Smackfest – Beach Volleyball
The Smackfest beach volleyball tournament in Hermosa Beach has come to rival the Charlie Saikley Six Man since the City of Manhattan Beach gutted its legendary event four years ago by moving it to mid-week. Photo
In terms of bragging rights and even purses, neighborhood beach volleyball tournaments rival their pro counterparts, at least in the minds of participants and fans. Smackfest crowds and the 16th Street Labor Day Calcutta often exceed those of some pro events. A BarryBob or a Seawright victory brings bragging rights every bit as prestigious as some pro tournaments.
Summer Kickoff
Smackfest
Saturday, July 18
Hermosa Beach pier
The first major neighborhood tournament is the Summer Kickoff on Saturday June 6, sponsored by Bill Siegel’s Smack Sportswear and Volleyball Ventures host the Summer Kickoff Tourney on Saturday, June 6, just south of the Hermosa Beach pier. Over 1,000 costumed, four-member teams will compete for bragging rights.
Smackfest, an even bigger amateur coed-four tourney takes place at the same location on Saturday, July 18. It will included a Fun Division and The Dave Williams Memorial, a professional 4-player division, sponsored by Bud Light, with a $5,000 purse. Williams was a longtime Hermosa resident who headed USA Beach Volleyball at the time of his death two summers ago.
Last year’s winners of the inaugural Dave Williams Memorial Pro Division included 16th Street locals Kevin and Shelly Norman, Paul Baxter and Barney and Jake Rosener.
Coming out on top in the Fun Division were the Pandas, who included pros/NCAA standouts Danny Newman, Erik Gomez, Clay Paulin, Dylan Maarek and April Bernardi.
Smackfest registration begins June 1 and usually closes out within the first week.
On Saturday, Sept. 12 Sigler will host a Patriot’s Day Tourney in Hermosa Beach, honoring those who passed away on 9/11, as well as the service men and women who fight to keep America safe.
Along with the volleyball tournament that will feature fun rules, the event will include an apple pie eating contest, three legged races and more. Prizes will include Sharkeez gift cards and Bud Light umbrellas.
Proceeds will benefit Tuesday’s Children, which provides support for children and families impacted by 9/11.
SmackFestEvents.com.