It will probably come as no surprise to many of you reading this but over the past 5 months or so I have really fallen in love with the sport of beach volleyball. What started as a causal invite to play a few pick up games has evolved into an all consuming passion that has me spending as much free time as I can on the sand.
Rafa and Steven Roschitz getting that golden hour light
As much as I’d like to say it’s the ability to play a sport competitively again, get a great workout in while working on my tan or just learning a new skill, the real reason I keep coming back are the people I’ve met along the way.
Jobey being Jobey
From the first time I walked through the doors at Third Coast here in Houston, everyone I met was so friendly and eager to teach me something or invite me to a social function. The new guy that didn’t (still debatably doesn’t) know how to pass, set or hit any shots was just as much a part of the group as the most seasoned player. I knew early on I had stumbled across something special, but more importantly I had found some amazing people.
Playing in a few tournaments recently has only driven home the fact that the beach volleyball community is a huge family. After every tournament I go to I walk away with new friends and hear stories about people staying with acquaintances for tournaments all over the country. “Hey my friend lives in Pensacola, I know he’d be cool with you crashing there the week for FUDS. I’ll text him right now.”
My boy!
It might sound crazy from the outsider’s perspective but it really is just the way everyone pulls together. Maybe it’s southern hospitality but I think it’s bigger than that. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and accepted that first invite to come play in the sand. It has changed the course of my life and I can’t wait to see what other doors this world will open. If you’re reading this and want to come see for yourself, come out to Third Coast or any of the other courts around your town and find out for yourself. You might just find a new obsession.
With that said, I’d like to introduce you to some of the great people I’ve met along the way who happen to also be pretty badass players as well.
Micah gets a quick power nap but still can’t avoid the paparazzi
And for those of you in the tournament that would like to download/view any or all of the photos from this past weekend, follow this link!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6fropsf9a379x89/AABn3wYF65wiVfZ1nZQw1ILYa?dl=0
