Bubble Baba Challenge
The Bubble Baba Challenge is an event held in the rapids of Vuoksi River in Russia whereby contestants race in the water using sex dolls as flotation devices. It began in 2003 and is staged every year.[1][2] In 2011 around 800 people participated in the race,[2] but in 2012 it was banned by the authorities because of "dangerously high water levels" work that was being done to repair the roads and rail bridges downstream.[1] Organisers disputed the ban, claiming that it was only effected as part of a country-wide clamp down on mass gatherings (they claimed that, being aware of the issues, they had nevertheless developed a safe route[3]).[1]
Participants of either gender are allowed to compete but are required to be aged 16 or over and must pass a compulsory alcohol test.[2]
Event has been restarted in 2021. In September 2023, one of the organizers was charged for publishing photos from the event and sharing news about the competition under an administrative offense for disseminating information showing disrespect for society (petty hooliganism, Part 3, Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code). In 2024, due to similar pressure from authorities, the event was canceled.,[4] although the court proceedings resulted in the case being sent back to the police for clarification of details[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Officials Ban River Race With Sex Dolls". The Moscow Times. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
- ^ a b c Gayathri, Amrutha (10 August 2011). "Bubble Baba Challenge: Bizarre Shots of the Annual Sex Doll Race of Russia". International Business Times. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
- ^ "Annual swim on inflatable women banned in Losevo" (in Russian). 2012-08-20. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ "In the Leningrad Region, the Bubble Baba Challenge swim, held since 2003, was canceled due to pressure from the authorities" (in Russian). 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ "Police disapprove of inflatable women in water — the "Bubble Baba Challenge" rafting event in the Leningrad Region was canceled" (in Russian). 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2024-11-23.