Photo courtesy of raleighsports.org
BMX racing competition
LEAVE YOUR BALL AT HOME FOR THESE FUN SPORTS North Carolina sports has been a leader in supplying facilities and services that do not require a ball
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By David Bodle
rom baseball and softball to soccer and virtually every sport that involves a ball, North Carolina has the venue and expertise to provide an outstanding experience and a successful event. Many sports that don’t require a ball also enjoy their own exceptional venues and memorable events in North Carolina. Here are some of those sports:.
WATERSPORTS
With a geographic footprint that goes from the mountains to the piedmont to the coast, there are an abundance of watersport competitive options. Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is one of the oldest active paddle sports event sites. The host for the 2013 International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle World Championships, the site annually welcomes the nation’s oldest whitewater slalom race along with numerous other competitive events. Lake Norman has a well-deserved reputation for hosting professional fishing tournaments out of Blythe Landing. Not to be overlooked is its reputation for hosting premier dragon boat races. The annual Asian Festival and Dragon Boat Race out of Ramsey Creek regularly attracts more than 5,000 attendees. A favorite stop for the Governor’s Cup Regatta, Jordan Lake is also ideal for professional fishing tournaments. 6
Sports Planning Guide
Journeying to the coastal side of the state, Wilmington and Beaches is surrounded by water, including the ocean, a river, inlets and marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway. Each lends itself to numerous watersports. Competitive surfing events are a fixture along with windsurfing, kite surfing and wakeboarding. Sailing, kayaking and rowing events find a home on the ocean, river or waterway. There’s plenty of fishing available, including saltwater and fresh water. Swimming events find a home in the ocean and sound while indoor swimming competitions are held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Seahawk Natatorium and the local YMCA and YWCA.
DISC GOLF
As competitive disc golf competition grows and the athletes become more skilled, top facilities are opening across North Carolina. Diavolo at New Hope Disc Golf is located in the Town of Cary and part of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. Opened in 2020, it has been ranked No. 7 on UDisc’s list of The World’s Best Disc Golf Courses 2021. Earlier in 2021, Diavolo hosted the BODYARMOR State Games Disc Golf Championship and the 7th Annual Airborne @ Diavolo PDGA Tournament. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
