Summer is coming and many of us like to be outside and active once the weather gets nicer. And once kids are out of school, it’s always a struggle to find something to occupy them, especially if they like to be on the move. If you’re looking for new experiences for you or your kids and want a new sport to try, check out some of the great options in Marion County. All of these sports have different levels and age ranges, from kids under 10 to adults. Here are some surprising sports you can try around Salem and Marion County.
Ancient and Medieval Sports Around Salem
Many of us, adults and kids alike, are inspired by the past. For anyone who has ever wanted to try being a medieval sword-wielder or an ancient archer, the Salem area has options for you. Learning to ride a horse is another skill that many adults and children dream of, and Salem is surrounded by rural areas that offer many horse barns and lessons.
Seize the Vor
4240 25th Avenue Northeast, Suite A, Salem
Seize the Vor is a School of Medieval Combat in Salem that has classes for all ages. The moves that the classes teach are fencing-based, but using weapons that aren’t typically used in fencing. They welcome beginners to more advanced students and even have tournaments for those ready to really test their skills.
There are specific nights just for women learning the skills as well. Learning to use the longsword is at the heart of the practice, and kids start learning with brightly colored pool noodles. Adults start with plastic swords and move up. They also have a Polish Sabre Fundamentals class and Irish Stick Fighting classes.
Rebel Archery
Rebel Archery is a great way to get some experience with archery. Elizabeth Joly teaches the classes in her barn, just north of Independence, on a farm. She runs beginning classes regularly in the spring, fall, and summer, and also teaches intermediate students. Many of those taking the classes are children, but there are also adult archery classes on Saturdays for those interested in learning. Students can use the equipment she has or bring their own after checking with her.
Brawley Farms
4556 Winter Creek Road SE, Jefferson
For equestrian lessons, Brawley Farms serves both adults and children, teaching English-style riding. They have a focus on hunter/jumper disciplines, and coach all skill levels, including those on the competitive riding circuit. They also offer boarding for horses and both indoor and outdoor riding areas. For those serious about building equestrian skills, Brawley Farms is an excellent choice.
CNR Horses
6538 Lipscomb Street Southeast, Salem
If you’re looking for lessons in Western styles of riding, CNR Horses might be for you. Although they also offer English riding lessons, they also offer a full complement of Western-style riding lessons. They also have space for people to train for barrel racing (five days a week) with a weekly lesson and boarding and hauling to competitions.
Uncommon Team Sports in Marion County
Many of us like to play sports on teams. We are all familiar with soccer, football, basketball, and baseball, but other team ball sports might tickle your fancy. The Summer Olympics only happen every four years, but sometimes there are sports that you see and want to try, but didn’t realize were available in your area. Rugby and Water Polo are two of those sports.
Salem Rugby
Rugby is a contact sport (with very little padding) involving an oval ball, which both teams try to get through the goal at the end of the field. Salem Rugby can teach anyone to play and is actively recruiting for all teams. There are adult men’s (Spartans) and women’s teams (Attack Owls), teams for boys (Lost Boys) and girls (Snapping Turtles) in high school, a flag rugby team for younger girls, and a men’s over-35 team (Old Boys). The teams play at Claggett Creek Park in Keizer.
Willamette Valley Water Polo
According to their site, Willamette Valley Water Polo, “Our goal is to provide a positive place for young athletes in Albany, Salem, and surrounding areas to learn and compete in the sport of water polo through an experienced coaching staff and teams for all ages and abilities.” This includes those in sixth grade and younger (Littles), Juniors for seventh and eighth grades, Seniors for high school, and Masters at the post-high school level. The season runs from January to July, and the practices typically take place in Albany. The club organizes and staffs the annual Oregon Open Water Tournament at Foster Lake, allowing teams from all over to play water polo outside.
If you’re looking for new and unusual sporting experiences, Salem and the surrounding area have a lot to offer. From historical sports like archery and swordsmanship to newer Olympic favorites like rugby and water polo, adults and kids can experience any of these fun, less-typical sports.
