Frequently Asked Questions
We are always available to answer your questions. Here is a brief list of some things that may come up for you when first considering making the move to the beach. By no means exhaustive, simply placed to help you get a better idea of what to expect and how our culture works at Golden Gate. Read on and feel free to comment on our blogs or ask your own questions.
What ages does Golden Gate work with ?
Currently we have programs for girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The distinctions on the beach are usually in two year splits, so we expect to compete in the summer of 2015 at the 12 and Under, 14 and Under, 16 and Under and 18 and Under age divisions. Certain events, like USAV HP uses different odd number years to correlate with international guidelines. We adjust accordingly.
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Do I need a partner to sign up?
For our program, the answer is no. For tournaments, the answer is yes. Here's how we do it. We accept and work with players on both an individual and team basis. When you compete in sand doubles, you will have a partner on the court. So, we work with players and families in and out of practice to find good fits for competition. If you have someone in mind, we work with that too. It can take effort to find the best pair and sometimes that means a little trial and error, which is part of learning the game. We cultivate strong pairs when we have them and growing as a team is a great way to go, ask those other Golden Girls - Misty May and Kerri Walsh.
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Do I have a position in the beach game ?
Great question ! Usually we split the court side to side so one plays either left or right side. From there, you play all the skills in the game which means you are tasked with passing, setting and hitting or shooting (read placement shots) on offense. On defense, both players are diggers and as the game advances blocking becomes part of it too. Blocking is sometimes only one player with the other digging, sometimes we share the duty. So, short answer is you get to learn and do all the skills in the game of volleyball while having fun at the beach.
What should I bring to the beach or sand practice?
Glad you asked. Water and a snack are primary, gotta keep the fuel up to play well. Also, staples of all sand players should include a hat, sunglasses, comfortable playing gear (see our apparrel partners for ideas and great deals from Plastic and 2Deep Sports). Sand socks help in hot sand. Layers are important, the lighter and more sun resistant the better. And sunscreen, lots and lots of sunscreen. Ideally, before you get to the beach.
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Is there a Golden Gate program for boys?
Short answer is no. However, we are open to private and small group instruction for boys should the interest exist.
A boys program is part of our long term strategy and as Dancer's son Dante grows, you can rest assured there will be more opportunities for the boys to get in on the action too. Contact us if you think you have a son who'd like to play.