The Wilmington, NC area is fortunate to have lots of great beach volleyball leagues and venues. Beach volleyball is growing in popularity nationwide and locally, as evident by UNCW adding a beach volleyball program. As the game becomes more popular here in the port city, many new players will start to look for leagues to join and places to play. There are three major venues in the area that have year-round leagues of all skill levels to join. Each one offers a great place to play, learn the game, and have fun. Depending on the preferences of the player, each venue offers something different.
*All photos owned and taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden
Located at 3525 Lancelot Lane in Wilmington, NC, Dig & Dive is a new comer to the beach volleyball. According to their business registration, they opened their doors in 2012. Dig & Dive has eight well groomed courts and offers year-round play, open seven days a week. League play consists of doubles, 4-man, and 6-man. Referees are provided at no extra cost. All skills levels are welcomed, including A, BB, B, and C. They also offer a King of the Beach and Queen of the Beach series, that crowns the best individual male and female player by tallying points accumulated for each win. Dig & Dive is a great place to learn the game and make new friends. They strive to make the venue very family friendly with other games kids can play while the adults play volleyball. Beginners will love this venue because of the numerous skill levels offered. Advanced players can also play here to find some of the area’s best competition in the higher leagues. While being one of the area’s newest beach volleyball spots, it is quickly becoming a favorite for locals.
*Photos owned and taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden
Located at 4240 Market Street in Wilmington, NC, Captain Bill’s has been a local favorite for many years. According to their business registration, they have been open since 1982. Captain Bill’s offers skill levels from A (advanced) to CC (beginner). Their facility consists of ten lighted sand volleyball courts. League play begins in February and runs through January. All leagues are co-ed with two females required on the court per team. Referees are provided at no extra cost. League games are played every day of the week except Saturday. Captain Bill’s is focused on being the area’s number one venue for beach volleyball. They offer free clinics to improve your skills, an end of league player’s party, and meet and greets for interested players to find a team to join.
“Captain Bill’s has been around for 25 years, it’s a real family environment with a great mix of people,” says Adam Hyatt. Adam is one of the area’s best players and started this season with a 16-0 record at Captain Bill’s. He also coaches for the Cape Fear Volleyball Club and has a national ranking in Volley America play.
Captain Bill’s is the most established venue in the area and has years of experience hosting volleyball tournaments and leagues. This is a great venue for the area’s top competition.
*Photos retrieved from Lazy Pirate Facebook Page by Jeffrey M. Boulden.
Located at 701 North Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach, NC, The Lazy Pirate is the newest addition to the area’s beach volleyball scene. According to their business registration, they have been open since 2007 and added volleyball courts in 2014. They have two sand volleyball courts and offer league play in the fall, spring, and summer. The Lazy Pirate is also the only area venue that is actually at the beach, with the Atlantic Ocean only a few hundred yards away. Play is co-ed with 4-man teams. League play consists of eight week sessions. A, B and C skill levels are represented.
“It’s a great place to join a team. It’s super fun, they are really clean and family oriented. Everyone just wants to have a good time. Pretty much any person can enjoy playing there, if you don’t there is something wrong with you,” says Carolina Beach resident and former Lazy Pirate employee Jamie Lunsford.
The Lazy Pirate has always been a Carolina Beach favorite for it’s great food and live music. Their entry into the area beach volleyball scene is a welcome addition. This venue brings more of a laid back atmosphere with more casual players having fun. They do however offer advanced skill levels for those who want better competition. It also brings an extra element of fun playing so close to the actual beach.