Our photographer Brent Mullins shot two world championship beach volleyball tournaments this season in Southern California, and we present five galleries containing more than 100 images. These guys are amazing athletes, among the best in the world. Enjoy!

I've never played beach volleyball. Is it fun? I'm a klutz, but it does look like a lot of fun.

The pics are amazing!!

Beach volleyball is a whole lot of fun. I play indoor v-ball as well and I prefer the beach because the sand is much easier to dive on than an indoor court. When I played indoor ball, I would have tons of nasty bruises on my knees from sprawling out on the court to dig a ball whereas on the beach, you get a bit of sand on your face, in your shorts, etc., but it gives you a great excuse to take off your shirt and get some sun. (I'm a red head so I'd be slathered in sun screen before I would get on the court, but you get the idea.) I haven't played in a beach v-ball tournament in a few years, but I've always had a great time.

I think the AVP makes a stop in Minneapolis in the Summer ... I know they have a few stops in the Midwest where they bring in a few semi trucks to deliver the sand ... you should check it out. The pseudo beach + tons of tanned muscular guys with huge arms on the court and in the stands = a great time.

Nick

Yeah, I used to tell people that's where the scrapes and bruises on my knees came from, too... wink

[quote]AtlantaSpartan:
[QUOTE]Yeah, I used to tell people that's where the scrapes and bruises on my knees came from, too... wink [/quote]LOL *bows head in shame* I wish I could say that the scrapes and bruises came from something other than v-ball, but unfortunately, all of my bruises were all from not wearing knee pads on the court.

Nick

Great shots, Brent! Thanks for the jarfull of excellent eye candy and Happy New Year!