Beach hockey gains foothold in sand

Monica Boylan, right, from Auckland's North Shore at the beach hockey nationals held at Mount Main Beach on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Mount Main Beach was the perfect setting for the sixth annual beach hockey tournament held on Saturday.

Event organiser Kate Savory was delighted the weather held throughout the day and a record 20 teams soaked up the friendly vibe on the sand.

Two pitches were used for the first time with good numbers of holidaymakers watching from the grass areas near the surf club throughout the day.

"We were very happy with how the day went and the feedback was really positive and no one went home empty-handed thanks to the sponsors. Our main sponsors University of Waikato and Craig's Investment Partners were really happy with their presents," Savory said.

"With the popularity growing next year we will hope to secure another inflatable field early. Everyone was happy with the format and how the day ran."

The Giant Jandal given to the winners as the national championship trophy went to North Shore's Stick Em Up.

The sport has a strong following among the hockey community on Auckland's northern extremities, with Ice Cold team members back for their third year.

Monica Boylan says a group of good friends come down every year to get a weekend away together and play some beach hockey.

"We all play hockey at the Hibiscus Dairy Flat club but you don't need to play hockey to be able to play beach hockey. It is just kind of a free-for-all with everyone running in going for the ball," she said.

"Everyone really enjoys it because it is a bit of fun and running around and bonding with your team all day. It is a really cool event."

Teammate Shaun Rees loves the opportunity to get away with his winter hockey team and have a weekend at the Mount.

"There are not many rules and hand-eye co-ordination is important and overall fitness. I like the archaic aspect and being able to run around on the sand. It is good fun, absolutely," he said.

Beach hockey is attracting people of all ages from many sports, not just field hockey players.

"We are trying to attract non-hockey people to the game of hockey to show them it is a lot of fun and is a great social sport. No prior hockey experience or beach hockey experience is required," Savory said.

What is beach hockey? Mixed five-a-side games played over five-minute halves inside an inflatable surround, with specially-made beach hockey sticks and a ball similar to a mini football.