Beach Volleyball is not just a fun summer game for those who spend time at Manhattan Beach. This is because one of the biggest events in Volleyball takes place on the beach every summer. Volleyball players from all across California compete in hopes of one day getting to play in the coveted Manhattan Beach Open.
The Manhattan Beach Open
The Manhattan Beach Open started as an amateur event in 1960, and is the longest running continuous tournament in the history of beach volleyball. It has since become a part of the professional volleyball player’s tour and is a popular summertime activity and is regarded as the tour’s most prestigious and popular event.
The Manhattan Beach Open is the only professional volleyball tournament in which amateurs are able to "place into" the event through pre-qualifying rounds. Many local residents have participated in the tournament and some have won the tournament including U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist, Mike Dodd.
Other Tournaments
The California Beach Volleyball Association is the best place to look if you are looking to jump into a tournament. There is a full schedule there, but the next game being played on the Manhattan Beach Pier is the Men’s B tournament on April 23rd. The tournaments start at 9 am and you can sign up and view them here.
Volleyball Lessons
If you’re a newbie and are not quite ready to compete in any tournaments, never mind the Manhattan Beach Open, then maybe lessons are a little more your speed?
South Bay Volleyball is a “a professional beach volleyball training organization dedicated to developing sand and indoor volleyball athletes of all levels ranging from beginners to professionals,” states their website. South Bay Volleyball has been training on Manhattan Beach sand since 1997. Volleyball classes run in 6-week sessions and cost $120. They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes so that you can join the class that best fits your abilities. For those of you who would like a little one on one practice, they also offer private lessons every week.
CampVolley at CampSurf also offers a variety of Beach Volleyball programs including Private and Semi-Private lessons, Volleyball Camps, Clinics and Classes. The programs are offered at the Rosecrans courts in Manhattan Beach. Chris Brown, Executive Director of Campsurf, is also the President of the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) and sits on the Nominating and Governance Committee of USA Volleyball, so you will be learning from people with a lot of experience in the field. They also have world renown coaches, Marcio Sicoli, Mike Dodd and Patty Dodd will be running their summer sessions.
“Nowhere else will you find our combination of world-class coaching in an A-plus location at an affordable price.”
Author: Mariah Terry. www.mariahjterry.wix.com/reblogs