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Unique Hobbies
By Byju M. Devan
There are so many hobbies that are geared to not only occupy your interests but also guarantee you a great time. You can collect things that are remembrances of past trips or emotions. Or what about joining a league for fun? Outdoor pursuits such as a walking group or hiking expeditions are enjoyable too. But those are mundane in comparison to some hobbies out there. So sit back and check out these out of the world activities that will undoubtedly make your life more exhilarating.
Stunt flying
If you have you been watching wide-mouthed those electrifying moments in the movie 'TOP GUN', then its time to shut them up and start living your dreams. Earlier, stunt flying was taught only to military fighter pilots for high precision maneuvers, but later on people started taking it up as recreation and some even started taking it to levels of aerobatic competitions. In November 1962, Derek Piggott became the first person to make an officially authenticated take-off and flight in a man-powered aircraft in Southampton University's Man Powered Aircraft (SUMPA). Now trainers are available all over and there are people who provide video tutorials on performing barrel roll and loops. Also there are various aerobatic training schools that provide sophisticated hands on training.
Glass blowing
Glass blowing is a form of glass forming technique that involves the expansion of molten glass by introducing a small amount of air to it with the help of blowpipe. There are so many glass blowing techniques out of which the most important technique is free blowing. It was introduced in the middle of the first century B.C. and is still widely used as a glass forming technique and is done by blowing air into a molten portion of glass resulting in the formation of an elastic skin inside the glass blob. We can then quickly inflate the molten glass to a coherent blob and can change it into the desired shape. Another important type of glass blowing technique is mould blowing and came after the invention of free blowing. In this method, gather of molten glass is placed at the end of blow tube and is then inflated into wooden or metal carved mould. In this manner, we can change the shape and texture of glass by the design on the interior of the mould. Glass blowing is also a form of art. High concentration and lengthy practice is required to become an expert in glass blowing.
Cave diving
Cave diving is one of the exhilarating and challenging diving techniques which attracts many people to explore nature's hidden mysteries. Using different kinds of equipment, you will be able to explore different types of natural and artificial caves which are partially filled with water. This is simply a fun and a good time pass for anyone. But, apart from being fun, there are potential risks too. Buoyancy control, breathing control, swimming positioning, gear configuration refinements, decompression theory etc. are needed to be grabbed in mind before taking this serious diving exercise. If you are able to face the challenges and get along with serious diving, you can definitely be skilled after proper training. Training is provided by various organizations for people who are interested in cave diving.
Base jumping
Base jumping is a sport that involves the use of parachutes to jump from fixed objects. These fixed objects are from four categories - Building, Antenna, Span and Earth - and from these categories it got the acronym BASE. Base numbers are awarded to the person who has made at least one jump from each of these four categories. In 1981, Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield became the first to get such BASE numbers. This type of jumping is significantly more dangerous than other similar sports such as skydiving from aircraft. During the eighties, almost all the base jumps were made using standard skydiving equipment which includes two parachutes and deployment components. Later on, as this sport advanced and more people started taking this a serious passion, specialized techniques were developed for the needs of base jumping.
Hot air ballooning
Hot air balloons are one of the oldest flight technologies. Hot air ballooning is now divided into two categories - flying as a hobby privately or flying commercially. Hot air balloon rides are very much weather dependent. On a rainy day with poor visibility or high wind speeds, flights cannot be performed. In terms of ballooning, winds at ground level above 10 mph or 16 kph can result in very unpleasant and potentially dangerous landings. The cost of a balloon ride varies significantly between operators and the season. A hot air balloon consists of three parts. One is the envelope which is capable of carrying heated air. Beneath the envelope there is gondola or wicker basket that would carry the passengers. Last one is the source of heat. Several safety equipments are there to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers. Ballooners, of late, are able to fly to extremely high altitudes. Warm and robust outdoor clothing with sturdy shoes is required as the temperature drops as you go up. One can have a comfortable ballooning a few hours after sunrise or a little before sunset.
Rocket building & designing
This may sound like a little weird idea for a hobby. But it can turn out to be a really awesome experience. It can be a fun activity as well as a highly informative one. For this, you may require starter kits which are available according to various skill levels in any online store. There are various private companies in this market providing a wide range of rocket models with different designs. You can even get prototypes of actual rockets which come under skill level 2 and 3. These kits are really easy to handle. A plethora of camp organizers have started incorporating these ideas as camping themes. For those of you who are game for a little space-age stuff, one of those starter kits can get you on track right away.
Jewelry designing
Jewelry designing is a high precision job which involves mastery over the various tools as well as the materials that have to be handled. Custom made jewelry came into limelight in the 1800's. Earlier, designers used to make hand made designs which was very tedious and limited the scope for variety as well as the complexity in designs. But as time progressed, these methods became obsolete. Now it is the age of 3D CAD softwares. The whole process has become so easy that you just need to draw the designs you want using software and then feed them to a CNC machine (Computer Numeric Control), which helps in making the mould. This is the technical part of it, but for those who are inquisitive about taking this up as a hobby there are plethora of books and digital information available. With a little bit of creativity, you can make wonders.
Darts
Darts are traditional games played in the United Kingdom. The first game of darts was held in Dartford and thus it got the name dart. In the past, different games and boards were used to play darts, but now it has become a standardized game with a particular board design and rules. The Dartboards are made of sisal fibers or boar bristles having 18 inches diameter. It is divided into 20 sections and these sections are lined with thin metal wire. Many games can be played using the standard dartboard. This standard is set by World Darts Federation. This game can be played between two players. American Dart, Low Darts, Dart Ball etc. are some of the other dart games played commonly.
Billiards
This is a noble game which combines science with gymnastics, teaching the eye to judge distances, the mind to calculate forces and the arm to execute with rapidity and skill whatever the mind and eye combine to dictate for its execution.
Over time, this has been considered a rich man's game and a symbol of status. A full-size billiards table measures twelve feet by six feet, one and a half inches and has a baize-covered slate bed. The four edges of the table feature rubber edges covered in baize called "cushions." Six "pockets" are situated one at each corner plus one at the centre of each long side of the table into which the balls can drop. The cue ball struck using tapered sticks with a striking tip called "cues" is how the game is started. Billiards is played with one red ball and two white cue balls, one with a small black spot and one without. But in many places, the name billiards is used to refer to generally any pool game. This game provides a great mental as well as physical workout.
These are just a few of the exciting and interesting hobbies out there. They not only take you away from the everyday, but can teach you a new skill or even change your outlook on life. Whether you are flying through the air or simply throwing a dart, the point is really, that you are having a good time doing it.