Sauna Whack

My Father-in-law has invented and patented something truely unique, leading the media to call his company the Nokia of Estonia. No, its not a mobile phone or RFID thingy, its a Saunaviht, or Sauna Whisk. Sauna is a centuries-old tradition of health and relaxation in Estonia, Finnish and other Scandinavian cultures. Here's the value proposition:

Saunaviht Sauna Whisk

Regular Sauna Whisk

Pretty simple, which Sauna would you rather be in?

A cornerstone of the Sauna experience literally beating yourself with a birch branch -- to enhance circulation, massage muscles and open pores. Its a borderline S&M activity and seems to make as much sense as jumping in the snow, but such things are part of the tradition and are actually good for you.

Its apparently become all the rage in Estonia, possibly because of this funny TV commercial or that good news travels fast in small countries. Finnish TV is covering it too. There is a little debate because it challenges conventions, although its hard to tell if the competition doesn't realize how disruptive this technology is or it appreciates not having its limbs cut off.

My wife is exploring the possibility of distributing it in the US (tips appreciated). You won't find it at Macy's or written up on Gizmodo, Engadget or Cool Tools -- although it could be a good fit for MobileWhack.

In the meantime, you and your Sauna friends can buy it on eBay.

UPDATE: Uh, this post has been Fleshbotted: We think these synthetic sauna whisks are poised to become the next hot S&M accessory.

UPDATE: Hey, the auction was a success! I re-listed the auction, if you want to buy your own.