[Enjoy Summer to the Fullest] A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities at the Sea and on the Beach
Many of you are probably planning to head to the beach for your summer trip! Will you swim to your heart’s content, or sunbathe while gazing at the ocean…
How would you spend your time at the beach? In this article, we introduce games and recreational activities you can enjoy by the sea and on the sandy shore.
We’ve compiled plenty of options that anyone can join, regardless of age, and that work well for both small and large groups, so be sure to check them out before you go.
We also share ways to create keepsakes, so make lots of memories—including the time you spend playing!
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[Enjoying Summer to the Fullest] A Compilation of Games and Recreational Activities at the Sea and on the Beach (31–40)
Musical chairs
How about trying a game of musical chairs? Musical chairs is that game where, when the music stops, everyone scrambles for a seat and the person left standing is out.
I think many people have played it at least once.
But playing it on the beach gives it a whole new twist.
The biggest feature is that your feet get caught in the sand, making it harder to move.
Try experimenting with different ways of walking to move more easily.
And of course, enjoy the unique thrill that musical chairs brings.
Malicia
For people who like soccer, I recommend a sport called Malicia.
Malicia is a sport that was created only in 2020, and it’s similar to futsal.
However, each team has two goals, which is a distinctive feature.
As a result, lots of points are scored and the games get very exciting.
Another appeal is that if you play on the beach, the soft ground lets you go all out.
You can even try moves you might normally hesitate to attempt, such as sliding to take the ball.
Beach rugby
When it comes to the sport that thrilled all of Japan in 2019, it has to be rugby! This is its beach version: beach rugby.
The rules are different from regular rugby—only five players are allowed on the court, and the ball used is slightly smaller than a standard rugby ball.
Unlike rugby on the field, there are no tackles, making it safe and enjoyable for women, children, and those who aren’t confident in sports.
If full-scale rugby feels daunting but you’d like to give it a try, why not take a shot at it on the beach this summer?
Beach football
When it comes to sports you can fully enjoy at the beach, volleyball and futsal might be the most famous.
But have you heard of “beach football,” which combines touch rugby and American football? It’s a bona fide sport enjoyed in various places and is popular as a safe way to enjoy rugby.
There are dedicated balls and clearly defined rules, so why not look it up on the internet? Give this uniquely sandy, tactile sport a try!
Frescobol
A beach sport originating from Brazil that uses rackets, similar to Japan’s traditional hanetsuki.
Players use rackets slightly larger than table-tennis paddles and a 6-centimeter ball, rallying without letting the ball touch the ground.
What’s interesting is that, unlike table tennis or tennis where you score when your opponent fails to return your shot, here you gain points by sustaining the rally and returning fast balls.
Frescobol is steadily gaining attention—why not give it a try?
Dodgebee
How about trying a light and soft “Dodgebee” on the beach? It’s a classic indoor game, but playing it on a seaside shore with an ocean view feels wonderfully open and refreshing.
Since you throw the disc-shaped Dodgebee, choose a spacious area with few people.
Also, be careful not to throw it toward the sea by mistake.
You can simply toss it back and forth with two people, or set up a court and play a team match to make it more exciting! You can buy a Dodgebee itself from online shops, so feel free to check it out.
Beach wrestling
A form of wrestling held on the beach, this is a relatively new beach sport.
It’s played one-on-one inside a 3-meter radius circle on the sand, so you don’t need a large group to enjoy it.
As in regular wrestling, you lose if both your shoulders touch the ground, if you push your opponent’s feet out of bounds twice, or if you throw them out of the ring.
At a glance, it can look like sumo on the beach.
Since it doesn’t require any special equipment, why not give it a try casually?
Beach Ultimate
Beach ultimate is a five-a-side sport where ultimate is played on sand.
Ultimate itself means “ultimate,” and it’s a sport where you aim for the end zone by passing a disc—like a Frisbee—instead of a ball.
On the beach, your feet can get caught in the sand and the sea breeze can push the disc around, so it might be harder than playing on a regular field.
On the other hand, because it’s on sand, adults and kids can enjoy it with less difference in physical ability.
Mölkky
I also recommend Mölkky, which is fun for its strategic play.
Mölkky is a sport that originated in Finland.
The basic rule is to throw a wooden baton at numbered pins, and the first to reach a total of 50 points from the numbers on the pins they knock down wins.
The fun part is having to think strategically about which pins to topple.
It’s sure to be exciting if you split into teams with family or friends.
By the way, if you’re playing on the beach, slightly burying the pins makes them easier to stand up.
Handprint art making
@hamburgshisho I made the best memory ever 🌻Net take-home pay: 190,000 yen#OverworkedOfficeWorkerAwaji IslandseaSand handprint#HandprintArtTried handprint artA once-in-a-lifetime memoryBest friendThank you always.
♬ Lilac – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Here’s a perfect idea for preserving your summer memories: “handprint art.” Prepare thin shrink plastic sheets, a frame that fits the sheet, glue, and sand.
First, spread glue over your entire palm.
Press your hand onto the plastic sheet to leave a glue handprint, then sprinkle sand over it.
After covering it, gently shake off the excess sand.
The sand will stick to the glue, creating a sandy handprint.
Place it in the frame, and you’re done! You can decorate the empty spaces with stickers or display it together with memorable photos.