PICKLEBALL

A refreshing alternative to type-two fun

There’s no doubt that Jackson Hole is inhabited by—and draws—a wild, thrillseeking bunch. The Jackson crowd is known for operating on a higher level than most. Local business professionals can be seen hiking the 1,800 vertical feet up Mt. Glory to enjoy a ski before work, and it’s not uncommon for an individual to consider a 100-mile bike ride a “leisurely weekend ride.” Typically, the more time spent, the more sweat secreted, or the more adrenaline pumped, the better.

So why has a sport like Pickleball become so hot? A sport that marries ping pong with badminton and tennis; a sport where rules have been made to make the game easier; and a sport that is known for accommodating an older crowd. How could this activity ever be on Jackson Hole’s recreational radar?

For Jackson local and founder of the East Jackson Pickleball Club, Reilly Dillon, his

Jackson pickleball career blossomed during Covid—a socially distanced activity to connect with others during odd times.

“I believe it’s taken off in Jackson because it’s a great alternative to mountain or road biking, hiking, trail running or rafting,” said Dillon. “Folks show up with a cooler full of beer and speakers and are there to have fun with their friends and family.”

According to the New York Times, pickleball has grown nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2021, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country. Even basketball legend Lebron James has bought into the craze, purchasing his own major league pickleball team.

“It’s got exercise, laughter and competition,” Dillon said. “People knock it until they step on court and catch the fever.”

Besides offering fun, Pickleball is a refreshingly approachable sport. Played with a waffle-style ball and a paddle, the cost of entry is much cheaper than some other outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking and fishing. Pickleball can also be played as a singles or doubles game, so you don’t need a large group to play. The scoring is (relatively) simple: points are scored by the team that serves, and you play to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to cinch the W. Perhaps one of the best features of pickleball is that it’s inclusive— you can often catch a game played between various generations, genders and demographics.

It was the sport’s accessibility that drew in Luke Ryder, a former D1 lacrosse recruit who came to Jackson for skiing. He had zero exposure to the game prior to going to the Rodeo Fairgrounds tennis courts, which offered a chest of free paddles and balls. Ryder appreciated its price of entry: free. Once hooked, he bought a few of his own paddles and balls, investing less than $50— a refreshing contrast from his multithousand dollar mountain bike. continued on pg. 68

As pickleball has become more popular in the valley, there are now more ways to play. Last year, Dillon hosted the First Annual Miller Park Classic, which featured approximately 18 teams and raised well over $1,000 for Teton Adaptive Sports. Dillon plans to host the second annual Miller Park Classic this summer, which will again benefit Teton Adaptive Sports. Dillon also hopes to set up at least one day of league play at the Miller Park courts.

Ann Williams and her husband Ray are the Teton County, Idaho ambassadors for USA Pickleball Certified Instructors. They love teaching the game to new players and improving their level of play, and have over 20 Selkirk paddles for demonstrations.

“Pickleball has been growing fast here in Teton Valley,” said Williams. “In the Victor Elementary Gym, where we play in the winter, we regularly get around 30 players a session. We are seeing players of all ages learning the game and improving quickly.”

“With six new beautiful courts here in Driggs, there is an opportunity to bring leagues and tournaments to the valley along with open play sessions,” Williams said.

So why does the pickleball craze keep picking up steam? I think at a time in our country, and even in Jackson when we’ve become more polarized, pickleball is refreshingly inclusive and approachable, providing a convenient way to connect with your neighbor and enjoy the beautiful community we live in.