Beach Volleyball - Fun to Play and Fun to WatchThe first recorded beach volleyball games took place in Hawaii by surfers looking for something to do when the surf was down. Originating in 1915, play took place at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu between 6 man teams. 
The game moved to Santa Monica, California in 1920 and led to the creation of numerous private beach clubs. Inter-Club competitions began in 1924 and were the first beach volleyball tournaments in California.The game developed with six man teams and remained that way until 1930. While waiting for players to show up for a game, Paul “Pablo” Johnson decided to begin with only 2 players on a side. This new format quickly caught on in popularity. The game spread to Europe in the 1930’s and in the 1940’s doubles tournaments were commonly held in Santa Monica. The first attempt at a professional league was in Santa Monica during the 1960’s. It failed and beach volleyball at the professional level didn’t take off until the 1980’s. The first Manhattan Beach Open was held in 1960 and there were a few professional tournaments during the 1970’s which were sponsored by beer and cigarette companies. Then in 1987 the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) created the first World Beach Volleyball Championships which were played in Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Although the sports popularity increased in the 80's and 90's, American beach volleyball suffered setbacks. The American women's professional tour - the WPVA - closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy in 1998. The AVP which was the American professional men’s tour filed for bankruptcy the same year.
The AVP reorganized and reappeared as a for profit company in 2001. It combined the men’s and women’s professional tours and the sport has continued to gain in popularity ever since.
Beach Volleyball isn't just for the professionals. There are amateur events and leagues at many beaches across the country. Here are a few of the websites you can go to for more information. Tip: Click Here for a great list of Beach Volleyball Slang EVPtour The EVP Tour aims to support beach volleyball so that sponsors, participants, spectators and the host communities feel that they received more value than expected. The Tour provides opportunities for amateurs and professionals and hopes to allow top teams to earn a living on the national Tour. EVP hosts 7 levels of amateur competition in addition to it's Professional level. If you are looking for a little less of a demanding schedule go to for bars in your area which participate. Click on www.evptour.com for complete information. Please make sure to Click Here for information on the cities with amateur activities. In 2008 locations were available in 18 states! Here are some more organizations involved in beach volleyball. Check for one in your city or state.
Chicago, IL St. Clair Volleyball California Beach Volleyball Association www.cbva.com Dig the Beach Series - Florida Dig the Beach Florida Beach Volleyball Tour www.flbeachvolleyball.com Mission Beach Volleyball - San Diego, CA www.missionbeachvolleyball.com Fairplay Volleyball - Ft. Wayne, IN Fairplay Volleyball Baltimore Beach Volleyball - Baltimore, MD www.baltimorebeach.com Lakeview Beach Volleyball - Lorain County, OH www.loraincounty.com Long Beach Volleyball - Long Beach, CA longbeachvolleyball.net AAU Beach Volleyball AAU Beach BEACH TENNIS If you love beach volleyball, check out beach tennis! You may be asking what is beach tennis. It is a great new sport that combines the best of tennis and beach volleyball. There is a national tour with tournaments from coast to coast. Major nationally known sponsors and TV coverage of many tournaments. If you're looking to combine your love of tennis with a day at the beach, check out www.beachtennisusa.net
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