More clothes than normal

In 1930, while waiting for the rest of the players to show up for a volleyball match Paul Johnson of the Santa Monica Athletic Club suggested that he and the three others there early try some two-on-two practice. After fudging some of the positioning rules, they realized that two-on-two play was more exciting.

Long before the swimsuit lost its modesty, beach volleyball became a favorite of naturalists, and by 1960, beach or sand volleyball courts could be found at about every nudist club in the country.

Advertisers glommed onto the game for its sensual appeal, and the International Volleyball Federation required their athletes’ uniforms to be swimwear. A study during the 2004 Olympics showed that 37 percent of the camera angles focused on chests or buttocks.

For the 2012 Olympics in London, the International Volleyball Federation allowed shorts and sleeved tops to allow for Islamic players; it was a cold summer in London and most players wore tee shirts and leggings, anyway.

This Saturday the Polar Bear Classic, takes place on the sand at South Mission Beach Sports Park. Uggs, sweats and even Santa costumes are as common as bikinis – unless it’s hot. Even with room for 300 entrants, spots tend to fill up quickly.