Want to try something new? Shuffleboard comes to Guernsey

Monday 08 January 2024

Combining skill and tactics, shuffleboard has come to offer something new in Guernsey.

The pastime has its roots in a tabletop game played with coins in 15th century Europe.

But a larger variant later appeared as a deck game on cruise ships, before moving on to land at the Lyndhurst Hotel in Daytona Beach in 1913.

Players propel a disc using a cue down a court, scoring or losing points depending on where they land.

Having brought the equipment to Guernsey, Colin and Michelle Mechem hope that it will capture the imagination here.

Pictured: Colin Mechem.

“It’s a thinking game more than a physical game,” said Colin after a session at Styx where it was showcased to the media.

“So once you've learned the sort of how hard to push the weight, you can then work on your tactics using blockers or pushing your opponents out. But of course, you don't want to push your opponents in and you don't want them to push yours out. So it's quite a lot of tactics, more so than the physical side."

“Fast sports or contact sports are not for everyone. So we're hoping some people might be interested. It's sort of a combination of the skills of bowling and curling.”

Shuffleboard can be played in singles or pairs by all ages and abilities. 

“We’re putting some taster sessions up on Eventbrite later this month that people can book online. They’ll be one hour sessions and then afterwards people can stay and have a coffee and buy refreshments. We’ll be reaching out to clubs, organisations and to work for  team building and socials.”  

The couple have been operating Petit Funfair, offering carnival attractions at events since 2016. 

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Pictured top: Colin and Michelle Mechem.