Jeju Furey Beach Volleyball Tournament

This weekend was the first annual Jeju Beach Volleyball tournament. Sixteen teams of foreign and Korean players competed for fame & glory over 2 days of competitive volleying. Together with Cindy, Mike, Cynthia and 2 of her Korean co-workers, our team "Bling, Bling!" played roughly 16 hours of sweaty, sandy volleyball and, man, was it fun!!

"Bling, Bling" warming up before a match

Game faces: ON



But still time for some spectating

We camped Friday night amidst strong winds and a big chance of showers. It was still iffy Saturday morning as the games kicked off at 8am in heavy fog and mist, but the sun broke through and we were complaining of the heat by mid-morning. Fortunately, the ocean was 10 feet from the courts and after a sweaty game we cooled off with a dip in the sea and a cold beer. After 6 matches on Saturday - 2 games each - our team narrowly finished 3rd of 4 in our pool (almost 2nd, not almost 4th). But pizza, cupcakes and a dazzling sunset cheered our spirits. We camped out again Saturday night and woke up early Sunday to do it all over again.

Saturday morning, a little foggy?

Starting to clear up...let's play!

Mike & I on a break


A magnificent sunset at Iho beach

Sunday started with two losses, but we quickly recovered by winning the next 6 in a row. We came all the way back up, beat the team we lost to in the morning and finished 2nd place in the tournament! We were the underdog story of the year. I escaped with only a little sunburn, some bumps and bruises, but so many great memories. There's talk of another tourney in October and I can't wait to play beach volleyball again. It was more fun than I thought possible.

Tent city Sunday morning, sunny & warm!

Glad Mike was on our team! (That's him 2 feet off the ground)