To some, exercising just for the sake of exercise is a fruitless enterprise.

But exercising for the sake of sport? Now that’s a worthwhile way to spend the day.

So here are some sports you might not have known are available to you in Augusta.

Kayak football

We use the term sport loosely here. Kayak polo is the official version with rules similar to water polo and competitions played in swimming pools. But kayak football is its rough-and-tumble backwater cousin. Filled with good natured cheating, it’s been played in Augusta 30 years, according to long time participant Wayne Irby. Stop by the Augusta Canal near 13th Street on a Tuesday at around 7:00 p.m., and you’ll find an outgoing group of guys and gals that will welcome you even if you don’t have a boat or any paddling experience.

Roller derby

Four-wheeled female ferocity rolled into town when the Soul City Sirens formed in November 2007. More than 30 girls are already on the roster, and their next bout will be in August, says skater Anastasia Forrestal. Think you’re tough enough to try out? Strap on your elbow pads and check them out at http://www.myspace.com/augustarollerderby.

Dirt jumping

Sure, the BMX track at Wood Street Park near Lake Olmstead accommodates racers on 20-inchers, but the demographic there these days tends to be kids and their dads. Just next door, however, is the new hotness. Drew Jordan (of Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse) and buddy Jeremy Davis have built up a series of steep berms for trail riding – the acrobatic biking seen on the X Games. There aren’t a lot of other dirt jumpers in Augusta, but it’s definitely a fun sport to watch, Davis says. Slip on your Vans and your skate lid and try not to break your neck.

Fencing

Leave your swashbuckling fantasies at the door. Fencing is a vigorous workout that combines intricate blade-work and explosive movements, says Annika Faulk, a practitioner since June 2007. “It’s a mixture of aggression and delicacy,” she says. The Augusta Fencers Club, at 134 Ninth St., has classes in three categories of swordplay: Saber, Foil and Epee. A ten week course is $150 and includes all the necessary equipment – so, no need to buy that broadsword you’ve had your eye on. Tennis shoes are enough. Go to http://www.augustafencers.com/ or call head coach Dr. Rudy Volkmann at (706) 722-8878.

MMA fighting

With ubiquitous cable T.V. coverage, mixed martial arts may have toppled boxing as the premier American fight sport. Despite the sport’s violent and bloody image, it’s not just for macho males; several women train at Greubel’s Mixed Martial Arts studio at 2917 Riverwest Dr. Call (706)737-0911 or go to http://www.greubelsmma.com.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding has become so mainstream the authorities have built a dedicated facility for it. But grind conscientiously at the Augusta Skate Park because The Man says you have to leave your curb wax at home. Single visit passes are three bucks. The park is across from the Augusta Aquatics Center at 3160 Damascus Rd.

Disc Golf

It’s that other type of golf Augusta is known for. Augusta is a hub of disc golf in the southeast, says Pete May, the designer of the course at the North Augusta Hippodrome. A half dozen courses are nearby. The Professional Disc Golf Association (http://www.pdga.com) is headquartered in Appling, and International Disc Golf Center is located at Wildwood Park. With free admission to most courses, disc golf is a lot cheaper than traditional golf, but just as rewarding. Shell out for a few sport-specific Frisbees, and you’re ready to go. Free beginners lessons are offered at Patriot’s Park Sundays at 2 p.m. For a list of courses, check out the Augusta Disc Golf Association at http://augustadiscgolf.com.

Rugby

The Augusta Rugby Football Club is another longstanding Augusta institution. Check it out at http://www.augustarugby.org/