For a team that isn’t particularly athletic, the best beach activities are those where exercise is optional and the focus is on having a good time. Think of power kiting, beach games, a group lunch by the sea, or just hanging out with a drink in hand. It’s not about everyone participating in sports, but about everyone feeling comfortable and connecting with one another. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about planning a successful beach company outing for mixed groups.
What beach activities are suitable for people who aren't into sports?
For people who aren’t into sports, beach activities are best when they’re easy to get into, accessible, and non-competitive. Think power kiting (where you feel the kite pulling without actually surfing), beach games like shuffleboard or kubb, a culinary workshop, or simply a nice drink with a view of the sea. No performance required, just plenty of fun.
The misconception about beach activities is that they always have to be physically demanding. That’s not true. A day at the beach naturally offers an environment that invites relaxation. The combination of fresh sea air, a casual atmosphere, and space to move freely creates a different group dynamic, even without a sports program.
Activities that work well for non-athletic participants:
- Power kiting: you hold a large kite and feel the power of the wind, without needing any technical skills
- Beach games like beach volleyball at your own pace, bocce, or ring toss
- A group lunch or drinks with a delicious menu from our own kitchen
- A guided tour or introduction to kitesurfing with no obligation to participate
- Just a stroll along the water's edge, followed by a hot drink
The key is freedom of choice. When people are allowed to choose for themselves how active they want to be, the barrier to participation disappears.
How do you get everyone to participate without making them feel pressured?
You ensure that everyone participates without feeling pressured by designing a program based on voluntary participation, clear opportunities to choose, and an atmosphere where “watching” is just as acceptable as participating. Peer pressure arises when there is only one activity and everyone has to participate at the same time. Variety in the program solves this problem.
A good team outing at the beach has a rhythm: a period of group activity, followed by free time, followed by a shared meal. That structure provides a framework without locking people into a single format. Those who want to go kitesurfing do so. Those who’d rather have a coffee and watch the action do that. Both experiences are shared around the table.
In practical terms, it helps to:
- Offer activities in small groups rather than as a large group all at once
- A quiet space where people can sit for a while or warm up
- Have the staff emphasize that participation is always at one’s own pace
- Make food and drink a regular feature of the program, so that everyone has a moment when they can join in
What is the difference between team building and a team outing at the beach?
Team building focuses on collaboration, communication, and strengthening relationships through targeted tasks or exercises. A team outing is primarily intended for relaxation, bonding, and fun, without an explicit educational purpose. Both can come together on the beach, but the distinction determines how you structure the program.
Team-building activities involve a facilitator, a goal, and a debriefing session. With a team outing, the goal is simpler: to have a good day together. For non-athletic teams, a team outing is often the better choice, because the barrier to entry is lower and the atmosphere is more informal. People connect more easily when they don’t feel like they’re being judged.
Still, it doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. A day at the beach can start with a lighthearted activity that requires teamwork, such as power kiting in pairs, and end with a relaxed dinner. That way, you get the best of both worlds without it feeling like a mandatory team-building exercise.
What beach activities work well for a mixed group?
For a mixed group with a range of ages, fitness levels, and personalities, beach activities work best when they can be adjusted in intensity and carried out simultaneously. Activities where you decide for yourself how much energy to put in ensure that no one is left out.
Proven to be effective for mixed groups:
- Power kiting: suitable for almost anyone, no prior experience required, immediate results
- Team beach games: combine active and less active roles, such as coach, referee, or cheerleader
- A culinary program: tasting, choosing, and eating together brings people together without any physical effort
- Open-access beach with guided activities: give people the choice between an active session and free time
At BLOW, we combine active programs like kitesurfing and powerkiting with our own kitchen and a spacious beachfront location, ensuring that mixed groups of 15 to 750 people will always find something that suits them. Our events team tailors the program to ensure the right mix for your specific group.
What do you need to arrange for a successful team outing at the beach?
To ensure a successful company outing at the beach, you’ll need at least the following: a venue with facilities for inclement weather, a program with a variety of activities, professional catering, and a clear point of contact on the day of the event. The less the organizer has to coordinate on the day itself, the smoother the day will go.
In practical terms, these are the most important things to take care of:
- Location and accessibility: Is there parking, public transportation, and a covered area in case the weather turns bad?
- Customized program: tailor the activities to the group’s composition, not to a standard package
- Catering: Make sure food and drinks are available at set times; this helps keep the group energized
- Advance communication: let participants know what to expect, including clothing recommendations
- A dedicated coordinator: one person who oversees everything on the day, so you, as the organizer, can enjoy yourself too
A common mistake is overbooking the schedule. Leave some room in the day. The best conversations and connections happen in between activities—during a walk along the water or a spontaneous round of beach games. A day at the beach has its own pace, and that pace is exactly what a team needs after months of meetings and deadlines. Want to know what options are available for your group? Feel free to contact us, and we’d be happy to help you plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can join a beach outing at BLOW?
BLOW can accommodate groups ranging from 15 to 750 people. The events team will create a customized program tailored to your specific group size, ensuring that both small teams and large corporate groups have a suitable schedule. For larger groups, activities are offered simultaneously so that no one has to wait long.
What if the weather turns out to be bad on the day of the outing?
A good beach venue always has a covered indoor space as a backup option. At BLOW, there is an on-site kitchen and a space where the event can still take place even if the weather turns bad. It’s a good idea to check this with your venue in advance and mention in your communications to participants that there is a backup plan in case of bad weather, so that no one is caught off guard.
How far in advance should you book a company outing at the beach?
For groups of up to about 30 people, a lead time of four to six weeks is usually sufficient. For larger groups or outings during the high season (May through September), it’s wise to plan three to six months in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have to truly tailor the program to your needs.
What appeals to someone who really doesn't feel like going on a mandatory outing?
The key is a program that isn’t mandatory and has a strong social element, such as a nice lunch or drinks. People who are skeptical about team outings often drop out when faced with competitive or physically demanding activities, but they’re more likely to stick around if there’s room to participate at their own pace. Make sure there’s always a comfortable “spectator spot” and that food and drinks are a fixed part of the day.
Are there any beach activities suitable for participants with disabilities or limited mobility?
Yes, activities such as power kiting (holding the kite while standing or sitting), culinary workshops, and beach games like bocce are easily accessible to people with limited mobility. Please discuss this in advance with the venue or the events team so they can tailor the program accordingly and minimize any potential barriers, such as walking routes on the beach.
How can you keep the outing from feeling like a chore?
Communicate enthusiastically and clearly in advance about what people can expect, including the freedom to choose for themselves how actively they participate. A day that feels like an obligation often stems from unclear expectations or an overly rigid schedule. Make sure to leave some breathing room in the day, provide good food and drinks, and let people know that relaxation is the main goal—not performance or checking off team-building exercises.
What is a realistic budget for a beach outing with a mixed-gender group?
A realistic budget depends on the group size, the desired program, and the catering, but for a full day at the beach with activities, lunch, and drinks, expect to pay an average of €75 to €150 per person. More luxurious packages with multiple activities and a full dinner can cost up to €200 or more per person. Always ask the venue for a customized quote based on your specific needs and group composition.
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