The Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament, a more than 50-year-old summer tradition, is drawing spirited volleyball players with colorful costumes - and crowds of onlookers - to Manhattan Beach. 

The 6-Man competition started on on Friday and runs through Saturday at the Manhattan Beach Pier. On Sunday the action continues with the Junior 6-Man for ages 10 to 16. 

The 6-Man is part of the International Surf Festival weekend, with swimming, surfing, paddling, running, and other beach events ongoing throughout the weekend in the Beach Cities. 

Volleyball Talent and the 'Beach Lifestyle'

The popular 6-Man tournament was founded in the South Bay by Charlie Saikley, known as the "Godfather of Beach Volleyball."

A teacher in El Segundo in the 1960s, Saikley also worked in the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department during his off-hours and summers. Through his work with Parks and Recreation, Saikley created the first city-organized volleyball instruction program in Southern California and worked largely with the city’s youth introducing them to the sport.

Saikley became legendary for creating tournaments that focused on the core components of beach volleyball: world-class talent combined with the beach lifestyle. In a nod to his original vision for the event that began in 1974, his family has worked alongside the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department to bring back the all-age inclusive, family-friendly feel to the event.

More photos are below, courtesy of Evelyn Schmitt and Tracey Windes.