By: Elizabeth Rakow
Published On: 7/31/2026
WE TRIED IT:
Beach Volleyball
Volleyball is better at the beach.
At least…that’s how we feel about it. This June, we took to the Jersey Shore to try out a sport that felt like pure summer: beach volleyball. Our instructor, Skylar, a D1 athlete, gave us the rundown on how to set, serve, and what proved to be the hardest part for this group of newbies: get a volley going. Join us as we hit the sand and take on a new challenge while soaking up the sun.
WHERE WE WENT
A bright, breezy day and a 70 mile drive from the office brought us to a sunny spot right off the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. A late June activity, this was the first hit of sandy shores and salt air for many of us, so the joy was palpable as we strode up to our volleyball court for the day.
WHAT WE DID
We were greeted by our instructor, D1 volleyball player, Skylar Kelly. A recent graduate from The University of Oregon, Skylar plays competitive 2-on-2 beach volleyball and was more than equipped to show us the basics of bumping, setting, and serving.
We warmed up with partner passing, trying out the basics of bumping and setting.
We warmed up with partner passing, trying out the basics of bumping and setting.
Bumping + Setting
Skylar told us that the bump is best done by putting your hands together and straightening your arms, creating a flat platform with your forearms. The key is to let the ball make contact with the middle of your forearms and use your legs to gently lift and direct it toward your target. Another great tip: keep your shoulders facing where you want the ball to go and avoid swinging your arms.
For setting, it’s best to start in a balanced stance with your knees bent and your hands raised above your forehead. Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers, then contact the ball with your fingertips instead of your palms. Bend your knees slightly and extend your arms and legs together to push the ball upward toward your target.
Serving
There are 2 ways to serve (3 if you count our incredible outfits…ha).
To serve underhand, hold the ball in your non-dominant hand at waist height, then swing your dominant arm straight back and forward like a pendulum. Gently drop the ball and strike it with the heel of your hand. We had a little trouble getting the ball over the net at first…but the trick is to follow through toward your target. This will (usually) send the ball sailing smoothly.
An overhead serve begins with holding the ball in your non-dominant hand and tossing it slightly above your head. Swing your dominant arm back, then bring it forward to strike the ball with the palm of your hand. Once again, follow through is key! Shift your weight forward to generate more power.
To serve underhand, hold the ball in your non-dominant hand at waist height, then swing your dominant arm straight back and forward like a pendulum. Gently drop the ball and strike it with the heel of your hand. We had a little trouble getting the ball over the net at first…but the trick is to follow through toward your target. This will (usually) send the ball sailing smoothly.
An overhead serve begins with holding the ball in your non-dominant hand and tossing it slightly above your head. Swing your dominant arm back, then bring it forward to strike the ball with the palm of your hand. Once again, follow through is key! Shift your weight forward to generate more power.
Once we learned the ropes, it was time to start the game! With music bumping and spirits high, we played a few rounds of 5v5. With a few dives, a lot of ball chasing, and some steady volleys between both teams, the Pink team took the victory with a best-of-3 track record.
WHAT WE WORE
Sand + sun meant we were wanting the perfect blend between comfort and coverage. We topped one of our favorite shorts styles with a range of medium- to high-impact sports bras and breathable, easy tops (and of course, some incredible shades to complete the look).
Featuring:
The Lights Out Shorts
The Slam Dunk Tee
The Inspire Tank
The Never Better Squad Tank
The Tempo UV Protection Tank
The Epic Triangle Bra
he Go To Striped Sports BraT
The Win Win Scoop Neck Bra
The Don't Let Go Bra
The FixieBLAST Polarized Oversized Shield Sunglasses
Featuring:
The Lights Out Shorts
The Slam Dunk Tee
The Inspire Tank
The Never Better Squad Tank
The Tempo UV Protection Tank
The Epic Triangle Bra
he Go To Striped Sports BraT
The Win Win Scoop Neck Bra
The Don't Let Go Bra
The FixieBLAST Polarized Oversized Shield Sunglasses
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“I LOVED playing beach volleyball - it was a first for me! The coach was so fun and easy to learn from - very encouraging and made sure that we didn't look like idiots! The Tempo UV tank has become an absolute staple in my workout wardrobe. It’s so light, breezy, perfect for layering - you forget you're even wearing it!” - Amber, Merchandiser
“I had so much fun! I've only played casually with friends, so it was great to learn the basics and then apply them in a real game. I thought the sand would make playing much harder, but it added to the experience! We were diving and sliding without thinking twice!” - Nimmi, Digital Marketing
“This was my favorite We Tried It yet! So much fun being on the beach. I went on a trip to California shortly after and actually decided to play a game of volleyball while I was there because I enjoyed this so much!” - Kyra, Merchandiser
“Volleyball was a sport that really missed me when I was in high school, so it was so nice to get a chance to try it out! The strain on my forearms and wrists afterwards was NO JOKE! Getting to be on the beach with the whole gang was also just such a beautiful way to kick off summer!” - Elizabeth, Copywriter
“The sand in my shoes was 1000% worth it!! I was so impressed with the sunglasses!! My playing was not at all affected by the sun in my face solely because of them!” - Sophia, Sample Coordinator
“I really enjoyed playing beach volleyball, it's such a fun/easy game to pick up and play in the summer. Our coach was so experienced and kind and gave us lots of helpful pointers on how to serve properly!” - Liz, Merchandiser
“I had so much fun! I've only played casually with friends, so it was great to learn the basics and then apply them in a real game. I thought the sand would make playing much harder, but it added to the experience! We were diving and sliding without thinking twice!” - Nimmi, Digital Marketing
“This was my favorite We Tried It yet! So much fun being on the beach. I went on a trip to California shortly after and actually decided to play a game of volleyball while I was there because I enjoyed this so much!” - Kyra, Merchandiser
“Volleyball was a sport that really missed me when I was in high school, so it was so nice to get a chance to try it out! The strain on my forearms and wrists afterwards was NO JOKE! Getting to be on the beach with the whole gang was also just such a beautiful way to kick off summer!” - Elizabeth, Copywriter
“The sand in my shoes was 1000% worth it!! I was so impressed with the sunglasses!! My playing was not at all affected by the sun in my face solely because of them!” - Sophia, Sample Coordinator
“I really enjoyed playing beach volleyball, it's such a fun/easy game to pick up and play in the summer. Our coach was so experienced and kind and gave us lots of helpful pointers on how to serve properly!” - Liz, Merchandiser
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