The Bearded Ones - Experience The Real Barbados

Home | About | Contact | Links

Places Of Interest

Home >> Activities >> Sporting

Sporting in Barbados

Barbados is an island rich in sporting activities. The natonal sport is cricket, other popular sports include football, golf, basketball, volleyball, hockey, track & field and tennis to name a few. Most known sporting heroes in Barbados come from cricket. The island is known for producing world class cricketers, some examples are Sir Garfield Sobers, Malcom Marshall, Desmond Haynes, and Gordon Greenidge. Other notable sport personalities are, sprinter Obadele Thompson, who won the bronze medal in the 100m race at the 2000 Olympic Games, making him the 3rd fasted man in the world at that time. Local hurdler, Ryan Brathwaite gave Barbados their first ever medal at the world championships, which took place in Berlin, 2009. He won the men's 110 meter hurdles title.

There are lots of other sports and games played on the island. These include football, also known as soccer, basketball, volleyball, netball, field hockey, polo, rallying, athletics, golf, lawn tennis, table tennis and our very own road tennis, squash, badminton, swimming, yachting, water-polo, game fishing, surfing, windsurfing, rugby, cycling, boxing, karate, judo, marathons, chess, checkers or droughts, dominoes, bridge, darts, hearts and other sports. The local Volleyball, Basketball and Netball teams have all enjoyed success in regional tournaments and are ranked high among the other Caribbean territories. The same can be said for the lesser known sports. Motor sports is another sporting activity that is rapidly growing in popularity with the Barbadian people. The annual Rally Barbados event occurs each summer and attracts scores of spectators and fans. Beach Volleyball and Football are also growing in popularity with local tournaments held on Brandons beach which is suited for these types of sports.

Cricket
Bajans love their cricket. You can find a good cricket match playing every weekend all over the island. Barbados has produced many excellent players, some of the most highly regarded cricket players came from this island, for example Sir Garfield Sobers, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, Sir Frank Worrell and the late Malcom Marshall. Cricket is an all year sport here and local games can be seen played almost every weekend around the island. When ever an international team is touring the West Indies, games are played at the Kensington Oval, which is renowned for many great games.

Horse Racing
Horse racing in Barbados is somewhat popular in Barbados. Meets take place usually every Saturday at the Garrison Savannah, which is located in St Michael. There are also a few special events, most popular being the Gold Cup, which is often seen worldwide. Horse racing at the Garrison Savannah makes for an enjoyable day out, with excellent races and lots of enthusiasts to me and chat with.

a: Garrison Savannah, Garrison, St Michael.
w: www.barbadosturfclub.com

Hockey
Hockey is played at the AstroTurf located on the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. There is a festival held annually called The Banks Hockey festival. It is usually held in august and features teams from the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. It is divided into men's, women's, veterans and mixed-team divisions. The Banks Hockey festival has also been described as the largest single annual field hockey tournament in this part of the world.

Football
Football is also widely followed on the island, the Barbados National football team, also known as the Bajan Rockets or Bajan Pride are ranked as one of the top Caribbean football nations in the region, just below Trinidad and Jamaica. However, it has never qualified for a major international tournament.but did shock many when the team made the semifinal round of the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers. Many football tournaments, both seasoned and out of season are played through out the year. Bajans do enjoy their football and it makes a good atmosphere for socializing with friends.

Rallying
Motor rallying is also very popular in Barbados, with a huge following that is growing every year. Rally Barbados is the annual motor sport event held on the island, where drivers, local, regional and international participate in special stages and events. One main event, the All Stage Rally takes place on roads around the island, which are ideal for the sport. They are regular racing meets held at Bushy Park, the islands main race track as well as Dexterity and other events at the Vaucluse Raceway.

Golf
Barbados have become known as a very popular golfing location. It has some excellent golf courses, most popular being Sandy Lane Golf and Country Club (>36 holes), Royal Westmoreland Golf Club (18 holes) , The Barbados Golf Club (18 holes). They are also two 9 hole golf courses at Rockley Golf & Country Club and Almond Beach Village. The Barbados courses which are truly world class, has hosted some international tournaments, like the 2006 World Golf Championships and has attracted some of the world's best golfers and enthusiasts.

Surfing
When you hear the word surfing in Barbados, the first word that comes to mind is the Soup Bowl. This spot on the east coast of Barbados is great for surfing year round and delivers a sweet wave with a good barrel. International Professional Surfer, Kelly Slater rates the Barbados Soup Bowl as one of the top three waves in the world in an article in the The New York Times. Apart from the Soup Bowl, there are also many other good spots with nice breaks on the South and East coasts. If you don't have your own surfboard or body board, you can always rent one or buy one at the several surf shops around the island. Since Barbados is a tropical island, the water temperature is warm and nice, you won't need a wetsuit and can just wear pair of baggies or surf shorts and your good to go.

Road Tennis
Road Tennis, also known as the poor man's tennis, is Barbados' very own sport, originating in the 1930s. It is played in on the back streets, roads and parking lots on a painted court usually 21ft by 10ft . The net is made from wood, as well as the rackets. The ball is made from a normal tennis ball, where the outer skin is peeled off to leave the bare rubber. Road Tennis is gaining popularity locally and internationally, tournaments being held throughout the year. The USA have taken a liking to he sport and have made their own version.

Sailing
Barbados is blessed with excellent weather, calm seas and steady consistent breezes, which makes sailing in Barbados a spectacular experience for sailing enthusiasts. There are several Barbados yachts and catamarans available for charters. You can join a scheduled cruise or customize your own personal sailing tour. Most of the sailing happens on the West Coast, mainly because of the calm water. Most tours travel up the scenic West Coast, and drop anchor in one of the quiet bays for a swim or just to relax. Experienced sailors can take place in the annual Regattas, as well as check out the Barbados Yacht Club and Barbados Cruising Club respectively. Whether you're looking for a quiet sail down the coast of Barbados, or race against experienced sailors, you will find sailing in Barbados to be very enjoyable.

Fishing
Fishing is a way of life for some Barbadians. The warm waters off the coast of Barbados offer ideal fishing for many types of fish. Some locals user their own fishing boats or Ice boats to venture out and make their living on the waters, while some prefer to just cast a line on the beach or fish inshore on small boats. For the game fishing enthusiasts, you can charter one of the many Cabin Cruisers available. Most include drinks, tackle and bait. Fishing tournaments are also organized in Barbados. Check out The Barbados Game Fishing Association for more information.

Windsurfing
Apart from Hawaii, Barbados is rated one of the best windsurfing locations in the world. With unique windsurfing conditions, the winds are always consistent and the waves are ideal for windsurfing. Silver Sands is the best spot on the island for beginners and pros alike.

Kitesurfing
Barbados isn't only blessed with it's unique windsurfing conditions, it also has the most ideal kitesurfing beach possible.

Polo
Polo was brought to Barbados by the British Calvary officers who was based in the island in the 19th century. Polo is played to a high level in Barbados, with tournaments and several first-class matches between the national team and visiting international teams throughout the year. There are several polo fields located in Barbados, with the most popular located at Holders, Lion Castle, Water Hall and Clifton.