7 Cheap Yet Fulfilling Hobbies I've Taken Up This Summer (And Am Keeping!)

August 30, 2021

Fall is fast approaching but it’s not too late to get into some new active and creative hobbies before winter hits. This summer, I have managed to take up many new hobbies, from rollerblading to slacklining, and all for very little to no cost. Here’s how I did it.

Rollerblading

I’ve not rollerbladed since I was probably 10 years old. Now I live in Vancouver, I always see people whizzing around on their rollerblades, whether it’s for fitness or commuting. I decided to check out Facebook marketplace to see if I could get my hands on a pair. I managed to grab some for $20 that came with knee and elbow pads too! I’ve since been rollerblading with friends many times and I’ve even made some new friends through this activity.

New Hobbies

Table tennis

Having access to ping pong tables will be dependent on where you live. If you live in a city, many have tables located around parks and recreational areas. Table tennis sets aren’t too expensive to buy, especially second-hand. If you manage to get a few bats and balls, this is a great activity to do with friends!

Beach volleyball

You don’t always need your own ball and net to join in with a game of beach volleyball. If you live by the ocean, head down to the beach and seek out some fellow beach volleyball enthusiasts. Most groups are more than welcome to let people join in. If you’re not up for group volleyball just yet, getting a ball and practicing without a net is just as proactive. Seeing how long you can keep the ball in the air or playing hot potato soon get you sweating.

Slacklining

Through a Facebook group, I found a women’s slacklining hangout. I’ve met many great people in this group and we often do other sports throughout the week too. Slacklining is great for core strength and balance and as it’s generally one person on the line at a time, it’s a great conversation starter for those waiting for a turn!

My new hobbies

Hiking

If you can access your hike by walking or public transport, this is another great low-cost or free activity to keep you active and get out in nature. Check out free apps like All Trails to plan your routes. Make sure you tell your friends and family where you’re going before you head out and keep your phone charged up.

Yoga

I’ve been lucky in recent weeks to find an outdoor yoga class that is pay by donation. As a self-employed person when cash flow isn’t always steady, this has been amazing. If you can’t find something similar near to you, there are so many free apps and YouTube videos available to practice yoga, inside or out.

Art projects

And finally, art! I have been doing some collaging, painting and even starting a thatch rug. My materials have been donated by friends or neighbors who have no use for these items around their homes anymore, such as magazines and balls of yarn. What I’m loving most about these new art hobbies is how they are gearing me down for the winter to come.

If you’re not a runner or a gym-goer, it can sometimes be hard to motivate yourself to exercise. With the ideas listed above, you can keep active, creative, be social and have a great time by taking up these new hobbies!

Also by Anna: Celebrate Beauty & Earth With These 4 Eco-Friendly Art Ideas You Have To Try

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Photo: Anna Ashbarry

Anna Ashbarry
Anna is a Communications and Outreach Manager at Dyslexia Canada and works in a freelance capacity as an activist, photographer and writer. Anna uses various media forms to raise awareness of issues whilst seeking social justice. With a passion for human rights and international development, Anna has worked as a Youth Reporter in Nepal and continues to explore her interest in communications in order to help provide platforms for voices to be heard. Follow Anna on Instagram @annaashbarry

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