Rain, thunder and lightning did not deter thousands of players and spectators who flocked to Hermosa Beach Saturday for the 22nd Annual Smackfest 4-man beach tournament.
“Smackfest was once again a huge success,” Director Bill Sigler said. “Creative costumes, an amazing venue and great people really capture the Southern California lifestyle. For the first time in 22 years we had to shut it down (around 3:30 due to lightning), but most people went to Sharkeez, The Deck, and other bars to continue the party.”
Sigler said that approximately 180 teams competed in the event that drew an estimated 8,000 people to the sands south of the Hermosa Beach Pier.
Playoffs for the Dave Williams Memorial Pro Division which features $5,000 in prize money were postponed due to the inclement weather. Sigler said the playoffs would resume either this weekend or on Aug. 8. Check smackfestevents.com for updated information.
Smackfest started in 1994 at 15th St in Manhattan Beach with only 50 participants and has grown into what is considered the largest Coed 4’s Tournament in the world.
Players fought through the humidity with the help of Jello shots, cans of Red Bull and other beverages – many of the adult variety.
Former Manhattan Beach resident Dan Peters recently moved to San Francisco but flew down for the Smackfest  tournament.
“This was the fourth year my team played in the event,” Peters said. “We played as the Gladiators this year and Sesame Street, Fab 5 and hula dancers before that.”
Peters enjoyed the reunion with his teammates and another group of friends who live in Hermosa and Manhattan Beach and have competed in clown costumes the last five years.
“Besides the fun of dressing up in different costumes every year I always enjoy defeating the clowns,” Peters added.
As in years past, there was no lack of elaborate costumes. Theme-based teams included super heroes, Christmas elves, circus stars, Vikings, ninjas, dragons, sharks, rubber duckies and tacos.
“Playing in this tournament is so much fun,” Courtney Lawrence stated while catching her breath after helping her teammates on the Orville RedenBlockers. “What could be better than hanging out with friends and making new ones on a beautiful beach?”
Many players noted that next month they plan to play in the Co-ed 4s or 6-man tournaments at the World Series of Beach Volleyball to be held in Long Beach Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 19-23. Registration is available at wsobv.com.
