The Beach Blacks are New Zealand’s elite beach volleyball athletes, competing on the world stage with a clear focus: qualifying for the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide, Australia, and building towards the ultimate goal – the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Representing Aotearoa with pride, they embody the grit, skill, and teamwork needed to compete against the best in the world, while inspiring the next generation of Kiwi beach volleyballers.

2025 Results

For Ben and Sam, the road to the LA28 Olympic Games continues in Shangluo this September.

The O’Dea brothers will represent New Zealand at the AVC Continental Cup from 2–6 September, with the tournament providing one of the first opportunities for New Zealand to secure an Olympic quota place through the Asia/Oceania continental pathway.

A fresher pairing on the international circuit this season, Ben and Sam enter the competition as the 14th seed in the men’s main draw. While they continue to build their partnership and find their rhythm together on court, the brothers bring plenty of experience and a strong history of success to the sand.

The pair famously claimed bronze for New Zealand at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and have already had several big matches this season as they continue to build momentum heading into the Continental Cup.

Ahead of Shangluo, the Beach Blacks have travelled to the United States for a block of quality training and competition against strong local opposition, giving the pair valuable preparation before one of the biggest tournaments of their season.

For Ben and Sam, the Continental Cup presents another opportunity to build, compete and test themselves against the best teams in the Asia/Oceania region.

And with LA28 now on the horizon, every match is another step on the road.

BEACH BLACKS

ABOUT THE BEACH BLACKS

PODIUM FINISHES 2025

2025 Results

Road to LA2028

Sam O'Dea

Ben O'Dea

Jason Lochhead

Craig Seuseu

Brad Takai

North Island Secondary Schools Junior Championships 2025