PinkInTheBlue Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 My 14 yr old is a serious skateboarder. When he started there were 2 privately owned parks in town. A couple of days ago we found out the 2nd one is now going out of business. He is devastated. You know how a 14yr old is. He's been skating for over 2 1/2 years, is good and firmly believes this is what he's going to do his whole life. I'm not rolling my eyes at him. We are very supportive but really? It's not realistic of something you can do your whole life. So, sense his last local skatepark is closing and the surrounding ones are 20min to 2hrs away, I'm wondering if I can offer my outdoor guy alternatives. He did play Upwards soccer and basketball several years ago and enjoyed them. I think he enjoyed soccer most. However, getting involved with community teams at this age seems to me like an impossibility. In my head they are all serious and intense at this point. I'm wondering is there a way to find out if there are casual teams that really do just play for fun. Maybe something a bit like the local church softball teams. Is there any chance that I'll find anything like that? How is it in your area? Thank you! I've got to try and help this guy. I'm going to take him to the other surrounding parks as much as possible but he was at the skateparks 3 times a week on average. I just can't do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 Not outdoors, but my kids have enjoyed bowling very much. They are on a homeschool bowling league, but most bowling centers offer youth leagues. The play is usually equalized by a handicap, so that the real competition is in bettering your average. It's a lot of fun, without a lot of stress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 Ultimate Frisbee! Does anyone in your community play? Ultimate players are usually very welcoming. Secondly, does your son have inline skates? If he is in a growth spurt, I would go to a used sporting good place for a pair. When my son was 13 or 14, an afternoon skate helped him regain his focus after doing a lot of seat work. Best, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 If he liked skateboarding, he might love rock-climbing. My daughter is on a climbing team at a local gym so we are there at least 2 days a week. Despite all my physical problems, I am improving every week as a climber. It is a very individual sport, but there is a camaraderie that is wonderful to be around. Aside from my homeschooling friends, these are some of the least materialistic people I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomOfOneFunOne Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 I want to second rock climbing! and suggest the possibility of looking for the entreprenurial opportunity. Could he open a for-fee skate park? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dansamy Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 Some form of martial arts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 If you have a public golf course, then golf doesn't cost too much. You walk (no cart rental). Get used clubs. Can be good bonding time with Dad, Grandpa etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boushela Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Hi, Our city has several summer programs that are free for children to join and participate. These typically range from swimming, soccer, basketball, tennis and general sports like that. The ususally play in non-competitive settings and get rewarded at the end of the summer with trophies and things of that nature. It might be worth it to see what your state/city offers. Also maybe martial arts, wrestling or other singular sports like that. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 We've been blessed with a rock climbing program where we live. It is run by a great instructor who is experienced, certified and safety minded. They've climbed indoor gyms as well as several outdoor climbing sites. The oldest was even asked to come back and help teach knots to this years beginner class and ended up being a helper for most of their lessons. It is good outside stuff. I've been pretty impressed with the people we've met through it (who are also into backpacking, hiking and camping) and might appeal to the adrenaline seeker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 martial arts for sure. The studio my son attends accepts white belts from ages 4 and up. Once you make yellow belt, you have the option to join the competition team, but it's not a requirement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Jessica, we thought the same thing last year when my dd was looking for something else to do after competitive swimming. There was a local recreational soccer league that the high schoolers could join. It was great. It had been many years since she had played soccer and there were all different skill levels involved. Very casual and very fun. If your child likes to swim, you can look at a summer rec league or water polo. Hope you find something that works for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praisefor3 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 I'd recommend archery. Two of our kids enjoy it. If he wants, it could lead to bow hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 You are all wonderful! Thank you! These are some great ideas to bring to him. I'll check my local sports to see if there are some relaxed high school sport options. Unfortunately I can't imagine our area has and serious rock climbing sports. He would love that, however. Keep 'em coming if you have 'em. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cougarmom4 Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 tennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted June 15, 2010 Author Share Posted June 15, 2010 Tennis! We've all casually mentioned an interest in learning tennis for years. This might be the absolute perfect time for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Volleyball, volleyball, volleyball!! And it is soo much fun to watch! There are school leagues, YMCA leagues, adult leagues (that teens can join) and church leagues. Great, fun sport for all. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Running, biking, hiking, tennis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tressa Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 My 15 year old enjoyed the local Track club this spring. He ran distance and enjoyed it. He got to be part of a team, yet it was very individual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 Can you build something for skateboarding at your house? Does he have friends who would join him? One consideration would be the insurance and liability risk. I would also advocate for your town to build one for the kids. Maybe your son could start a petition. :) If he likes skateboarding, maybe rollerblading? Is there a park nearby that he could get to on his own? Is there anything that your 12 yo is into that they could both do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted June 15, 2010 Share Posted June 15, 2010 If there is a Venture Crew in your area, it's a great way to meet other kids (co-ed) and try out different activites. My husband and I started a Crew for DSS and some of his scout friends who wanted to try activities like sea kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, archery, horseback riding, and shooting sports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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