6-Man Tourney!, Manhattan Beach

A volleyball tournamenet that takes place every summer during the FIRST WEEKEND of AUGUST, just south of the pier. It is a great event that takes place over the whole weekend! Not only do some of the great weekend players come out, but everyone dresses up! For instance, there was the Mexican water polo team last year (2002) where the guys all wore tight green speedos and wrapped a Mexican flag around their bodies. It is just one volleyball-playing, beer-drinking party!

This is just one of the many teams that are competing in this Beach Volleyball Competition, there were many teams ,men
teams ,women teams and some believe it or not looked like Elvis Pesleys Team .
Imaging trying to play Volley Ball with that outfit on , but they did a great job and they played very well.

Here are a goup of Vt members who are enjoying this beautiful day here at the 6 Men
Beach Volleyball Competition. Standing are
Janet from the USA ,Stace & Carmen from Spain ,siiting at the table is Lori from Canada & Sharon from Australia .

But our main reason to visit Manhattan Beach was to support the VT team ....

It took us a long time to find them, but at least we were some of the few that find them (many wander for hours not finding the place :(((( )

But you can see how crowded was the beach!

On the way we saw many of the themes dressed for the occasion ...

The Manhattan Beach 6-man open is a Glorious weekend of halloween, mardi gras like costumed bebauchery that pits fancifully costumed freaks against each other in volleyball. People wear insand costumes, drink, play volleyball, create elaborate game rituals, and generally have a good time. it's cool cause there are actual pro's and Olympic athletes mixed in with all the ridiculousness.

As an added bonus, it's the centerpiece of the VirtualTourist weekender when members from around the world come to VT headquarters and partay with staff and friends. This annual event happens the first weekend in August. Be there or be bored!

If you show up on the right weekend, Manhattan Beach will look like this! What a blast! The volleyball tournament is a major event, with dozens of courts set up and hundreds of teams, from the semi-hapless to the semi-professional. There are no big prizes beyond bragging rights, and all of the teams wear crazy costumes, but don't let the nuttiness fool you--some of these folks are really good!

The International Surf Festival 6-person Volleyball Tournament is held nearly every year next to the Manhattan Beach Pier.
The teams dress is some outlandish costumes, but the game is serious business to them. There are at least a thousand spectators under awnings and tents watching this spectacle, some are hawking their wares and others are just enjoying the game and people watching. Spectators are allowed to pitch their tent or awning to spend time in the shade for the day.

This is the first time I saw anything like this. Incredible teams in incredible costumes creates a spectacle.. You better take some tissue to wipe the drool off after seeing some of the women costumes. I do not have any pictures, dang it :-(
Here is our opponents the Fakers

Manhattan Beach Surf Fest (Around August)
It's a 6-person volleyball tournament on the beach. The twist is people usually wear costumes to play and more often than not, the players are inebriated. It's one big massive party. The event also attracts the pros and ex-pros.