When was the last time someone mentioned pickleball to you? Bet it was recent. The rise of this paddle sport is impossible to ignore. Suddenly, everyone from teens to retirees seems to talk about dinking, volleys, and kitchen rules. But the pickleball phenomenon isn’t happening in isolation—other activities like wild swimming and hiking are taking off too. People are ditching the gym and heading outdoors at record speed. Fresh air, lower costs, actual sunshine—what’s not to love?
Why Pickleball Is Taking Over (and Why It’s More Than a Fad)
Back in 2020, maybe 5 million people tried pickleball worldwide. Fast forward to 2025, and the number’s well past 40 million, with courts popping up in places you’d never expect—converted tennis clubs, carparks, and even rooftop gardens in big cities. What’s behind this fastest growing outdoor activity boom?
First off, pickleball is easy to learn. You don’t have to master a tough swing or have superhuman speed. Five minutes and you’re playing, which explains the huge jump in casual players. Plus, a paddle and some wiffle balls won't drain your bank like a fancy bike or a year’s golf membership. Even celebrities—think Leonardo DiCaprio and the Kardashians—are public about loving the sport, giving it a social nudge it probably didn’t even need.
Add to that the social aspect. Pickleball matches move quickly, and most games are doubles, making it as much a hang-out as a workout. City councils are backing it, private clubs are installing courts, and the International Federation of Pickleball reported triple the number of global events since 2022, with countries like India, Brazil, and New Zealand joining the wave.
Try it: If you can hold a racket and move side-to-side, you’re ready. Most clubs will loan you gear for your first try. Look up the two-bounce rule to avoid free “kitchen” arguments.
Hiking: The Steady Climber in Outdoor Sports
Pickleball’s spike is hard to miss, but if you scroll through outdoor Instagram feeds, hiking posts are everywhere. This isn’t a lockdown trend that faded—it’s grown legs of its own. Over 62 million Americans said they hiked at least once in 2024, and that’s just one country. In New Zealand, the famous Great Walks are booked out months in advance, showing demand for trails is booming across the globe.
Why the explosion in hiking? For many, it’s the low barrier of entry. You don’t need the latest Gore-Tex jacket or expensive boots—a pair of runners works fine on easy tracks. Add in the mental health perks, all that time away from screens and traffic, and the fact you can chat—or stay silent—all day, and it’s easy to see why hiking groups are popping up in every city.
There’s also the thrill of accomplishment—climbing the Tongariro Crossing means something. In fact, a study from Stanford showed that just 90 minutes of time on a trail can cut stress levels and reduce rumination, something sitting on your couch won’t do.
Trail tip: Bring layers. Weather can switch from sun to hail with no warning, especially in New Zealand. But don’t overpack—the lighter your bag, the more fun the hike.
Wild Swimming, Trail Running, and Other Booming Outdoor Trends
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, wild swimming probably pops up in your feed—friends posting in icy rivers, neon swim caps poking out in misty lakes. Data from Outdoor Swimming Society points to a 20% jump globally in 2024 alone. Cold water? Yes, but enthusiasts swear by the endorphin rush and community vibes.
Trail running’s another surprise. While the road marathon scene is steady, off-road races have exploded—the World Trail Majors circuit doubled the number of events since 2021. What’s the draw? It’s the combo of fitness, adventure, and Instagram-worthy views, minus the crowd noise and city fumes. Runners who used to pound tarmac are loving softer trails on ankles, and the wildlife spotting is a bonus. Plus, the gear is lighter and cheaper than for most sports.
Don’t forget rock climbing and mountain biking—climbing gyms report waitlists, and bike trail permits have seen record demand. Moves to work-from-anywhere mean weekday crowds on local tracks are up, as people squeeze in quick adventures between Zoom calls.
Try it: Want to sample wild swimming? Start with a buddy, check water quality, and ease into colder temps. For trail running, swap out your old runners for a pair with decent tread and explore short loops before going all in.
What’s Driving the Outdoor Activity Boom?
People crave connection—both with others and with nature. The run on outdoor gear, full carparks at scenic reserves, and growing waitlists for beginner climbing classes aren’t a fluke. Lockdowns may have nudged folks outside for fresh air, but the appetite stuck around for good reasons.
Cost is a huge factor. If gym memberships keep climbing, but a day hike is free, the choice is pretty simple for most. There’s also flexibility: you can pick your own crew, set your pace, or just unplug completely. And tech has made it even easier—apps like AllTrails, Strava, and Komoot help newbies find safe routes and track goals. Social media fuels the loop, inspiring friends to try new activities and turning one-time outings into regular habits.
Closer to home, cities are investing in better parks, networked trail systems, and safer bike paths, making it possible for people of all ages and incomes to get outside. Everywhere you look—from small towns in Norway to cities like Wellington—urban planners are betting on outdoor fun.
Tips for Getting Started with Outdoor Activities
If you’re just joining the outdoor movement, it can feel a little overwhelming. What’s the right shoe for hiking? Is pickleball as easy as it looks? Good news: starting is simpler than you think. Most booming activities are intentionally inclusive—pick-up pickleball games encourage newcomers, and hiking groups often post beginner treks open to all fitness levels. Wild swimming clubs love coaching first-timers on safe techniques and suitable spots.
Here are some tips to get going:
- Pick something you genuinely want to try—not just what’s trending. The excitement will keep motivation high.
- Start small. A 20-minute pottery class hike or a friendly pickleball lesson goes a long way. No need to buy top-end gear straight away.
- Use tech for good: find beginner-friendly routes and clubs on apps and community groups. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Buddy up—trying something new is way more fun (and safer) with a friend. Most people start because someone invited them.
- Respect the environment — pack out your rubbish, avoid making new trails, and wash off gear to stop spreading invasive species.
Maybe you’ll be hooked after your first match, or maybe you’ll work up to it. Either way, 2025 is the year outdoor activities go mainstream—not as a stop-gap, but as a lifestyle worth keeping. Who knows which trend you’ll jump on next?
