SOB Volleyball Tournament: An Annual Tradition in Ixtapa

SOB, South of the Border, Volleyball Vacations has been organizing and hosting beach volleyball tournaments in Ixtapa since 1994. When the tournament first began participation was capped at 160 entrants over a one week time period. In the last few years the tournament has become so popular that participants now battle out the competition over a full two week time period. In fact, the tournament has become so popular that participants from all over the country now arrange their vacation time to coincide with the tournament. Both beginners as well as pros are all highly encouraged to participate in the tournament.

If you are considering joining the tournament you should know that it is a good idea to book your spot well in advance as the popularity of this tournament now means that many spots go early. More than 100 players from all over the world now participate each week of the contest.

Generally, a volleyball vacation trip will run between $1,200 and $1,500; which includes airfare, drinks, hotel, food and play. Participants in the tournament can take advantage of tournaments for both men and women, pros and amateurs as well as daily pickup play, clinics and workshops and 5 star accommodations in which to relax in between rounds of play.

When planning your trip you should be aware that for upcoming tournaments passports will be required, so you should plan to obtain a passport if you do not already have one.

Along with your passport and identification, you should also make sure that you bring along plenty of sun block as well as protective clothing including sunglasses and hats. For the tournaments, bring along shorts, sand socks and a volleyball. While much of your time will certainly be spent spiking in the sand, you may also wish to head into the water, so plan to also bring along your swimsuit and snorkel fins and mask if you want to get some snorkeling time in during your trip. Of course, no trip to Ixtapa would be complete without a camera to capture all of your memories.

It is also important to make sure that you have completed all of your registration forms and have sent them in prior to departing for your trip. Forms you should have completed and sent in include your signed waiver and release form, your tournament entry confirmation forms, clinic registration form, side trip registration form and address confirmation form. Failure to sign and either mail or fax in your forms could prevent you from participating in the tournament.

If you want to participate in the snorkel and sailboat trip that is frequently hosted by the tournament, make sure that you sign up in plenty of time as space is typically limited and only the first 50 or so who register can attend.

The pleasant weather in the Ixtapa area means that participants can be certain there will be plenty of sun and sand in which to enjoy their vacation.