They say that a change is as good as a rest. This list of rather unconventional sports will definitely be a change to the old routine. Many you probably haven’t considered before but may be worth a shot. Who knows? You may find a new passion!

Have you tried an unconventional sport? Something outside of the ordinary? Share it on our Discover blog by clicking "Share Story" or use #seewhatshecando in social media and inspire others to give it a try. 

Toe Wrestling 

This sport was invented in the ‘70s by a group of Brits trying to find an event where the UK could win a world championship. Believe it or not, there is an annual World Toe Wrestling Championship held in a village in Derbyshire, England. And historically, the Brits have dominated!

The rules are similar to arm wrestling. Players remove their footwear and link toes so that each foot is touching the other player’s foot flat. The goal is to pin, capture or trap the opponent’s foot for three seconds while avoiding the same. It is played in a best two out of three rounds starting with the right foot, then left and if necessary back to the right.

Apparently, size does not matter…it’s all in the technique! For more information visit Bentley Brook Inn where the Championships are held.

Underwater sports

Underwater hockey 

Believe it or not, this is not a game invented by hockey-loving Canadians! In 1954, Alan Blake of the UK came up with the sport – originally called Octopush – to keep open-water divers interested in diving during the cold months.

It is played like hockey but at the bottom of the pool. Two teams of 10 players – 6 in the water and 4 subs on the sidelines – try to maneuver a 3lb puck along the bottom of the pool into the opposing team’s goal. Players are equipped with a 12-inch stick, a diving mask, snorkel, fins, and caps.

Several countries have Underwater Hockey Associations and there is an annual World Championship tournament. The first was held in British Columbia, Canada in 1980 and consisted of 5 nations with both men’s and women’s events. In 2016, the Championship was held in South Africa with 17 nations competing in men’s and women’s elite and masters events.

For underwater leagues, tournaments, rules and how to play Canadian Underwater Games Association .

Underwater rugby

While you’re holding your breath, why not try underwater rugby? This one came from German diving clubs in the 1960s trying to promote physical fitness.

There is little in common with the land version of this game. Like underwater hockey, it is played at the bottom of the pool. Two teams of 12 – 6 in the water and 6 on the sidelines – try to score in the opponent's goal using a negatively buoyant ball filled with saltwater. Balls may be played in any direction but must not leave the water. Balls move fast through the water for 2m or 3m before water resistance stops them. The result is a good game of tactics requiring strength, speed, agility and team play. It is fast-paced and exhausting so players sub on the fly! Players wear a diving mask, snorkel, fins and caps.

For underwater leagues, tournaments, rules and how to play Canadian Underwater Games Association . For information on international competitions for underwater rugby, visit the World Underwater Federation

Ostrich racing

Looking for something a little warmer? Originating in ancient Africa, this sport has made its way to North America.

Jockeys actually mount the ostrich and race around the track. These fine-feathered friends can reach speeds of almost 70km/hr! The races make for good entertainment because inevitably the jockey falls off their ride before the end of the race.

Start making plans for March Break. The annual Chandler Ostrich Festival in Arizona held in mid-March attracts almost 100,000 visitors. Maybe you’re an ostrich jockey and you just don’t know it.

Check out the Arizona Ostrich festival.

Wife carrying

OMgoodness…this is for real! Originating in Finland, wife carrying has reached the heights of World Championships.

As expected, this is a contest where the male partner carries the female teammate through a special obstacle course. The wife need not be your own but she must be at least 17 years old and no less than 49kg. If she is lighter, she wears a pack to bring her weight up to 49kg. The surface of the track is sand and consists of two dry obstacles and one wet. The only equipment allowed is a belt for the carrier and a helmet for the carried. If the female is dropped, she must be picked up again and carried on. The winner is the couple that finishes first. One more rule…all participants must have fun…what could go wrong?!!

Why on earth would anyone do this you ask? The title of World Champion Wife Carrier and Carried of course! Or maybe, it’s all about the prize-winning the female teammate’s weight in beer! You can participate to single races with your own wife (or borrow one local "wife") in Sprint, Senior or World Championship -heats, or you can gather a team and sign up together.

Check out the official Wife Carrying website and start your training.

Cheese rolling 

Nothing catching your fancy yet? This one might. Cheese rolling originated in Gloucester, England as a means of securing and maintaining grazing rights in the common. Since those days, it has become a bit of a worldwide phenomenon that takes place on the last Monday in May at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.

The cheese is a 4kg Double Gloucester, a hard cheese traditionally made in the shape of a wheel. Competitors race down the hill after the cheese trying to catch it or be the first to cross the finish line. The cheese gets a one-second head start and amazingly can reach speeds up to 70km/hr! Signs are posted on the hill warning about potential dangers.

“Warning. Cheese rolling is a dangerous activity for both participants and spectators. The cheese roll is not managed. You are strongly advised not to attend. It is especially unsuitable for children. You attend entirely at your own risk.”

I’m sensing this is not an event for the faint of heart. So what do you get for taking your life into your own hands, being the first down the hill and living to talk about it? The whole wheel of cheese of course! Seriously…that’s it? How cheesy!!

Visit the official Cheese Rolling site. For something a little closer to home, check out The Great Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival in Whistler Blackcomb held in 2016.

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