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Swim Across America Tampa Bay, Sand Key Beach Tennis Open & More on Florida’s Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of Florida offers a myriad of athletic activities for those who love to stay active while enjoying the sun, sand and surf. Outdoor activities abound on any given day, but this weekend hosts some special athletic events worth checking out on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach is the place to be. Here’s what you can find.

Swim Across America Tampa Bay Open Water

Come one, come all to the white sands and crystalline waters of Clearwater Beach this weekend for the 3rd Annual Swim Across America Tampa Bay Open Water event. Beginner and veteran swimmers alike are Swim Across America Tampa Open Water 2014invited to participate in this open water swim where the motto is “Make Waves to Fight Cancer”.

Swim Across America, Inc., (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. This weekend’s event raises money for the Moffitt Cancer Center located locally in Tampa. Honorary chairman and 3-time Olympic gold medalist, Brooke Bennett, is going to be there. Will you? We hope so.

Whether you’re participating in the Swim Across America Tampa Bay Open Water or just coming out to support the swimmers, we hope to see you there. The event takes place this Saturday, May 31 from 6:30-10a.m. on Clearwater Beach near Pier 60.

2014 Sand Key Beach Tennis Open

Clearwater Beach again plays host to another athletic event happening this weekend. The 2014 Sand Key Beach Tennis Open begins this Friday, May 30 at noon and continues through the weekend, ending on Sunday, June 1 at the Sand Key Beach Tennis Open 2014Sheraton Sand Key Resort.

You may be wondering about beach tennis. If you’ve never heard of it before, it’s a morphing of tennis and beach volleyball. Beach tennis is played right on the sand with carbon fiber paddles, a depressurized tennis ball, and a regulation beach volleyball net that is 5 feet, 7 inches high. The sport originated on the beaches of Italy over 30 years ago.

Courts are open for practice on Friday at noon with a Player Meet and Greet later that evening from 6-9p.m. at the Turtle Bar. The tournament begins at 9a.m. on Saturday with pool play and continues on Sunday in the sand. View the Sand Key Beach Tennis Open schedule here.

If you’re not ready to compete, you may want to consider taking some beach tennis lessons during your time in Clearwater. Beach Tennis Pro Steve Culver (known as Coach Rhino) is a USTPA Professional in the sport of beach tennis and offers private and group lessons.

Gulf Beach Accomodations

When it comes to planning your stay on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll find the gorgeous barrier island shores of Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores the perfect place to be and to stay. Enjoy the more secluded beaches found here with all of the beauty and less of the crowds of the larger area beaches. Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores are conveniently located near Clearwater Beach and all of the other Tampa Bay towns, so you’ll be close to all of the action.

We hope to see you on our sands and in our waters this weekend. The summer season is here. Spend it with us on the beach!