What hobbies do you have?

Vicxas · 13-11-2022 9:24am #1

As the title suggests. Wife was asking me what do I want for Christmas. I don’t really need anything so I was struggling for an answer. She then turned around without any malice and said that I don’t have many hobbies.

And that got me thinking that since my firstborn came along in 2014 I haven’t really thought about it. But now the kids are a bit older they don’t need me as much. My problem is tho I don’t even know where to start, I’m 36 so I think extreme sports might be a stretch.

so my question to you lads are, what do normal not yet middle age men do for hobbies?

AyeGer · 13-11-2022 9:26am

Golf, try it and if you like it it’s a great pastime. If it’s not for you then you could try something else.

Jim_Hodge · 13-11-2022 9:38am

It's easy enough to start a simple hobby that doesn't involve a large outlay in gear that may be wasted if you don't take to it. Even hill walking or Bird watching. Have you a garden you could start getting more in to? Had you ever any interest in crafts like sketching or woodwork? Would a new bike or even an electric bike interest you?

Interesting101 · 13-11-2022 4:12pm

Would you have hobbies / interest before the children ??

Some of it might depend on where you live and what you actually have access to.

I think some people have a fear about trying something because they won't be great at it to start ....Fitness etc is about taking it slowly to start and building it up so you enjoy it more.

You could try a few lessons at a golf driving range before you get fully going.

Tennis /Squash / Badminton all offer singles or doubles options.

As mentioned a bike for Greenway or looked to join a casual cycling club.

Running clubs or park runs.

Maybe gaming / console online.

Music / Books Clubs / Board games clubs.

Card games.

Most of the above will have local or online options available.

djdunny · 14-11-2022 3:45pm

You’re never too old for Lego 😀

yourdeadwright · 14-11-2022 3:48pm

Very interested in this thread ,

Iv a few hobbies myself but would love some none sporting ones , Pushing 40 now & while i enjoy playing 5 aside , the gym & some rolling . It takes its toll on the body ,

Id love something that you don't have to leave home for model building or something like that,

LEGOJim1989 · 14-11-2022 4:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119873450#Comment_119873450

Agreed, what's the best set you own? :)

Interesting101 · 14-11-2022 4:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119873463#Comment_119873463

So what's stopping you to get going 😁😁. If your into sports you could start out by buying a stadium model of your favourite team.....Even a large jigsaw !!

Or maybe an F1 car ......There really are so many things out there these days.

Quick search on Google or You Tube and you'll see what's around.

Your never too old for a bit of fun and good if you have older kids to do something together 😜😜😜

Sweet Talkin Romeo · 14-11-2022 4:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119873562#Comment_119873562

poster was half-joking i reckon 🤣🤣

doubt he expected to be questioned on it by an expert 😁😁

Interesting101 · 14-11-2022 4:24pm

Just another couple one to add.....Play online Chess or even attempt to learn a new language with the apps they put there.

LEGOJim1989 · 14-11-2022 4:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119873619#Comment_119873619

An expert! Thanks! ;)

Sweet Talkin Romeo · 14-11-2022 4:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119873711#Comment_119873711

expert indeed tbs !

going by your Boards' handle, i'd say ya know plenty about it LEGO 🙂🙂 👊

GavPJ · 14-11-2022 4:45pm

I'm curious too, need something to do on a Sunday.

Sweet Talkin Romeo · 14-11-2022 4:47pm

how about 'People-Watching' OP , if that'd interest ya 😃

you'd need a car tho, i reckon,,, just park up somewhere and, well, 'watch'

pretty boring tbs, but if i had a car, i'd do it meself, from time to time 🤣 no 'practice' needed, and zero involvement from others/schedules to keep etc,,

Elon Musk · 14-11-2022 4:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271534/what-hobbies-do-you-have

Krav Maga/ Road Cycling/ Hiking/ Meditation

Stephen_Maturin · 14-11-2022 4:59pm

Growing my own veg - last year was the first year I properly got into it. Eating my own produce all summer (still have tomatoes and chillis for weeks) is genuinely one of the most rewarding and satisfying things I’ve ever done. Good for both the body and the mind.

Keep tropical fish - have been at this 10+ years and am at the point where I’m able to put very little into their care but still very enjoyable. Great excitement also when you’ve an idea for a new tank/species and get to plan the aquascaping as it were.

Cooking

Reading

Fishing

Swimming (easier on the joints than the old rugby!)

teediddlyeye · 14-11-2022 5:01pm

Motorbikes FTW.

Maybe a few lessons for Christmas?

Interesting101 · 14-11-2022 5:12pm

Photography

kirving · 14-11-2022 5:12pm

Mountain biking - depending on where you live. It hasn't got to be insane downhill or anything, but great to get out in the mountains. Lots of clubs have beginner days, and the sport as a whole is very welcoming to newcomers.

Other than that I enjoy DIY, basic car and all bike maintenance, travelling. Looking to do bit more 3d Printing now too - good hobby to start and a nice mix of technical / creativity if you're looking for something like that.

15-11-2022 8:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271534/what-hobbies-do-you-have

There is so many things to do in the world that it is indeed hard to know where to start looking - and also where to start advising you or recommending anything. Without knowing anything about you I am not sure where to even start. What makes you you and what do you enjoy or like in life?

It helps to work out what you want to get out of it. Physical health? Just a passing of time? Well being? Social Interaction or human connection? Making the world a better place? New or improved skills? Self defense? Making or saving money? Something else?

Also I am not sure that the kids do not need you so much. Do I understand correctly they are 8 and under? That is a great time to supplement their education - get them and keep them excited in science and the world - or take up hobbies with them.

For example I do Jujitsu and other martials arts with all my kids since they were toddlers. My oldest is 12 now. She is really skilled at it. We really bond over it. And she has a life skill now in self defense, striking, knife combat, and more.

I also train her on how to use rifles and guns. Hunting. Fishing. Gardening and keeping animals for meat and eggs. Growing herbs and veg. Finding shared hobbies with your kids can really promote connection and relationship with them.

What also does not help is that there are things we might not expect to enjoy - or might expect to even dislike - that when we try it we turn out to really love it. For example I discovered archery and horse riding fairly recently. They have totally captured me. I even do both together now which is quite difficult and challenging. When I first discovered Jujitsu and Capoeira 15 or so years ago I was not expecting to take to them as deeply as I did either.

So simply trying new things - martials arts, dance, animals, sport or anything else - can be a hobby in and of itself. Sample everything you can a couple of times and just see what grabs you. The quest to find a hobby can itself be a fun hobby.

LEGOJim1989 · 15-11-2022 9:21am

Serious answer thought, turn going to the gym or cycling or a swim into a hobby at the weekends, like a long early session then you'll feel amazing all day and not guilty about doing nothing all afternoon!

It's also a great way to catch up on podcasts, audiobooks, music and 'turn off' the world for me with some headphones.

banie01 · 17-11-2022 12:51pm

I'm retired, albeit quite young still at 43. Filling time was hard, so I returned to Uni and am undertaking a degree in Criminal justice. That fills a good bit but even at that I still have a lot of time lying idle.

Hobby wise, I am an Aviation nut and from models, books and friends in that sphere another wedge of time is taken up.

I have a longstanding interest in AV and have spent both time and money on that. My wife doesn't know the difference between OLED and LED, Dolby and Stereo and doesn't care for the quality of a satellite stream Vs IPTV 😉 but I do and our sitting room set up reflects that. I'd have a bigger TV in there too but my Mrs is adamant that nothing more than 55" goes in there 😟 so the 70" is in the Mancave😉

My son and I share an interest in Comic Collectibles and we have a decent collection that we often trade in. His taste is towards marvel and mine is 2000ad. All nicely displayed in our ManCave

I have other hobbies that all revolve around tech and the spectre of a Watch collection hangs over all the rest 😂

I can't partake in sport anymore due to a medical condition but played rugby up to my late 30's.

Markus Antonius · 17-11-2022 4:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271534/what-hobbies-do-you-have

Ask her for a 12 month Tinder subscription. That'll put her back her box.

Strumms · 17-11-2022 4:34pm

Photography

Health and fitness / The Gym

PS4.. soon to be upgraded to PS5

Travelling

Music… playing, listening / gig going

Film… IFI member, Netflix subscription

eating out… once or twice a week.

17-11-2022 4:42pm

OO Scale Model Railway. 4 CIE logo'd Murphy Models locomotives, complete Craven set except for Generator van, complete RPSI set from murphymodels bachmann. 3 steam engines and a Coca Cola Christmas loco. Irish layout, based in early 80's time period.

Apiarist · 17-11-2022 5:07pm

My normal hobbies are: Beekeeping, Hiking / hillwalking, Reading Sci-Fi and modern novels, Computer games.

But you do not have to have hobbies just because your wife pointed out the lack thereof. Some people are born to rest. I have an acquaintance like that. We took him fishing to a river once, he found a quiet spot and dozed off, not even sunbathing, just resting under a tree. Think about what you would like to do, and if the answer is nothing, it is a valid hobby choice.

zg3409 · 17-11-2022 5:27pm

Classic car or modern sports car ownership. There are meets at least once a month in Dublin, often dozens of meets nationwide during the summer in every county. There are specific Facebook groups for every make and model car and parts can be bought online. There are winter real world groups and clubs and special sections on boards.ie

Even watching films can be a hobby, at home or going to cinema.

Drinking is a popular hobby and many other hobbies have a big drinking side.

Cycling clubs are very popular recently with middle aged men due to lockdowns and health benefits.

Gyms are popular.

Sea swimming daily or on weekends are happening in every town even in winter.

Volunteering in other clubs particularly clubs that need parents to help with kids clubs such as sports clubs, scouts, Irish dancing etc.

Charities are always looking for help such as st Vincent de Paul, delivering meals on wheels, fundraising etc. Most charities have needs for bodies to help etc.

You can volunteer in old folk homes.

Travelling with or without partner or family may be fun. Some clubs travel to events in Ireland or abroad.

The question you need to ask is what might make me happy. Try something that aligns with your free time such as evening clubs or local weekend clubs.

El Gato De Negocios · 17-11-2022 8:06pm

Love lego, working on ghostbusters ecto 1 at the moment.

Jigsaws are great for relaxing. You can get some awesome 1000 piece ones on the likes of Zavvi that have the artwork from movies like Jaws or The Thing, I've a couple set aside for Christmas.

Reading is an obvious one, particularly biographies.

I also collect and trade movie stuff, particularly horror stuff like posters, autographs and limited edition releases of particular movies.

Also recently started collecting NECA figures, mainly horror movie stuff but also more mainstream like the Hateful 8.

I have a playstation 5 and enjoy gaming when I can get the TV to myself.

When I'm not being a lazy hure I do love going for a cycle.

Furze99 · 17-11-2022 8:23pm

Walking, playing a bit of music, gardening and growing stuff, woodwork, used to make a bit of booze - might get back to it yet, swimming outdoors in summer.

Kurooi · 17-11-2022 8:37pm

I mostly play video games and board games as entertainent, read or listen to music. Not stuff I'd call a hobby more like past times.

I have taken to photography recently, was surprised how balanced the hobby it is. I mostly shoot wildlife. Lots of nature walks, motivation to get up early catch good weather. But then there is plenty to do at home, just taking care of gear, watching tutorials, researching places, sorting photos, editing, you can enjoy a bit of social media or join a club. Nice to have something like that to fall back on, bit of a zen no stress activity.

Mundo7976 · 17-11-2022 8:43pm

I used to play alot of golf, loved it but when kids came along etc.

Now I love cycling, can go for a quick spin or nice long leisurely ride + the health benefits.

Go for a decent walk a couple of times a week.

Nintendo switch with the kids (or alone😁) passes a nasty outside evening.

Plenty of hikes also with the family when weather permits, hills/forests/coast.

Can boards.ie be a hobbyy🤔😜

17-11-2022 8:53pm

Cycling is my main hobby, fitness is a happy by product I simply love riding a bike for joy of it. I also love walking. Xbox some evenings, though now as much as I used to.

My wife and I do jigsaws this time of year maybe with a wine or beer sometimes. Pro tip if you have meddling kids who would just love to get their grubby hands on your precious jigsaws to "help" is you can buy a magnet/white board in Mr Price for very little money that will easily fit a 1500 piece puzzle on the kitchen table and can then be stashed under a couch/bed etc. safely !!!!! Nice way to spend a hour or so in the evening.

corner of hells · 17-11-2022 8:54pm

My body's a bit battered now for anything too physical, used to box , play a bit of football.

Nowadays, I keep tropical fish and collect American coins .

For years the house I live had a clear view of the mountains , herself bought me a fairly decent set of binoculars and a telescope and I spent hours stargazing or looking at the mountains , then developers built hundreds of bastard houses in front of my house.

17-11-2022 9:03pm

Vigilante justice is a great hobby and pastime

DownByTheGarden · 17-11-2022 9:36pm

I think those mens sheds look fantastic. Wouldnt mind going to one myself. Sound like they would be great craic and you would have access to tools to make stuff.

Friend of mine did a welders course in it even though he was never into DIY and he loved it.

Another thing if you can get a mate to go with you is camping. Just head off for the weekend somewhere scenic and rough it. Very boring to do alone though. If you can get a few mates even better. Bring plenty of beer. Something very peaceful about it.

I dont do any of them yet. Well I ave gone camping with the kids but they are too old now. All things id like to do when I get the time though.

Jellybaby_1 · 17-11-2022 10:02pm

I have one quick suggestion, then I'll leave! 🙂 Family history! I've been researching my family and my husband's for decades. Every new piece of information, every new addition to my family tree has been nothing short of exciting. I have found out so much about my roots, and there is still more to discover. To start, you just need to start speaking to your oldest relatives and write down everything. Then you read the Genealogy forum here on Boards. Then with all the advice you find there you begin your life's work!! You'll thank me! Good luck!

saabsaab · 17-11-2022 10:26pm

Stone collecting and a bit of shooting.

17-11-2022 10:34pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119887689#Comment_119887689

If you are at a loose end go for it !!! I'm a good few years away from the mens shed but during the crash in 2008 I found myself out of work and volunteered at one doing computer and IT skills 2 mornings a week. The amount of trading of skills that went on was nothing short of amazing. Fellas form all different backgrounds and professions passing on know how to others in the group. Chatting to a few of them the one they most looked forward to was the cookery class. Guys who might be on their own not looking after themselves diet wise would tell me it was a great class and a great way to pass a few hours in the evening cooking the meal they'd learned from scratch and then the trick of freezing the excess for another day they couldn't be arsed cooking.

Was a good way for guys who might live alone to be checked in on too and have some social contact, the social aspect to it was a big deal to many in the groups I met.

japprentice · 17-11-2022 10:43pm

Speaking of mens shed any folk here engage in mms?

John_Rambo · 17-11-2022 10:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119887941#Comment_119887941

You can't beat a bit of fossil collecting!

@Vicxas I just looked at your post history, could a kit car be an option? My cousin (who's not an engineer but has disposable income got one and it looks like so much fun) I think it's like sailing though, which from my experience is like standing in a cold shower and throwing fifty Euro notes out the window.

But great fun.

Edit... and the car he has is epic. It's a Caterham 7 kit car. A really rudimentary, simple car, very old school self assemply two seater noisy & raw sports car. There's various iterations with small engines.

magicbastarder · 17-11-2022 10:51pm

check out what evening courses are on near you in july. could be photography, pottery, learning an instrument, hillwalking etc.; and they're usually quite cheap

i did a woodturning course years ago and now it's one of my primary hobbies.

lawrencesummers · 17-11-2022 10:53pm

Ive developed a new hobby recently which i find to be fascinatingly entertaining and enjoyable. Im sure its going to catch on.

Westerns and whiskey.

Its simple. Get a bottle of whiskey and a glass, if its a school night maybe a small jug of water. Its low in calories and high in entertainment.

Put on a western and drink.

If you dont find that entertaining enough then add another dimension of refilling your glass every time someone gets shot. 3:10 to yuma, unforgiven, 1883 the list goes on.

Trekker09 · 24-04-2023 9:04am

Cycling is mine and always has been since I was a kid. I used to race but now concentrate on touring/bike packing. I cycled the Royal canal last summer from Maynooth to Longford, wild camping for 2 nights. Pure bliss!! I'm currently planning a solo bike tour in France for next year.

For me, the kick I get from having the freedom to explore whilst getting fit is like a drug. I also hike a lot and did the Camino Portuguese 2 years ago on my own. I'm lucky that my wife encourages these hobbies (I'm sure she's glad to see the back of me at times!) as she see's the mental and physical benefits.

cena · 24-04-2023 11:50am

I collect hockey jerseys, not a cheap hobby

Lewis_Benson · 01-09-2023 11:25pm

Fishing, I love catching wild predatory fish, pike, perch and trout.

Strumms · 05-11-2023 7:49pm

Hobbies..

Listening to music, playing music / going to live gigs, traveling, gaming, gym, reading, watching sports, watching films / series….

rustynutz · 05-11-2023 8:34pm

I'll list my hobbies to hopefully give you some ideas, I'm mid forties

Motorbikes - have always enjoyed them, I buy and sell the odd one, meet up up with friends to go for a spin, few trips abroad etc. Also love repairing and restoring them

Krav Maga - really enjoy getting more flexible as I get older, also constantly learning new techniques, great physical and mental challenge, also it is good motivation to keep strong and fit outside of class.i would recommend any martial art for this reason, it's not just for young people! My teenage kids do it also, great fun and learning how to defend themselves at same time.

Gym- I do a couple of strength and conditioning sessions, along with a couple 5k runs weekly, to keep in shape for Krav.

Powered paragliding- I've always been into aviation, but could never justify (or afford) the cost associated with getting a pilots license and share in a small plane, so paragliding has scratched that itch, Ireland is even more beautiful from the air, especially along the coast.

Camping- I am lucky to have bought an old motorhome before they became crazy money, myself and family head off any fine weekend, the freedom is great

Mountain biking- myself and my teenage son have gotten into this recently, good fun, and depending on your location, there are some good dedicated mountain bike trails around Ireland.

Manic Moran · 15-11-2023 4:21am

Play games on the computer, make models (Static and railroad), shoot firearms, and I used to fly aircraft, but it's really bloody expensive and I've not done it since I bought a house and got a mortgage. Would like to get back into it, though.

What hobbies do you have?

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