If the New Year is making you turn your mind to potential activities and hobbies to take up as a little extra entertainment, you’re certainly spoilt for choice in terms of suggestions. But we Goth folk aren’t like other people, and generally, the new, novel and slightly different is more likely to appeal to us than the run of the mill.
With this in mind, I’ve picked out some of the coolest alt-style hobbies to provide you with a little inspiration if you’re bored and seeking a new challenge.
Archery
Archery strikes me as being pretty freaking Goth, and a mahoosive-assed crossbow or longbow slung over your back with your black leather coat and ass kicking boots has to be one the most iconic looks you can possibly achieve. However aside from the obvious fashion benefits, archery is both physically and mentally challenging, and entry level kit is not prohibitively expensive.
Your best bet is to join a local archery club that caters for beginners and can set you up with lessons or an introductory course, as opposed to going all Katniss Everdeen and wandering off into the local wilderness hoping not to kill anything as you go. The UK Archery Interchange forum can help you to get started.
Juggling
You might think of juggling as a party trick or circus skill, but it’s actually a fairly well supported hobby/sport with a lot of enthusiasts and local clubs in most areas, as well as juggling meet-ups and even an annual festival held every year. Juggling doesn’t have to involve three squidgy balls (snerk) you can also juggle clubs, batons and allsorts, and juggling in pairs and mastering new skills can be highly addictive once you get to grips with the basics.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a street-fighting martial art that was developed as a training skill for the Israeli military, who, it is fair to say, are among the biggest bad asses in the civilised world. Krav Maga has really caught on in the West in recent years, as it is not only an art form and defensive skill, but also has real-world applications for self-defence and confidence, attracting people from all walks of life. Check out the Krav Maga Worldwide forum for more info.
Spinning
Spinning, as in, with a spinning wheel. Yes, really. Spinning may put you in mind of Rapunzel or your Nan, but spinning is actually becoming surprisingly popular these days, among people of all ages and both men and women. Spinning can be as complicated or simple as you want it to be, and you can also develop associated skills such as crochet and needlework while moving in the same sorts of circles.
Beginner wheels don’t have to be costly, and there are often classes, meet ups and improver groups held across the country if you catch the bug. Craft Courses lists many of them on their Twitter feed. You can also joint a Guild, a throwback to the days of yore when spinning was a vital life skill employed by rag trade professionals.
