There are many common hobbies and sport that we know of such as camping, rock climbing, collecting toys, playing soccer or basketball, making jewelry, scrapbooking, singing, and dancing. When we hear people say that they do these things, we won’t be surprised because a lot of people also have those hobbies. But there are also people who participate or engage in not-so-common hobbies and sports. What would your reaction be to these unconventional recreational activities?
1. Taxidermy
Taxidermy is not as morbid as it sounds. Actual animal skin is only sometimes used to recreate a lifelike 3D representation of an animal. Usually it’s antlers together with a man-made framework that is more commonly utilized. There are also times when the representation is completely man-made. Taxidermists are skilled in different crafts such as carpentry, woodworking, tanning, molding, casting, sculpting, painting, and drawing.
2. Urban Exploring
Urban exploring is the examination of the unseen, off-limits, and abandoned places of modern civilization. Usually, urban explorers go to hospitals, schools, drains, military bases, crypts, tunnels, factories, homes and castles. This is an exciting and sometimes dangerous hobby. Urban explorers face the dangers of spiders, snakes, wild animals, poisoned plants, asbestos, rotting floorboards and ceilings, cave ins, homeless people, and the police.
3. Quidditch
I think I already wrote about this in my Harry Potter post but I thought it should be mentioned again. Yes, there is such a thing as Muggle Quidditch. In the 2010 International Quidditch Association World Cup, there were 146 teams and over 700 players from two participating countries. Players still play with brooms and the rules and equipments are basically the same with the Wizarding World’s Quidditch except for modifications to suit play on ground.
4. Letterboxing
Letterboxing is an outdoor hobby that is similar to geocaching, in the sense that there are the elements of the hide and the seek. The basic idea of letterboxing is a placer plants a letterbox in a certain location and people try to find the box with the help of clues. These clues are either posted somewhere on the internet, passed by word of mouth, or even hidden in other letterboxes. When you find a box you log your find in yours and the placer’s logbook. While there is a whole community of letterboxers out there, this hobby has managed to escape mainstream attention.
5. Poi Spinning
Poi spinning is a traditional Maori performing art that makes use of a ball suspended from a flexible material such as a plaited cord. The ball device or poi is then held in the hand of the performer and swung in various circular patterns. These days, poi is considered not just a kind of performing arts but also a hobby and a form of exercise. There are different types of poi such as beginner (softer and less intense impact), advanced (with swivels and weighted handles), glow poi, meteors, and fire poi. One should take great care when engaging in this hobby because the balls in most poi are hard enough to cause bruising or even minor injury.
6. Joggling
The word joggling is a combination of the words “jogging” and “juggling”. In this activity, a person juggles three or more balls (or any other item) while running. This may seem like an easy thing to do but in reality, it takes some practice. Joggling requires hand-eye coordination, concentration, presence of mind, cardiovascular strength, and upper and lower body strength. You will need all these to run and juggle on the road without injuring yourself or running into other runners. There are running events that cater solely to jogglers but most, if not all, regular races don’t mind the added attraction.
7. Diabolo Manipulation
Diabolo is a juggling prop that is similar to the Chinese yoyo. It is composed of three parts – a spool, a string, and two sticks. The spool is whirled on the string which is tied to the two sticks. There are many tricks that can be performed using the equipment and different body parts. Diabolo manipulation can be done by one person but there are also group performances.
8. Cosplay
Cosplay or costume play is both a hobby and a performance art. In cosplay, participants wear costumes and accessories to portray various characters from cartoons, shows, movies, and even generic roles. Cosplay is a hobby that requires character study on top of various crafting or designing skills needed to make the costumes. You would also need to have financial resources to purchase materials for the costumes. Cosplay is a fun hobby if you want to escape your life even for one afternoon.
If you were to ask me what my reaction to these hobbies and sports would be, I would say that I actually find them really fascinating. Just because they are not the common hobbies we hear about doesn’t mean that they are not worth giving a try. I’m sure that you have your own stories of information about unconventional hobbies and sports. Tell me about them in the comments.
Top Photo Credit: Angel The Asian
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some unconventional hobbies for women?
- Try activities like rock balancing, geocaching, or urban exploration for fun and unique experiences.
- Can unconventional sports be beginner-friendly?
- Absolutely! Many unconventional sports like archery or paddleboarding offer beginner classes to help you get started.
- How do I find a community for unusual hobbies?
- Look for local clubs, social media groups, or online forums dedicated to your hobby of interest.
- Are unconventional hobbies good for mental health?
- Yes, they promote creativity, reduce stress, and can boost confidence by learning new skills.
- What equipment is needed for lesser-known sports?
- Equipment varies, but many sports like disc golf require minimal gear, making them affordable and approachable.
- Can unconventional hobbies fit into a busy schedule?
- Many can be adapted to your availability, allowing you to enjoy them casually or more seriously.
- How do I stay motivated with a new, unusual hobby?
- Set small goals, join a supportive community, and celebrate your progress to keep engaged.
- Are unconventional sports safe for all ages?
- Most are safe with proper training and precautions; always start with beginner guidance.
- Can unconventional hobbies help me meet new people?
- Definitely! Shared interests in unique activities make it easier to connect with like-minded women.
- How do I start if I have no prior experience in sports?
- Begin with beginner-friendly options, take introductory classes, and gradually build your confidence and skills.