6 Most Popular Recreational Activities for First Time Participants

Most health enthusiasts agree, living an active lifestyle is crucial to a healthy life. The problem with most people however is that first, crucial step into an activity that promotes a non-sedentary lifestyle. Some activities may require some knowledge and skills that may not be easy for most to acquire. So what’s a person to do? The answer is to face it head on but to help you out, I’ve compiled a list of activities most popular among first time users. Based on research by the Outdoor foundation, these are 25 most popular recreational activities For First Time Participants.

5. Salt water fishing

As the title indicates, salt water fishing takes place out at sea giving fishermen the opportunity to catch large and exotic fishes such as the Marlin. The big drawback to this activity is that you have to have access to a boat (either own, know someone who does, or rent), and own special fishing gear that can handle large catches.

4. Bird watching

With about 10,000 species of birds and only a handful of people who can claim having seen over 7000 of them, bird watching is become a popular recreation activity. It’s believed that bird watching is an expression of the male hunting instinct while others links it with the male tendency for “systemizing”. Either way, bird watching is a great, safe way to enjoy nature.

3. Skiing (Alpine)

Also known as downhill skiing, Alpine skiing began as a club sport in 1861 at Kiandra in Australia. Today, most alpine skiing occurs at ski resorts with ski lifts that transport skiers up the mountain.

2. Backpacking

Not to be confused with backpacking for traveling purposes, overnight backpacking describes a multi-day hike that involves camping. Aside from the health benefits, backpacking allows adventurers to enjoy remote places that are usually un-accessible by any other means.

1. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during winter months while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. In fact, as of 2006, at least 500 American schools have started offering snowshoe programs in their physical education curriculum to help combat obesity.

0. Wake boarding

No waves? No problem. Wake boarding makes up for the lack of waves with a boat by dragging you along. This activity is relatively safe, popular, and will definitely keep you fit if done consistently.