The torch is blazing, and the Paris 2024 Olympics Games are officially underway. If you can't take your eyes off the competition, you may encounter a few lesser-spotted pastimes.

If you want to try your hand at some of the more niche sports on show during the Games, the Tampa Bay area has no shortage of choice.

Archery

Unleash your inner Robin Hood at Tampa Archery School. Classes take place on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O' Lakes. They cost $20 each with equipment rental included, or $70 per month. Heads up: If you're paying on-site, bring cash.

Breaking

In this new Olympics sport, athletes will use a combination of moves + freezes to wow a panel of judges. The City of Tampa offers classes which can introduce kids and teens to the discipline, and set their Olympic breaking journey running.

Fencing

Feint, lunge, and parry your way to a beginner group class at Tampa Fencing Academy. Classes run twice weekly at 5811 Memorial Hwy. in the Town 'n' Country area. Once you master the en garde, the academy hosts intermediate sessions too.

Sherwood Forest is closer than you'd think. | Photo via Canva

Skateboarding

One spot springs to mind here: Skatepark of Tampa. East Tampa's decades-old skating haven has a range of programs, from group beginner lessons to after-school sessions, and skate camp fun. Pro tip: They sell safety equipment.

Sport Climbing

Becoming a friendly neighborhood climbing master is easier than you'd think. As this sport's popularity soars across the globe, St. Pete's Vertical Ventures offers 20,000+ sqft of gravity-defying fun. Day passes for kids start at $17, and $24 for adults.

Water Polo

Next Level Water Polo has been growing the sport across West Florida since 2018. With locations in Tampa and Clearwater, players of all levels are welcome to learn the game, improve their skills, and join the community fun.

For continued coverage of Paris 2024, make sure to head to our friends at 10 Tampa Bay.