The past few years have been difficult for a lot of people. Perhaps you haven’t had enough time to relax and find your passions outside of work – if this is the case, you’re not alone.
Consider this your sign to commit to finding a new hobby that revitalizes your life and gives you an opportunity to spend time outdoors, taking care of your physical and mental health while you’re at it.
Here are five fun, adventurous hobbies to try your hand at this year.
Hunting
Shooting and hunting can be an excellent pastime for those who want to get outdoors. It demands a combination of patience, perseverance, problem-solving, and general skill development that you won’t get from many other sports.
Not only this, but hunting requires physical endurance while offering a sense of adventure and thrill. There are different types of hunting and ways you can engage with the sport, too – such as hunting in tree saddles, bow hunting, or falconry, all of which offer different challenges and experiences.
Rock Climbing
This is a great activity for those who like to get physical. You can scale various types of mountains and rock formations, and just about any age and skill level can get started easily.
There are gyms that cater specifically to rock climbers with artificial rock walls to hone your skills before heading out into the great outdoors. You’ll need some equipment – climbing shoes, a helmet, chalk, a harness, etc. – but if you’re interested in getting started, these items can usually be hired before you commit to buying them.
Whitewater Rafting
Another fun activity is whitewater rafting, perfect for the adrenaline junkies who don’t mind getting a little soaked. This activity involves (you guessed it) rafting on rivers with varying degrees of rough, choppy water.
It’s usually done with a small group of people on a raft, simultaneously paddling and navigating the waters, which makes it the perfect activity to add to a fun weekend getaway with family or friends.
Mountain Biking
Whether you’re a seasoned professional on two wheels or have never ridden a bike in your life, this is one for the books and something anyone can get the hang of pretty quickly.
Mountain biking offers an amazing rush and a chance to get some exercise into your day while you’re having fun. It’s a great activity to do with friends and explore new and exciting trails every weekend, bumping up the adrenaline a little more each time. This is another hobby that requires some special gear and equipment, but once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Caving
A more advanced skill to acquire is that of caving – professionally known as spelunking. It’s a risky activity that involves maneuvering dark and tight spaces. Caving will show you a whole new world of geology, history, and artifacts, making it an incredible hobby for those who love to learn.
Don’t go into a caving experience expecting to come out of it clean! You’ll be covered in dust or even mud, and you’ll need some special equipment like ropes, headlamps, and kneepads to protect yourself.
