Beach comp draws record number of players

A BIG HIT: The inaugural Slam competition held at the Mount yesterday was dubbed a success by its organisers.PHOTO/RUTH KEBER

It was sweat, sand and volley at the inaugural Slam competition held at the Mount yesterday - dubbed a success by its organisers.

The beach volleyball competition saw 25 teams of eight competing for a grand prize of $2000.

Beach volleyball players varied from ages 18 to 30, with a community "give it a go day" held on Thursday and the Slam competition held on Friday.

Slam began as a social beach volleyball competition on the beaches around Australia with the organisers committed to nurturing the sport of beach volleyball attracting social and competitive players keen to have a go or show off their volleyball talents.

Slam event director Amy Hoare said the concept of Slam was based around an iconic day at the beach.

"It's beach volleyball, hanging out with your mates, and having a good time in the sun."

Mrs Hoare said she was excited about the success of the event in Mount Maunganui as it was the first destination for Slam in New Zealand with a plan for it to return next year and become an annual event.

The volleyball games played throughout the day were played like New Zealand's sevens rugby, she said.

"It's a round robin where each team plays three other teams. "

Mrs Hoare said it was a great turnout for the first event with 25 teams entered into the competition.

"Back at one of our first events we had in Australia 15 years ago we only had five teams, so today was really great."

Volleyball player Ben McColgan said he organised a group of friends to play in the event at the last minute after hearing it advertised yesterday morning.

"It's not about the winning, it's the journey you have with your mates," he said.