Huge List of 130+ Sports Hobbies To Try (Organized By Type) - HobbySlave (2024)

Sports is a great way to spend your free time whether you are an adult or a kid. Almost any sports hobby you choose can transform your life in many wonderful ways. That is why sports have been an integral part of many cultures for centuries.

Here are some of the major benefits of getting a sports hobby.

1. You get to have fun with friends. Sports are great for meeting new people and making friends.
2. You become fit and strong. Sports will help you to build speed, strength and endurance. These are essential for living a healthy lifestyle into your old age and keeping diseases at bay.
3. You learn how to work in a team. Team sports are great for teaching you how to work cooperatively with others to achieve a common goal.
4. You can build a career. If you enjoy sports, there are many sports-related careers you can get into. Also, adding sports-related hobbies to your resume can help to strengthen your application (for more see The Best Hobbies for a Resume).
5. You get to travel. If you play sports, there are plenty of opportunities to travel for sporting events out of your state and even out of your country.

There are many different types of sports from around the world that you can engage in (see my list of 750+ sports).

In this article, however, I will give you a comprehensive list of the best sports hobbies(130+) that you can get into. These hobbies are broken down into categories to fit various requirements, for example, hobbies:

• You can do them alone, as a couple, or with a group of friends.
• You can do them outdoors or indoors.
• You can leverage your various passions or interests (for example, love for animals, cars, and technology).

Regardless of what your interests are, you are bound to find a sports hobby that you will enjoy.

So, let’s dive in!

Team Sports Hobbies

When people talk about sports, team sports often come to mind. Most schools and recreational facilities offer them, so they are quite convenient to take up.

Here are some benefits of engaging in team sports.

• They are great for socializing and making friends. Many people have formed lifelong friendships with former teammates.
• They help you learn how to work in a team. This is a skill that will help you in your career as well as your personal life.
• Team sports like basketball or football tend to be highly popular, so if you excel in them, you could end up doing very well for yourself financially.

Here are some great team sports hobbies you can get into.

1. Soccer (Football)

Arguably the most popular sport in the world. It is played by teams of 11 players each and scoring is done by kicking a ball into a net. A great hobby for general fitness but also for relaxing with friends.

2. Basketball

Here, two teams of 5 players each aim to score by shooting a ball through an opponent’s hoop. Great for building coordination, agility, and motor skills through dribbling, shooting, and jumping.

3. Football (NFL)

This is a popular sport in the US that is played by two teams of 11 players each, and scoring is done by touchdown or field goals. If you need to build strength, speed, and endurance, then this is the sport for you.

4. Baseball

This is another popular sport in the US that involves hitting a ball with a bat and is played by two teams of 9 players each. A good sport for building teamwork in both adults and kids.

5. Cricket

This is a ball and bat sport played by two teams of 11 players each. It is popular in countries like England, India, Pakistan, and Australia, and is great for building hand-eye coordination.

6. Rugby

This is played with an oval ball by two teams of 15 players each (or 7 for sevens rugby). It is very popular in England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa and is great for building strength, speed, and endurance.

7. Field Hockey

This sport is played by two teams of 11 players each. The objective is to score by hitting a ball into a net using a hockey stick. It is a good hobby for getting a cardiovascular workout.

8. Volleyball

This is often played by two teams of 6 players, where players hit the ball over a net using their hands. This can be a great game for hanging out with friends in your backyard or at the beach.

9. Kabaddi

This is an ancient game that originated in India and is popular in South Asia. It is played by two teams of 7 players each and scoring is done by tagging opposing players without getting tackled.

10. Lacrosse

This is played using a long stick with a mesh and a rubber ball. It originated with Native American communities and is played by a team of 10 players. This is a unique sports hobby to try.

Other popular team sports you can try include Handball, Netball, Korfball, Hurling, Tug of War, and Softball.

Solo (Individual) Sports Hobbies

Solo sports are sports that you can do by yourself. You need to have at least one or two sports that you can do alone for the following reasons.

• You don’t have to struggle to convince others to join you. The drawback of team sports is that people often have conflicting schedules and it can be difficult to get enough people to make a team.
• You get time by yourself. Sometimes you just need to be alone to get in touch with yourself.
• They are great if you don’t have friends. If you prefer to do things alone or have moved to a new city or country, these sports will be ideal for you.

Here are some good individual sports that you can try.

11. Running

Short and long-distance running is a great way to keep fit and guard against diseases like obesity. You can choose between sprints, track running, road running, and marathons.

12. Gymnastics

A great hobby for building strength and flexibility while getting that gymnast physique that many people admire. You can choose between artistic and rhythmic gymnastics.

13. Climbing

This sport involves using your hands and feet to go up natural or artificial surfaces. You can choose between indoor climbing and outdoor rock climbing. Try this hobby if you want to build upper body strength and overcome your fear of heights.

14. Rollerblading (Inline Skating)

In rollerblading, you move and perform tricks while wearing inline skates. These are boots that have one row of small wheels at the bottom. Learning how to use these skates will allow you to participate in other hobbies like roller hockey and artistic roller skating.

15. Weightlifting

This sport involves lifting various kinds of weights such as barbells, dumbells, and kettlebells. Consider this hobby if you want to get strong and maintain muscle mass as you age.

16. Archery

This involves shooting at a target using a bow and arrow. You can use this hobby to build focus and hand-eye coordination. It is also affordable and can be set up in your backyard. If you want to kick things up a notch, try archery tag.

17. Bodybuilding

This sport involves developing a muscular body through diet and exercise. It is great for general fitness as well as acquiring a good-looking physique.

18. Skateboarding

In skateboarding, you use a skateboard to move from place to place or perform various tricks. This is a great way to burn those extra calories while building balance and coordination.

19. Parkour

Parkour involves moving from one point to another by running, jumping, vaulting, and climbing. It has been featured in popular movies like Casino Royale (James Bond). This hobby will help you develop amazing athleticism that will impress your friends.

20. Footbag (Hacky Sack)

This involves juggling a small ball with your feet. It great hobby for cardiovascular fitness and dexterity. You can also do it in a small backyard or even your apartment.

Sports Hobbies for Couples (Partner Sports)

Sports can give you something active to do as a couple, which is essential for a healthy lifestyle and maintaining great physiques.

Some of the benefits of engaging in sports as a couple are:

• You can motivate each other. When you feel lazy and don’t want to do sport, your partner can encourage you.
• You can spice up your relationship. Many sports are fun and adrenaline-filled, which can help stop a relationship from turning stale and boring.
• You learn how to work together. Playing sports as a couple teaches you how to recognize and take advantage of each other’s strengths.
• You get to meet other sporty couples. This will help you to expand your social circle.

Here are some great sports hobbies that you can do as a couple.

21. Tennis

This is a popular sport and courts are easy to find in many recreation or sports centers. Tennis rackets and balls are also quite affordable. You can play tennis as a couple or a set of couples (for double’s tennis).

22. Figure Skating

If you live near a skating rink, this can be a fun hobby to do as a pair after work. This is a good hobby for building balance and core strength.

23. AcroYoga

This acrobatic form of Yoga helps to build trust as well as an understanding of each other’s rhythms, strengths, and weaknesses. It can be done as a couple but also as a group.

24. Cycling

Cycling is a great way to take advantage of good weather to explore the outdoors together on your bikes. This is also an environmentally friendly way to move around.

25. Ping Pong (Table Tennis)

This involves using a paddle to hit a small plastic ball back and forth over a net stretched on a table. This is an easy game to set up at home and it can be a great way to introduce your kids to sport.

26. Badminton

This sport is played on a court and involves hitting a shuttleco*ck back and forth over a net using a racket. Like tennis, it can be played as a couple or set of couples but is easier to pick up.

27. Pickleball

It is a game that resembles tennis or badminton but is played with paddles rather than rackets. It is also much easier to learn and can be played in your backyard.

28. Sailing

You can buy or rent a boat and spend a few months exploring scenic coastlines or doing a bit of fishing. A perfect excuse for spending quality time together.

29. Squash

This is a sport where players take turns hitting a rubber ball against a wall using a racket. It can be played as a couple or set of couples (4 players) and is great for getting your heart rate up.

30. Dancing

If you enjoy music, consider taking up dancing as a sport. Several types of dancing such as Zumba or Jazzercise have become popular for fitness and losing weight.

Recreational Sports for Fun

Most sports are generally fun but they can get intense. If you just want to relax, have fun, and hang out with your friends, you can explore recreational sports.

Here is why you should have some fun and relaxing sports in your life.

• They are great for hanging out with others. You can do these sports during family events, outings with friends, or office parties.
• They are good for beating stress. You don’t have to take them so seriously and they are good for a laugh.
• They are convenient. You don’t have to spend so much money on them and most can be done in your backyard or a nearby recreational facility.

Here are some great recreational sports you can try.

31. Ultimate Frisbee

This game is played by 2 teams of 7 players and involves tossing a frisbee disc to an opponent’s end zone. A more leisurely form of the game can also be played in your backyard.

32. Airsoft

This is a popular shooting game where teams of players shoot at each other replica guns that shoot small plastic pellets. It’s an exhilarating game that simulates combat.

33. Bowling

This popular pastime is a great way to spend time with friends or family. It involves rolling a ball towards pins with the aim of knocking them down. You need access to a bowling alley but they are common in most major towns.

34. Pool (Pocket billiards)

This is a tabletop game where one hits a ball into a pocket with a cue stick. Pool tables are available in many recreational spots and you can even have one in your house.

35. Darts

This game involves throwing darts at a circular target. It is a popular game in pubs but you can also have it at your home. The equipment needed for darts is cheap and easy to find.

36. Croquet

Here, you hit a ball with a mallet so that it goes through a hoop. It is played by 2, 4, or 6 players and you can do it on a grassy patch, such as your backyard.

37. Miniature Golf (Mini Golf)

This is a version of golf that focuses on putting. It is often played on artificial turf or concrete. This can be a good option if you don’t have access to a golf course or you want to practice golf in your backyard.

38. Cornhole (Sack Toss)

This involves tossing a bean bag at an angled board that has a hole. You score when you land the bean bag inside the hole. Great for building accuracy and spatial awareness.

39. Foosball (Table Football)

This is a popular tabletop game where figures attached to a rod are used to strike a ball into an opponent’s goal. It is a fun game that can help you build dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

40. Zorbing

This involves rolling down a slope while secured inside a large transparent plastic ball. You can reach adrenaline-inducing speeds of more than 32 miles an hour.

Nature-Based Outdoor Sports

You should consider having some hobbies that you can do out in nature. This can give you a break from being stuck indoors at home or the office.

Nature-based outdoor sports hobbies also come with a variety of benefits such as:

• They are therapeutic. You get a good dose of fresh air and sunlight which is good for your health.
• They keep things interesting. Doing sports outdoors introduces variety into your exercise because of the changing scenery and conditions.
• They can be combined with other hobbies. For example, you can combine hunting with hiking and kayaking.

Here are some nature-based outdoor sports you can start.

41. Fishing

You can spend those lazy Sunday afternoons fishing and relaxing with your buddies. You also get to catch something delicious for dinner.

42. Falconry

Rearing and training birds of prey (such as falcons) to hunt can be a fun way to learn about birds and develop a love for them.

43. Competitive Birdwatching

You can take advantage of birdwatching competitions (birdathons) to try and identify as many bird species as you can within a specified period (see The Benefits of Birdwatching).

44. Orienteering

This sport involves navigating from one point to another using a map. This is a fun hobby that will help you get all the benefits of walking.

45. Hunting

This hobby can help you learn skills such as tracking and sharpshooting. When done legally, it can also help to control the populations of some animals like deer.

46. Kayaking

Kayaking involves navigating through water bodies (such as rivers, lakes, or seas) using a kayak (a narrow boat with a double-bladed paddle). It is a fun hobby for relaxation or exploration.

47. Hiking

This involves talking walks along wilderness trails and it is a great way to take in the beautiful outdoor scenery while getting a workout. You can combine it with other hobbies like birdwatching, photography, or camping.

48. Geocaching

In this hobby, you use a GPS-enabled device to find hidden containers called geocaches. It is great for getting people into fitness because it is not so physically demanding.

49. Coasteering

This involves exploring a coastline through walking, swimming, climbing over boulders, and sometimes cliff jumping. It can be a thrilling activity if you take proper safety precautions.

50. Fastpacking

This activity combines trail running and backpacking. This is a great way to build mental toughness and endurance.

Tech-Related Sports Hobbies

If you are the nerdy type and you enjoy working with tech, electronics, computers, or science, there are plenty of tech-related sports you can get into.

Here are some benefits of getting into tech-related sports.

• You get to learn more about tech. Many of these tech hobbies require a deeper understanding of tech and this forces you to dive deep into this world.
• They are great for networking. These hobbies can help you to show-case your skills to potential employers.
• You learn cutting-edge stuff. These hobbies force you to be up to date with new trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in the world of tech.

Here are some great tech-related sports for technology enthusiasts.

51. Competitive Gaming (Esports)

This involves competing against other players or teams in playing various video games. Popular tournaments can have big cash prizes.

52. VR Sports

Virtual Reality (VR) sports can be a great way to immerse yourself in sports gaming while getting a workout. There are plenty of popular VR games you can try such as Racket NX, X-Fitness, and Fastest Fist.

53. Simulated (Sim) Racing

Sim Racing is a great way to experience the thrills of motorsport without the heavy financial investment that is required. You can also customize your rig to match your budget. Some popular sim racing games include iRacing, Assetto Corsa, and Gran Turismo.

54. Racing RC Vehicles

You can build and race remote-controlled (RC) vehicles such as cars, planes, trucks, and buggies. This is a hobby that your kids will also love.

55. Robot Combat

This involves building robots with the aim of participating in robot combat competitions. To have an idea of what this involves, you can watch TV shows like BattleBots or Robot Wars.

56. Competitive Coding

Competitive coding can help you to test your coding skills against other programmers. There are plenty of competitions and hackathons that you can participate in and some even have prize money. These can also be a good strategy for getting a coding job.

57. Drone Racing

If you love flying drones, you can consider participating in drone racing competitions such as The Drone Racing League. You can even organize drone racing competitions if you don’t have one in your area.

58. Laser Tag

This is a shooting sport where laser guns are used to fire infrared beams. When playing, you wear special vests that have sensors that record when you get hit. This is a great sport for hanging out with friends, family, or co-workers.

59. Fantasy Football

In fantasy football, you assemble an imaginary NFL team and you compete against your friends based on the real-world performance of your imaginary draft team. This can be an interesting hobby for statistics nerds.

60. Segway Polo

This sport is similar to horse polo but it is played while riding Segways. A Segway is a scooter-like vehicle that self-balances on two wheels.

61. Powerbocking (Jump Stilting)

This sport involves performing acrobatic tricks while wearing leg attachments called jump stilts. These are made from curved springs and they enhance jumping, running, or flips. Get an edge over your friends by using your tech skills to build or modify your own stilts.

Intellectual (Mind) Sports Hobbies

Mind sports are those sports that require you to use your brain to beat your opponents. You can check organizations like the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) to see which mind sports have competitions you can enter.

Intellectual (mind) sports have several important benefits.

• They help you to become smarter. They train you in logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
• They are an alternative to physical sports. If you cannot engage in physical sports due to injury or disability, mind sports can provide you with the same thrills of competition.
• They are affordable. You don’t need to go to expensive facilities or pay a subscription to do them. Many of these games also have free online versions you can take advantage of.

Here are some great intellectual sports for your mind.

62. Chess

This is probably the most popular strategy board game. It will help you build your capacity for problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making.

63. Go

This is a strategy board game that is popular in Japan, China, and Korea. It is often considered to be more complex than chess. You can try it if you need a bigger challenge.

64. Xiangqi (Chinese Chess)

This is popular in China and surrounding regions. Can be a great option if you need an alternative to chess or you want to expand your strategy skills.

65. Draughts (Checkers)

This is another popular strategy board game that is much easier to pick up than chess. This makes it a great option if you want to hang out with friends.

66. Poker

This is a popular card game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. You can do it for fun or try to make some money through gambling. Popular poker variations include Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

67. Backgammon

This is one of the oldest board games and is typically played by two players, each with 15 checkers. It is a fun game that is easy to pick up.

68. Mahjong

This is a traditional Chinese strategy game that is generally played with 4 people and 144 tiles. There is also an online version that you can try.

69. Crossword Puzzles

These will help you build your knowledge of vocabulary, history, science, and popular culture. They are great for passing time productively.

70. Scrabble

This game involves forming words on a board using lettered tiles. It is a great hobby to do with your kids or friends if you want to build your vocabulary.

71. Memory Challenges

This is a great way to build up your working memory. Some great memory challenges you can try include memorizing Pi, names of countries and their flags, or all 88 constellations.

Other popular intellectual (mind) sports you can try include Bridge, Shogi (Japanese Chess), Chaturanga, and Sudoku.

Motor (Vehicle) Sports Hobbies

Motorsports involve the recreational or competitive use of motorized vehicles. Most of these sports involve racing cars, motorcycles, trucks, and many more.

Motorsports have several benefits, for example:

• You learn more about vehicles. To get the maximum performance out of your vehicle, you need to have a deep understanding of how it works.
• You get to leverage your passion for vehicles. If you love cars, it makes sense to choose a sport around your passion.
• They have physical benefits. Motorsports help you to build focus, concentration, and the ability to react quickly. These can have benefits in real-life activities such as driving.

One big drawback of motorsports is that they can be quite expensive and you may not be able to do them at a high level without sponsorship.

Here are some good motor sports hobbies you can try.

72. Formula 1 (F1) Racing

This involves racing single-seater open-wheeled vehicles along a track over several laps. F1 cars can reach average speeds of 200 mph on a typical circuit.

73. Go Kart Racing

This involves racing go-karts, which are small open-wheeled vehicles. If you cannot afford F1 racing, this hobby can provide many of the same thrills. It is also a popular recreational activity.

74. Drag Racing

In drag racing, two cars (or motorcycles) race against each other along a straight track over a short distance (often a quarter mile). This can be a good way for beginners to get into racing.

75. Motorcycle Racing

This sport involves racing motorcycles on circuits or open roads. Some popular types of motorcycle racing you can get into include Motorcycle Grandprix (MotoGP), Superbike racing, and Moto Cross (MX)

76. Stock Car Racing (NASCAR)

This is a popular sport in the US that involves racing cars that look like stock cars, usually around oval tracks. Originally, they used production cars but today the cars are customized for racing.

77. Rallying

This motorsport involves racing modified road-legal cars over long distances on public or private roads. A great sport for testing your driving skills in challenging conditions around the world. Popular rally events include Monte Carlo Rally, Rally Finland, Safari Rally, and Dakar Rally.

78. Demolition Derby

In this sport, cars ram and smash each other until only one car remains running. While serious injuries are rare, they can happen and you may need to sign a waiver to participate.

79. Drifting

This sport involves performing a driving maneuver where you oversteer the car so that it makes a controlled skid sideways through corners. Movies such as The Fast and Furious have contributed to its rising popularity.

80. Powerboat Racing

If you prefer racing in the water, you can try powerboat racing. This involves racing boats that are modified for speed on the open ocean.

81. Tractor Pulling

Here, modified tractors (and trucks) pull a weighted sled along a track. The aim is to pull the heaviest weight for the longest distance.

Water Sports Hobbies

Water sports take place in or on water. Given that water is everywhere, you can limit yourself if you don’t have at least one water sport that you engage in.

Water sports have several benefits:

• You learn water survival skills. These are crucial skills that can help you save your life or someone else’s life.
• They are great for hot summers. They allow you to cool off while having fun during hot weather.
• They are great for adventure. Many water sports are adrenaline-filled and are great if you want to bring some excitement into your life.

Here are some great water sports hobbies that you can try.

82. Swimming

Swimming is a gentle form of exercise which makes it an ideal sport if you are older or you suffer from muscle or joint issues. Plus it is an essential life-saving skill.

83. Diving (Fancy Diving)

This involves jumping from a platform while performing acrobatic moves. It is an Olympic sport that requires a good mix of physicality and artistry.

84. Rafting

This involves floating down a river on a raft (often an inflatable boat). It is a fun activity that can be done as a group. To challenge yourself, you can try the extreme version of white water rafting.

85. Surfing

Surfing involves catching a wave and letting it propel you toward the shore while riding a surfboard. It is thought to have been invented by Polynesians over 4,000 years ago and it is now an Olympic sport.

86. Free Diving

This involves diving to great lengths underwater without any breathing apparatus. It can help build focus, mental awareness, and breath control.

87. Jet Ski

This sport involves riding or racing a jet ski, which is a watercraft that looks like a cross between a motorcycle and a boat. If you are a speed junkie, this can be a fun activity to add to your vacation plans.

88. Water Skiing

In this sport, you get towed by a powerboat (or cable ski system) while balancing on a pair of skis. If you want to challenge yourself further, you can try barefoot skiing which is done without the skis.

89. Wakeboarding

This is similar to water skiing but you get towed while balancing on a wide board (similar to a snowboard). You can also perform tricks as you get towed.

90. Wind Surfing

This sport combines surfing and sailing and it involves maneuvering through water using a narrow board with an attached sail (i.e. a sailboard). It can be a good vacation activity since many seaside resorts often provide training to beginners.

91. Water Polo

This is an Olympic ball sport that is played in a pool with two teams of 7 players each. Scoring is done by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s net. This is a good sport for improving your swimming ability and socializing.

Winter (Snow) Sports Hobbies

If you live in a country or area that experiences winter, then you need to incorporate a few winter sports. They come with several benefits such as:

• They give you something to do in winter. These hobbies can help you inject some fun into your life during the dreary winter months.
• They help you to beat the winter blues. Outdoor winter sports help you get fresh air, sunlight, and vitamin D, and these can do wonders for your mood during winter.
• They keep you fit. It is tempting to laze around during winter but these hobbies will force you to work out and be active.

Here are some good winter (snow) sports hobbies you can try.

92. Skiing

This is one of the most popular winter sports. You can experiment with different types of skiing such as Nordic, freestyle, telemark, or downhill skiing.

93. Snowboarding

This is the equivalent of skateboarding on snow. It involves sliding down a snow-covered slope on a snowboard while performing tricks.

94. Tobogganing

In this sport, you slide down a snow-covered slope on a sled. This can be a fun activity to do as a family.

95. Snowmobiling

Driving or racing snowmobiles can also be a fun and adrenaline-filled activity. Snowmobiles are vehicles that resemble a motorbike on skis and they are great for exploring the outdoors during winter.

96. Snowshoeing

This involves walking in the snow using snow shoes. It can be a good hiking alternative during winter especially if you want to get some sunshine.

97. Ice Skating

This is a fairly affordable way to have fun in winter. You can try different types of ice-skating (such as figure or speed skating) for variety.

98. Ice Hockey

A popular winter sport in countries like the US, Canada, and Russia. It is played on ice skates by teams of 6 players that aim to score by using a stick to hit a puck into an opponent’s net. A good sport for building balance and coordination.

99. Curling

This Olympic sport is played on ice and it involves sliding a stone made of granite towards a target. Can be great for developing precision, cooperation, and agility.

100. Yukigassen

This is basically a competitive snowball fight. It originated in Japan and is played by two teams of 7 players each. It can be a great way to exercise while having fun with friends.

101. Biathlon

This is a sport that combines skiing and shooting. Try this hobby if you want to improve your marksmanship while getting a cardiovascular workout.

Animal-Related Sports Hobbies

Animals have been used in sports for centuries. While most animal sports involve either horses or dogs, other types of animals are also used depending on where you live.

Here are some reasons why you should consider an animal-related sports hobby.

• Animals make great companions. If you are lonely, getting an animal or a pet that will keep you active will help you kill two birds with one stone.
• They help you to bond with your animal. Going through challenging circ*mstances together with your animal helps you to build trust and understand your animal better.
• They can help you deal with mental issues. Animal therapy can help you to cope with mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.

Here are some good animal-related sports hobbies you can try.

102. Horse Racing

This involves racing a horse over a level track (flat racing) or hurdles (steeplechase racing). This is probably the most popular animal sport.

103. Show jumping

In show jumping, a rider and a horse jump over a series of obstacles within a specified time limit. It requires skill and coordination between the horse and the rider.

104. Harness Racing

This is a type of horse racing that involves pulling a two-wheeled cart while trotting or pacing. It can be a fun alternative to horse racing.

105. Dog Racing

In this sport, dogs (typically greyhounds), chase a mechanical rabbit around a circular track. You can try this hobby if you enjoy breeding and training dogs.

106. Dog Sledding

In this winter sport, teams of dogs pull a sled carrying a driver over snow. It is a fun, adrenaline activity that is great for exploring the outdoors in winter.

107. Skijoring

This sport originated in Scandinavia and it involves being pulled by an animal (such as a horse, dog, or reindeer) while on skis. Can be an interesting way to exercise with your dog in winter.

108. Polo

In polo, players riding on horses use long flexible mallets to hit a ball through a goal. It is often played by two teams of four players each and is great for building horsemanship skills.

109. Camel Racing

This is an ancient sport that has been traditionally practiced in the Middle East and North Africa. Camels can do short sprints of up to 40 mph (65 kph).

110. Pigeon Racing

This involves racing specially trained homing pigeons over distances of up to 620 miles (1,000 km). This hobby can help you learn a lot about birds (especially breeding and rearing them).

111. Jousting

In this medieval sport, two riders on horseback try to unseat each other using long lances. A good hobby if you love horses and history.

Sports Hobbies for Self-Defense (Martial Arts)

Many martial arts sports have evolved from ancient fighting techniques that were necessary for survival in past centuries. They continue to be popular today because of the many benefits they have such as:

• They teach you how to defend yourself. It is important to have the skills to protect yourself and your family. Sometimes, this can mean the difference between life and death.
• They teach you important life skills. Most martial arts sports emphasize restraint, respect for others, and self-discipline. Learning these skills will help you to achieve success in any field you venture into.
• They help you to build self-confidence. Learning how to deal with bullies and other people who want to take advantage of your weakness can help boost your confidence levels.

Here are some great martial arts sports for self-defense.

112. Boxing

This is arguably the most popular form of martial art and it involves striking your opponent with your fists. It is also an Olympic sport; in fact, it was an event in the first Olympics in ancient Greece (in 688 BCE).

113. Karate

This is a traditional Japanese martial art that includes sparring (Kumite) and movement patterns (kata). It involves kicking, striking, blocking, and some grappling. It is a great beginner martial art because it is widely offered in schools and recreational facilities.

114. Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea and it is distinctive for its use of spectacular kicks including the jumping spinning kicks. It is also an Olympic sport.

115. Kung Fu (Gong Fu)

This refers to a variety of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and Tai Chi. There is also Wushu which emphasizes the artistic and performance aspects of Kung Fu.

116. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

BJJ was developed and popularized by the Gracie family from Brazil. It has its origins in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo and involves grappling and submission via joint locks and chokeholds. It has been very effective in MMA competitions.

117. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

MMA incorporates techniques from a variety of martial arts styles such as Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jistu, Wrestling, and Muay Thai. It has become very popular due to championship events such as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

118. Wrestling

This is an ancient grappling martial art where opponents try to submit or throw each other. It has been popularized by pro wrestling tournaments like WWF/WWE.

119. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

This is the national sport of Thailand and it involves striking, kicking, clinching, and sweeps. It is often considered very effective for real-world self-defense.

120. Kick Boxing

This is a popular full-contact combat sport that involves punching and kicking. It is great for burning calories, developing balance, and general fitness.

121. Aikido

This martial art originated in Japan and it involves throws, joint locks, and strikes. Movies by Steven Seagal (a 7^th dan black belt) prominently feature Aikido moves.

122. Capoeira

This is a Brazilian martial art that incorporates elements of dance and acrobatics and is often performed to music. A fun hobby to pick up if you love fitness and dance.

123. Fencing

This is an Olympic sport that involves sword fighting. It features three disciplines (foil, épée, and saber) which have different blades and rules. A good sport for building precision, agility, and focus.

Adventure (Extreme) Sports Hobbies

These are adrenaline-inducing sports that often involve an element of risk. While some of these sports can be quite dangerous, you can mitigate some of the risks by having the right knowledge and taking the proper precautions.

Adventure sports have several benefits. For example, they help you:

• Learn how to overcome fear. Training yourself to face your fears will help you to overcome them over time. Imagine what you can do if you can control your fear at will.
• Collect unforgettable experiences. Attempting things that few others try will give you interesting stories that you can tell in your old age.
• Inject excitement into your life. If you feel that your life is boring, you can incorporate a few of these hobbies to keep things interesting.

Here are some adventure sports hobbies you can try.

124. Rock climbing

Climbing allows you to build strength, especially upper body and grip strength. And when you get to the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful views.

125. Mountain Biking

This is a hobby you can try if you love the outdoors. It involves riding a bike off-road, often on rocky or uneven terrain.

126. Rodeo

This is a cowboy sport that typically involves riding bucking horses, roping calves, and bull riding. It requires agility and nerves of steel.

127. Sandboarding

This is similar to snowboarding but is done on sand. This can be an exhilarating activity to consider if you live near or have access to sand dunes.

128. Skydiving

This involves parachuting from a plane. With tandem skydiving, you can experience the thrills of skydiving without the prolonged training.

129. Scuba Diving

This hobby allows you to explore the ocean depths and the creatures found there. A good hobby to consider if you are also into marine biology.

130. Hang Gliding

This involves flying a powerless glider that is made of a piece of cloth stretched over a frame. It is often launched from a slope or a cliff.

131. Spelunking (caving)

Exploring caves requires skill and endurance but it can be a good hobby if you love geology and don’t mind tight spaces. It can be quite risky so you need to take proper precautions.

132. Cliff Diving

This hobby involves jumping off cliffs while performing acrobatic stunts. Has become popular due to events like the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

133. Abseiling (Rappelling)

This involves descending down a near-vertical slope or rock face using ropes. You can combine this with hobbies like caving, mountaineering, or canyoning.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you have found a few useful ideas that will help you find the best sports hobby for you based on your unique passions or interests.

If you are still struggling to find a hobby that is appropriate for you, I suggest that you try a few and see how it goes. Sometimes you can generate passion for something by simply trying it (see Why You Have No Hobbies and How to Find a Hobby).

Otherwise, I wish you well in your hobby-hunting.

Further Reading

If you want more ideas of hobbies you can try, check the articles below.