Pickleball-The Fastest Growing Sport You've Never Hear Of

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum -whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original hand made equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well with many European and Asian countries adding courts. Pickleball is a sport in which two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications.

Because of the smaller court size, the game is intimitate and friendly. As soon as you play your first game of pickleball, you will see that there is no reason to stop playing it! You will love the health and social benefits that this sport brings to your life!

Welaka now has three pickleball courts, located by the firehouse behind the Welaka town hall. Regular play is every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 am. Demonstration and introductory classes are being offered at 9 am every Saturday during the month of January. During these introductory lessons, equipment is provided. Call 904-386-4212 to reserve your spot.