10 Best Hobbies For Urban Adventurers

1. Whitewater Rafting 

If manoeuvring through the river rapids and rushing streams sounds like fun, and you are a fan of team activities, whitewater rafting might just satisfy your hunger for adventure.

Rafting is one of the beginner-friendly activities, although it does require a certain level of strength and stamina. An instructor will help you and your team navigate the vessel, but prepare for a serious workout. Rafting will get your whole body musculature in action and burn quite a few calories even after just a few hours.

For all the outdoor enthusiasts, this hobby is a perfect way to get your heart racing without going to extremes. With proper gear and an experienced instructor, you have no reason to worry. But don't be afraid to get wet or even fall into the water because that's all part of the fun.

2. Mixed Martial Arts 

Mixed Martial Arts, better known as MMA, is the fastest growing sport in the world at the moment. So, if your idea of a hobby includes beating people up (all in good fun, of course), MMA is the one to try.

MMA combines various disciplines such as boxing, kick-boxing, karate, wrestling, judo, Taekwondo, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. Even though it's a discipline that encompasses several sports, it has many rules that are crucial if you want to understand the sport.

The first thing that pops to mind when somebody mentions MMA might be the semi-naked fighters on TV. But, it is actually a serious sport that requires skill and dedication. In fact, it's an ideal hobby for those who are ready to commit and don't mind getting punched a few times along the way.

3. Rock Climbing

What makes rock climbing so awesome is its versatility. It equally appeals to those who love outdoor activities and those who prefer staying indoors. You know what that means - even if it rains or snows, you can still get your adventure fix. 

In rock climbing, you need to climb up or across natural or artificial rock formations. Sounds simple in theory. Unlike rafting, rock climbing requires a great deal of preparation, strength, endurance and even mental control.

There are several types of rock climbing: top roping, traditional climbing, sport climbing bouldering and big-wall climbing. Just choose whichever suits your tastes and level of confidence and skill.

Before you're ready for a speed climbing championship (yes, it exists), learn how to tie those knots and get the right gear. If you opt for the outdoor climbing, make sure to stay warm and protected with a waterproof jacket like this North Face Men's Venture.

4. Skydiving 

Skydiving is not for the faint-hearted, but it's probably a part of every adventurer's bucket list. There is something so enticing about giving in to the force of gravity and letting yourself fall freely from the sky. You do have a parachute to break your fall, but it's that moment of free falling that skydivers can't get enough of.

You might need to be a bit of a daredevil to list skydiving as your hobby, but it's something that each adrenaline junkie must try at least once in their life.

A great thing about skydiving is that anyone can try it because it doesn't require previous preparation, experience or physical strength. The only thing you need is courage. Beginner skydivers usually jump with a skydiving partner who does most of the work, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.


5. Caving 

Not every hobby needs to go to extremes to be exciting and fulfilling. Caving - or cave exploring - is more of an art because it requires patience, skill and precision to move through caves safely, without damaging the cave.

Caving is extremely rewarding, but those who don't like dark and narrow spaces should pass on this activity.

Combine caving with travelling, and this hobby will take you to some of the most fascinating places on the planet.

Different caves will require different skill levels, so you will always need to come prepared. But, with the right equipment, caving is not really dangerous. And if you want to try something more extreme, spelunking is a variation of caving that requires you to squeeze in or descend into narrow caves and passages.

6. Hiking 

Hiking is such a simple sport, but it has so many wonderful advantages. Nature lovers of all ages and skills sets will enjoy a good hike, and you don't have to travel far for it . Explore your local forest, climb a close by hill or circle a lake. And, from time to time, splurge on a more exotic hiking adventure.

But hiking can also be a serious hobby appreciated by committed adventurers. 1.2 million people visit Machu Picchu and walk the famous Inca Trail every year. This type of trekking can be a great adrenaline rush.

Probably the best thing about hiking is that it only depends on the power of your two feet. Add some good company and a durable backpack like Herschel Little America, and you'll be ready for any situation.  

7. Bungee Jumping 

Bungee jumping is one of those activities that you are either dying to try, or you believe you are much better off without. Either way, chances are you are fascinated by it, and with good reason. Let's face it - strapping yourself to an elastic string and diving into the air headfirst is pretty gutsy.

Some people are so crazy about bungee jumping that they have made it their mission to try it on as many different sites as possible. The feeling is spectacular no matter where you decide to do your first jump - whether it's from a bridge, a cable car or a viaduct.

But, if you really want to test your limits, the scariest bungee jump in the world lets you plummet 3 kilometres into the depths of an active volcano in Chile. The "Volcano Bungee" in Pucon, Chile drops you some 200 metres above the molten lava.

8. Surfing 

It's no secret that surfing is a personal favourite here at Benny's Boardroom. Why do we love it so much? Simply put, nothing comes close to the feeling of riding the waves and taming the ocean; it's addictive.

Surfing is not only exhilarating, it's also healthy and physically demanding. So, if you are looking for a hobby that is wildly fun and will keep you fit, surfing is definitely something you should try.

Yes, learning how to surf is something that requires time, dedication and practice, but it's not impossible. Just remember, nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. And, if you need some hand picked products to help you get the most out of your sessions, check out our awesome range of surfing accessories, surfboards, and wetsuits.

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 9. Skiing And Snowboarding

We know that winter is not exactly everyone's favourite season of the year. But, those who can't wait for the snow and cold weather will adore skiing and snowboarding. Besides, these winter sports are among the few hobbies on our list that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Regardless of your age or skill, you can try this sport on more or less challenging ski runs. As long as you make it in one piece to the bottom, you can consider it an accomplishment. Yes, you will fall here and there, but it happens to the best of us.

Snowboarding is a bit more difficult because you only have the board to control your movement. But, even the experienced skiers find snowboarding to be a challenge and a liberating experience.


10. Scuba Diving 

Scuba diving is one of the most popular hobbies for adventurers for a simple reason - it's not only fun, but it's also extremely fulfilling. Scuba diving gives you an insight into underwater life that you can't get any other way. This is why scuba divers are usually people who care deeply about the planet and the environment.

Scuba diving gives you the opportunity to observe the stunning underwater world, and come face-to-face with some of the most amazing plant and fish species on the planet.

And if that's not adventurous enough for you, there is always shark cage diving that allows you breathtakingly close looks at the ocean's deadliest creatures.

Aside from the love for the ocean, you will need reliable gear to take up scuba diving. Make sure to keep your body protected with a high-quality wetsuit such as Patagonia Women's R1 Spring Jane.

These are our absolute favourite hobbies. Take them as suggestions and inspiration to find a pastime that helps you seize the day and live a more adventurous life.

Have you tried any of these hobbies or have some other great ideas? Feel free to let us know in the comment section.