Meet Coach Eric Brelia, Owner and Director of Riptide Volleyball Club. Coach Eric was born and raised here in Fort Walton Beach. Eric graduated in 2013 from Choctawhatchee High School. He then graduated in 2018 from The University of West Florida and later got his Masters in 2020 from the University of South Florida with a degree in Athletic Training.

Coach Eric has traveled around the southeast playing in various tournaments at the Open level for 10 years. His coaching background comes from 2 years of indoor experience and 3 years of beach experience under MadSand club directors Will Buchanan, TJ Staples, and Taylor Robinson.

After moving back to Fort Walton beach in late 2024, he quickly discovered a need for a year-round beach program and in August of 2025, Riptide was established. The idea of creating a beach program stemmed from these goals:

1. Grow the sport for the next generation

2. Bring in college coaches to further increase the chances of athletes playing at the next level

3. Create a positive, competitive, and safe environment for players to hone their skills and continue to play the game that they love.

When Eric isn’t coaching, he is attending to his 4 year old Great Pyrenees named Opal, cooking, being active, traveling, or hanging out with friends or family.

“Giving athletes the best chance at success and building themselves as people first, players second, is what I strive to achieve with here at Riptide. If I can’t do that, I will find someone or somewhere that can.” 

Location: 132 Jet Dr NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Monday - Thursday Session 1: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Monday - Thursday Session 2: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm