New year, new you: Hobbies to try this year
New year, new you… new hobbies? Whether you’re looking to shake up your weekends, meet new friends or finally have an answer to the question, ‘So, what do you do in your spare time?’, this is your year to dive into something new. Here are six new hobbies to try this year.
Pottery
Keen to get your hands dirty? Channel your inner artist by spinning clay into vases, bowls or a slightly wonky mug for your morning coffee. Here on the Gold Coast, we have plenty of pottery studios that are perfect for beginners. You’ll leave class with more than just a newfound love for ceramics – you’ll have a unique piece (or pieces) of art that’ll make an excellent conversation starter. “Oh this? I made it. No big deal.” Just brace yourself for plenty of ‘Ghost’ references…
Pro tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Clay has a way of making itself at home.
Surfing
If you live on the Gold Coast but haven’t tried surfing, this is your year to change that. Grab a board, head to Snapper Rocks or Currumbin Alley and embrace your inner grommet. The learning curve might involve a few (okay, a lot of) wipeouts, but there’s nothing like the thrill of catching your first wave – or the comfort of that post-surf cuppa.
Not quite ready to dive in? Sign up for lessons at one of the many local surf schools. Or, if you’re an aspiring gurfer (girl surfer) looking for an in, check out one of these female surf groups.
Cooking
What if this was the year you took your culinary skills beyond avocado toast and packet ramen? Whether you’re whipping up handmade pasta, experimenting with plant-based dishes or perfecting your pavlova, cooking is a hobby that’ll pay off every single day (especially at dinner time).
Class Bento keeps track of all the cooking classes happening around town – but we’d definitely suggest giving Clay Cantina a try. Of course, you could also follow along with YouTube tutorials in your own kitchen. Bonus points if you invite friends over to taste-test your creations. If they’re honest, you’ll know what to improve; if they’re polite, you’ll get an ego boost. Win-win.
Photography
Our city’s beauty deserves to be captured, and you don’t need to be a pro to start. Whether it’s the sunrise at Burleigh Hill, the bustle of Surfers Paradise or the hidden gems of the Gold Coast hinterland, there’s no shortage of photo ops. Check out this photographer’s favourites.
Start with your smartphone or invest in a mirrorless camera to up your game. Take a photography workshop or join local meet-up groups (Facebook is a perfect place to start looking!). You’ll not only build your skills, but you’ll also discover new spots you’ve probably driven past a hundred times.
Rollerblading
Rollerblading isn’t just for the ‘80s kids anymore. Grab a pair of skates and cruise along the Gold Coast Oceanway or try the smooth paths around Broadwater Parklands. It’s cardio disguised as fun – and trust us, it’s way more exciting than another treadmill session.
Don’t worry if you’re a little wobbly at first. A few spills are part of the process, and knee pads are definitely a good idea. Plus, if you’re looking for a social aspect, skating meet-ups and events are growing in popularity across the Coast – Rollerama at Carrara is a great place to start.
Bird watching
Okay, hear us out. Bird watching might not sound thrilling, but give it a chance. Armed with a pair of binoculars, you’ll discover that bird watching is a surprisingly zen way to spend a morning. Gold Coast locations like the Coombabah Wetlands and Currumbin Valley are brimming with colourful birdlife just waiting to be spotted.
From the cheeky rainbow lorikeets to the elusive bush stone-curlew, you’ll quickly see why bird watchers get hooked. Plus, you’ll have fun casually dropping ornithological facts into conversation.
So go on, get out there and try something new this year. And hey, even if you’re terrible at it, at least you’ll have a great story to tell.
