It’s the versatile holiday game we can all play which explains the spike in volleyball and why we now dig the Alpine alternative.
Volleyball has its roots in the YMCA world of 1895 Holyoke, Massachusetts.
When William G Morgan, a disciple of basketball inventor James Naismith, invented a new easy to play parquet sport.
Which easily translates to the beaches of Hawaii where it is said to have taken off 20 years later.
And pools although it took the Disneyfication of the activity to propel it into a sport just 40 years ago.
Around the time of the Club 18-30 craze.
The young set in the Algarve
With all young package holidaymakers soon wading through the waters like we did on our first couples holiday in the Algarve.
The beauty of water volleyball, of course, is its inclusivity with anyone invited to join in.
With it being particularly popular as I found out, with Americans in Barbados.
Who prefer to stay in their resort rather than getting out and meeting Bajans.
Before dosing off in the back seat in the minibus home,
And involuntarily daydreaming that you’re back in the pool and trying to make that dig.
And jolting your fellow party reveller next to you and having to explain your dreamy stupor.
Courting Kitzbuhel
All of which meanderings is stirred by the news that our Alpine amis have taken to volleyball.
From 5 to 7 September, Kitzbuhel will host the Austrian Beach Volleyball Championships in the Alps for the first time.
The Kitbuhel Tennis Stadium will be transformed into the largest beach volleyball venue in the country.
Under the motto ‘BEACH. GAMS. GROSS’ top-level competition, entertainment, and the Alpine setting will come together.
Party on Austria
In addition to elite matches featuring Austria’s best beach volleyball teams, visitors can expect a diverse supporting programme.
Including free sundowner parties, camping at Lake Schwarzsee, youth training sessions, and a clear focus on community and inclusion.
A three night stay at HENRI Country House, arriving 5 September, is priced from £278pps. B&B. Flights and transfers extra.
All of which we hope explains the spike in volleyball and why we now dig the Alpine alternative.
