Beach offers winter oasis

While most people are getting ready to throw their sandals in the back of the closet for the winter, others are keeping them out and wearing them to the beach.

But as all CU students know, the closest thing that we have to a beach in the cold Boulder winter is Varsity Lake.

The Sports Oasis sand volleyball courts is the perfect getaway for many students when they need to get away from the mounds of snow and take a walk along the beach.

“You can play in the winter,” said CU men’s volleyball player Bryce Walsh, “and still wear your board shorts out in the middle of a blizzard.” Bryce has been attending the Sports Oasis with his teammates for about two years and claims that it is the best place to stay in shape over the cold months of winter.

General manager Bill Schuster also said that sales seem to increase over the winter when it’s cold outside and warm like a beach inside. He also said that most people are surprised by the general atmosphere as they take their first steps in the door, “[they] walk in and are like ‘Wow, this is amazing. I’m on a beach.’”

As a part of their volleyball program, the sports oasis offers drop in nights, year round leagues, tournaments and lessons. These programs are meant to be for all age levels and all levels of volleyball ability. There is no membership fee or cost to come play a few rounds and drop in costs range from five to eight dollars.

“It’s a ton of fun," said Oasis league player Vallerie Swanson. “You can be any ability level and come and find someone to play against with the similar ability. Really, it’s a very welcoming community of people.”

Because there are so many regulars, and people who have a true passion for volleyball, the sports oasis has become more like a community of friends rather than just another sports facility.

“It’s a family,” said Schuster. “Volleyball is not only a hobby, it’s sort of like a lifestyle. It’s a good net, a lot of people to look out for you.”

To find out more about leagues, drop in hours and tournaments, go to www.sportsoasis.com.