Aug. 29 Barefooter Ricardo in the USA!

Ricardo was in LA all summer for a wonderful beach adventure. Here are his experiences!

- How did you get the idea to go to California?
I knew from hearsay that California (especially LA) is the Valhalla for beach volleyball players. I always wanted to play volleyball in the USA and had been thinking about university volleyball. This plan fell through due to selection for Beach Team Netherlands. This summer I had to go abroad for four weeks for my earth sciences study, which meant I would miss a lot of the Dutch tour, which also meant I didn't have a partner. This was the perfect timing for me to play volleyball in the USA.

- What is the beach volleyball climate like (the people, the world, and the weather?)?
Beach volleyball there is how beach volleyball is meant to be. Very friendly atmosphere, everyone knows each other and gets along well. Playing a few games in the morning before work is normal there. Finished with work? Just go back to the beach, there are always people playing volleyball and you can join them anytime. There are beach volleyball courts all along the coastline!

- What tip do you have for people who also want to go that way for a volleyball trip?
My advice: DO IT! Hermosa/Manhattan Beach is the place to be in LA. LA is expensive, especially on the coast. Airbnb is not allowed everywhere, but I had an excellent hostel. At least bring a volleyball. Then you can always get going and be recognizable as a volleyball player!