As a dad, there’s nothing quite like those summer days by the beach that are filled with laughter, sun, and a bit of healthy competition. It’s the perfect mix of bonding time and burning off energy. This past weekend, I found myself right in the middle of one such memory-maker—a dad and kids’ beach volleyball showdown that turned into one of the most unforgettable afternoons of the summer.
It started as a simple idea. My kids, full of endless energy and a love for trying anything new, had been begging to play beach volleyball after spotting a group of teenagers spiking the ball by the shoreline during our last beach outing. I figured, why not make a small family tournament out of it? I didn’t expect it to turn into one of the most hilarious, heartwarming, and competitive days we’ve shared in a long time.
Setting the Scene
The beach was absolutely buzzing that morning. The golden sand was warm underfoot, the waves crashing nearby provided a rhythmic soundtrack, and the air smelled faintly of sunscreen and saltwater. We found an open volleyball net, and the kids immediately started practicing their “moves,” which, at first, were more like chaotic flailing. I stood back, arms crossed, trying to appear like I knew what I was doing, secretly Googling “basic volleyball rules” on my phone.
Once everyone had warmed up—or worn themselves out pretending to know how to spike the ball—I announced the rules for our big showdown. Two teams: me and my youngest daughter versus my oldest son and his slightly overconfident cousin. There were going to be some… let’s call them “flexible” rules considering the skill levels, but the emphasis was on fun. Or so I thought.
Game Faces On
Let me tell you something about kids. They don’t know the meaning of “just for fun.” The moment we divided into teams, it was game on. My oldest son, who has never played volleyball in his life, suddenly turned into a mini coach, barking out strategies to his cousin like they were training for the Olympics. My youngest daughter, loving the chance to partner up with Dad, gave me a determined nod and said, “We’re going to win, right?”
Right. No pressure.
The first serve was, well, chaotic. My son’s cousin managed to send the ball straight into the net, and the laughter that followed was enough to break the ice. But then something amazing happened—we all started to get the hang of it. Slowly, volleys started lasting longer than two hits, and some of us (okay, mostly me) even managed a few clumsy dives in the sand to keep the ball alive. The energy was contagious. As a dad, moments like these—when everyone’s just living in the moment—are pure gold.
The Unexpected Competitor
Halfway through the match, we had an unexpected addition. A friendly seagull decided to make our volleyball court its preferred hangout spot. The bird became something of a mascot, waddling around the edges of the game and causing a few hilarious distractions. At one point, my youngest daughter accidentally served the ball in its direction, and we all held our breath as it narrowly missed the unsuspecting bird. It took off squawking, much to everyone’s amusement.
That moment broke up the intensity and gave us a much-needed laugh. It was a reminder not to take things too seriously—something I think all dads need every now and then.
Victory (and Sand) for Everyone
As the afternoon wore on, the score didn’t seem to matter (though for the record, my team was totally winning). What mattered was the sheer joy of it all. My youngest was diving into the sand with absolute commitment, regardless of whether she hit the ball or not. My son was high-fiving his cousin after every point like they’d just won a championship. And me? I was just trying to keep up, all while laughing harder than I had in weeks.
By the end of it, we were completely covered in sand. My knees, which aren’t exactly built for beach sports these days, were starting to feel the strain. But as we collapsed onto our towels, exhausted but grinning from ear to ear, I realized this was one for the memory books. The kids couldn’t stop talking about their favorite plays, and I couldn’t stop smiling at how much fun we’d all had together.
Lessons Learned from the Sand
Looking back on our impromptu beach volleyball showdown, there are a few things that stuck with me:
- It doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun. None of us knew what we were doing when we started, but that didn’t stop us from having a blast. Sometimes, the best moments come from embracing the chaos.
- Kids love seeing their parents let loose. Whether it was me diving for the ball or laughing at my own bad serve, my kids loved seeing me just have fun. It reminded me how important it is to let go of being “the adult” sometimes.
- Memories are made in the small moments. Sure, the game was fun, but it was the silly moments—the seagull, the sand dives, the accidental faceplants—that we’ll all remember the most.
A New Summer Tradition
By the time we packed up to head home, the kids were already asking when we could do it again. There’s talk of making this a regular summer tradition, maybe even inviting other dads and their kids for a full-blown tournament. And honestly? I can’t wait. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the connection, the laughter, and the chance to be fully present with the people who matter most.
So, to all the dads out there, I say this: the next time you’re at the beach, find a volleyball net. Even if you’ve never played, even if you’re not sure you’ll be any good, just go for it. Dive into the sand, laugh at your mistakes, and soak up the joy of being right there in the moment with your kids. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.
Summer’s not just a season—it’s a state of mind. And nothing says summer like a day of sun, sand, and a little friendly competition. Who’s in for the next showdown?
