How about a game of beach volleyball?

Angelique Flores

High school kids, college athletes and professional volleyball players

have all set and spiked their way around the nets in the sand next to the

Huntington Beach Pier.

Some say it’s the hottest place for a game in all of Orange County,

mainly because the nets are up year-round, and the courts are maintained

by the city, said Ric Jennings, Huntington’s director of beach

volleyball.

“From the beginners to the most advanced, all have played in

Huntington Beach,” he said.

Top ranking professional players such as Brian Lewis, Sean Fallowfield

and Misty May have been spotted darting around courts, he said.

Volleyball courts are found up and down the city beach, with the

highest concentration of nets -- 15 of them -- by the pier. Another eight

courts are scattered along the beach at each concession stand south of

the pier.

The pier-side courts are popular among the more advanced players, so

beginners are wise to stick to the courts outside the pier area, said

Albert Gasparian, women’s volleyball coach and athletics director at

Golden West College.

Nabbing a court is done on a first come, first served basis. Anyone

can catch a game at any time, but it’s a little easier during the week --

more courts are open.

To avoid sunburn, players should slather on the sunscreen. And to

avoid getting sand in the eyes, slip on a pair of sunglasses. On the

really hot days, Gasparian recommends wearing socks to protect your feet.

So when’s the best time of day to play? Gasparian said mornings and

late afternoons are best. It’s not as hot as in the middle of the day.

And which court you’re playing on can make a difference, too.

“It’s cooler by the ocean, but windier,” Gasparian said.

For the younger players, the city offers a youth summer beach

volleyball program for children ages 9 to 14. Cost is $85 for a one-piece

session. Classes begin July 10 and continue for eight weeks. For more

information, call 960-8870 or 960-8895.

FYI

Beach Volleyball tournaments this summer

WHAT: 2000 AP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour

WHEN: June 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; June 17, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; June 18,

8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with championship match at 4 p.m.

WHERE: South side of the pier

MISCELLANEOUS: This will be the tournament’s fourth stop on the tour and

first stop ever in Huntington Beach

CONTACT: (310) 577-0775

WHAT: Cal-King Extreme Volleyball

WHEN: June 3 and 4, with events starting at 10 a.m.

WHERE: South side of the pier

MISCELLANEOUS: Events include extreme whipped cream volleyball, games and

music. CONTACT: Randy West at (858) 488-8056 or visit www.calking.com