Mobile throwing contests are a relatively new sport that has gained popularity among young people and smartphone enthusiasts. In this sport, participants compete to see who can throw their mobile device the farthest. The appeal of this sport is in the excitement of seeing mobile phones launched through the air, as well as the satisfaction of proving to oneself and others that your phone has what it takes to go the distance.
While the origins of mobile throwing competitions are not entirely clear, they seem to have been popularized in Finland around the year 2000. The first such contest is rumored to have been organized by members of a Finnish mobile phone company, who wished to showcase the durability of their phones. Participants threw Nokia phones, which were known for their sturdiness, as far as they could, with the winning throw measuring over 200 feet.
Mobile throwing works in much the same way as other throwing sports, like javelin or shot put. Contestants grip their phones firmly and launch them as far as possible, trying to achieve the greatest distance. However, there are some differences in the type of phone used, as well as the technique employed.
Participants can choose to use any type of mobile device, though older Nokia models are still popular due to their toughness. However, stylish and lighter smartphones are also used, sometimes for aesthetics reasons. Additionally, some competitors creatively adapt their phone for the purpose of throwing, adding weights or tape for extra grip.
The technique used to throw a mobile phone is somewhat different from that used in other throwing sports. Instead of simply trying to throw the phone as far as possible, contestants must also try to achieve the optimum angle for maximum distance. This means that the thrower must take into account factors such as wind speed and direction, as well as the placement of their feet, in order to execute the best possible throw.
The competition is divided into two categories: distance and accuracy. In the distance category, participants compete to see who can throw their phone the farthest. In the accuracy category, contestants throw their phones at a target, with points being awarded for proximity to the center of the target. These categories require different techniques, with the accuracy category requiring more precision and control, while the distance category requires more strength and stamina.
While mobile throwing may seem like a silly and frivolous activity to some, it has garnered a loyal following of enthusiasts who take the sport seriously. There are even mobile-throwing clubs and associations in Europe and Asia, dedicated to organizing competitions and promoting the sport. Some of these competitions even have prize money, with the best throwers winning thousands of Euros.
The popularity of mobile throwing has led to the addition of mobile-throwing events in several festivals around the world. One such festival held near Helsinki in Finland invites people to compete in a variety of events, including mobile throwing and mobile phone crushing events. Additionally, the annual Broken Smartphonics event held in the United States includes a mobile-throwing competition, with cash prizes being awarded to the winner.
While mobile throwing is often seen as a lighthearted and fun activity, it also raises important questions about the use of technology and our relationship with it. Some people see the sport as a way to express frustration with our overreliance on technology, while others view it as a way to appreciate and celebrate our devices.
However, as much as mobile throwing may be seen as a way to vent frustrations, we should always remember that throwing phones, or any other piece of technology, carries risks beyond the obvious financial costs. Throwing a phone too hard or in an unsafe direction could cause injury to people nearby, and the potential environmental impact of throwing away a device rather than recycling it responsibly is a serious concern.
In conclusion, mobile throwing is a new and unconventional sport that has gained popularity in recent years. While it may seem frivolous at first glance, it requires skill, technique, and dedication to become competitive. Nevertheless, throwers should always consider the risks and take precautions to avoid causing injury or damage. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the sport of mobile throwing adapts and evolves with it.