RACHEL’S RADAR PICKLEBALL

Writer, actress, host, and art consultant Rachel Heller is also the Sponsorship and Brand Relations Manager at Talent Resources @rachelhellerxo | @talentresources | talentresources.com inKind Pickle Jam Champions Match: Winners played a final match against resident pros for a $5,000 purse. Michael Heller, CEO of Talent Resources, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, “We’re thrilled with the outcome of the first-ever Pickle Jam event. The collaboration between Talent Resources, MTB Collective, and our great team of sponsors brought together diverse elements that catered to a wide audience, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.” David Haas, an executive at MTB Collective, also shared his excitement about the event, “Our vision for Pickle Jam was to create an engaging and fun atmosphere that showcased the best of Miami’s culinary scene, art, and the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. We are extremely pleased with the response and look forward to building on this success in the future.”

Pickleball is taking us by storm. It has grown across the United States as one of the most popular sports. Beginning in Washington in 1965, pickleball was initially invented as a tennis variant for children. The net is lower than in tennis and the ball is hollow, making it quite loud when it hits the ground. It’s played on a court with markings similar to tennis, but at less than one-third the size, and much closer to badminton in its dimensions. Rather than using rackets and traditional tennis balls, the sport initially used lightweight plastic or wood paddles, but now pro players are using carbon-fiber paddles and other advanced materials that balance strength and weight. Community is such a key aspect of pickleball, making it very social.

The first-ever Pickle Jam event — co-presented by Talent Resources and David Haas (MTB Collective) — took place April 8th at Jungle Plaza in the Miami Design District. The event featured a fusion of culinary creativity, art, entertainment, yoga, and pickleball. Invigorating yoga sessions were led by Ahana Yoga, featuring Ahana Flow and complimentary Alo Yoga mats and blocks for VIPs. This was a World Cup style pickleball tournament with brackets for players above and below 3.5 DUPR and complimentary Joola paddles for registered players. The event had clinics and games led by the resident pros Matt Manasse and Ryan Sherry. A sunset cocktail party was held afterward with music by DJ Irie and friends, food from Yasu Tanaka, Whitman’s, Pomelo, Coop, and Hot Lime, and specialty cocktails from various partners, including Brown-Forman, E11EVEN Vodka, and Dos Hombres.

Professional pickleball athlete and influencer Tara Bernstein (Instagram: @taralynn.nyc) shared her enthusiasm for the event, “I’m grateful to be a partner of such a great event, and I can’t wait to see what the next Pickle Jam has in store! As a former collegiate softball player, I’m now sponsored by Franklin Pickleball, playing at a high level and creating events. I’m really looking forward to the next Pickle Jam!” Exclusive VIP sections were sponsored by E11EVEN Vodka and Brown-Forman, offering food and beverages from the event’s culinary partners. Future collaborations and events to be announced soon. Pickleball is available throughout the Hamptons and Central Park now has courts. Gear is available at Masons Tennis NYC, which carries Selkirk and Head paddles along with shoes and clothing.