Featured Member: The Beach YYC

Calgarians know all too well the challenges of enduring long, cold winters, often dreaming of warm sand and sunny days. The Beach YYC offers a unique escape, allowing locals to enjoy an indoor beach experience year-round. Whether it is -20°C outside or a perfect summer day, The Beach YYC’s facility invites everyone to kick off their shoes and bask in the joy of beach sports and activities.

A vision for community and fun

“It is the only one of its kind where an indoor beach facility lets you play beach volleyball and other beach sports all year round in Calgary,” says Elliot Weinstein, the owner and chief beach operator of The Beach YYC.

The facility was born out of Elliot's vision to create a welcoming space for Calgarians who might not embrace the city’s winters. Opening its doors in September 2018, this facility recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, marking a milestone in its journey to bring the beach to Calgary.

“I opened it because there are a lot of people who do not love winter in Calgary, even though we are a winter city. We needed more spaces to serve more people, to have fun and be active all year round,” he explains.

The facility’s core values are community, being active and inclusivity. From recreational volleyball leagues to team-building events, The Beach YYC offers something for everyone, regardless of skill level or familiarity with beach sports.

“We want everybody to come and have some fun and enjoy playing at the beach,” Elliot says.

From consulting to sand courts

Elliot’s journey to becoming a business owner was an unconventional one.

“In 2016, I was laid off from my consulting job, like many others at the time. I did not want to go back into consulting or oil and gas,” he shares.

Inspired by similar concepts in other parts of the country, Elliot spent a year researching and planning before deciding to bring the vision of an indoor beach to life.

“Every time I tell somebody that we are an indoor beach, and they should come to check it out, everybody is very amazed. But I will note that it is always much more impressive in person. The pictures and talking about it do not do justice to the experience of walking in for the first time,” says Elliot.

Now, he spends his days in flip-flops, overseeing a thriving business that provides fun and active experiences for Calgarians.

A space for everyone

The Beach YYC caters to a wide range of visitors, offering various levels of volleyball leagues from recreational to intermediate to competitive, so everyone can find their place.

“It does not matter if you have not played in a while. We want everybody to have an opportunity to play."

Beyond sports, the facility hosts private parties, corporate team-building events and social gatherings, accommodating groups of up to two hundred people.

For smaller groups, the facility offers tailored packages, including food and drink options. The small on-site café, affectionately known as the tiki bar, is also an area of focus for growth, providing refreshments to enhance the beach experience.

Milestones and growth

The Beach YYC recently achieved a significant milestone, breaking even for the first time in the past fiscal year.

“Finally, we can break even, and I’m looking forward to seeing some additional growth,” Elliot says.

This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Elliot and his team. Looking ahead, they plan to expand their offerings and continue focusing on the corporate side of the business, providing team-building opportunities that foster collaboration.

The Beach YYC has been a proud member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, leveraging the organization’s network to connect with other businesses and potential clients.

“One thing I’ve talked about is connecting with other businesses and corporations in the community because we do want to grow that side of the business, and what better place to do that than the Calgary Chamber,” Elliot explains.

As The Beach YYC moves into its next chapter, the focus remains on providing exceptional experiences for all visitors.

“In 5 to 10 years, we’re going to continue offering more of what we do now, especially on the corporate side,” he says.

By fostering a sense of community and ensuring there is something for everyone, The Beach YYC aims to remain a beloved destination for fun and connection in Calgary.

‎

For more information about The Beach YYC and its offerings, visit thebeachyyc.ca.