"In this sport, you must become an expert in communication. Its not just how you say things, but when, what, where and in what context."
Sam Pedlow @pedlowsamuel is a Canadian Senior National Beach Volleyball Team member and Registered Physiotherapist. Lately he's been sporting a spike-worthy beard. Beast set him up a few questions:
Where's your favorite place in the world to play?
Copacabana, Brazil. The Brazilian people are such huge fans of Beach Volleyball that you can’t help but feel inspired in Brazil. Few get to compete at the highest level on this beautiful beach, and I feel privileged to say that I am one of those individuals.
How long have you played beach volleyball?
I started playing volleyball for fun in grade school. I had a successful indoor career with Queens University before I turned pro on the beach side. I have been competing internationally for the Canadian Beach National Team for the past 5 seasons.
What’s the most important part of your training?
I think the most important part of my training is mental. Its important to keep things in perspective. Whether you have a good day or a bad day, as long as you are sticking to the process you are getting better. Sometimes that is tough to appreciate, but if you don’t recognize this mentally training day in and day out, year after year can be challenge.
What do you do to stay in shape during off-season?
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. During the season is a completely different regiment than during the offseason. You are playing less but in the gym significantly more. If your nutrition is on point and you stick to your strength and conditioning program, you will start the next season fitter than the previous.
How do you establish a good partner dynamic?
Having a good relationship with your partner is key to the success of the team. The most important element to that success in communication. In this sport, you must become an expert in communication. Its not just how you say things, but when, what, where and in what context. Understanding how these work within your partnership could mean the difference between a good season and a bad one.
What’s better than volleyball?
Coffee……all the coffee. When are on the road as much as I am you have to find simple pleasures. For me its the perfect cup of coffee. I bring a pour over and a good bag of coffee on every trip.