Santa Monica, CA pick up games

[metalvinny]

Hey everyone, new to the boards here. I've been living in SoCal for about 2 years now (moved from WI) and have been hearing things about pick up games on the beach near the pier in Santa Monica. Anyone know what's up with those games? I'm taking a few days off work and may or may not head down there. I'd hate to get there and have nothing going on...

[RichardGraham]

Hi Metalvinny,

They still play near the pier, but not as frequently as they used to. Check out the "Beach Roller Hockey" group on Facebook. Here's what I found on that page:

Name: Beach Roller Hockey
Type: Sports & Recreation - Recreational Sports
Description: FREE Pickup Hockey

Roller Hockey at the Beach in Santa Monica, California.

Inline ball hockey, light equipment, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves recommended. All players welcomed.

Strand St. and Ocean Ave in the beach parking lots, near Ocean Front Walk and Life Guard Shack #24.

Monday to Friday 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturday 1 PM to 4.30 PM

Other groups play Wednesday 5.30 to 7.30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday mornings 10 AM - Noon.

NO slap shots, tripping, holding, fighting, etc.

If you go down there and play and have a great time, tell 'em Rich Graham sent you. If not, what was your question again?

[metalvinny]

The info is much appreciated! I joined the group. Looking forward to getting back into hockey, especially now that I know I can close to home. I haven't played an organized game since high school!

[RichardGraham]

Hi Metalvinny,

You're welcome. Playing outdoors at the beach was some of the best fun I had in the 1990s. Some of those guys go back to when we played in Venice Beach near Washington Blvd. back when Rollerblade Lightnings had just come out. We played on pavement that angled around a building. Breakaways were interesting.