Skiing, golf and football are the most expensive hobbies – yet gaming takes the crown as the greatest drain on time. A study of 2,000 adults revealed that snow sports are the costliest pursuit, costing on average £673 a year. Golf followed closely behind, with a yearly expenditure of more than £370 on clubs, fees and equipment, while football ranked third at £355 per year.
However, it was gaming that topped the table as the most time-consuming hobby, with players clocking up nearly four hours and 48 minutes each week in front of their consoles.
Automotive brand DS commissioned the research and launched a competition in partnership with TopTracer, inviting participants to land their shot within eight yards of the flag — with those who succeed in with the chance of winning the new DS N°8.
Jules Tilstone, managing director, DS Automobiles UK: “Our pastimes are what bring us closer to others, while giving us our own individuality.
“There are so many different hobbies, and what one person loves another may not enjoy, so it’s good to test the waters with new interests every now and then while also putting in the extra mile to enhance your abilities”.
Searching for something to do is the primary reason people take up a new hobby, while 49% have adopted a hobby because it would enhance their lifestyle. Meanwhile, 8% are inspired to give something a go because of social media.
A quarter of people take on as many as three hobbies each year — yet 15% typically give them up within 12 months. Almost two in five (38%) believe they are unlikely to stick with a new hobby unless they see improvements in their ability.
They would, however, be willing to spend an average of approximately £185 if they were confident it would boost their performance in their chosen pastime. Though 16% admitted to being less than truthful when disclosing their spending to their partner.
Ryder Cup winner David Howell said: “People think spending more money on equipment will immediately make you better at the sport – but that can’t be further from the case.
“Practice makes perfect and putting in the time is the only sure way of getting better at something. It’s a good idea to give it a go for a while before spending money on it, otherwise you may be left with expensive dust collectors.”
