Nimrod GabrielThere’s nothing queer as folk, or so the saying goes – and nowhere is that more apparent than the weird-and-wonderful world of hobbies. You can forget cycling or kite-flying; it would appear that some folk require something a more unusual to keep themselves entertained when clocking-off hour commences – here are some of Funzing’s favourites!
Competitive Mooing
It sounds ridiculous – and it kind of is. Competitive mooing is exactly what it sounds like; people fighting over who can do the most realistic cow impression. Taking place in rural spots across America as well as – apparently – a few places in the UK, there’s usually a cash prize sweeten the deal as well as, you know, the rewarding assurance that you’re your country’s best moo-er. Cue jokes about milking it, and so forth.
Dog grooming
This goes far beyond the odd haircut or dog shampoo. Ever seen a picture of a poodle dyed and shorn so dramatically that it looks like a Ninja Turtle? That’s competitive dog grooming. Mostly hosted by the National Groomer Association of America, the idea is to make your dog look, well, completely mad in hope of prize money and adulation, presumably. Top marks for creativity. Less for animal welfare, perhaps.
Extreme ironing
Two wonderfully incongruous concepts, combined to form the kind of sport that shouldn’t be real, but definitely is. Extreme ironers take their board and iron to extreme spots like mountain edges, wild rivers and cliffs and then iron their clothes in the face of pure peril. They’ve even had a world championship! Everyone knows that ironing is horrifically boring, so mad props to these domestic daredevils for injecting it with a little devil-may-care.
Tape art
Tape art involves taking a cassette tape, pulling out the magnetic tape from inside and using it to make a portrait of the artist. It’s pretty obscure but has grown in popularity with a certain millennial bracket, who have created some pretty cool pieces – tape or no tape.
Train surfing
This began in Germany in the 80s, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. Train surfing involves jumping on the outside of a passenger train and hitching a ride – yes, it’s dangerous, no, you shouldn’t try it. Over 40 people in Germany died in 2008 alone from attempting to train surf. Probably one that’s best not to try at home.
Not for you? No, us neither. Here are some hobbies you might want to try instead in 2016…
African tribal drumming
Join the London African Drumming for a djembe drumming circle! A not-for-profit community group teaching authentic African rhythms inspired by different regions, you’ll be guided by a variety of talented and passionate musicians – and helping the local community, too! Find out more here.
Film-making
Learn the basics of filmmaking with a pocket device in just one evening! Led by experienced filmmaker, Ruth Schocken Katz, founder and director at Present Films, and cameraman Yosi Romano, you’ll learn the principles of lighting, framing and shooting and other film-making techniques, with a view to making your own short film – all with no professional camera required!
Fancy browsing further? Find some fun activities here!
