Get a Hobby

It’s time to be more productive and bring more joy to your life in 2024 by joining a club or starting a new hobby to feed your mind, body and soul.

 

Ever heard of Ikigai, the Japanese concept meaning ‘reason for being’ or ‘life purpose’? It’s a philosophy divided into four essential areas: passion (what you love), mission (what the world needs), vocation (what you’re good at), and profession (what you can get paid for). Why am I mentioning this? Well, understanding your Ikigai can deepen your self-awareness and guide your life’s path, and having a hobby or joining a club can benefit your exploration of Ikigai.

 

Whether you’re aiming to find this balance in life or are just craving an escape from your routine to stimulate your brain, our town has an abundance of clubs to offer. Let’s start with fitness. We all should be doing some type of physical activity and sometimes we need some motivation to do it. The best way to get moving is by joining a group of others who enjoy the same sport or type of exercise.

 

Ballito Polo Clubwas founded in 2020 by Lionel Foster, a current two-goaler competitive polo player. His passion for polo and seeing others enjoy the thrill is the reason this club has seen tremendous growth on the North Coast. In 2023, Ballito Polo Club welcomed Guy Benson, a former five-goal Springbok polo player as their new full-time polo professional and coach. All horses are provided, and all riding levels are welcome. Join them for a free tryout and a fun afternoon at Oaklands Equestrian Centre.

 

Umhlali Country Club takes immense pride in the club’s rich history, traditions and family experience, emphasising its rustic charm while fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy golf, tennis, squash and bowls clubs, open to all visitors. Umhlali Country Club offers various sports memberships as well as a Social Membership tailored to your needs.

 

Dolphin Coast Striders isn’t just a running club; it’s a community where camaraderie, fitness and the beauty of our coastal surroundings are celebrated. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Start your day with invigorating runs every day, except Mondays. Weekends bring the excitement of long runs, with fellow members providing support every step of the way. Thursday evenings are dedicated to Time Trials, and the last Thursday of every month is club night – a celebration you won’t want to miss. They proudly participate in the Comrades Marathon each year, boasting an impressive lineup of entrants.

 

The Padel Pros Dome at Eden Village now proudly offers two covered courts, a first-of-its-kind in KZN! You can book their courts per hour and rent a racket, and there are single and couples memberships available with great benefits. They also sell balls, shoes and other merchandise in their pro shop. Padel Pros offers a free men’s and ladies’ padel challenge ladder that makes for great competitive matches.

 

If fitness isn’t your cup of tea and you’re leaning towards something more creative, we’ve got you covered with these exciting classes.

 

Ever dreamed of making your own clothes or mastering the art of alterations? Look no further than Sew it Seams Sewing Academy. Here, you’ll dive into a world of creativity, crafting unique projects in every class. With Tanya’s expert guidance, you’ll not only learn but also expand your sewing skills. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of handmade clothing items to boast about! Join Tanya’s engaging eight-week course or opt for personalised private lessons.

 

Now, here’s a fun fact: did you know that the word “crochet” means “hook” in French? Essentially, that makes a crocheter a “hooker”! Crocheting isn’t just for grannies… It’s not only enjoyable but also fantastic for stimulating your creative brain, at any age.

 

At Cosi Crafts, our local yarn shop, they offer weekly crochet and embroidery classes suitable for all skill levels. The beauty of this hobby is its portability – you can crochet wherever you go! Cosi Crafts also hosts social gatherings throughout the week, providing a space for you to work on your projects or contribute to local charity initiatives.

 

 

If none of these classes or clubs catch your fancy, why not consider starting your own club tailored to your unique hobbies and interests? The best part is you’ll find a welcoming community of like-minded individuals, potentially forging lifelong friendships. The possibilities are endless!

 

www.ballitopoloclub.co.za

admin@umhlaliclub.co.za

www.dolphincoaststriders.co.za

www.padel-pros.co.za

Instagram: @sew_it_seams_academy

www.cosicrafts.co.za

Words by Kai Coates