Team A (Top Gun)—made up of older, more experienced players—was represented by (top row, left to right): Harry Register (15), Teddy Roen (15), Ben Roesn (17), Brett Burback (15), and Wyatt James (15). Team B (Rocky)—featuring newer and younger players—was represented by (bottom row, left to right): Ava Law (13), Londyn Jones (13), Nico Gibson (15), David Hallock (13), and Harvey Fabian (12). (Photo courtey of Blue Reef Okinawa)
In a tough competition of grit and endurance, 10 military kids hit the water for an annual water rock rugby tournament in Okinawa.
The 24th Annual All-Japan Water Rock Rugby Tournament was held at the Okuma Beach Resort Nov.1 through Nov. 3.
The athletes are members of the Blue Reef Okinawa’s Junior Lifeguard Program and put their water skills to the test at the tournament.
Water Rock Rugby, developed by Hawaiian Lifeguards, is a unique sport designed to build real-world rescue skills. Played at depths of 9–12 feet, it combines teamwork, endurance, and strength. Players wear only swimwear and goggles—no fins—and must dive to retrieve a 70-pound rock from the ocean floor, racing it to the goal while avoiding tackles from opponents who can hold their breath long enough to chase them down.
This year, the members competing were split into two groups, Team A with older, more experienced players and Team B with newer, younger players.
This year marked the program’s best performance yet, with Team A placing 4th in the Men’s Champions League and Team B taking 4th in the Women’s/Junior Division.
Nico Gibson earned the Best New Player award, standing out among new athletes from ten competing teams. Lopez scored two goals and delivered several key defensive stops.
Wyatt James, the 2024 Best New Player, finished 3rd overall in scoring in the men’s league, while Ava Law was recognized as Most Improved, tying for 4th in overall scoring with four hard-fought goals.
At the helm was Coach Jason MacDonald, who also leads the Junior Lifeguard Program each Saturday and also manages the Ocean Safety Program for the MCIPAC Installation Safety Office during the week.
For the Blue Reef Junior Lifeguards, this year’s success sets the bar even higher. With stronger skills, deeper breath holds, and growing confidence underwater, both teams are already looking ahead to next season.
Blue Reef Okinawa offers programs for children ages seven and up. The programs help kids develop ocean awareness and confidence in the water through swim, surf, snorkel, paddle and fishing.
More information
Search “Blue Reef Okinawa” on Facebook or email support@bluereef.okinawa for more information.
Members of Blue Reef Okinawa Junior Lifeguards compete in All-Japan Water Rock Rugby Tournament on Nov.1-3. (Photo courtesy of Blue Reef Okinawa)
Members of Blue Reef Okinawa Junior Lifeguards compete in All-Japan Water Rock Rugby Tournament on Nov.1-3. (Photo courtesy of Blue Reef Okinawa)
AloJapan.com