If the AVP continues in this vein, I'll probably be pretty much done with 'em. But the Hermosa Beach Open ain't dead yet ...
Remember former AVP pro Mark Paaluhi, who played in the 90s? When the AVP stupidly dropped Hermosa from the calendar, Mark stepped in to keep the event alive, with a homegrown effort funded by donations. I met Mark back then. He was a helluva nice guy and an amazing player in the heyday of the sport. When I found out he was responsible for reviving the Hermosa Beach Open, I wasn't surprised in the least.
Mark Paaluhi, the Hermosa Open, And A Revival of Beach Volleyball’s Purity https://sandcastvolleyball.com/mark-paaluhi-the-hermosa-open-and-a-revival-of-beach-volleyballs-purity/#:~:text=View Larger Image-,Mark Paaluhi%2C the Hermosa Open%2C And A,Revival of Beach Volleyball's Purity&text=The 2025 Hermosa Open will,to raise it to %24200%2C000.
By all accounts, the 2024 event - with a field full of AVP pros - was an incredible weekend.
Hermosa Open Recap: The Vibes, The Partnerships, The Play — The Purest Beach Volleyball Tournament https://sandcastvolleyball.com/hermosa-open-recap-the-vibes-the-partnerships-the-play-the-purest-beach-volleyball-tournament/
This year, there will be a full traditional 4-day TRUE double elimination tourney (yes, complete with the potential for a double final), with a 32 team draw, 8 of which will come from a Thursday single-elimination qualifier.
Now all I need is a reservation at the Sea Sprite ...