|
Welcome to the Huntington Beach
Open!
June 3-6, Huntington
Beach Pier
With the famous pier as a backdrop, Huntington is a top AVP event.
P hoto: Jack
Fleming Photography.
Pro player Adam
Jewell pointed to the party at the PubClub Blow-out Bash.
Jack
Fleming Photography
Though it's known
as Surf City, U.S.A., Huntington Beach becomes Volleyball City for one
weekend each year. In 2010, that will be June 3-6 when the Association
of Volleyball Professionals, or AVP, takes over the sand.
In this land of a surfing Walk of Fame and "shooting the pier,"
beach volleyball definitely has its place under the sun, as well. Huge
crowds turn out over the four-day event, highlighted by the men's final
on Sunday afternoon. Among the players are USA Olympic Gold Medalists Todd Rodgers and Phil "The Thin Beast" Dalhausser, and Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh on the women's side.
 Huntington's
shallow sand makes for some amazing athletic action not experienced
at any other beach. Because the sand is not as deep as many other places,
players are able to get huge elevation and spectacular spikes and blocks
are commonplace. The players refer to Huntington as a jumper's beach
and they go all out to take advantage of the conditions.
An electrifying women's final occurs on Saturday while at the same
time, heated men's matches are happening on the outer courts. This is
where fans can literally sit on the sand right next to the action. Some
matches had crowds of up to 200 people standing, sitting and cheering.
This is what AVP events are all about and the volleyball-savvy Huntington
Beach crowd soaked it up like suds and sunshine.
Speaking of suds, there's plenty of that to go around, too. The many
bars on adjacent Main Street are a draw, a big bonus being that the Bud Light girls do "bar patrols."
Partying after the action on the sand. Photo: Jack
Fleming Photography.
Saturday night, AVP players Adam and Collin served as guest bartenders
and several other players, friends and PubClubbers kept them busy. Adam
and Collin were happily up to the challenge, slinging drinks as easily
as they set and spike on the beach.
In Huntington Beach for the AVP, play hard, party harder for fans,
athletes and of course PubClubbers.
These two hotties sport their PubClub girl tees.
.
Sometimes, the players like to pretend to be bartenders. Jack
Fleming Photography
And this is what happens after the players pour the shots.
Jack Fleming Photography
Pro player John
"JT" Thompson with his harem.Jack
Fleming Photography
– AVP STORY LINKS –
• The Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball: Manhattan Open
• Manhattan Open: 2009 Winners & Coverage
• Manhattan Open: Photos From Past Years
• Hermosa Beach Open: 2009 Winners & Coverage
• Hermosa Open: Photos From Past Years
• AVP Dancers: Photos & Interview
• AVP: One Of the Top Fan-Friendly Sports
• Manhattan Open: Six-Man Demo 2009
• A Look at a Past Venue: San Diego, 2003
• AVP Website: AVP.com
• Huntington
Beach Bar Guide
• US
Open Surfing
 PubClub.com Home Page
|