By Jane Lebak

People looking for a new way to stay fit and meet people are discovering the fun of indoor beach volleyball, thanks to an indoor beach volleyball court in Norwood.

Joust Beach Volleyball owner, John Fleming, says, “Beach volleyball is an all-over workout that builds up your body, your mind, and your social life.”

Joust offers opportunities for players at every skill level, from children who’ve never touched a volleyball to ranked players who participate in tournaments. Indoor and outdoor courts make it easy to play year-round, no matter what the weather is doing, and the schedule spans every need, from team practices to pickup games to coaches giving lessons to beginners.

Beach volleyball isn’t simply indoor volleyball played on the sand. Beach volleyball has two-person teams and uses a smaller court.

Players welcome the differences. For example, two-person teams mean more time playing. Lindsay Van Kauwenberg, Sales and Marketing Director, says, “Players are getting more touches, which gives them more opportunity to practice and improve faster.”

The surface adds another level of workout. John says, “Running barefoot in the sand is an incredible aerobic workout, players return to the hard court with more endurance and vertical lift in their jumps.” 

Joust makes it easy for anyone to come and try to sport of beach volleyball, regardless of skill level . Lindsay says, “For new players, beach volleyball doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. Someone can sign up for pickup games and play their first game the same day. Every player can find their best level of participation, whether it’s pickup games or registering for a twelve-week league.”

Juniors’ lessons can begin with children as young as ten. When they feel ready for a league, Joust holds tryouts in March and April to determine which level of program works best.

For serious adult players, Joust hosts tournaments year-round that are recognized by AVP America.

Lindsay says, “Beach volleyball is very affordable compared to other fitness activities. Groups can split the cost of an hourly rental, making it far less than the cost of many classes.”

John adds, “As far as gear or protective equipment, you won’t have to buy anything special. The players only need to bring water, sunblock, and sunglasses, the way you would any time you go to the beach.”

Afterward, pickup players can continue socializing at a nearby restaurant or bar or stay to watch the next games. There’s even a group to coordinate on Meetup.

Lindsay says, “I’ve seen our beach volleyball players become a community. Trust and communication are vital. On a two-person team, they learn to lead, and they also learn how to follow. There’s a yin and yang to it.”

John adds, “Players develop a healthy competition that comes from playing not only against other teams, but also with their own club. Players are competitive, sure, but they also support one another.”

Joust opens their courts for other uses, such as cornhole tournaments and beach tennis. They’ve hosted corporate events, retirement parties, and of course birthday parties. Joust Beach Volleyball was even featured as the location for a blind date on the VeryLocal show, “Local Love Boston.”

“That’s certainly a way to get to know your partner,” Lindsay says with a laugh. “Talk about needing to communicate and learn quickly how to work together.” 

There’s no word yet on whether (or when!) Joust will be hosting their first beach wedding. Lindsay says, “After all the connections, the fun, and the community formed here, I’ll never say never.”

You can try out beach volleyball by visiting https://joustbeachvolleyball.com today, or call (617) 320-5885. You can check out their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/joustbeachvolleyballofficial/

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