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If you’re wondering what to bring to a beach volleyball tournament, preparation is just as important as your training. In Calgary, tournaments happen both outdoors during the summer and indoors at local indoor beach facilities. Packing the right essentials ensures you stay comfortable, perform your best, and make the most of every game whether you’re under the hot prairie sun or playing on a climate-controlled indoor beach.
Essential Gear for Calgary Beach Volleyball Tournaments
Beach volleyball in Calgary comes with unique challenges. Outdoor events bring strong sunshine, quick weather changes, and hot sand. Indoor tournaments, on the other hand, eliminate the weather factor but still require smart preparation. Here’s what you’ll need for both environments.
1. Volleyball-Specific Equipment
- Outdoor Volleyball: Bring a ball like the Mikasa VLS300 or Wilson AVP, designed for sand play. Even indoors, these balls are the tournament standard.
- Sand Socks: Outdoors, they protect from hot sand and hidden rocks; indoors, they provide comfort and prevent blisters.
- Sport Sunglasses (for Outdoor Play): Calgary’s bright skies can make tracking the ball difficult. Indoors, you can leave these behind.
- Hat or Visor (Outdoors): Great for shading your eyes. Indoors, a sweatband may be more useful.
2. Apparel for Calgary’s Weather and Indoor Comfort
- Lightweight Sportswear: Choose quick-dry, breathable fabrics for both indoor and outdoor play.
- Layers for Cool Weather: Calgary mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in July. A hoodie or light jacket will keep you warm between games.
- Extra Outfits: Indoor tournaments often run all day. A change of clothes will keep you fresh and comfortable.
3. Hydration and Nutrition
- Insulated Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is critical in Calgary’s dry climate. Even indoors, hydration keeps energy levels up.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Replenish minerals lost through sweat, especially in long tournament formats.
- Energy Snacks: Bring quick, portable snacks like fruit, granola bars, or trail mix to keep your body fueled.
4. Comfort and Protection
- Sunscreen (Outdoors): Calgary’s UV index is high, so sunscreen is a must. Indoors, you won’t need it, but lip balm with SPF is still useful.
- Towel: Essential for wiping sweat or cooling down between games.
- Shade and Seating (Outdoors): A beach tent or umbrella creates a resting area. Indoors, a simple chair or team bench setup works best.
- First-Aid Kit: Always have band-aids, tape, and blister care for both indoor and outdoor play.
Tips for Tournament Preparation in Calgary
- Check the Venue: If you’re playing outdoors, monitor the weather. For indoor tournaments, confirm if the facility provides seating, shade, or water stations.
- Pack the Night Before: Avoid the stress of rushing by preparing your bag early.
- Warm Up on Sand: Whether indoors or outdoors, sand is tough on your body. A proper warm-up prevents injuries.
- Stay Organized: Use a duffle bag or backpack with compartments to separate clothing, gear, and snacks.
- Bring Backups: Extra socks, tape, or even a spare volleyball can save the day.
Calgary Beach Volleyball Tournament Checklist
Here’s your checklist for both outdoor and indoor tournaments:
- Outdoor volleyball (AVP or Mikasa)
- Sand socks
- Sunglasses and visor/hat (outdoor only)
- Breathable sportswear and extra outfits
- Hoodie or jacket (for cool weather)
- Insulated water bottle and electrolyte drinks
- Portable snacks
- Sunscreen (outdoor) or SPF lip balm (indoor)
- Towel
- Shade and seating (outdoor) or chair (indoor)
- First-aid kit
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to bring to a beach volleyball tournament in Calgary means being prepared for both outdoor and indoor play. Outdoors, focus on sun protection, hydration, and shade. Indoors, comfort, hydration, and recovery are your priorities. No matter the setting, the right preparation ensures you can focus on your game. For players looking to compete, train, or enjoy beach volleyball all year long, The Beach YYC offers a premier indoor beach facility that brings the summer sand experience to Calgary even in the middle of winter. With the right gear and a reliable checklist, you’ll be ready to play your best in any tournament setting.