The Paris 2024 Olympics will feature several new + newish sports: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and 3x3 basketball. So we’re sharing how you can go for gold and try out these new Olympic sports right here in Asheville.
Breaking
Breaking (aka breakdancing) is making its Olympic debut after a resounding success in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rooted in hip-hop culture, breaking originated in the US and dates back to the 1970s.
WNC Dance Academy’s hip-hop classes incorporate breaking, popping and locking, and freestyling — summer classes are already in session, but you can look ahead to fall classes. While they might not be breaking focused, you can bust a move at one of Uphora’s or DANCECLUB Asheville’s hip-hop fitness dance classes. But if you want to work on your skills from home, professional dancer and choreographer Melvin AC Howell offers a hip-hop fundamentals dance package through his online platform of dance videos, HASdance.
Bonus: Be on the lookout for Kid Hop Hooray events where the little ones can enjoy an afternoon of breakdancing, music, face painting, and more.
DanceClub Asheville’s hip hop fitness class is fun cardio class that is perfect for all fitness levels.
Photo by @danceclubasheville
Skateboarding
Stoked about skateboarding at the Summer Olympics? Us too. This sport is newish to the Games — it debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and it seems it’s here to stick.
You can show off your skills at the Asheville Skatepark or the outdoor space at Foundation Skatepark. But if your only experience is playing “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” folks of all ages can get lessons at the Asheville Skatepark through GOSKATE, where you’ll learn basics like pushing, turning, stopping, and proper foot placement. PUSH Skate Camp also offers a chance for kids ages 5 to 15 to learn the foundations of skateboarding and rollerskating.
Sport climbing
This new Olympic sport is going to rock your world. Similar to skateboarding, sport climbing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, and it’s also here for the long haul. This sport is hosted in three formats: bouldering, speed climbing, and lead climbing.
Ok, less talk, more chalk. If you’re looking to climb, you can head to Cultivate Climbing or The Riveter — both offer intro classes or clinics, if it’s your first foray into the sport. And if you’re ready to go beyond the wall, Cultivate also has guided outdoor climbing adventures for every skill level.
Surfing
We’re amped for this one, too. Surfing debuted at the Tokyo Games and is back to catch more waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Given Asheville’s proximity to the ocean, you might have counted us out of trying this new Olympic sport. But the Woodfin Greenway and Blueway project’s Whitewater Wave could change your mind. Construction on the wave has begun, and once completed, surfers, kayakers, and paddlers can shred to their heart’s desire.
3x3 basketball
This sport also debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — although, there have been several iterations of the event at Youth Olympic Games over the years.
Form a team and head to one of the courts in Asheville’s parks or community centers, like the outdoor courts at Montford Park or the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. There’s time scheduled for indoor community games, too, at four local community centers. You can also reserve a half or full court at Asheville Sports Club.
To learn more about these new Olympic sports, including when to tune in to watch the pros compete, check out our breakdown of what to know about each event.
