Clog Cobbing

This outrageous sport involves a contest of who can throw a clog — a large wooden shoe — and the farthest. The art of clog throwing involves swinging it between the thrower’s legs to build up enough momentum to hurl it up over the back of their head. This sport began in the United Kingdom in the early 1960s. And has now spread all over the world. The championships are held every Easter at the Roebuck Inn, a English pub.

The Dunny Derby

Dunny is an Australian slang word for toilet. Therefore, the Dunny Derby is a race of the toilets. In this fast-paced race, one person sits on a toilet while four other teammates push and pull the rider over the 200 meter course. Dodging obstacles, stopping only to pick up a toilet paper roll and a cleaning brush. The fastest Dunny Dasher wins. It is held every other year during the Winton’s Outback Festival in Winton, Queensland, Australia from September 22-26.

Versions of Soccer

Fireball soccer (Sepak Bola Api): This dangerous and crazy game is played in Indonesia. Played mostly by students, it is a part of a tradition to welcome the month of Ramadan. That tests courage and bravery among those who play. The ball is a coconut that is soaked in kerosene for a week so that it can remained aflame for the duration of the game. Each player is covered in nonflammable spices so that they won’t get burned – as much.  Not only is the ball ablaze for the entire game and players kick the ball barefoot.

Swamp football: This version of soccer is played in knee deep mud. It began in Finland but has spread to over 260 teams worldwide. With a smaller field and shorter halves these games are full of plenty of falls and muddy people. Perhaps the funniest rule is the fact that the athletes are not allowed to change shoes during the game, leaving them mud-soaked and dirty.

Goanna Pulling

Tug of war is a very intense game full of athletes giving their all to overpower their opponent. This Australian-based sport allows athletes to battle it out like Goanna Lizards. Their heads and necks are bound together by straps. They then get on their hands and knees and begin to pull against one another in an epically awkward battle of tug of war. This sport has been going on for over 25 years and the championships are held every October at the Wooli Sports Grounds.

Semi-Professional Women’s Only Competitive Pillow Fighting League

No fellas, you are not dreaming, this actually does exist. This sport is was created in February of 2004 and is based in Toronto, Canada. It looks very similar to wrestling, except the fighters are holding pillows. Fights last only 5 minutes and are very intense and always entertaining. Fights may also get very violent. Athletes can come away with cuts, bruises, and concussions. The Pillow Fight League (PFL) has had some big fights in its brief existence. They have even had fights in New York City.

Shin Kicking (Hacking, Purring)

This downright crazy and dumb sport is ancient and has been around for a very long time. Athletes hold onto their opponent’s shoulders and then proceed to kick each other in the shins as hard as they can. They keep kicking until someone falls down, they the other competitor gets a point. Athletes can pad their legs with straw and they have to wear soft shoes. This is very different from the steel boots that were worn in the past.

Wife Carrying Competition

The sport that is based in Finland and is held in every July. A husband is made to carry his wife over a 253.5 meter course while navigating through obstacles. They also have to traverse through water and mud. This is all in pursuit of the coveted prize of a new phone and their wife’s weight in beer.