The most unusual and funny hobbies in the world

Not all hobbies are created equal. Some of them look (and sound, feel, and smell) really weird. Here are the top 10 weirdest and funniest hobbies in the world.

10. Collecting navel fluff

We don't know exactly how many people regularly engage in this strange and unpleasant hobby. But one of them definitely devotes a lot of time to it!

An Australian named Graham Barker has been collecting his belly button pellets since 1984. This collection, weighing 22.1 grams, allowed Graham to get into the Guinness Book of Records.

By the way, scientists are also studying navel fluff. In 2001, Karl Kruzelnicki found out that this substance is formed mainly in men and consists of clothing particles, dead skin and hair. As they say, keep watching!

9. Soap carving

This art hobby is more suitable for creative and calm people. It involves cutting out intricate works of art from soap.

To really create something amazing from such a fragile and slippery material, you need to use special tools and techniques.

Many people love to share their creations in stop motion videos on social media or YouTube.

8. Polishing dirt

This popular and strange hobby, formally called Hikaru Dorodango, originated in Japan.

The mud polishing technique is quite simple and involves forming a small ball of earth mixed with water. This ball is then covered with small particles of earth. The ball is then dehydrated to eventually form a smooth sphere.

In fact, many of Hikaru Dorodango's creations are quite beautiful works of art.

7. Volcano surfing

Apparently one of the most dangerous hobbies you've never heard of, volcano surfing is an active recreational activity on the slopes of volcanoes. Riders climb up and slide down like a snowboard.

It was probably only a matter of time before the sport moved from snowy mountains to ash-covered volcanic plains. Potential dangers include falls, injuries, or inhaling toxic gas. However, if you take precautions, you can have one of the most fun and daring adventures of your life.

Volcano surfing was invented in 2004 by Darin Webb, who surfed the black slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua on a mattress.

Hoping to reach higher speeds, he later rode his mini-fridge down a volcanic slope. Finally, he settled on a board made of wood and plastic that was a cross between a surfboard and a snowboard.

Since then, outdoor enthusiasts have been trying their hand at this activity. Although some high-risk enthusiasts do it on active volcanoes, we strongly recommend that you only ride on the slopes of inactive volcanoes.

6. Geocaching

This unusual and exciting hobby combines technology, adventure and nature. A portable GPS receiver or an app on your phone will direct you to the destination where the well-hidden container is stored.

When you find a treasure, you record your visit in a special journal. You can also exchange one of the many small items inside the container for your own.

5. Goose (or duck) pasture

Are you ready to work in a team with well-trained sheepdogs to herd a group of geese or ducks back into the pen? It may seem strange, but surprisingly, it is one of the most fun activities that combines teamwork, communication, and listening skills. Plus, you will gain a lot of knowledge about traditional sheepdog handling skills.

This hobby is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it very accessible for corporate team building events. Plus, goose herding is fun for both those participating and spectators.

4. Dog Cosplay

Cosplay is on the rise right now, especially in geek culture, but there are people who are taking it to the next level.

They call this hobby competitive dog grooming and instead of dressing their pets in weird costumes, they groom and cut their dogs to look like cartoon characters, movie characters, or other animals.

People spend a lot of time and effort making their dogs look like tigers, pandas, Sesame Street characters, Ninja Turtles, and even dragons or Yoda. Whether dogs enjoy the spectacle as much as their owners is another matter entirely.

3. Zorbing

All you have to do is climb inside a big, inflated, double-walled plastic ball and roll down a hill while the world spins around you! If that sounds like fun, you're definitely right.

If that experience isn't weird enough, you can try wet zorbing. A little water in the ball and your ride will be very slippery and wet, literally.

If you don't like the idea of bouncing freely inside a giant ball, there are zorbs that come with harnesses so you just roll back and forth while being securely attached to the ball.

2. Ghost Hunting

Ghostbusters is not only the name of a cult classic movie (yes, there are several, but the first one is unrivaled), but also an actual hobby where people explore places that are supposedly haunted.

The goal of this hobby is to collect evidence of paranormal activity. People use cameras to record their experiences, which they share with various ghost hunting communities.

1. Extreme ironing

Our first place goes to a hobby that is not only weird, but also quite dangerous, depending on where you decide to iron your clothes. People find all sorts of weird and unusual ways to use an ironing board and iron. Some, for example, iron a shirt while hanging off a cliff or even while in the air (two "flying squirrels" hold the board, one irons).

Some people take this hobby very seriously, so in 2002, Germany even hosted the World Ironing Championship. 80 teams from 10 countries took part in it.