Fun, Exciting Hobbies that Make People Say, "I Wish I Could Do That!"

You only live twice. Once when you are born and once when you look death in the face.

-Ian Fleming

In the Thomas Crown Affair, there’s a particular scene where they cut to what Pierce Brosnan’s character and we get to see what he does with his free time:

Extreme sailing.

Of course. What else would one of the suavest dudes on earth be doing with his free time? He’s certainly not doing his laundry.

If someone is wondering what you’re up to, and life’s director were to “cut to you,” what would we find? A man sitting on his computer reading Reddit to all hours of the night…

…or someone doing something interesting?

These are the kinds of events that make people say, “I wish I could do that!” The funny part? Basically everybody can. All it takes is a little initiative.

Why Exciting Hobbies?

If you’re reading the sidebar (as you all should), you’d know a previous post detailed ways to enhance your social life by taking one one or two social hobbies. There we discussed everything from Toastmasters to improv to astronomy events to rugby to pub quizzes to…you get the idea.

But you’re not an exciting man until you lead an exciting life. And the most direct road between you and excitement is a new hobby.

Although the most obvious benefit to an exciting hobby is fun, there are tons of ancillary benefits to becoming more exciting:

• You get to face your fears on a regular basis
• You get outdoors and usually get exercise
• It turns the volume on your ordinary life just a little bit lower, giving you proper perspective and helping you to build a better frame
• Every once in a while, you might share your adventures on social media…and suddenly the Shallow Hal effect kicks in, women assume the best about you, and you’re basically Thomas Crowne’s long lost little brother

This is a subreddit, after all, about bringing a woman into your reality - not finding a way to sneak into her metaphorical party. If you’re going to bring people into your lifestyle, you’re going to make it a lifestyle worth living.

Some of these hobbies, true, will be more expensive than some. But if you kick the idea around a little bit, you can likely find one that works for you without requiring a huge investment.

Caveat: Part of the fun here is that there actually is danger involved. So learn everything properly, take lessons when applicable, follow the local laws, and proceed at your own risk. If you don’t have the stomach for a lot of risk, you might start with something simple, like indoor rock climbing.

• Hang gliding. There’s something special about being capable of dragging a hang glider up to where you want, taking off, and soaring above the earth…all by yourself. Better yet, get a tandem glider and make each second date the most memorable she’s ever had.
• Paragliding. Much like hang gliding, but with a parachute instead. A great date idea if you want to have some excitement, as you can do tandem paragliding with an expert…or you can get into the sport yourself.
• Skiing/snowboarding. If you live in a cold-weather area, you might have no other choice unless you want to stop doing exciting things for half the year. Snowmobiling is another possibility.
• Rock climbing. Most metropolitan areas will have rock climbing studios you can investigate if you want to get started in a safe place; work your way up the ladder and learn it properly.
• Flying/pilot lessons. You don’t have to buy a plane to experience flight itself. In fact, any kind of lessons are a great “shortcut” into the kind of lifestyle most men only dream of…without actually owning the thing itself.
• Auto racing lessons are very much in the same vein.
• Motocross. Honestly, I have no idea how to get into this, but anything that requires wearing a helmet generally qualifies under “extreme” hobbies. BMX is an alternative for you cyclists.
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing. Great for upper body exercise and enjoying the water - I’m always on the lookout for “two birds with one stone” hobbies.
• Boat racing. Admittedly, there’s a high barrier to entry here. I didn’t say all of these were easy to get into.
• Sailing. Sailing lessons are a good way to get into it, as buying yourself a boat won’t be easy.
• Whitewater kayaking. Not for the faint of heart; the possibility of drowning is real. Great for upper body strength.
• Parkour. Not my thing, but it’s great exercise, you learn a new skill, and you’re doing something exciting.
• Ice climbing. I can’t even believe people do this, but it’s another extreme sport that people indulge in.
• Cave diving.
• Bungee jumping.
• Base jumping.
• Sky diving. Another opportunity is wingsuit sky diving, which basically feels like you’re flying.

Getting Started

You don’t want to go from zero to sixty overnight, obviously. Maybe browse this list, pick out something right for you, and then start the following process:

• Look for guides online you can buy.
• Post on online forums dedicated to these subjects if you have any remaining questions
• Look up local regulations and local meet-up spots or schools where you can find more information
• Schedule an introductory class and see if it’s right for you

It’s not nearly as difficult to get started with a more interesting life once you see that all you have to do is visit a website, make a call, and meet an expert. In the Internet age, you have no excuse not to do it if you want to take up a sport like this. Once again: do it at your own risk, and have fun.

And maybe post a picture or two to Facebook and Instagram.