Concrete Playground Meets the Kubb Brothers

Looking back at the weekend, you'd have to say the weather competed with any we saw over our glorious summer months. Sigh. It was one last chance to get to the beach, give the bbq one final blast, or enjoy a cider on ice in the backyard. On one of these such occasions, I was reminded of a trend that's been popping up all over the place this summer. Our hosts had set up a game called Kubb, which instantly attracted more than its fair share of attention. What initially looked like a simple box of wooden blocks and sticks, transformed the back lawn into a battleground worthy of any Game of Thrones episode. My hosts told me they'd received the lawn game as a wedding gift. Apparently it was one of the first things they added to their registry after seeing it around over summer - being slightly more fun than a second toaster.

Wondering if what I was witnessing was the beginnings of the new summer thing, I decided to do a little digging. It seems this lawn game, which originates in Sweden, has come in hot to the land of the long flat white. Dating all the way back to Viking times, the game involves two teams pitching batons at the each other’s wooden Kubb pieces, the goal being to knock them down first so you get a crack at the King Kubb - sort of like a tall wooden eight ball. Make sense? Well, was a little grey myself, so I went to talk to Kubb Brothers - some local lads who are actually making the game right here in New Zealand.

Freddie Coltart, co-founder of the Brothers, produces sets out of his family workshop in Hawkes Bay. "As much as we'd love to claim a long and prestigious New Zealand heritage, for Kubb Brothers, it all started in 2012, at a music festival, in Europe.” It was there, over a warm beer in a plastic cup that his brother George Coltart, discovered the little-known, largely-loved Swedish lawn game. George returned home for Christmas with a set in tow, and by Boxing Day, the bro's had crafted their first set.

As with croquet and pétanque, the game boasts a level of sophistication, which the Brothers felt wasn't particularly reflected in the Kubb sets out there. "We looked around, and could only really find cheap knockoffs with no real craftsmanship or style,” Freddie told us. “Most importantly, when the wood is cheap, it’s too light and that effects its flight when throwing. Basically, if it's too light, you can't chuck it straight."

After chatting with the boys, it seems they take their Kubb pretty seriously, using only the best sustainable NZ Elm and Teak oil. It's fancy stuff which is making fans fast, including Milly from Auckland's Mildred&Co. The online gift-store and wedding registry has recently added the Kubb Brothers sets to its catalogue, and unsurprisingly, it's became an instant hit. “Traditionally, garden games are one of our big sellers, and Kubb Brothers has been no exception, with nearly every couple getting married listing it as a gift they'd love to receive. It's also the perfect game to play at the next-day wedding festivities. Every back garden should have one."

So could this Swedish import be something that could challenge our beloved BYC? After having a toss myself, I must say it's quite addictive, and surprisingly easy-to-learn, even after a few drinks - just watch the shins if you're having a few. And since all you need to play is an 8x5 square, it's pretty much perfect for any manicured garden. And if this feeble Autumn keeps it up, fingers crossed, they'll be plenty of opportunities for another game, or two.