MAINE, USA — From the peaks in Maine's northern region to its southern coastline and rivers in between, there are many opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts to enjoy.
On Friday, the 2024 Paris Olympic games will have their official opening ceremony. For those inspired to adopt a new hobby, many of the Olympic sports can be enjoyed here in Maine.
In 2021, rock climbing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo games. In Maine, there are many options for climbing indoors and out.
In Trenton, Volta Climbing gym offers climbers an indoor space with over 25 ropes on a 40-foot wall for lead and top-rope climbing, as well as 3,500 square feet of bouldering space.
Volta’s general manager Kary Williams encourages people not to doubt their abilities.
"Most people are like, 'I could never climb.' I hear that all the time. Truth is, everybody can climb," Williams said. "There is some physicality to it, but the truth is we've got anybody from 4 years old to 80 coming in."
For those more comfortable with water than heights, white water paddling may be a better option.
In the Olympics, canoe slalom is an event of speed and agility where paddlers navigate artificial rapids while maneuvering through specified gates. Russell Walters, a guide and part-owner of Northern Outdoors, competed in the English canoe slalom years before it was an Olympic sport.
For those looking to give white water paddling a try, he urges caution.
"Take it easy. I would really recommend that they just learn on flat water first," Walters said.
But with time and a firm understanding of the fundamentals, it is rewarding.
"When you are in the boat, everything seems to go quiet," Walters said. "You're very in tune with what's around you."
Earlier to the Olympics than both climbing and canoe slalom, sailing goes back to 1896. The sport enjoyed all along Maine’s coast can be adopted by anyone of any ability.
At the MDI Sailing Community Center, instructor Sarah King recommends looking for quality sailing education.
"It’s really important, a program that wants to teach everybody treats everyone the same, values safety," she said.
The first 2024 Olympic events will begin Wednesday, and the opening ceremony will be broadcast live at 1:30 p.m. and later encored at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the games, click here.