Many students participate in different activities outside of school hours. Hobbies like scuba diving, snowmobiling, and crocheting are just a few of the unique things that Summit students participate in.
Less than one percent of the US population say they have scuba dived. As a recreational activity, scuba diving is one of the least popular, but not for freshman Callie McCormick.
“I got into scuba diving because both my brother and my dad do it and it seemed very fascinating and I wanted to try it out,” McCormick said.
McCormick has been on over ten dives and one of her favorites was in the Caribbean.
“The coolest place I have scuba dived is in Grand Cayman because the water was so clear and visibility was very good so I could see all the fish and sea life even when it was far away. Some fish I saw while scuba diving were tarpon and colorful little reef fish. Tarpon are very big and long and can have sharp teeth like a mini shark, but they mind their own business so they are not scary to swim with, the reef fish were everywhere and very little.” McCormick said.
If people want to get into scuba diving, McCormick has some recommendations on how to get started.
“Try [scuba diving] somewhere easy so you can get the feel of it, take it slow, and enjoy it,” McCormick said.
Although McCormick spends her time close to the equator, freshman Logan Stevens likes to go further north. Over 200,000 people snowmobile on Wisconsin’s trails during the winter and Stevens is one of them.
“My dad’s side of the family has always been into snowmobiling. I’ve been doing it since I was really little strapped to my parents chest, then a couple of years ago I rode on the back of the snowmobile but now I’m driving,” Stevens said. “We drive around on trails that are in Wisconsin and [stop at restaurants] for the whole day.”
Riding around in the snow all day gets cold for Stevens.
“[Sometimes it has been] negative ten degrees,” Stevens said. “[I have to wear] three or four layers.”
Before people start snowmobiling, Stevens wants them to know a couple of things.
“If you’re okay with the cold and like bar hopping then you should do it,” Stevens said. “If you want to start you don’t have to buy one right away. You can rent one out and see how you like it.”
While McCormick and Stevens have to travel for their hobbies, sophomore Claire Bailey doesn’t have to step out of the house for hers. All she needs is a lot of yarn and hooks to crochet.
“My cousin could crochet and she offered to teach me. After that I used a lot of YouTube to help me figure out more complicated stuff [and] overtime I got a lot more yarn and hooks,” Bailey said.
Bailey has been crocheting for years and she has learned to create a variety of things.
“I’ve crocheted a couple pieces of clothing but I prefer crocheting stuffed animals because they are cute. My favorite thing I’ve crocheted is a stuffed animal pig. I like it because it has a bow and a tutu. I think it is one of the cutest things I have made.” Bailey said.
Crocheting takes time and discipline but Bailey has found a system that works for her.
“I crochet anytime I have free time and I have nothing else to do. I really like crocheting if I have a good movie or show to go along with it.” Bailey said.
Bailey has some tips for new crocheters before they get started.
“YouTube is your best friend and invest in hooks that you really like because it makes it a lot more enjoyable. Crocheting can get expensive but the variety of what you can make is so worth it. It’s such a fun hobby that you can do throughout your life,” Bailey said.
