9 New Sports to Try This Summer
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Roller Hockey
Location: North Hollywood
Dust off those roller blades in the back of your closet and glide into a roller hockey team at “The Cage” roller rink. The league offers divisions for different levels of experience so even if you’ve never played you can shamelessly fumble your way around the rink with other beginners. If you’re too free a bird to join a team, check out an all-level pickup game organized every Sunday.
Lawn Bowling
Location: Santa Monica
Imagine chatting strategy as you casually roll balls across an impossibly green lawn under the shade of your crisp white visor. You may have just discovered a love for lawn bowling! To find out for sure, check out the $20 introductory class at the Santa Monica Bowls Club, which includes a month of membership and free equipment use.
Disc Golf
Location: Pasadena
You know golf? Imagine that but with frisbees, low-cost and a younger crowd, and you’ve got disc golf. Pasadena is home to the world’s very first permanent disc golf course, Oak Grove, which is still active. Check out their course and club, which hosts events nearly every day. If you’re more of a loner, just grab a disc and head to one of the other courses around the county.
Swimming
Location: Hawthorne
With summer around the corner you may be looking ahead to dips in the pool, but why not take it a stroke further? Dive into the sport of swimming with the South Bay Masters Swim Team - don’t worry, “masters” just means adults in this case. All levels are welcome, and the first session (offered daily) is free!
Horseback Riding
Location: Burbank
If you’re looking for a sport that combines fitness, composure, animals, and not having to be on a team (no social pressure!), horseback riding may be exactly what you need. Zip up your tallest riding boots and try out a lesson with the Traditional Equitation School at the LA Equestrian Center.
Wushu (Kung Fu)
Location: Crestview
The karate kid is grown up now and so are you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start your own martial arts journey! If you’re not sure where to start, try wushu (kung fu) - Chinese martial arts. The Shaolin Wushu Center offers a wide variety of classes for adults including fist, weapons, self-defense, taiji (Tai Chi), and stunt choreography. If you’re committed to karate, though, you won’t find it here - it’s Japanese!
Climbing/Bouldering
Location: Lincoln Heights, Echo Park
Reach new heights - literally - by trying your hand at climbing! Stronghold Gym offers a wide range of classes for beginners and experts alike, including adaptive climbing for those with disabilities, along with weekly affinity group climbing meetups. If you end up loving it, join a team for Sender One’s annual bouldering competition in Playa Vista!
Badminton
Location: El Monte
As ironic as it sounds considering the sport involves whacking a birdie, Badminton may just be the best sport for night owls. Courts at the San Gabriel Valley Badminton Center, where you can also find coaching, are open until 11pm. Not late enough? Rent a court at the LA Badminton Club until 1am any night of the week.
Gymnastics
Location: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood
Find out if you can still do a cartwheel, and go well beyond, with gymnastics! That’s right - even with no prior experience you can start learning gymnastics with adult classes like those at Beverly Hills Gymnastics. Improve your flexibility, strength, and keg stand (jk, jk) with this solo-friendly sport!
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