Date: March 21st, 2023 5:12 PM
Author: vigorous vengeful senate filthpig
Beyond the Spray: The Rise and Controversy of Competitive Showering
[From jest to Instagram fame, the quirky sport of competitive showering is making a splash. But is it all just a wash?]
deadspin staff
The year was 2021, and what began as a tongue-in-cheek challenge among a group of affluent friends in the ritzy neighborhoods of Malibu has since evolved into a full-blown phenomenon, with fans and critics alike scrutinizing its every drop. Competitive showering, once an exclusive pastime in California's upscale enclaves, has now taken the world by storm, thanks in large part to the power of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The sport is both fascinating and confounding, judged on an inscrutable 10-point scale and featuring marathon matches that can last up to 10 hours.
"It started as a joke," says Chase Pendleton, a founding father of the sport and now a prominent coach. "We wanted to see who could take the most luxurious, longest-lasting shower. It was all for bragging rights among friends. But then, it just took off."
As competitive showering's popularity skyrocketed, so too did the demand for high-end equipment and training facilities. Specially designed showerheads, premium soaps, and state-of-the-art waterproof sound systems have become the norm, with athletes and enthusiasts alike clamoring for the best of the best.
"I never thought I'd be spending this much on a showerhead," laughs rising star and reigning national champion, Marissa Delaney. "But when you're competing at this level, you have to invest in the best tools and equipment."
However, as the sport enjoys increasing prominence, experts and commentators are questioning its inclusivity and environmental impact. Some have raised concerns about "shower deserts," areas where residents don't have access to the facilities needed to participate in the sport, while others point to the immense water waste that can result from 10-hour-long matches.
"The sport is inherently exclusive," notes Dr. Helena Serrano, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley. "Access to the resources required to participate in competitive showering is limited, effectively shutting out a large portion of the population."
Despite these concerns, the sport has amassed a dedicated fan base that revels in its eccentricities. Spectators eagerly follow the action, discussing the finer points of lathering techniques and water temperature regulation.
"I've been to every national championship since the sport started," says longtime fan Lisa Nguyen. "There's nothing like the atmosphere at a competitive showering event. You can feel the tension and excitement in the air."
As the debate around competitive showering continues, it remains to be seen whether the sport can overcome its obstacles and establish itself as a sustainable, inclusive pastime. For now, the world watches with bated breath, wondering if this sudsy spectacle is merely a passing fad, or if it's here to stay.
"It's an amazing sport," Pendleton insists. "We just need to address the challenges it faces and make sure everyone has a chance to experience the joy of competitive showering."
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5310625&forum_id=2#46080558)