If you have never heard of pickleball, or have never played, North Myrtle Beach is a great place to learn the game. The low-impact sport makes it fun for young kids and grandparents.
All You Need to Know about Pickleball
So what is pickleball? On a slow day in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, WA, three dads created a game that’s easy to learn and fun to play at any age. Since its inception, the game is one of the fastest-growing competition sports in America.
The game mixes tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The court compares to a badminton court and the net is slightly lower than on a tennis court. Large paddles make it easy for hitting the wiffleball-like ball. Most racquet sports take years of training and skill, but pickleball is plug-and-play.
The compressed court makes pickleball a very social sport making friendly competition and banter a part of the game. Play singles or doubles, and even after a few games, venture out to family tournaments. It’s always fun creating categories like mixed doubles and intergenerational doubles.
Indoor & Outdoor Pickleball Courts
NMB has become a hub for pickleball players, and there’s no better teacher to learn from than the locals who know the game well.
Play indoors or outdoors at locations like the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, where you can sign up for the popular indoor Pickle board program. Find two courts, one for advanced players, the other for starters, plus six indoor courts. Rates for visitors start at just $2 per day per person making it very reasonable.
The community center is part of Central Park, an entire recreational complex with basketball courts and softball fields, but the highlight is its four outdoor pickleball courts.
Put your skills to the test in August for the Paddle at the Beach Pickleball Tournament. There are brackets for experience level, age, men, and women.
Have a blast learning the ins and outs of pickleball during your trip to North Myrtle Beach.