When a world champion diver ignores a “no women” warning on an extreme water slide, it’s bound to raise eyebrows—and for good reason.
Rhiannan Iffland, a seven-time consecutive Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion from Australia, recently faced a unique and risky challenge at Area 47, an adventure park in Austria known for its death-defying attractions.
Among the wild offerings at Area 47 is a waterslide claimed to be the fastest in Europe, reaching speeds of up to 50mph.
But here’s the catch: there’s a strict ban on women using it, due to the “high risk of injury.”
Naturally, Iffland—a seasoned diver not easily intimidated—decided to throw caution to the wind and take the plunge anyway.
In a video shared on social media, Iffland approaches the slide, acknowledging the “no women” rule with a smirk: “Women aren’t supposed to do this.”
Then, without missing a beat, she disappears down the slide, defying the warning that’s kept other women from doing the same.
So why is there a “no women” restriction in the first place? It’s all about the potential health risks women face when using this particular slide.
When women ride slides like this one, there’s a significant risk of high-pressure water entering the body, which can lead to a medical issue known as an enema.
For the uninitiated, an enema involves fluid being forced into the rectum to empty the lower part of the large bowel, which can be both painful and dangerous if done improperly.
Beyond that, the risk of infection due to foreign bodies in the water adds another layer of concern.
So, why does Iffland, an athlete known for taking on gravity-defying stunts, decide to ignore the caution?
It’s likely the same fearless attitude that’s made her a world champion in cliff diving. With years of training in extreme sports, she was unshaken by the rule.
The video of her daring ride quickly caught attention, sparking a range of reactions from fans and fellow thrill-seekers.
Some women who watched the video chimed in with their own terrifying experiences, warning others about the slide’s potential dangers.
One commenter shared, “I got the worst enema on that slide, bahhaha you are brave girl.”
Another added, “The amount of people that don’t understand why women aren’t supposed to go on this slide is scary!”
Yet another woman described her own painful experience: “Unfortunately, I got a water slide enema. Peed out half the swimming pool in the toilet from my butt. I literally couldn’t stand upright after it happened. Weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Despite the warnings and the strange, often painful consequences for women, Iffland remained unfazed by the potential health risks.
She did, however, take the opportunity to address the controversy around her decision, clarifying her intentions.
Speaking to news.com.au, Iffland stated, “It was never my intent to mock the safety regulations of this water slide.”
“A person’s safety is paramount,” she continued, “and I am constantly weighing up any danger with my job. To suggest otherwise, is wrong.”
Iffland’s words may seem reassuring, but her decision to go against a rule specifically designed to protect women’s health has sparked a larger conversation.
For one, it raises the question of why such a warning exists in the first place—and whether it’s being taken seriously enough.
Some critics argue that the ban is based on outdated, possibly sexist assumptions about women’s bodies.
Others point out that the warning is rooted in legitimate safety concerns, one that Iffland, despite her immense skill, may have disregarded at her own peril.
So, what exactly makes the slide so dangerous for women? The extreme speed at which it operates generates a powerful force of water that can cause harm to sensitive areas of the body, particularly in women.
The high pressure can force water into bodily cavities, resulting in an enema-like effect that can lead to severe discomfort and long-term health issues.
Though the slide is undoubtedly thrilling for those who meet the requirements, the ban is a stark reminder of how extreme these rides can be, especially for the female body.
And yet, there’s something undeniably thrilling about Iffland’s defiance—a statement that she, as a top-tier athlete, wasn’t going to be held back by a controversial rule.
It also speaks to her unique persona as a champion diver who’s used to pushing boundaries, defying gravity, and facing intense risks head-on.
Still, it’s worth noting that Iffland’s fearless attitude might not be shared by all of her followers, who have voiced their concerns after witnessing her stunt.
For many women, the fear of injury—and the very real possibility of suffering an enema—is enough to discourage them from ever attempting the slide.
Iffland’s ride may have been a brave moment of rebellion, but it also raises critical questions about the safety standards applied to women in extreme sports.
As for the future, will other women follow in Iffland’s footsteps and take the slide with the same boldness, or will they heed the warnings and steer clear? Only time will tell.