A love for beach volleyball means a love for blue skies, golden sand, extreme stamina and fascinating competition. Regardless of whether you play professionally or as an amateur, you’ll certainly be interested in the assortment of top destinations for beach volleyball we have selected for you from all over the globe.
Winter might be approaching, but we can never forget the feel of golden sand below our feet or the warmth of the sun on our skin. Take your pick for your next sand court – it’s never too early to plan your next vacation!
Source: Bvbinfo.com
Where?
The Outrigger Canoe Club, Waikiki, Hawaii
Why?
Hawaii is not only the epitome of a classic exotic destination, but this specific club is credited with the invention of Beach Volleyball itself! The bad news is that it might take some effort to get to its court, as the Outrigger club is actually private – still members can invite guests, and there are more sand courts on Waikiki. Tom Selleck did manage to get in, though, as Magnum, P.I. on the 1980s US TV series of the same name. Watch his efforts below:
What else is there to do?
Combine your visit with a tropical holiday. Visit Kapiolani Park, located right next to the beach for an exhilarating walk after an intense game. Kapiolani also houses a beautiful collection of flowering plants, the Waikiki Aquarium and the Waikiki Zoo, which features more than 900 animals.
Where?
The White Thorn Lodge, Pennsylvania
Why?
Members and guests of this Pennsylvania nudist club love diving for the white ball. It was in 1971 when two of the members of this club started the Naked Volleyball Superbowl, in which both nudists and non-nudists from around the world participate every September. After ESPN Magazine featured the tournament in an article, the popularity of this already well-attended event skyrocketed, and now features 1500 players and guests annually.
What else is there to do?
Have a “Nakation”, as the hosts call it: Stay for 9 nights at the White Thorn Lodge for an exhilarating nudist vacation in a natural setting. It is safe, pet and family-friendly and also features hard volleyball courts, along with tennis and bocce facilities and a heated swimming pool. Doesn’t sound bad at all, especially around the Superbowl, where you can relax and socialize with volleyball lovers from around the world.
Where?
Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Source: BeachWallpaperHD.com
Why?
Thanks to its fine, powdery sand and magnificent scenery, Karon Beach has been selected over and over again to host a number of beach volleyball tournaments, including the 2013 FIVB World Tour. Karon Beach is 4km long, and features many beach volleyball courts. According to 2012 Silver Olympic medalist April Ross, Karon is the best beach she has ever played on.
What else is there to do?
The Tripadvisor community is adamant: The best thing to do in Phuket is go snorkeling. But if you’re an animal lover, there’s something more unusual available: A visit to the Soi Dog Foundation. This registered charity which takes care of the stray and abused dogs and cats of Thailand. In addition to providing shelter, medical care and food, Soi Dog volunteers also find loving homes around the world for the rescued pets.
Where?
Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco
Source: Rivierabarcrawl.com
Why?
The miniscule country of Monaco is yet another historical landmark: It was the place where the International Olympic Committee recognized beach volleyball as an Olympic sport in September of 1994 – it was the Atlanta Olympics, two years later that first featured volleyball action on the sand. Monaco hosts a number of Beach Volleyball competitions and tournaments, organized by the Volleyball Federation of Monaco.
What else is there to do?
It is simply unforgivable to visit Monaco and not take the opportunity for some casino action. Brothers Francois and Louis Blanc, inventors of the European roulette set up the first casino here in 1858, offering touristic and aesthetic growth to a previously derelict seaside area. There is a tale about the brothers that still lives on today; the fact that the European wheel was so popular led to the legend that they traded their souls to the devil in order to obtain the “secrets of the roulette wheel.” The magnificent Casino de Monte-Carlo combines casino gaming’s historical significance with stunning Art Nouveau architecture and state-of-the-art gaming facilities, making it a destination that deserves your attention even if you’re not a big gambler.
Where?
Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Russian Federation
Why?
If you love a challenge, why not try playing beach volleyball in Siberia? It looks like our favorite sport is also on the rise in Russia. This past summer the Krasnoyarsk volleyball Federation decided to disregard the notorious cold of Siberia and organized an impressive 525 matches over 30 days.
What else is there to do?
Krasnoyarsk was considered by prolific author Anton Chekhov to be the most beautiful city in Siberia, thanks to the stunning natural landscapes that surround it. The city is also an important junction on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway line in the world. The Trans-Siberian has been connecting Moscow to Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan for 99 years and is considered one of the most exciting train journeys you can take.
Where?
Main Beach, Laguna Beach, California
Source: covetinglaguna.wordpress.com
Why?
Because you can’t go wrong with California. Home to a rich surfer culture, including the oldest continuing surf contest in the world, Laguna Beach was where Sand Volleyball was popularized in the 1920s and 1930s. Expect powdery, inviting sand and picturesque sunsets – also expect to get challenged by the athletic locals, who love playing all kinds of sports on the beach.
What else is there to do?
Visit in August to get a chance to see the Sawdust Festival – a vibrant celebration of arts and crafts by professionals and amateurs alike, and a wonderful display of creativity and community spirit. If that is not enough to satisfy your art cravings, there’s also the Laguna Art Museum.
No matter where you choose to go on your next vacation, it doesn’t seem that you will have to look far to get your fix of beach volleyball. From Siberia to Monaco, volleyball enthusiasts couldn’t be happier to kick off their shoes, feel the sand between their toes, and spike a few balls.
