Outside Magazine just listed what it calls the five hottest (as in fastest growing) outdoor sports, as well as the five that've declined the most. Don't ask me how they got these figures (maybe gear sales?), but it's interesting, nonetheless:
Which of these do you enjoy?
Let's start with the bad news. Less than half of Americans surveyed by the Outdoor Foundation participated in some form of outdoor recreation in 2011. But here's the good news: Participation in outdoor recreation is at its highest level in the last five years. The annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report estimates that almost half of the United States population over the age of six, or 141.1 million individuals, went outside to run, hike, ski, etc. at least once last year. The total number of outings, 11.6 billion, increased by 1.5 billion from 2010.
Some sports did better than others. Predictably, the most popular outdoor activities for adults were fishing, running, camping, bicycling, and hiking. But you might not be able to guess which sports gained and lost the most in terms of participation. Here's quick look at the five hottest and coldest outdoor sports last year.
5. Trail Running: Nine percent increase
4. Telemarking: 15 percent increase
3. Stand Up Paddling: 18 percent increase
2. Hunting (Bow): 19 percent increase
1. Kayaking: 27 percent increase
NOT SO HOT
Sports that saw the biggest percentage declines in participation over the last three years.
5. BMX Bicycling: 18.8 percent
4. Scuba Diving: 19.8 percent
3. Climbing (Sport/Indoor/Boulder): 23.5 percent
2. Skateboarding: 25.4 percent
1. Climbing (Traditional, Ice, Mountaineering): 29.3 percent
Which of these do you enjoy?