If you’re looking for a new way to pass the time, don’t be satisfied with boring, in-home activities like knitting and movie watching. Get yourself out there and take a few chances with these 11 hobbies that are equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
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#1: Scuba Diving
If you’ve never been to the ocean floor, now is a great time to go. Scientists are discovering new fish and coral every day, and you can see these colorful, wonderful displays firsthand when you strap on an oxygen tank and brave the blackness of the water. Just make sure you take an accredited scuba diving course first. You should know what you’re doing before you dive so deep that no one can hear you scream.
© Daniel Zedda
#2: Hiking
The best thing about hiking is that it can be done by people of all ages, genders and fitness levels. If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, you can start small and hike on trails and hills; once you’re more comfortable and physically capable, you can start scaling mountains and picking your way across cliffs and crevasses. The sky is the limit when it comes to the power of your own two feet.
#3: Zip-lining
If you’re looking for the excitement of skydiving without the hefty price tag, zip-lining can be a fun and affordable alternative. You’ll attach yourself to a long cable while hundreds of feet above forests, oceans and cliffs; then you’ll jump off and go careening into the open air with nothing but a small series of hooks preventing a very long fall. It’s an amazing feeling!
#4: Playing Sports
You don’t have to give up athletics just because you’ve graduated high school. Even if you aren’t on the same level as the pros, it’s still immensely satisfying to score a touchdown or step up to the plate with the bases loaded. What’s more, plenty of people out there feel the same way, and they usually run adult soccer leagues or community teams for basketball and football. Give them a call and see if they have any openings.
#5: Rafting
Anyone can experience the river on a leisurely cruise ship. Only the bravest, however, can climb into a kayak and go white-water rafting. This activity will require some measure of skill, so it isn’t for beginners or those who just climbed off the couch yesterday, but if you’re strong, fit and ready for adventure, rafting will definitely get your blood pumping.
#6: Racing
There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind in your hair at 70 miles per hour, especially if you’re engaged in a high-speed, high-stakes battle against other drivers on the same track. You don’t have to own a fancy sports car to go racing. You can buy an ATV/UTV for a less expensive thrill, or you can check out sites like Bob Parsons Motorcycles to find yourself a bike instead of a car.
#7: Paintballing
If you’ve ever wondered who your real friends are, paintballing will tell you. The more intense games can be like small-scale military operations complete with guerrilla tactics and psychological warfare. You can play more relaxed rounds, of course, but that’s no fun. It’s much more exciting to gather your friends and go all out.
#8: Traveling
It’s a common misconception that you need a lot of money to travel. If you’re willing to explore new places without the safety net of five-star hotels, you can enjoy plenty of traveling opportunities by backpacking, couchsurfing or just bumming rides in strange locations where you can’t speak a word of the language. Not only will it test your inner strength and resourcefulness, but it will also give you a genuine, non-tourist view of places all around the world.
#9: Boxing
There are many types of boxing, but most hobbyists take up either kickboxing or mixed martial arts (MMA). They’re offered in dojos and fitness centers everywhere, so you won’t have any trouble finding a class, and they serve a one-two punch of keeping you occupied while also getting you in shape. Ask around about boxing opportunities near you.
#10: Caving
Caving, also called “spelunking” and “potholing,” is all about exploring caves and other dark places in the wilderness. It can be quite dangerous since you aren’t traipsing around in commercially approved areas, but if you like breaking new ground or just exploring things on your own, it’s definitely an adventure.
#11: Poker Playing
It’s less physically active than other hobbies on this list, but poker requires just as much skill and stamina as climbing a mountain. You can even enter professional gambling circuits once you’re good enough. If you’re looking for a fun hobby that can also be used to make money, becoming a poker star is an adrenaline rush like none other.
These are just a few ways to get off the couch and live a more exciting life. There are many more, of course, so don’t take this as a fixed list. Just use it as a stepping stone for brainstorming your own ideas and finding new ways to appreciate every day and every breath.