Ever wondered what to do with those muddy wellington boots after a particularly soggy British summer? Well, if you're in the UK, you might just compete in one of the nation's most wonderfully absurd sports: welly wanging. The premise couldn't be simpler—hurl a rubber boot as far as you possibly can.
The sport allegedly originated in Yorkshire in the 1970s, though pinning down the exact moment is tricky since Brits have probably been chucking wellies at each other for as long as they've existed. The story goes that it started in the small village of Upperthong (yes, that's a real place), where locals turned boot-throwing into an organized competition. The rules are delightfully straightforward: you get three throws, must keep one foot planted behind the line, and can only throw underarm. Each welly typically weighs about one kilogram, though some competitions use a standard size 9 boot to keep things fair.
Today, welly wanging has become a staple at British fêtes, charity fundraisers, and village festivals. The current world record stands at an impressive 209 feet and 9 inches, set by Teppo Luoma from Finland in 1996—proving that boot-throwing prowess isn't limited to the British Isles. Some competitions even feature different categories, including children's divisions and the particularly challenging "opposite hand" category. It's the kind of sport where technique matters (the key is all in the wrist flick, apparently), but where nobody takes themselves too seriously.