The Sport’s Two-Player Format Was Established in Santa Monica in 1930
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games spotlighted beach volleyball, three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings emphasized Santa Monica’s pivotal role in the sport’s history.
“Not only is Santa Monica the birthplace of modern beach volleyball, it was the place to train,” said Walsh Jennings in an interview with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism while enjoying the games in Paris. “The sand is deep, and the competition is amazing. The Santa Monica lifestyle is beachy, natural, and active — everything my sport represents and something I always aspired to.”
The sport’s two-player format was established in Santa Monica in 1930, although the city’s love for beach volleyball dates back even further. Permanent beach volleyball nets were first installed in the early 1920s, and by 1924, Santa Monica was already hosting inter-club competitions that attracted both casual players and serious athletes, as detailed in a release by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.
Today, Santa Monica boasts 3.5 miles of sandy beaches that are a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city features numerous beach volleyball courts and clubs, including the popular Annenberg Community Beach House, which remains a vibrant hub for players of all skill levels.
“Santa Monica has always been a pinnacle in my life,” Walsh Jennings added. “Not only is it amazing for beach volleyball, with their 3.5 miles of white sand and attractions like Pacific Park, but as a mother who enjoys an active lifestyle and wants to give my kids the experiences I had, visiting Santa Monica is a no-brainer. The sand is beautiful, the beaches are wonderful, and there’s so much for them to do.”
