We’ve remained snug and cozy all winter long, so why not spring into the warmer months by starting a new hobby? Now, I’m not just talking about knitting or painting (although we love those hobbies too!). No, we here at Rogue Ramms are asking you to dig a little deeper. 

Think about all of the fun, crazy things you’ve always wanted to learn — horseback riding?  Archery?  Or maybe even treasure hunting!

While these hobbies may seem overwhelming at first, they are actually a lot easier to get into than you might think.

Rock Climbing

Before you dive into scaling a huge mountain, it would probably be to your best advantage to give indoor rock climbing a go first! There are gyms scattered all over the country that start beginners off in a controlled, safe environment and with all the equipment needed to start climbing. These practice walls are covered with colorful hand- and footholds to help you forge a path on your way to the top. You’re attached to a pulley system, rigged either at the top of the wall or to the ceiling, which keeps you safe and secure in case you slip or fall. Clubs typically have a range of difficulties, so once you master one path, you can move onto the next!

After you’ve learned all you can from indoor climbing, it’s time to move on to actual rock. A beginner may want to start with “bouldering,” which is what it sounds like. You don’t use a rope or equipment; but then again, it’s only a boulder — not a 200 ft sheer cliff. The idea is to pick areas where you wouldn’t be seriously injured if you fall. After you feel comfortable with that, you could continue on to “top rope climbing,” (which is a little like moving the indoor rock wall outside, in terms of danger). That’s where a rope is secured to the top and bottom of a route, and the climber is attached to the rope with (usually) a harness of some sort. At least, if you fall, you won’t go far! 

For your next level, there are two very similar types of climbing you could graduate to: sport (which focuses on physical and mental strength and stamina) and trad (short for traditional, which focuses on adventure and exploration). 

Trad, the oldest form of free climbing, is where you are faced with a clean rock face and have to create your own route (or have a leader who will do it for you). This is the type of climbing you probably think of when you think “rock climbing.” Trad climbers typically follow a crack in the rock or other natural rock characteristic.  

Sport is very similar, but relies on anchors that have been permanently secured to the rock. This type is geared toward gymnastic ability, rather than adventure and risk. 

Look for local clubs that offer excursions — when you are just starting out, you should have a partner with a lot of experience. You’ll need the basics: helmet, harness, climbing rope, and belay device on a carabiner. You’ll also need a solid pair of rock-climbing shoes to help you stick to and feel the rock holds.

Rock climbers say there is no comparison to sitting at the top of your climb and basking in the beauty of the world around you! 

Rafting

Rafting is pretty location-specific, so if you don’t live around any rivers, this hobby provides a great excuse for a road trip (as if you really need an excuse!).  One of the best things about this hobby is that there are many different variations to suit anyone’s fitness level and interests. From canoeing, to white water rafting, to relaxing, lazy river tubing.

Most riverside campgrounds will offer both tubing and canoeing. A lazy river experience can last anywhere from 2-8 hours, just floating down the river on brightly colored inner tubes with your friends. You can do guided tours or just enjoy the scenery on your own! Bringing drinks and snacks is highly recommended for your lounge in the midday sun. Most places recommend you bring your own cooler, but some offer floating coolers you can rent along with your tubes!

Canoeing falls along the middle of the intensity spectrum. You can typically fit from two people to a family of four in one canoe. Most of the time, the waters are pretty tranquil as you float along the river, but there is some paddling involved to help you along your way!

If you’re more of a thrill seeker looking to get your adrenaline pumping, white water rafting is for you! You can choose between different types and intensities. Many tours are guided, so even first timers can enjoy this activity with the right group!

No matter which type of rafting you choose, be sure to dress accordingly in a swimsuit or some cotton clothes you don’t mind getting wet, lather on the sunblock (as someone with fairer skin, believe me when I say a sunburn on the river is not fun), wear shoes that will stay secured to your feet, and don’t bring anything you’d be afraid to lose. This is an adventure that allows you the opportunity to unplug and enjoy being one with nature.

No phones needed! Just good company and beautiful scenery.

Treasure Hunting

You don’t have to be a pirate or live in an old adventure movie to go on a treasure hunt! There are plenty of fun apps and websites designed to help you sail the seven highways in your car or on foot and explore your city.

Geocaching markets themselves as the world’s largest treasure hunt. You can create a free account on their mobile app and start looking for geocaches near you. Your phone will navigate you to within 30 feet of the cache’s location, but then it’s up to you to find it! They are often disguised as everyday objects, so look for anything that may seem out of place. Bring a pen so you can sign the log, and small treasures such as tiny gems or cute erasers to leave inside the box, and be sure to put the cache right back where you found it for the next geocacher. 

Scavify is an app that allows you to create your own scavenger hunt. While mainly used for employers and universities, nothing is stopping you from grabbing a large group of your friends and putting together a scavenger hunt for a birthday or special occasion. The app’s interface is super simple and allows you to share and interact with photos of your teams completing challenges in real time.  The app also offers a virtual option to connect with friends all over the globe!

Other apps include TurfHunt and Eventzee, but there are plenty more out there for you to try! And hey — you can always do an old-school road rally scavenger hunt, if you want to take a more retro approach. Race against your friends as you ride around town completing tasks and challenges of your own creation!

Anything to make you feel like Indiana Jones or The Goonies on your own exciting adventure.

Archery

Your moment has come to live your childhood dream of being Katniss Everdeen or Legolas from Lord of the Rings! While all of the terminology and types of equipment can be intimidating at first, there are plenty of ways for you to give archery a shot with minimal commitment and a limited budget.

The first place you’re going to want to stop is your local archery range! This is the easiest way to gain some experience, and they’ll run you through an intro safety course where you’ll learn how to hold the bow, draw, aim, and shoot.

The best part is that ranges allow you to rent equipment specifically tailored to you. This way you can figure out which bows you like best, what size works for you, and the best type of arrows. Archery 360 provides an in-depth database HERE of archery clubs in every state, so you may find that there’s a range a lot closer to you than you may think!

If you fall in love with your inner archer, ranges offer a great opportunity to take more advanced classes and make friends with other archers! If you’re looking to put your skills to the test outside of the range, you’re going to want to invest in your own bow and arrows. 

These can be pretty pricey — which is why we recommend visiting the range first — but they are worth the investment if this is a hobby you really want to pursue.

Horseback Riding

There’s no shame in admitting you loved the Saddle Club growing up. I mean, what little kid didn’t have a phase when all she wanted was her very own horse? Well, just because you’re all grown up now, doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to embrace your inner horse whisperer! Fair warning, horseback riding can be quite expensive; however, there are still some ways for you to fulfill your childhood dreams while staying within a reasonable budget.

First (and most important, since they are so expensive), you don’t have to own a horse to learn to ride!

Start with simply finding a local riding stable near you and take some lessons.  It’s cheaper to try to find group or semi-private lessons with a skilled trainer, instead of opting for weekly private lessons. This also provides an opportunity to make friends with your fellow equestrians who are balling on a budget. You’ll even find that some stable owners will allow you to work (like mucking stalls and pulling weeds) in exchange for discounted (or even free) lessons. If you’re willing to put in the work, this is a great way to go if you’re strapped for cash, but still want to ride!

You may even find some horse owners who own multiple horses and need help exercising them. You may have to exchange some barn work or grooming for ride time, but others may consider you exercising their horses a favor and will let you ride for free!

This all may seem like a lot of work, but you may find you love the serenity of saddling up and riding off into the sunset with your beloved, four-legged friend!