Pickleball

FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA

The game with a funny-sounding name is the fastest growing sport in America—even during a pandemic. When you discover pickleball, you find friends, a sport the whole family can play, and great exercise. For old and young alike, it’s a fun way to get out and start a new hobby.

Many people feel like they can have some degree of success in pickleball as soon as their first day. Pickleball player Lindsey Sullivan said, “I was totally hooked after a few hours of playing. It’s a sport anyone can pick up and doesn’t require a large group to play.” While you can play as soon as you try, the rules seem tricky at first and there is a lot of strategy involved. But don’t worry—”If you like to socialize, network, exercise, compete, have fun, or just meet new friends, you qualify” to play, according to pickleball enthusiast Larry Christensen.

What makes pickleball so unique, addicting, and fun? It’s a sport that brings people from all walks of life, from different sports or no sports at all, to a place where they can compete in a friendly atmosphere. Games are short, points can be intense—and who doesn’t love to hit that plastic ball hard for the putaway? It’s a healthy option for aging people—it’s not hard on the body. Sullivan said, “I keep playing because I love the friendships and the little bit of competition each week. It’s so fun to keep learning and playing with all skill levels. It’s such a great way to be active at any age. I look forward to playing as long as I can move.” Many have found it a great hobby when they retire! They can play for hours and still feel great. Claudia Empey said, “Pickleball is so much fun and such a wonderful way to get exercise. I forget it’s even a workout.” Hurricane City, and Summit Athletic Club offer leagues, classes, clinics, lessons, and tournaments to help you learn and give you different opportunities to play. There are many courts throughout Washington County. You may even know a friend who has one in their backyard! There is a lot of “open play” when people show up at courts in the morning to mix, mingle, and play. There are also leagues, which offer set-up play for your skill level. Leagues fill up fast these days at Summit Athletic Club and through the City of St. George. They are a fun way to meet people and get competitive games at the same time. Empey, a league player at Summit Athletic Club, said, “The people in the league are all the kindest people you could meet!” There are lots of tournaments year-round too. You can search tournaments by date or state at pickleballtournaments.com to see upcoming tournaments in our area. Private lessons, clinics, and classes are also available if you want to improve your game.

I have loved all the people I have met through pickleball—people I otherwise wouldn’t have met! I had mentors helping me get ready for tournaments, friends I drill and compete with, and people who have discovered the fun sport and participate in the classes and leagues I host. All were known as pickleball players; all have become friends! Pickleball provides such a great atmosphere for friendship, exercise, and competition all in one. “So,” says Christensen, “get addicted and join the rest of us in town. Above all, exercise and have fun, because life is all about loving, living, and laughing, and pickleball will give you all of that.”

Jessica Stout has played competitive pickleball nationwide for the last four years. Her wins include singles championships at Nationals and the U.S. Open. She is a certified teaching pro at Summit Athletic Club, providing classes, clinics, leagues, private lessons, and tournaments for all ages.