Summer 2009 in Coney Island, New York, by far one of the hottest days of the summer. AVP beach volleyball hosted an event in which I was able to attend. Walking on the scorching hot sand makes you wonder how they can possibly stand on the it for the entire game. People under umbrellas, wearing hats, and doing anything for some cool air, it was amazing to be around. Having such a passion for the sport definitely made the event more entertaining. If i hadn't, I doubt I would have been able to stay there too long. Not only are you up close and personal, the setting is so laid-back and different then other sports events I've attended. You can also walk down the boardwalk to see their practice courts which are even closer to you then the game court, sponsors are promoting their products every which way you look, and the smell of hot dogs and ocean water fill up the area. AVP volleyball event is definitely something well worth your time.

Opening Week

AVP beach volleyball is an annual outdoor event. For the 2010 season, the professional volleyball players started their tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the first time since 2006. The match is technically known as the AVP Nivea Tour Gatorade Fort Lauderdale Open. The matches are an all day affair with male and female tournaments. Misty May-Treanor, who resides in Florida, and Nicole Branagh won this open for the women. Misty and Nicole went the entire weekend without losing a game. This is Misty's return to professional beach volleyball as a full-time participant. As for the men's title goes, the final match was rained out. m Canceling an AVP match has only happened five times in the course of AVP beach volleyball history, and hasn't happened since 1996 in Dallas. Earnings from these matches range anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to $20,000, the amount Misty and Nicole walked away with. Even though the men's final match was rained out, the winnings were determined based on how well the teams did up until that point. The next stop for the tour is Santa Barbara, California, April 29 till May 2.