Kerri Walsh, [2008] (c) AVP/Holly Stein
Lena Katz: What makes the South Bay the ultimate beach volleyball spot? Is it something in the air? The weather? The water?
Kerri Walsh: As a beach volleyball player, this is the place to be. The lifestyle is conducive…there’s a whole community here that’s genuinely active and into fitness.
…Plus, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. You look up at those multi-million dollar houses on the Strand, and think, “I want one.”
Lena Katz: What would be your top etiquette tips to fans watching a pro like yourself in this weekend’s AVP Crocs event, and wanting to meet you and say hello?Kerri Walsh: Please, no talking to players if we’re in the players’ box u nder the umbrella. That means we’re taking a time-out. Also if it’s after a game and we lost [Ed note: Oh come on, you? Not a chance!!], give us a couple minutes to regroup.
Lena Katz: Any requests for the people in the stands?
Kerri Walsh: Cheer as loud as you can! Be nice and respectful…but cheer!
Lena Katz: For the amateur players hanging out on the Strand before or after the AVP Crocs events, who might see a just-for-fun game going and want to jump in, how should they approach?
Kerri Walsh: This is a close-knit community, and it takes a while to break in. Be assertive, speak up for yourself, but be respectful and treat people how you hope to be treated.
Lena Katz: How do you balance a night out at the Hermosa bars with an early-morning game?
Kerri Walsh: Hydrate! Have a cocktail, have a Gatorade. After a while out, you tend to forget that, so have a minder. I’m not a very good drinker so my husband reminds me.
Best places to spot the pros off the beach courts…
The Strand: A straight shot south on coast from Playa del Rey to Hermosa, bordered with million-dollar beach houses on one side and miles of sandy beach on the other. People come out to the Strand starting at daybreak, to walk dogs, bike, run, skate and say hi to the neighbors. By 10AM it’ll be packed. To celebrate the AVP’s arrival, there’ll be parties everywhere you look—some in houses, some on the beach. Hopefully you got invited to a couple.
Uncle Bill’s Pancakes: Kinda dumpy digs, but serving LA’s favorite pancakes and waffles, in too many variations to count. Usually an hour-long wait. Outdoor seating is far superior. You can’t see the ocean, but you can feel it in the air.
Martha’s 22nd Street Grill: About a mile south of Uncle Bill’s, this is more of a local fave, and much healthier. Gourmet scrambles, yummy mimosas, and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. Always a wait here too; if you’re in a hurry, get to-go goodies at the adjacent lunch counter.
Hermosa Pier: The hub of all after-hours AVP action. Packed with bars, restaurants, convenience stores and shops, this pedestrian thoroughfare is one giant party. This is one of its craziest, most crowded weekends—you’re in the party from the minute you set foot on the pier, regardless whether you get into Sangria, Sharkeez, Patrick Molloy’s or one of the other hot spots. Great classic dive bars include the Mermaid and the Poop Deck. if you’re traveling from afar, know this: it’ll be a nightmare to park and you absolutely need a designated driver to get you home.
Mediteranneo: Small plates, sangria and specialty cocktails. Located on the Hermosa Pier…so yes, there is a social scene, but the spacious patio and slightly older crowd (in their 30s, not barely 21) make you feel like a ringside spectator to the nightlife madness, not like you’re helplessly caught in the middle of it.
Blue 32: As sophisticated as Hermosa gets. Upscale American eats, top-shelf specialty cocktails and an intriguing wine list. The evening supper club setting transforms into a swanky lounge jam-packed with dressed-up South Bay scenesters, DJs spinning Top 40 under multi-colored mood lights.
Shore Club: Right next to Blue 32—not as “dressed” of a crowd, smaller space, and much riskier that some oaf will spill a drink on you, but when the place has a good night, it’s so much fun you forget the bad side. A loud, rowdy scene owned by a long-time local.
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