Beach Volleyball Ball Hardness: Is It Normal & How to Soften?

Question
I ordered a ball from the local VB association, sight unseen.  What came is very much harder than what I have played with indoors.  It is Wilson AVP Official Beach.

Are outdoor balls usually so much harder?  Is there some way to soften it up?

Answer
Alex-
 From my experience, neither the indoor OR the outdoor balls should be "too hard".  Outdoor expecially.  I've seen players carry portable pumps with them for their outdoor balls and when they are not using the balls, they load them with extra air to hold the shape, and then they take that excess air out before playing with the ball.  Bottom line, if you're not satified with what you purchased, send it back and ask for another one.  It may just be a defect.  Otherwise, invest in a portable hand pump and have your ball the way you want it. Hopefully this helps.

Matt