Did you know that there are 33 different sports represented in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo? Six of them are brand new this year: rock climbing, surfing, skateboarding, baseball & softball, and karate.
Try these new Olympic sports locally.
Rock climbing
A 155-pound person climbing below “maximal effort” will burn between 8-10 calories per minute, according to researcher Jiří Baláš in this Time article about the health benefits of climbing.
Our recommendation is Climb Nashville. Their East location is closer, but only has bouldering. Climb West has both lead climbing and bouldering.
Surfing
We may not have ocean surf in Tennessee, but you can try adrenaline-pumping watersports like wakeboarding at nearby Percy Priest Lake.
For a day at the lake, we suggest personal flotation devices, kneeboards, flippers, wakeboards, inflatable kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Skateboarding
This year, the Olympic skateboarding competition will be set to music. Want to jam out on your own while riding in style? Play It Again Sports in Brentwood and Hendersonville are the only places in Tennessee you’ll find stylish boards by Retrospec, including the beautiful Zed longboard and the classic Alameda.
If you’re looking for a place to board, try the skate park at Veterans Park.
Baseball and Softball
America’s favorite pastime is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2008. Whether it’s pitching practice in your backyard or a game at Drakes Creek, you can’t go wrong with this summertime classic.
Karate
This ancient martial art dates back to the 14th century and emphasizes the mind-body connection. Usually, it takes between 4-7 years to earn a black belt in Karate.
There are many Karate studios, so here are things to look for when choosing a dojo:
1. A friendly, welcoming attitude
2. Instructors certified in the style of Karate that interests you
3. Class sizes you’re comfortable with
4. Staff that is first aid/CPR certified
5. Olympic-style mats that are cleaned regularly
6. Mirrors to check form
Psst: Don’t forget to pick up mouthguards and gently used martial arts gear.
We’ve Got the Gear.
Play It Again Sports ~ Hendersonville has the new and gently used gear you need. Click here to see what we carry!
Play It Again Sports ~ Hendersonville
201 North Anderson Lane, Suite 300
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-822-6633
Store Hours:
Sunday: 12:00 PM-5:00 PM
Monday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
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