Part Beach Volleyball Tourney/Part Mexican Fiesta!

Just south of the US/Mexico border at San Diego, you'll find the beachside town of

Rosarito Beach

. And on the sands of the beach,

Mexico International Volleyball

puts on a two-day volleyball tourney every June. In fact, this will be their 40th year.





The tournament was previously called Estero Volleyball Tourney, due to the fact that it was held just south of

Ensenada

at Estero Beach for the majority of years. Even though the tourney is now in Rosarito Beach, many still call it Estero or Esterito.





Many people sign up and play in this weighted-draw tourney, but there are many who come down with friends just to party and relax. Among the highlights, besides volleyball, is the Saturday party at Papas and Beer beach club. After playing all day Saturday, the music and drinks at this bar is a welcomed way to blow off some steam. In fact, for those players who make it to Sunday's playoffs, getting through Saturday night (and the flowing drinks) is part of the process.

On Sunday, with more than half the players out of the running for the finals, the party continues. Tacos, beers, margaritas, tequila shots on the beach. Friends gather and follow their friends who are still in it from court to court until you get down to the semi-finals on the main court.

The semi-finals and finals take on a different vibe. The courts get crowded with spectators within feet of the court. Drinks are flowing and the crowd is getting loose. The peanut gallery is in full force with everyone one-upping each other on heckling. Make a mistake and expect to see a tequila bottle fly on the sand court. If the players don't drink it, the crowd will let them have it. Eventually we have women and men's champions who are exhausted, elated and a little drunk. And that's how you throw a volleyball tourney/party.





Should you dare go (why wouldn't you?), be prepared for a couple crazy days of beach volleyball, friends, sun, sand, parties and of course tequila.

There's some serious volleyball being played

Friends gather, drinks flow and volleyball is played





What's better than a day of volleyball on the beach?

As the day goes, so do the hi-jinx













The courts are in front of Papas and Beer where the famous Saturday night party is held





Rosarito Beach, Baja

Traditional tequila shots during finals play

Tequila, beer and beach volleyball. Doesn't get any better.

The finals on Sunday

Adios Amigos! See you next year.

Recommendations

Oceana Rosarito Inn Condominiums are located directly next to the volleyball courts. These beachfront towers offer all sizes of condos for rent during the tournament. http://www.mexonline.com/rosaritoinn.htm

Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa just south of the tournament has ocean view rooms including a new 17 story tower.

http://www.mexonline.com/rosaritobeachhotel.htm

US Tel: 1-866-Rosarito

Tacos! Try El Yaqui tacos for their famous Perrones. The line is worth the wait. It's one block east of Rosarito's main street from Festival Plaza Hotel.

Don't drive in Mexico without car insurance. We used Baja Bound Insurance Services. Easy to buy/print online at

http://www.mexonline.com/bajabound.htm

Information/Photos: Ted Donovan