Game On

Although hitting the gym might sometimes feel like a chore, there are plenty of other ways to stay active that are a lot more fun than the treadmill. Sports teams aren’t just for kids and professionals—in Western North Carolina, there are many recreational and competitive leagues that welcome new players no matter their skill level. Here are five of our favorites to check out this summer. 

Blue Ridge Roller Derby 
From March to August, Asheville’s first roller derby club takes on nearby city teams during its competitive season. Enrollment is open all season, over the summer, the league offers an eight-week crash course on roller skating if you’re looking to brush up before you lace up. Besides having fun on the track, BRRD also partners with other organizations for local service projects. blueridgerollerderby.com

Asheville Ultimate Club
Ultimate frisbee combines many of the movements and strategies of other team sports like football and soccer—only without the ball. There are competitive adult and youth leagues as well as weekly friendly pickup games, so players of all ages and skill levels can get in on the fun. This August, join the club for its annual HoDown Showdown, a two-day competitive tournament between league teams. Sliding scale fees, suggested $45-$75; ashevilleultimate.org

Asheville Sports & Social Club 
From kickball and dodgeball to bowling, darts, and minigolf, Asheville Sports Club has it all. Every sport is beginner-friendly and welcoming to anyone over 21 years old; each sport’s season is different, so they’ve got fun planned year-round. Here, it’s not all about the games either, although you’ll get plenty of movement and fun in any match. Socializing with your teammates is emphasized for maximum fun. Registration fees vary by sport; ashevillessc.com

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club 
This nonprofit organization does more than just organize group bike rides around Western North Carolina—BRBC also donates and raises funding for bicycle-related projects, promotes bike education, and healthy living. The club offers over 500 rides a year at a variety of paces and skill levels, including Trailside Tuesday rides nearly every week. Non-members are welcome to ride with the club. $35 individual, $50 family, $30 student/veterans; brbcnc.clubexpress.com

Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts
Take on the whitewater and flatwater in WNC, southeast Tennessee, and southwest Virginia with your self-propelled boat of choice. For their members, APEs host frequent paddling meetups and runs on familiar waterways, educational classes on paddling fundamentals, and cleanups On July 19th, you can find the club on the Tuckasegee River for their annual Babes on the Waves river run. $20, $30 family; riverapes.org