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Hilarious photos and even some good action shots plus writeup on this fun, crazy beach party.

Welcome to Smackfest!
Like Surfest, it's a Fun Beach Volleyball Event

ISmackfetst is one of the most fun events in Hermosa, partner..
Photo: JackFleming.com

Before there is Surfest – also known locally at the 6-man – there is Smackfest.

A kind of Surfest for the everyman (and everywoman), Smackfest is a coed beach volleyball tournament with themed teams that put as much energy into enjoying the party atmosphere as they do in winning points. The 2011 event is Saturday, July 23. Sign up for it here (spots are filling up fast!).

 
And this IS a party atmosphere.

Don't ask on the top photo and who can't love the shirts on the bottom!?.
Photos: JackFleming.com

Locally, it's known as a "drink and draw." Created by Bill Sigler of lifestyle wardrobe company Smack Sportswear and long sponsored by Bud Light, Smackfest is less about volleyball and more about socializing.

More than 700 partiers, or rather players, participate in Smackfest.

Players kneel in a hilarious tribute to Neil Diamond and Sweet Caroline.

Participants frequently leave the beach – even in the middle of matches – to run to the local bars to cash in on the pre-arranged Bud Light specials. They start the day with Jell-O shots and have cocktail challenges throughout the day.

The loose tournament "rules" also provide quite a bit of creativity and improvisation, allowing teams to earn point in games by performing various challenges of their own choosing. Often, this involves offering up female members of the team – at least one girl must be on the court at all times – for various Bud Light-inspired acts. That is why it is not uncommon to see, say, a bikini-clad body stretched out on the sand having whipped cream poured over her body, then licked off by opposing team members. Now who wouldn't trade a point or two for THAT privilege!?

The scene at Smackfest: Baywatch and play on the courts.

Tents are lined up for blocks just north of the Hermosa Beach Pier the last Saturday of each July to accommodate the 700+ players. Play runs from 9 a.m., until the after-party that evening at Sharkeez, which also host pre-event parties Friends of players and fans of fun mix and mingle with participants, making this one of the major events of the summer, both in the beach and the bars.

The level of play ranges from outstanding (some of the top pros in the world from the AVP and USA national teams are involved and compete for $2800 in prize money donated by Bud Light and Smack Sportswear.) to flat-out amateur.

So on one court a thundering spike may be sending shockwave through the sand while on another, a "spike" may be lucky to find the bottom of the net.

Needless to say, players of the lesser skill level tend to party more than the pros.

The good teams play in front of the host tents at about 13th Street, and the skill level generally deteriorates the farther north one travels up the beach.

There's constant music from a DJ and individual boom boxes by the courts. A PA system provides further entertainment, considering it's primarily manned by the funny JT, who is also the comedic announcer for Team Smack's Magnum P.I. team in Surfest the following weekend. JT also leads the tradition of having players gather to "kneel" for a group participation of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline on mid-day Saturday, a true event highlight.

In 2009, the 16th annual Smackfest, organizers added a bit more spice to the event with performances by the newly-created AVP Dance Team. The beautiful and lively girls, dressed in bright yellow outfits, literally stopped play on the beach as they did dance routines on the sand. In 2010, they were busy at the AVP Long Beach tournament.

Entry fee per /team is $130. The event's website is SmackSportswear.com.

– Smackfest 2010 Photos – 
All Smackfest 2010 Photos by JackFleming.com

– More Smackfest Photos – 

Smackfest founder Bill Sigler and the AVP Dance Team in 2009.

Leader Bill Sigler celebrates Smackfest with players and the AVP Dancers.

Red plastic cup and red bikini – a prefect match at Smackfest.

Related Article: Hermosa Beach Nightlife