Sad State of Six Man

Yes, I know this post is over 3 weeks late.  Perhaps it's because this year's tournament was overshadowed by the Olympics.  Perhaps because the tournament was on a Tuesday.  Or perhaps it was because one of the greatest summer traditions in the South Bay was embarrassingly dull this year.  The courts weren't filled, the sand seemed empty, and most of the spectators did so from the pier or boardwalk above.  The normally packed bars were completely empty.  If I owned any of the establishments down there, I would certainly be upset that my biggest weekend of the year just got sacked.  Instead, now they must settle for a droll Tuesday crowd that won't bring in even 25% of last year's business.  Vendors outnumbered spectators, and only true volleyball die-hards had any enthusiasm for the event.  Even the costumes suffered.  But at least Richard Jefferson was there to make a celebrity appearance (and to play, as he does every year), thus saving the event from complete disaster.  Here's to hoping that Manhattan Beach returns to its senses and brings back the event in epic form next year.

2011 6 Man Tournament: Recap

The 2011 6 Man Volleyball tournament in Manhattan Beach, the 50th Anniversary of the Charlie Saikley event btw, was a great scene as always.  This year had a different vibe early on, as the sand wasn't as packed as in years past.  That definitely changed by about 1pm, so perhaps everyone was just getting a lazy start due to the marine layer that dominated the morning.  Here's a few of the photos I took during this year's tourney, and why I always say that if you haven't been....GO.  Set Your calendars for ONE YEAR FROM TODAY.  August 4, 2012...Celebrate Obama's Birthday in Style, like this....

Team WWF Huddles up, prior to dominating

Luke Walton can't help himself, has to run through the ring...

It quickly became apparent what the players are up to during the NBA lockout.

Kevin Love tries to show Jordan Farmar how it's done; an exercise in futility, no doubt.

...but he does know how to negotiate with the ref, regardless of what court he's on!

Luke gets pumped after his teammate puts up the monster block

Preview: Some Photos of 6-Man's Past...

A view of the scene from the pier.

Where I plan to start the day.  Remember, no booze
on the beach!  Just @ the bars & house parties.

Lots of people, lots of sponsors, lots of fun!

Fun costumes from Twister themed....

...to WWE!

There's even B-list celeb sightings like Luke...

...Coach Pete...

...and B-Griff.  But now that he's actually played a full regular season, he may be
too cool for 6-man.  I'm keeping my eyes peeled for someone, though!

6 MAN!!!!

Holy Hot-Bodies, Batman!  Have you been before?  If not, you've been missing out.  THIS SATURDAY, head on down to the Manhattan Beach pier as early as you can- heck, stop at the Kettle for breakfast, and then wade through the sea of beach-partying animals in all kinds of costumes to watch some quality 6-on-6 beach volleyball....where every participant is stone sober. rrriiiiggghhhttt.

Anyway, it's quite an event and it is a HUGE scene, so if you haven't been before, head on down and check it out this Saturday!  I'll be sure to follow with a post of some teaser photos to further entice attendance...

Check out the link for more info on the International Surf Festival (the formal name of the event).... http://www.surffestival.org/