March Magic: Tom Behan's Beach Olympics Tradition at Hampton

The Unlikely March Tradition That Brings Hampton Beach to Life

When Tom Behan first suggested hosting Beach Olympics in March 1998, locals thought he'd lost his mind. The Hampton Beach Selectmen politely questioned whether anyone would show up for outdoor games when temperatures hover around 45 degrees and the Atlantic churns gray and restless. Twenty-five years later, Behan's Beach Olympics has become one of New Hampshire's most beloved spring traditions, drawing hundreds of participants who wouldn't dream of missing this quirky celebration.

"March is when Hampton Beach starts waking up from winter," explains Behan, a retired Portsmouth firefighter who moved to Hampton in the early '90s. "The snow's melting, the days are getting longer, and everyone's itching to get outside. Why wait for summer?"

From Humble Beginnings to Community Institution

The first Beach Olympics featured just twelve participants and three events: a sandcastle building contest (with partially frozen sand), a treasure hunt, and what Behan calls "the world's coldest limbo contest." Participants huddled around thermoses of hot chocolate from The Bakery on Ashworth Avenue, their breath visible in the crisp March air.

Today, the event spans an entire weekend in mid-March, typically coinciding with the first warm weekend of spring. Teams compete in sand volleyball, three-legged races, and the legendary "Polar Plunge Relay" – a modified version that involves running into the surf fully clothed, then sprinting back to tag teammates. The grand prize? A year-long parking pass donated by Hampton Beach State Park and a trophy made from driftwood Behan collects during his daily walks.

What Makes March Special on the Seacoast

March represents a unique sweet spot for Hampton Beach visitors. The winter crowds have dispersed, but the summer rush hasn't begun. Browse Our Rentals and you'll find March offers some of the best rates of the year, with many vacation rentals along Ocean Boulevard providing unobstructed views of Behan's Beach Olympics.

Local businesses embrace this shoulder season energy. The Galley Hatch reopens its outdoor deck specifically for Beach Olympics weekend, serving their famous clam chowder and fish and chips to cold, hungry competitors. Blink's Fry Doe extends their hours, and even the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom occasionally hosts a post-Olympics celebration.

"March visitors get to see the real Hampton Beach," notes Sarah Mitchell, who manages several Coast to Creek Rentals properties. "It's quieter, more intimate. Families can actually have conversations on the beach without shouting over crowds."

The Science of Spring Beach Weather

March weather along New Hampshire's 18-mile coastline can be unpredictable, but that's part of the charm. Average temperatures range from 35-50°F, with occasional warm spells that hint at summer. The key is layering – Behan recommends waterproof jackets, warm hats, and shoes you don't mind getting sandy and wet.

The ocean temperature hovers around 40°F in March, making the Polar Plunge Relay a true test of New England fortitude. "We've had people from Florida participate," Behan laughs. "They usually only do it once."

Planning Your March Hampton Beach Visit

Behan's Beach Olympics typically occurs the third weekend in March, weather permitting. Registration is free and happens the morning of the event near the Seashell Stage. Even if you're not competing, the event offers excellent entertainment and photography opportunities.

For accommodations, many visitors choose vacation rentals within walking distance of the main beach. The off-season rates make it affordable to Book Your Stay for a long weekend, giving you time to explore nearby Portsmouth's historic Strawbery Banke Museum or take day trips to the White Mountains.

Beyond the Olympics: March Activities

March also marks the return of fishing charter boats, offering excellent striped bass opportunities. The Hampton Beach State Park trails reopen for hiking, and the famous Hampton Beach boardwalk provides perfect conditions for jogging without summer's crushing heat.

As Behan puts it: "March reminds us why we love this place year-round, not just when it's warm and crowded. Hampton Beach in March is Hampton Beach at its most honest."

For information about this year's Beach Olympics, check with the Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce or simply show up ready to embrace the cold, the community, and the utterly unique charm of New Hampshire's coast in spring.