The Beach Games Anyone Can (And Should) Play
Sunbathing can get tedious, and surfing isn’t for everyone. But beach games are enjoyable for people of all ages and interests. So the next time you’re soaking up the sun on one of California’s beautiful beaches, try your hand at one of these popular beach games.
Frisbee
This classic beach game never gets old. But to really challenge yourself and your friends or family, play a game of Ultimate Frisbee. It’s so much more than throwing a disc back and forth (although you’re welcome to do that, too).
If you have a good amount of open space on the beach (ideally 70 yards by 40 yards, but there’s no need to measure), you’ll be able to play Ultimate Frisbee. Divide into two teams (four or more on each team is ideal, but two will work). Start with both teams standing at the goal line of their respective end zones, just like football.
The purpose of Ultimate Frisbee is to advance the disc down the field and score in the other team’s end zone. To score, a pass needs to be completed in the end zone by the offensive team. The offense can move the frisbee down the field in any manner they want. They can throw it in any direction, including backwards. But when a player has the disc, they can’t move their feet except to pivot (just like basketball). Failure to comply results in a turnover.
The game is usually played to 15 points, but you and your teammates can play as long as you’d like (or until the beach blankets beckon).
Spikeball
This will require some advance planning, but Spikeball, best described as a love child of volleyball and foursquare, is an amazing invention. If you watch Shark Tank, you’ve probably already heard of Spikeball, whose founders have also been featured on The Today Show and Fox & Friends, among others.
To play this exciting game you’ll need a Spikeball Kit, which can be found on Amazon or on their website. Once you have your kit, you’ll be able to read up on the rules and strategize.
Paddleball
Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned game of paddleball? This is the perfect California beach game to play if you’re enjoying a beach day with your special someone or best friend. The game can be as relaxed or as serious as you want it to be. Take over the beach’s volleyball net or just play without one.
Bocce Ball
To play Bocce, you’ll need eight large balls (typically in two different colors) and one smaller target or object ball called a pallina or jack. There are four balls per team.
Divide your friends into two teams, and do a coin toss to see who goes first. The winner tosses the jack any distance as long as it stays within the set boundaries of the “court.” The same player throwing the jack must deliver the first bocce ball. The opposing team will then deliver their bocce balls until they (hopefully) get a point. The side whose bocce is the closest to the jack is called the “in” ball and the opposing side the “out” ball.
The fun part of this game is in the creativity – you can toss, roll, or bounce your ball any way you choose, as long as it doesn’t go out of bounds. We like to play along the shoreline, with the jack occasionally in the water, which we call aquacce!
Cornhole
The classic bar and backyard game also makes an excellent California beach game. All you need are some bean bags and a cornhole set, which you can get on Amazon.
Kickball
Kickball on the beach sounds like a challenge – and it is. Switch to a large beach ball and mark your bases clearly. Then enjoy – if nothing else, the sand will cushion the blow if you fall. Windy days make it tough, but on calm days it’s a blast. You can also switch to a soccer ball or playground kickball which is heavier.
