Calhau beach has a long tradition of beach sports — volleyball, football on the sand, and frescobol (a Brazilian beach paddle game) are all played here on a daily basis. The volleyball courts at the northern end of the beach are the most serious, with organized pickup games most afternoons and more formal competitions on weekends.
The beach football games at the southern end are the most casual and most open to visitors: show up, wait for a gap in the lineup, and you'll generally get a game. The level varies from pure fun to seriously competitive; the players will calibrate accordingly. Cold beer from the nearby kiosk is mandatory at the end.