What Sport Does Your Kid Play? Tell Me About It!

[ZephyrHawk]

In follow up, fencing is co-ed in that we encourage our girls to fence with boys. However, in competition, the sexes are separated (although women are usually allowed to enter into men's events in low level competition if they choose). Therefore, your DD should never have to fence a boy. That being said, there are very few natural advantages that boys have to girls in fencing. It's a sport of accuracy and quickness, and not necessarily of brute stregth. Ratings are communal, meaning if you're 'A' rated that means you're considered the equal of anyone else who is A rated, regardless of sex. Some of the best fencers in my state are a family of three: mom, dad and daughter. The dad is the worst of them.

If you have any questions about the sport, please feel free to ask.

Just a note, I used to ride and I loved it. I'd still do it if I had the time or money. I never ended up owning a horse (I leased), but I got my dad into the sport and he ended up owning two. I rode competetively in High School. It's great fun, and not as dangerous as all that. The most I ever got injured was a sprained ankle, and that was on a VERY skittish animal that I was trying to mount bareback. However, it is mega-expensive. Sure, there's the horse to think of, but even if you just ride other people's animals there's the equipment. I showed in hunt seat, saddle seat (equitation and pleasure) and Western, and I showed the animal in halter classes. That counts for 3 saddles, countless bridles and at least 4 not cheap outfits (in actual practice, I had more). And that's on top of the grooming supplies, halters, blankets, trailer, truck to pull the trailer, etc. So, yeah, my parents were ecstatic when I got into fencing. It saved them big time.

 

[IDoDis]

Sounds like your DD might really like the skating then since it is an individual sport. It works well for kids of all sizes and ages. Since she already has a dance background, she will probably do very well with the skating and will progress through the early levels quickly. My DD is having some fun now trying to decide on an artistic program for her next competition. With the artistic programs, the music can have lyrics and costumes & props are encouraged. For her competitive music this year she's skating to music from Twilight.

 

[kacaju]

DH is very against horseback riding because, as he says "we own enough animals,

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep 'em coming!

Do you have a dog? My dd13 shows our dogs. It has been the best thing for her.
She tried most other sports. Dance, softball, soccer, swimming... she just never liked any of them.She joined a 4-H dog club and she is hooked. Her dream is to show at Westminster!!

 

[dispor]

I have a DD10 who has been an ice hockey goalie for about three years. Loves it!

My other DD10 has been taking figure skating lessons and has just joined a synchronized skating team and is very excited about it. Over $1000/year, but our club has LOTS of fund raising opportunities and we know several people who have ALL of their ice time paid for by working at the different fundraisers. If you have a team in your area, that might appeal to her.

Or how about speed-skating?

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[cocodog]

I don't know your location, but my dd12's fave sport is water skiing. She also does gymnastics, cheerleading, etc. She has expressed an interest in running cross country and golf (but we only have so much time ;o) Another thing I think she would love is synchronized swimming. The closest program to us is still a couple hours away though. Hope this gives you a few ideas.

 

[lewdyan1]

My DD is a competitive baton twirler. It is an awesome sport that can be carried into high school and college. Twirling combines the skills of dance, gymnastics all while twirling a baton. Twirling gives her a unique skill that makes her special. Here is a link to a video of one of her coaches twirling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUw0uQ4O4pE

 

[punkin]

I don't have kids, but I teach beginners fencing. Ten years is about as young as I take them, but it's great fun and good exercise. If your DD has been doing tennis (which is something of an individual sport) she might be looking for something similar, as opposed to a sport that is more team based. Fencing allows you to excel as an individual, while still strongly stressing fairness and good sportsmanship. Cost for a beginner's kit (non-electric equipment) is about $100, however, most beginners classes provide the equipment. I only encourage my students to buy their own if they really start getting serious.

One thing, fencing is a very mental sport, so it appeals to those with minds for strategy, however, at the same time it can be quite physical. The point is to whack people with a sword, and you will get whacked in turn. It can sting...and bruise. Some younger kids don't have the emotional ability to deal with that sort of thing.

DD10 fences. They took her at 8 yo into Epee because she begged and pleaded since she was 7. She loves it (despite having a complete meltdown during her first competition).

It is mentally as well as physically challenging. There are 3 other girls in her class-all 2 years older so she is physically more on par with the younger boys. In competition she fences both sexes. She has no classes this week because a lot of the club went to Texas for the Nationals.

 

[debster812]

Well, DS's first love is soccer. He is 12 years old, and this will be the 1st year that he will be playing all 12 months. In years past we've made him take the summers off, but he begged to be allowed to tryout for a select summer team, and made it. And he also made the 1st team in his age group for the club he plays with. He also begged to be allowed to tryout for this team. I actually did not think he'd make it, but he surprised us.

He also golfs, which he greatly enjoys. In soccer, he's a good player, but slightly undersized, and can sometimes get pushed around by bigger kids. He told me that in golf, it does not matter that he's small, as long as his technique stays good, he can hit it a mile.

Lots and lots of golf courses are getting into running junior programs. Might be something to look at for her.

 

[imabrat]

I played field hockey until I got bone cancer in my knee. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to go back. I, personally, loved it. We got to be aggressive and knock people down, but we still were feminine because of our kilts (skirts). It's pretty rough, in terms of the actual game and conditioning for the games, but it is worth it.

 

[Tinijocaro]

DD 11 danced for 5 years before starting ice hockey. She joined her younger brother and then older brother started too. Older ds also runs cross country, and youngest dd only does gymnastics.

Three kids in ice hockey is very time-consuming but we all love it.