Office temps and Olympians.
Young and old.
Singles and longtime married couples.
On Long Island, all kinds of people, from all walks of life, play beach volleyball - a sport that will be diving into its quadrennial spotlight at the upcoming Olympic Games.
You don't have to play with great competency to enjoy a fun-but-vigorous game that was made for summertime on Long Island. "There are so many miles of beaches here," says Rich Heiler of East End Volleyball. "It's an ideal place for volleyball." Especially this summer. "With gas costs, people are not going on vacation as much, and they're looking for alternate things," says Joe Strining, who organizes beach volleyball leagues at Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks. "We're one of them."
It's not too late to get involved with organized beach volleyball on Long Island.
East End Volleyball
Despite its name, this is the umbrella group for volleyball at Cedar Beach in Babylon, Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays, and
Long Beach. All levels welcome. Teams are 2-6 people, $200 per team for the remainder of the season.
Individuals can leave their names, experience and availabilities on the EEV bulletin board, for teams looking for players:
eevb.net, 631-728-0397.
Long Island Volleyball Association
Four leagues, from beginners to advanced, playing on eight courts under the lights at Jones Beach, seven nights a week through Sept. 18.
At
Robert Moses, two leagues and 18 courts: League fees range from $100 for individuals to $475 (Jones) and $450 (Robert Moses) for co-ed six-player teams;
longislandvolleyball.com; 631-422-5555.
Jones Beach Two-Person Tournament: Come play in (or watch) this two-on-two tournament at the courts next to the Bandshell at
Jones Beach; Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Male and female, all levels eligible; $25 per person;
northforkbeachvolleyball.org; 631-241-3677.
