, down snow covered stairs, human-made hills and naturally formed mountains is on the menu–if it’s covered with snow, you’re in luck.

Extreme sledding is one of the latest trends that has turned the thrill of childhood into a sport that can send adults hearts’ racing. Here’s a video to show just what a Mad River Rocket sled can do plus an ABC News article that details its wonder. What isn’t shown is how the sled can also be used to tow gear if you’re hiking in the winter. The company’s Web site details more extreme sled info with loads of photos. [Thanks Davis Cox for the tip!]

Glacial Surfing: Another Extreme Sport

by Jamie Rhein on

Neil wrote a series of posts on traveling in Alaska without a cruise ship. Here’s another item to add to the things to do in Alaska list–if you are TOTALLY NUTS!! Head to a glacier, wait for the edge to fall off, and, when it does, ride the tidal wave on a surfboard as the ice chases you down. That’s what world championship surfers Garrett McNamara and Kealii Mamala did earlier this year at Child’s Glacier. This clip from Deep Water Films captures the essence in less than two minutes. I saw a version of this on CNN which prompted my You Tube quest.

More Ways to Risk Life and Limb in New Zealand…

by Brett Atkinson on

So New Zealand is well-known as the spiritual home of bungy jumping, but travellers to the globe’s most adventure packed country soon find out there are loads of other exciting ways to get the most value out of their travel insurance policy.

  1. The world’s most extreme flying fox. Tucked away in the middle of the North Island, the ride at Mokai Gravity Canyon (watch a video after the jump) launches at a height of 175 metres and gets up to speeds of 160 kph. Afterward there’s the North Island’s highest bungy jump (of course…)
  2. An underground flying fox. Only Kiwis would think of setting up a flying fox in a limestone cave. To reach the St Benedict’s Caverns at Waitomo you’ll first need to abseil. Having fun yet?
  3. We’ve showcased Zorbing (here)before but it’s crazy enough to deserve another mention. Strap yourself into a giant see-through ball and roll down the hill. Why didn’t someone think of it sooner?
  4. Ever wondered what would happen if you fell into a giant vacuum cleaner that was switched to “blow”? OK, it’s not a common fantasy but you can find out at Freefall Extreme. Recreate the feeling of skydiving but stay close to the ground.
  5. Most travelers experience bungy jumping at the South Island adventure hub Queenstown but you can also leap off the Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand’s biggest city. It may look like I’m jumping naked in the photo above, but I was wearing a weird coloured jumpsuit OK?

Mokai Gravity Canyon:

Freefall Extreme:

Auckland bridge Bungee:

Zorbing:

Surfing in Pohnpei, Micronesia

by Jamie Rhein on

By the looks of this You Tube video, “Rip Curl My Search,” Pohnpei, Micronesia is one wow of a place to surf. Besides the totally awesome surfing moves by Pancho Sullivan, Raoni Monteiro, Darren O’Rafferty and Kieren Perrow that make you feel like you’re there, the video includes some island and fish images. If you’re interested in heading to Pohnpei, here is a link to the Pohnpei Surf Club. Make sure you look at the gallery page. The photos are gorgeous.