First Annual Deadman's Challenge 2017, Low Tide -1.9

Deadman's because that's the nickname for Cutts Island which a local Native American tribe is rumored to have used for a burial ground.
Challenge due to the logistics of getting all the volleyball equipment and people out to the island and all the courts set up in time for play as the sand spit appears from beneath the water.
Thanks to several planning sessions at a local watering hole, all went well, but we learned a lot, too, so next year will be even better!

Dave's design with logo care of Bones Volleyball, Thousand Oaks, CA.  Thanks Lisa!

FIrst thing in the morning, Drew drives Gregg, George, and Mark to the island with Dave, some gear, and the sign in tow.

Chris, Jonn, Laura, and Ryan were there early before the 2000 foot long spit appeared and while the seals frolicked.

Soon the spit emerged...wide enough for us to stake our claim

The spit slowly widens

View back towards Deadman's Island as the spit widens more

Eric, Anna, and Rory arrived by Hobie (background).
Here Chris, Mariah, and Josiah prepare a court for play, filling in large holes the clammers left behind.

Play begins on all 5 courts at around 10:30.  Everyone got in at least one 3 game KOB, and some played a few more.
Next year on the minus 3 tide, we'll have plenty of time for a fun tournament.

See Kenny's drone video at https://youtu.be/KQivWW3wmKk

Rory and Josiah join Levi and Jack on the north court.  Did you bring a ball?  No, didn't you?

Dave serves with Chris mistakenly calling for a block against Gregg 

Drew Jumpserves to Johanna and Kenny

George and Chris ready themselves for a floater

Gregg enjoyed Dave's perfect sets with the net at only 7'2" near the center.

Daniel made a time lapse video of warm ups and play on his court

Unfortunately, all of the shots of Andrea, Anna, Scott, and Eric on their court came in as low quality video that wouldn't display on the blog.  If you have photos or videos, please email to Gregg, and he'll add to this posting.

After-party photo at the Nelson's

How about them nice T-shirt designs!?

Thanks to Daniel, we had trophys for the winners.

Seaside 2017

Once again, Seaside Oregon pulled off the world's largest beach volleyball tournament drawing both old timers and newcomers from Gig Harbor for 4 days of play under beautiful skies.
It was exciting to see some of our youngest do well and having a great time...including a couple boys teams in their early teens (need photos Joe, Elise, and Renae!).

In between matches, Will and JB took on Nate and Andrew

Will stuffing an opponents hit...return to sender!

Will's crescent style hitting eclipsed the opponents' blocking

Chris and Gregg trying to look happy about their 2nd place finish in 55s

 Chris hits patented cutty

Fast motion Chris crushes line (best viewed frame-by-frame).

Slow motion Gregg thwacks a perfectly executed set from Chris who applied the 6-step "Gritty Method":

1) Move feet and arrive early

2) Square up

3) Bend knees

4) Solid flat platform

5) Watch the ball

6) Get back and cover the backcourt cuz your partner can't put the ball away! 

Trent and CJ played well above the net in the BB division...

Trent Go Boom #1

Trent Go Boom #2

Trent Go Boom #3, field goal!

See Kaitlyn move, see Rachel hit, see Kaitlyn and Rachel win point