The 3 trendy activities of summer 2022

The French spent their summer 2021 outside cycling, climbing the peaks of the Alps or the Pyrenees. The need for nature has intensified as the pandemic has subsided. “Lockdowns and illness have revealed a need for health and nature”said Benjamin Thaller, executive director of Outdoor Sports Valley at theAFP last July.

And this year again, it’s a safe bet that outdoor activities will be there. Already in January 2022, the New York Times recommended Normandy for its cycle paths in its list of 52 places to visit around the world this year. Cycling, yes, but not only: hiking, climbing and even fishing. Here are three physical activities (or almost) that will be trendy this year.

Hiking or reconnecting with nature

Visitation to the mountains has only increased over the past two years. Hiking has grown in popularity. 56% of French people, i.e. 27 million people over the age of 18, have declared that they have practiced hiking and leisure walking in the past twelve months, according to a study carried out in December 2021 by Union Sport and Cycle for the FFRandonnes. Hiking is the most practiced sport in France, ahead of cycling and swimming. In 2014, 37% of French people (18 million people) went hiking.

The activity has grown since the pandemic because it allows you to reconnect with nature, to be outdoors and to favor French destinations. Hiking is also seen as a source of well-being, accessible to all, to practice in groups at any age.

Climbing: a complete practice

The practice of climbing should also explode this summer. According to the various bouldering rooms in Paris and elsewhere, where indoor climbing is practiced, the activity has won over many new enthusiasts. And the phenomenon is not only French.

the New York Times recently devoted an article to this activity which he classifies “among the most popular adventure sports in the world, even during the pandemic”. “People are coming back in droves to the climbing gyms for the intensity of the training and the conviviality”, adds the newspaper. The physical practice is complete: we work the upper and lower body naturally.

Fishing to ease your mind

Here too, a consequence of confinement. While the country was at a standstill, one of the few ways to find yourself was by the sea with an exit certificate, fishing rod and folding chair under your arm. At least that’s the story Release on three young people from Nice. Depending on the landscape, fishing is done in the river or in a lake.

But whatever. This passive and contemplative activity allows you to take care of your mental health. “This sport has a calming effect on the most troubled minds”explains Patrick Ryan of Killinarden Angling Initiativean activity club for young people and vulnerable adults in Ireland. “You know, it lets them get away from all this other stuff; get rid of all the problems, not think about it”he said on the radio Newstalk.

Moreover, many young people have recently taken up fishing, an activity that has become “cool” for Gen Z members. Its popularity is even becoming visible on social media. On TikTok, #fishing has over 50 billion views.