History of Beach Ultimate

The first Beach Ultimate tournament took place in 1986 in Texas in the USA. In 1989 the first international Beach Ultimate tournament was held in Italy: Paganello in Rimini.

In 1999, Beach Ultimate Lovers Association (BULA) was created with the aim to assist, educate, and promote the Spirit and the Game of Beach Ultimate worldwide. In 2004 BULA organized the first World Championship of Beach Ultimate in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. By the end of 2009, Beach Ultimate was played in 25+ countries and there were 100+ tournaments, including Beach Ultimate leagues, worldwide.

 

In 2010 the World Flying Disc Federation approved a motion to accept Beach Ultimate as its own disc sport. It was agreed upon that the game had evolved into a closely related, yet different sport from grass Ultimate. The use of the smaller field, less players, softer surface, and location make cutting, catching, and throwing similar in concept but not in execution. Strategy has become different and more and more players are becoming just beach players. Many are attracted to Beach Ultimate because of the lightness and pureness that comes from taking off shoes. The sea breeze, the sand between the toes, and the sound of waves put players in a positive mindframe without losing competitiveness. This, in part, explains the excellent game and spirit that one finds in Beach Ultimate.

 

Older players also gravitate towards Beach Ultimate as “hard ground” injuries do not occur and players can continue to play for many more years. 121 teams competed across eight divisions in the most recent World Championships including 53 in the Masters, Grand Masters, and Great Grand Masters divisions.