interview with 1st Seed

Why I Got Into Beach Volleyball — And Why I Never Looked Back

I started playing beach volleyball when I was 28 years old.

I didn’t overthink it. I saw people playing, thought it looked fun, and decided to jump in. I had already been around volleyball, so in my head I figured it wouldn’t be that different.

I couldn’t have been more wrong — and that’s exactly why I fell in love with it.

My First Time Playing Beach Volleyball

My first official time playing beach volleyball was at Pier 6.

I remember getting called for doubles a lot.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the beach rules — especially around hand setting and what’s considered clean. Coming from indoor, I assumed my hands would translate easily. They didn’t.

But instead of being discouraged, it pulled me in deeper. The rules forced me to slow down, adjust, and actually learn the game.

Beach Volleyball Was Way Harder Than I Expected

Before beach, volleyball was still fun. I enjoyed playing, competing, and being active.

But beach volleyball is a different workout entirely.

During COVID, I was already playing outdoors, mostly 4s, because I didn’t know how to play 2s yet. Once I started learning doubles, everything changed. There’s no hiding in the sand. No subs. No rotations to save you.

Every touch matters.

Every weakness gets exposed.

And that’s what hooked me.

Why Beach Volleyball Worked for My Body

One of the biggest surprises was how my body responded.

I’ve lost cartilage in my knees, and indoor volleyball can be rough on them. Beach, on the other hand, allowed me to keep playing without pain. The sand absorbs impact, and the movement feels more natural and forgiving.

I could train harder, longer, and more consistently — without feeling broken afterward.

That alone changed my relationship with the sport.

The Rule That Changed How I See Volleyball

What stood out to me most about beach volleyball is the restriction on open hands.

Unless it’s extremely clean, you can’t just set freely like indoor. That rule alone makes beach volleyball feel more skill-based, intentional, and honest.

You can’t cheat the game.

You have to:

  • Control the ball

  • Read the play

  • Make smart decisions

That challenge made me respect the game even more.

How Beach Volleyball Changed Me

Beach volleyball changed me in ways I didn’t expect.

  • Mentally, it made me more active and engaged.

  • Physically, it forced me to work on all my skills — not just the ones I liked.

  • Socially, it introduced me to people I never would’ve met otherwise.

Some of my closest volleyball connections came from the sand.

Where Beach Volleyball Fits in My Life Now

Today, I play beach volleyball 3–4 times a week at a somewhat competitive level.

I haven’t played an official tournament yet — mainly because the beach is far — but it’s absolutely something I want to do. For now, the grind, the reps, and the community keep me coming back.

Beach volleyball isn’t something I tried and moved on from.

It became part of my life.

Final Thoughts

I went into beach volleyball thinking it wouldn’t be that different.

Instead, it challenged me, humbled me, improved my game, and gave me a new way to stay connected to volleyball without destroying my body.

If you’re thinking about trying beach volleyball — especially if you’re starting later or feeling stuck — jump in.

You might never look back either.

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