Serve, spike, toss: Some games for summer fun

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

I’m all for convenience and efficiency, and if I can kill two birds with one stone, nine times out of 10 I’m doing exactly that.

And with the festive season in full swing, here are a few fun ball games to take down to the golden sand so you can stay active and get your tan on.

Spikeball

It’s slightly ironic that I’m leading with a game I haven’t actually played, but based on my brother’s rave reviews and the countless Instagram stories of friends smashing it on the beach, I’m confident it’s a good time.

Spikeball, also known as Roundnet, stole the hearts of many Kiwis a few years back. The fast-paced, back-and-forth game suits most of the whānau (and don’t worry, there are gentler, joint-friendly options coming up for our elders).

Played with four people in teams of two, the goal is simple: spike a small ball onto a mini trampoline and make it unreturnable for your opponents.

Spikeball. Photo/Spikeball/Unsplash

Think volleyball meets schoolyard handball, but with no boundaries, which means players end up sprinting, diving, and stretching to their limits pretty quickly.

If you’re planning a full day at the beach and want more than just sunbathing, this is a great option to grab on your way down. And trust me, the elders will be well entertained watching from the sidelines.

Beach Volleyball

Can you really call it summer if you’re not playing Beach Volleyball, or some version of it? I’d argue no.

Just like the pros, beach volleyball is played in teams of two and follows similar rules to indoor volleyball, with the added challenge of sand.

If you’re a seasoned player, business carries on as usual through the warmer months, but for everyone else wanting to keep things family-friendly (and still enjoy your BBQ and bevs), this is the perfect group game to rally the troops for.

It’s a true summer staple for so many families, and for good reason. Beach volleyball brings everyone in for a bit of competitive fun, and trust me, playing on sand is a workout on its own.

And if you’re anything like me, with setting skills that fall well below average, despite my best efforts, just be warned, you might get subbed off earlier than expected. Upside? More BBQ for you!

Petanque

And here we go, a game for our seniors, but one that’s perfect for all ages. If you haven’t encountered this sport before, trust me, it’s far more exciting than it sounds.

I first discovered pétanque at a Christian summer sports camp my family attends every year, and it’s been a favourite ever since.

What I love and find secretly hilarious is that the less physically demanding sports can create the most drama for spectators.

I’ve witnessed some nail-biting pétanque matches, including ones featuring my older brother, and never imagined I’d be so on edge watching someone throw a small metal ball.

The annual summer Christian sports camp held at Totara Springs, Matamata with team Tumau. Photo/Supplied

But think of a simplified version of lawn bowls, that caters to everyone, that my friends is this game right here.

Pétanque is a relaxed yet competitive game that blends skill, strategy, and a healthy dose of friendly banter.

Played in singles, doubles, or triples, teams take turns tossing metal balls (boules) toward a small wooden target ball known as the cochonnet, or jack.

The aim? Get your boules as close to the jack as possible, whether through precision throws or by knocking your opponent’s boules out of the way. It’s usually played on flat gravel or dirt, but it works perfectly on sand too.

So whether you’re looking to spike the heart rate with Spikeball or draw the family into some strategic fun with pétanque, I hope this gives you a bit of inspiration for your next beach day this summer.