IT’S social, competitive, addictive, and it gives you the opportunity to leap around on sand – what’s not to love about beach volleyball? If you’re looking to take your interest of the sport beyond the occasional game every time you visit the beach, or you’re an advanced player hoping to play a regular game in Bangkok, check out the BKK Beach Volleyball Social Group. Several nights of the week the group hosts games on the dedicated sand court at Arsenal Soccer School (17/1 Soi Pridi Banomyong 21, Sukhumvit 71 Road, Phra Khanong) with sessions for beginners and advanced players. So even if you’ve never ‘set’ or ‘spiked’ a ball, or have no idea what these terms mean (the first is setting up the ball up for a teammate to hit, the second basically hitting it as hard as possible after a set) you can still turn up for a game and have a great time (although we do suggest you brush up on some of the rules first). |
Organised over the past four years by Canadian expat Martin Grand, and co-organized by American expat Clinton Grider, the weekly games attract a diverse crowd of expats and locals who all play in the spirit of friendly competition.
“There’s a real social element to the group, too” says Martin, a seasoned volleyball player who’s more than happy to help newcomers learn the ins and outs of the sport. “After games we often go for a drink or a bite to eat. So more than just good fun and exercise, it’s also a great way to make new friends.”
The group hosts games four times a week, including:
1. Wednesday Night Sand Volleyball (all levels) at 7.15pm-9.15pm (limited to 14 players)
2. Weekend Sand Volleyball (all levels) on Saturday at 4pm-6pm (limited to 14 players)
3. Weekend 4s Sand Volleyball (Intermediate+) on Saturday at 6.15pm-8.15pm (limited to 10 players)
4. Beach 4s Advanced Level Volleyball on Sunday from 4pm-6pm (limited to 10 players).
Word of warning: If you sign up for Beach 4s Advanced Level you must really know your stuff, including being able to consistently pass, set, hit, and block – and not be afraid of a hard hit ball.
“The Advanced Level games are more serious and reserved for experienced players only,” explains Martin. “We want everyone to have a great time so it’s important to sign up for a level which suits you best. Everyone improves over time, and sharpening your serve, perfecting your set, and honing your spike is all part of the fun.”
The court fee is B800 per hour without lights, B1,000 per hour with lights, and the cost is split evenly between players.
Sign up to play today at www.meetup.com/BKK-Beach-Volleyball
“There’s a real social element to the group, too” says Martin, a seasoned volleyball player who’s more than happy to help newcomers learn the ins and outs of the sport. “After games we often go for a drink or a bite to eat. So more than just good fun and exercise, it’s also a great way to make new friends.”
The group hosts games four times a week, including:
1. Wednesday Night Sand Volleyball (all levels) at 7.15pm-9.15pm (limited to 14 players)
2. Weekend Sand Volleyball (all levels) on Saturday at 4pm-6pm (limited to 14 players)
3. Weekend 4s Sand Volleyball (Intermediate+) on Saturday at 6.15pm-8.15pm (limited to 10 players)
4. Beach 4s Advanced Level Volleyball on Sunday from 4pm-6pm (limited to 10 players).
Word of warning: If you sign up for Beach 4s Advanced Level you must really know your stuff, including being able to consistently pass, set, hit, and block – and not be afraid of a hard hit ball.
“The Advanced Level games are more serious and reserved for experienced players only,” explains Martin. “We want everyone to have a great time so it’s important to sign up for a level which suits you best. Everyone improves over time, and sharpening your serve, perfecting your set, and honing your spike is all part of the fun.”
The court fee is B800 per hour without lights, B1,000 per hour with lights, and the cost is split evenly between players.
Sign up to play today at www.meetup.com/BKK-Beach-Volleyball