Sam was used to travelling as part of a small team, but travelling with the wider New Zealand contingent made for an even better experience.
"It was really cool when athletes would come back to the village after getting a medal and everyone would be welcomed and celebrated," he said.
"There was just a really good buzz," Ben added.
Taking out the bronze at the first beach volleyball competition played at the Commonwealth Games was something Sam said "dawned" on him after the win.
"It is really special," he said.
The win saw the O'Deas at the height of their beach volleyball careers but they had their sights set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"We are still young in the sport, so this is a stepping stone for us. We've trained a lot so it's really good to see our training pay off," Ben said.
Sam would not have much time at home as he would set off for Europe in two weeks to compete and Ben was waiting to hear when he would undergo shoulder surgery.
Ben's 4WD truck was stolen from his Mount Maunganui property while he was away.
He had to forget about the missing truck while competing on the Gold Coast but was a "bit gutted".
Local hockey athletes Amy Robinson and Rose Keddell were pleased to be home.
The Black Sticks created history by beating Australia 4-1 to win gold for the first time in six Commonwealth Games attempts.
Keddell was greeted by her sister, Hannah Keddell, and partner, George Wilkins, who held a huge "Golden girl" sign at the arrival hall.
"Winning the gold" was an obvious highlight for Keddell and the semifinal shootout was "hugely exciting".
Robinson said getting the late call-up to be in the team and winning the gold were the most memorable aspects.
"It was great to be a part of the New Zealand team."
