Clubs & Organizations

Note that the clubs and groups listed below in alphabetical order are in addition to law school organizations.

Archery

Archery Club
www.student.virginia.edu/~archery

UVA student recreational club for those interested in learning or honing archery skills. Club furnishes equipment (including both compound and recurve bows), providing opportunities to keep in form for hunting season, shoot in regional tournaments, or just have fun.

Baseball/Softball

North Grounds Softball League
www.ngsl.com

Open to anyone in the North Grounds of the University, the softball league is comprised mostly of Law School students, with some faculty and staff participating, and a few Darden School of Business teams. There are three leagues: a coed league, a regular league, and a "macho" league. Teams on the coed league must have at least four women players. The season takes place in fall and spring, with playoffs to determine league champions. The NGSL also hosts a national softball tournament in the spring with teams from over 60 schools.

Virginia Club Baseball
www.student.virginia.edu/~clubball

UVA student club team plays competitively against ACC schools such as Duke, Wake Forest, and University of North Carolina, and in-state rivals such as William and Mary. Tryouts in late February. The 20-game schedule runs from mid-March to late April. Two to three weekends are spent on the road in North Carolina, and the season ends with a tournament at UNC.

Basketball

Women's Club Basketball
UVA student club team provides University women with a competitive environment at the collegiate level. Games and practices during the normal basketball season in Virginia and neighboring states against other club and varsity programs.

Biking

Mountain Bike Club
www.cambc.org

Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club.

Charlottesville Bike Club
www.cvillebikeclub.org

Local club compiles the Guide to Road Rides in Central Virginia with maps and details of on-road bike rides.

Charlottesville Racing Club
www.cvilleracing.com

Road racing, mountain biking, and cyclocross. All ages and levels.

Monticello Velo Club
www.bluewheel.com

Road bike racing club. Check out site for information.

University of Virginia Cycling Team
For graduate/law/business students, undergraduates and alumni. The Virginia Cycling Team is a club sport at the University of Virginia and is a member of the ACCC (Atlantic Coast Cycling Conference) of the National Collegiate Cycling Association (NCCA), sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation.

C'ville Bike & Tri
www.cvillebike.com
975-1900
629 Berkmar Circle (corner of Rio Rd. and Berkmar).

Sales, rental and repair of serious bicycles.

Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville
www.outdoorsocial.com

The club is for grad students and local C'ville people interested in the outdoors to meet, socialize, and go on adventures together.  The club's adventures include: biking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, scuba, skiing/snow tubing, backpacking, camping, skydiving, hot-air ballooning, caving/spelunking, and river clean-up.

Wintergreen Resort
www.wintergreenresort.com
804-325-2200

Offers guided mountain bike ride, rentals, races, camps, etc. Call for directions.

Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
www.brms.com
977-4400
Barracks Road Shopping Center

Advice about where to canoe and kayak. Guide books, maps, booklets, and experienced personnel.

UVA Outdoor Equipment Rental
www.virginia.edu/ims/outdoor/orc.html
924-7700
Getting there: Emmet St next to Cavalier Inn, near corner with Ivy Road.

Students and Intramural Sports members can rent canoes , includes paddles, life vests, and a car top carrier system. Inexpensive.

James River Runners
www.jamesriver.com
286-2338
Getting there: From Exit #121 of I-64 take Rt 20 South for 17.5 miles. Turn right on Rt 726 (James River Road) just past "Welcome to Scottsville" sign. Turn right at second stop sign and continue for 3 miles. Turn left on to Rt 625 at T-junction. Go straight for 2 miles. Follow signs for Hatton's Ferry.

Canoeing, inner tubing, kayaking and rafting. Equipment rentals, group excursions, and wilderness trips. 20 years' experience.

James River Reeling & Rafting
www.reelingandrafting.com
286-4FUN
Getting there: From Exit #121 of I-64 take Rt 20 South 18 miles to Scottsville. Turn left on Rt 6 (Main Street) at the Citgo station just before the bridge. Turn right after 2 blocks on Ferry Street. On corner of Main and Ferry streets.

Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing rentals and trips.

Downriver Canoe Company
www.downriver.com
(800) 338-1963
Getting there: Call for instructions. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting on the southern fork of the Shenandoah River in the Shenandoah Valley.

See also Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville.

Dance Classes and Clubs

Albemarle County Parks and Rec
www.albemarle.org
296-5844

Ballroom, swing, and country line dance classes.

Charlottesville Dept. of Recreation
www.charlottesville.org
970-3592

Ballroom (regular, latin, waltz) dancing classes.

Recreational Sports
www.virginia.edu/ims
924-3791

Different dance class schedule each semester.

Swing Club UVA
www.student.virginia.edu/~swing/

Student group that organizes lessons, workshops, and dances.

USA DANCE: Charlottesville Chapter
http://monticello.avenue.org/usabda
980-8159

The local chapter of this national group offers dances and lessons in waltz, fox trot, rumba, and other ballroom dances. See their "dance links" page for information on dance groups in Charlottesville.

There are also private studios that offer dance lessons for children and adults in a variety of dance styles: Dance Today (ballroom, 296-1701), The Dancecenter (ballet, jazz, tap, 973-6599), and Studio 206 (yoga and dance, 296-6250).

Field Hockey

Virginia Club Field Hockey
http://scs.student.virginia.edu/~clubfh/

A great way for people who have played hockey in high school to continue enjoying the sport. This club team plays other schools, mostly in Virginia but also in Maryland and North Carolina, and practices about three times a week, primarily in fall. Social activities with other club teams.

Fishing

Mountain River Outdoors
978-7112
Getting there: Rt. 29 North, 100 yards past Greenbrier Dr. on right.

Owner is very friendly and knowledgeable about locations and local fish. Pole rental $15-25/day. Sells licenses and boating and marine supplies. Specializes in a wide variety of fly fishing equipment and accessories.

See the following fishing sites under Parks:
Beaver Creek Reservoir (bass, bream, crappie, catfish, muskie) and Chris Greene Lake (bass, bream, crappie)

James River
Getting there: From Exit #121 of I-64 take Rt. 20 South 18 miles to Scottsville.

One of best small-mouth bass rivers east of the Mississippi. For fishing outfitters, see Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting.

Rapidan River (trout)
Getting there: Rt. 29 North to Rt. 230 in Madison County.

Rivanna Reservoir
Getting there: Launch from Rt. 643, off Rt. 29 North.

No gas motors, fee, or rental boats. Large-mouth and small-mouth bass, bream, crappie, muskie, walleye.

Sugar Hollow (trout)
Getting there: Take Barracks Rd./Garth Rd. out of town northwest for half an hour to White Hall, where the road takes a 90-degree right turn just before a country store. Instead of following the road, go straight on to Sugar Hollow Rd. and go to the end.

Golf
See www.virginiagolf.com for general information about golfing in the state.

Birdwood Golf Course
www.boarsheadinn.com/activities/birdwood
293-4653
Getting there: Rt. 250 West, second left past Bellair Market, at iron gate.

University golf course open to public. Student and faculty/staff rates. Four sets of tees, 18 holes, driving range, and restaurant.

Meadow Creek Golf Course at Pen Park
977-0615
Getting there: Take 250 Bypass east to the Park St. Exit. Left on Park St. Right at the traffic light on Pen Park Rd. Charlottesville's nicest course. 18-holes. Tee times required.

McIntire Park
977-4111
Getting there: Rt. 250 Bypass west-bound, opposite McIntire Rd. exit.

Small city golf course. Sand greens, 9 holes. City residents $2, others $3. Bring your own golf bag. Tee times required.

Hiking

For nice hikes and walks in or closer to town, see Parks/Lakes (Ivy Creek, Meadow Creek Trails, Mint Springs, Ragged Mountain). For areas outside town to hike see Day Trips: Hiking.

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
www.brms.com
977-4400
Barracks Road Shopping Center

The best resource in town for equipment and advice about where to hike. Guide books, maps, booklets such as Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park and Hikes to Waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park. Ask for their list of hikes close to Charlottesville and the separate directions to trailheads.

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
293-2953, 295-2143

Local hiking club leads short and long hikes every Saturday. Meet in the Sprint parking lot at 2307 Hydraulic Rd. at 9 am. Bring food, water, and appropriate clothing.

See also Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville.

Horseback Riding

Albemarle County farm.

Virginia Riding Team
The UVA Riding team consists of athletes of all levels and offers a chance for interested members to compete in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.

Virginia Polo Club
Virginia Polo Center, 979-0293
Getting there: 2.2 miles south of I-64, Exit 120 (5th St), on Forest Lodge Lane.

Scrimmages five days a week, for all skill levels, in one of best collegiate polo facilities in the country. Competition with other colleges and local polo teams.

Mountaintop Ranch
Rt. 1, Box 402, Elkton, VA 22827
(540) 298-9542
Getting there: Rt. 29 N to Ruckersville, then 33 West. Off Rt. 609 in Elkton.

Working quarter horse ranch with great mountain views. Open 7 days a week. Reservations required. Children welcome. Picnic and camping areas.

See also Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville.

Ice Skating

Charlottesville Ice Park
www.icepark.com
817-1423
230 W. Main St, at the Downtown Mall

Public skating, skate rental, skating lessons, hockey leagues, UVA hockey games, and parties offered. Open 7 days a week, year round. Call for prices and hours, or see the web site. Occasional coupons in local newspapers.

Ice Hockey Club
UVA student club competes with universities such as Duke and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To join the club, show up for tryouts at the Charlottesville Ice Park in late September (Be sure to bring the proper equipment). Players not earning a spot on the traveling squad are still able to practice with and be a member of the team.

Lacrosse

Women's Club Lacrosse
This UVA student club plays against other University club teams and Division 2 and 3 varsity teams. Spring tournaments in Maryland and Louisiana. Tryouts are held in the fall for the year, and the team carries about 30 to 35 members.

Virginia Men's Club Lacrosse
UVA student club holds practices and games both semesters. Competes in the NCLL and plays teams such as Maryland, Richmond, and Washington and Lee. Tournaments each year at East Carolina, Penn State, and New Orleans. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to ex-varsity.

Martial Arts

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports teaches some martial arts classes. Many private martial arts schools exist in Charlottesville. See the Yellow Pages.

Judo Club
An Olympic sport created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, a Japanese school teacher. Judo involves no punches or kicks but is based on controlling an opponent by throwing and pinning. Thirty-year practitioner Gene Tey Shin leads UVA student club practices.

Shorin-Ken Karatedo Club
www.student.virginia.edu/~bushin

Bushin-Kan (Hall of Martial Spirit) UVA instructors are internationally certified by DNBK (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai). Instructors provide the opportunity for all participants to achieve the optimal balance, strength, self-discipline, self-confidence, and harmony of the mind, body, and spirit through classical Japanese Shorin-Ken Karate. Participants will also be introduced to classical Japanese martial art philosophies, techniques, katas and self-defense. Participants will be divided into skill levels for training. Legitimate ranking is offered through Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society), Japan’s oldest and most prestigious martial arts society.

Shotokan Karate Club
www.student.virginia.edu/~shotokan

Shotokan practice is divided into three parts: kihon, which are basic blocks, punches, kicks, and stances; kumite, sparring with an opponent; and kata, which are prearranged forms simulating combat. The Club practices in each area, starting with very basic techniques until these blocks and attacks become more instinctual. More intricate and difficult kata are taught at higher ranks.

Tae Kwon Do Club
www.student.virginia.edu/~uvatkd

The University's Tae Kwon Do Club (TKD Club) was created in the fall of 1992 and has been in operation ever since.

Uechi-Ryu Karate
UVA student club and a for-credit class. Uechi-Ryu karate blends evasive or soft techniques from China with hard-hitting techniques from Okinawa. Together, efficiency and hard and soft techniques make URK effective in real-life combat for students of all sizes.

Rifle

Virginia Rifle and Pistol Club
UVA student club dedicated to increasing skill in marksmanship through intercollegiate competition. The club has been in existence since the 1950s, and boasts numerous former All-Americans and National Champions.

Rock Climbing

Rocky Top Climbing Club
984-1626
Getting there: Allied St., off Harris near intersection with McIntire Rd.

Indoor rock-climbing introductory lesson. Equipment rental.

ACAC Rocks also has an indoor climbing wall; see the section on private gyms.

See also Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville.

Rowing

Rivanna Rowing Club
www.rivannarowing.org
978-2092

Central Virginia rowing club provides equipment, education, and support to rowers of all levels.

Rugby

Virginia Rugby Football Club
www.virginiarugby.org

"The oldest rugby club south of the Mason-Dixon." Established in 1961, the Virginia Rugby Club welcomes law students at practices or in the audience at matches.

Running

Ragged Mountain Running Shop
www.raggedmountainrunning.com
293-3367
Getting there: The Corner, Elliewood Ave.

Good source of information on running, local road races, and local track club. Sells a Charlottesville running trails booklet. Turn in old running shoes for discount on new pair.

Cavalier Road Runners
UVA student club open to runners of all abilities within the University community. Meets officially at 4 p.m. at the Alderman Road side of the Aquatics and Fitness Center. Connects runners, maintains an e-mail list, and helps pay for members' races.

Charlottesville Track Club
www.charlottesvilletrackclub.org
293-6115

Local track club established in 1976, sponsors Saturday morning runs, speed workouts, fun runs, and 5K and 10k races. Student membership rate.

Sailing

Sailing Association at the University of Virginia
www.student.virginia.edu/~sailing

UVA student/faculty group for all levels. Sailing lessons for beginners. Boats available for pleasure sailing. Club races competitively, travels to regattas.

Scuba
UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers scuba diving certification, as well as the following private shops:

Charlottesville Scuba Center
www.connect2diving.com
964-9200
909 Gardens Blvd.
Getting there: Rt. 29 North, Across from Carmike on the east and Pier One on the north.

Classes, equipment, and travel packages are offered. Operates former quarry for local diving in season.

University Dive Center
www.universitydivecenter.com
296-6306
2246 Ivy Road Suite 1
Getting there: Ivy Road just past University Heights, next to Vivace's.

Offers classes, equipment sales, service and rental, and travel packages.

Skiing & Snow Tubing
Check the UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports Specialty Classes for ski trips.

Massanutten
www.massresort.com
1-800-207-MASS
Near Harrisonburg, Virginia (40 miles)
(540) 289-9441

Eight slopes, five chairlifts, accommodations across from ski area. Snow tubing park is popular with families.

Wintergreen Information/Reservations:
www.wintergreenresort.com
(804) 325-2200
Snow Report/ Ski Administration: 325-2100
Learning Vacations: 325-8147
Wintergreen, Virginia (43 miles)

12 slopes, four chairlifts, slopeside accommodations, snow tubing. Popular with law students.

Other ski resorts farther away (call for information):

Bryce Mountain
www.bryceresort.com
Basye, Virginia (l02 miles)
(540) 856-2121

Canaan Mountain
www.canaanresort.com
Davis, West Va (3.5 hours)
(304) 866-4121

The Homestead
www.thehomestead.com
Hot Springs, Virginia (172 miles)
(540) 839-1766

Snowshoe
www.snowshoemtn.com
Slaty Fork, West Va (82 miles)
(304) 572-1000

See also Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville.

Skydiving

Outdoor Adventure Social Club of Greater Charlottesville
www.outdoorsocial.com

The club is for grad students and local C'ville people interested in the outdoors to meet, socialize, and go on adventures together.  The club's adventures include: biking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, scuba, skiing/snow tubing, backpacking, camping, skydiving, hot-air ballooning, caving/spelunking, and river clean-up.

Soccer

Virginia Soccer League
One of the largest club sports at UVA provides students a chance to play competitive soccer without the extensive time commitment that the sport usually demands. Full-size teams play full-field intraleague games on the weekends during the fall. University students of all playing abilities are welcome to join. There is usually a co-ed law school team.

Swimming

UVA has indoor pools at the Aquatic Fitness Center and Memorial Gym.

Atlantic Coast Athletic Club (ACAC) Outdoors
http://cville.acac.com
978-7529
Getting there: Four Seasons Drive off of Hydraulic or Rio Rds.

Private club opens its Olympic-size, intermediate, & infant swimming pools May-August. You must be a member. ACAC also has a waterpark open to all for an entrance fee in summer.

City of Charlottesville indoor swimming pools
(call for hours and rates):

Smith Recreation Center
977-1960
Getting there: Cherry Ave at Buford Middle School

Crow Recreation Center
977-1362
Getting there: Rose Hill Drive (250 By-Pass, Meadowbrook Exit)

City of Charlottesville outdoor pools are open from Memorial Day (last Monday in May) to Labor Day (first Monday in September). Call for rates and hours.

Meade Park,
Meade Ave.
295-7532

Washington Park,
Preston Ave.
977-2607

Tennis

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers a summer tennis program for adults and children. See Gyms and Athletic Facilities for information on University tennis courts.

Virginia Women's Club Tennis
Competitive 28-member UVA club team practices three times a week with two coaches. Matches and tournaments in fall and spring seasons against other university clubs. Tryouts are held the beginning of each fall season.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Tennis League
Beth Gould, 973-7997

This well-established league offers competitive play on a weekly basis. Mixed doubles are played spring, summer, and fall in eight-week sessions. Any mixed doubles pair or individuals may sign up. Indoor play during the winter.

Atlantic Coast Athletic Club (ACAC) Outdoors
www.cville.acac.com
978-7529
Getting there: Four Seasons Drive off of Hydraulic or Rio Rds.

Tennis instruction and league teams. Eight clay tennis courts open March-Nov.

Yoga

UVA Intramural-Recreational Sports offers hatha, kundilini, and mixed-style yoga classes. Some classes are conveniently located at North Grounds.

Blue Ridge Yoga Center
www.blueridgeyoga.com
971-9642
Getting there: 1726 Allied St., Suite 2-B (second floor), off Harris Rd.

Instructors offer classes of all levels in Iyengar yoga mornings, evenings, and weekends. Director Joe Adlesic and instructor Sandra Pleasants have trained with Iyengar in India. Student discount 10 percent.

Charlottesville Bikram Yoga
www.bikramyogacville.com
220-1415
info@bikramyogacville.com
Getting there: 109 5th St. SE (Downtown Mall—on the street with the orange building)

Yoga in a 110-degree heated room. The routine is the same every time. Validates parking at the nearby garage. Offers specials to first-time customers.

Living Yoga
977-1081
Getting there: 609 E. Market St.

Instructors offer Hatha yoga classes of all levels, including prenatal yoga. Managing Director Cynthia Woodring does individual sessions of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, which combines yoga and counseling.

Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville
www.yogaville.org
1-800-858-YOGA
Getting there: Call for directions.

For serious study in a yoga community, try a workshop in yoga, meditation, or spirituality under Sri Swami Satchidananda and his students in this Integral Yoga ashram in Buckingham near Scottsville, about one hour from Charlottesville. Integral Yoga Natural Foods in Preston Plaza on Preston Ave. has program guides. Visitors are welcome to tour the Lotus Temple any day and to eat a vegetarian meal, chant, and ask questions of the master on Sat evenings. Call to make reservations.

Studio 206
www.studio206downtown.com
296-6250
Getting there: 206 W. Market St., two blocks west of public library.

Center features yoga, dance, and other movement classes by various instructors. Student rates available. Go by to get a schedule of classes.