What do you need for beach volleyball?
There are many ways to enjoy the beach. If you’d rather something a little more active than working on your tan, volleyball may be just the thing. You can burn off a few extra calories while having fun with friends and relieving stress.
Of course, you can’t show up at the beach empty-handed and expect to get a game going. You’ll need to get yourself a few things first.
What you need to play beach volleyball
There are many nice-to-haves when playing volleyball, but besides willing players there are only two true necessities: a net and a ball.
Best beach volleyball net
Park & Sun Sports Spectrum Portable Outdoor Volleyball Net
This durable set is both easy to set up and highly portable, two important features when selecting a beach volleyball net. It features telescoping aluminum poles so you can adjust its height to fit the players’ needs, and the net is made from a sturdy nylon that can stand up to constant exposure to the elements.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach volleyball
This ball was used in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, which speaks to its quality. It has reinforced panels and a water-resistant exterior to stand up to plenty of use. The bright colors make it easy to keep track of in the air, too, so you’ll have no excuse to miss that spike.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach volleyball set
Baden Champions Volleyball Badminton Combo Set
If you prefer to buy everything in one purchase, this combo set is for you. In addition to the net and volleyball, it comes with badminton equipment and an air pump. You get all of this for a nice low price that makes it ideal for those on a budget. It’s best for those who only play periodically, though, as some of the components aren’t the highest quality.
Sold by Amazon
What you need to protect yourself
There are few things better than enjoying a day at the beach playing volleyball. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun, though, so you’ll need to protect yourself. This means wearing sunscreen and reapplying it regularly. But your skin isn’t the only thing susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays, so don’t forget a pair of sporty polarized sunglasses — and something to keep your feet safe will help, too.
Best sunscreen
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport is lightweight, dries quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It is also water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sweat washing it off, and the 50 SPF rating offers plenty of protection against sunburns.
Sold by Amazon
Best reef-safe sunscreen
SPF Rx Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
If you like to periodically take a dip to cool off between matches, it’s best to opt for a sunscreen such as SPF Rx. It is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium oxide for SPF 50 maximum protection, won’t harm coral reefs, and is suitable for kids and adults alike.
Sold by Amazon
Best sunglasses for beach volleyball
Oakley Men’s Oo9188 Flak 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
You’ll likely be sweating a lot when playing beach volleyball, and you need a pair of sunglasses that can stay put through intense matches. The Flak 2.0 are made with those needs in mind. They feature comfortable high-traction material on the nose pads, and their ear socks produce a better grip the more you perspire.
Sold by Amazon
Best sand socks for beach volleyball
Sand Socks Vincere Sprite Low-Top
These slip-on neoprene booties are a great way to protect your feet from scorching hot sand when playing volleyball. They are made with a combination of Lycra and neoprene to offer a snug fit that won’t restrict your movement.
Sold by Amazon
What you need to enjoy the day
Heading to the beach to play volleyball shouldn’t be only about the game. There are several things that can help you enjoy the day, including chairs and an umbrella to lounge under so you can get out of the sun for a bit. Make sure to bring along a cooler, too, with plenty of beverages to keep you hydrated.
Best beach chair
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Folding Beach Chair
When it’s time to kick back and lounge between matches, this beach chair is just the ticket. It sits nice and low to the ground, can recline to a completely flat position and features a cup holder to keep a beverage close. Plus, it has backpack straps for hands-free carrying.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach umbrella
Aoxun Beach 7.5-Foot UPF 50+ Beach Umbrella
This affordably priced beach umbrella is large enough to provide two people with full shade. You can angle it as needed to track the sun across the sky and it comes at an affordable price.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach cooler
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
The Arctic Zone Hardbody cooler comes in several sizes, so there is one that should be just right for your needs no matter how many people in your group. It has a patented flip-open lid, so you can access your drinks quickly without having to mess around with a zipper, and features an easy-to-clean, stain-resistant interior and exterior.
Sold by Amazon
Best way to lug it all
Mac Sports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Utility Wagon
You’ll likely have your hands full trying to lug all your volleyball stuff to the beach. This collapsible wagon can make your job easier. It has large wheels specifically designed to roll through sand and can support up to 150 pounds of gear.
Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.