In recent years the importance of hobbies, particularly those based outdoors, has become clear. Leafield Marine work with many companies producing fun new equipment, ideal for those looking for a new adventure. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, or want some quiet time to relax, there’s something for you. Here are our top recommendations for new activities to try out this year.
1. Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years. After the global pandemic, people enjoyed finding a new way to experience the outdoors. Some people take it to the extreme and catch waves with surfers. Whereas, others prefer a more relaxed paddle down the river. Either way, it’s harder than it looks! Many enjoy the easier storage and transport an inflatable board provides. Leafield Marine work with several SUP specialists on their inflatable boards to keep them safe and sturdy.
2. Airboarding
You may not have heard of Airboarding before, but it is rising in popularity. The sport is a combination of snowboarding and bodyboarding. It is essentially extreme sledding and is a good option for those who don’t have the balance for snowboarding. Airboarding involves speeding down snowy mountains on an inflatable board, similar to a bodyboard. It’s a great choice for those who are not close to the sea, or when the water is a little too cold.
3. Kayaking
Most people have already tried, or at least know about kayaking. However, just like paddleboarding it is becoming one of the more popular hobbies due to the increased production of inflatable kayaks. Leafield valves feature on many inflatable kayaks, for fast and reliable inflation. Inflatable kayaks make the sport far more accessible as they are easy to deflate and pack away, even if you have limited storage space. Just like SUPs, they are perfect for people looking for a relaxing activity and those seeking a bit more adrenaline.
4. Camping
Camping is a great way to have a holiday while still making the most of the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to get away for a night, or a couple of weeks, pitching a tent provides an easy and cost-effective trip. With inflatable tents fast becoming the norm, you can get away without worrying about the stress that comes with trying to assemble your tent. This makes your trip far more enjoyable. Inflatable tents also mean you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your weekend by wiping out your camp. There is no need to worry about broken poles with these useful shelters.
5. River Rafting
River-rafting is a little less common than some of the other hobbies on this list. However, it is great for those looking for a new challenge to get their blood pumping. It is definitely advised to try this out with a professional instructor, who knows the waters well, but is suitable for anyone. Venturing down rapids with friends or family is the perfect activity for those looking for something a bit more exciting. Our US distributors at Man of Rubber River Gear are experts on river rafting and are always happy to help with product advice.
