Did you know three dads with bored kids created pickleball? That’s right! 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.
If you have never heard of pickleball, or have never played, North Myrtle Beach (NMB) is a great place to learn the game. The low-impact sport is fun for young kids and grandparents alike.
Best of All Worlds
So what is pickleball? The game is a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The court is about the same as a badminton court, and the net is slightly lower than on a tennis court. The paddles are huge and perfect 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. Some friendly competition and banter are a part of the game.
You can play singles or doubles, and after a few games, you can venture out to family tournaments. It’s always fun creating categories like mixed doubles and intergenerational doubles.
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.
You’re up Next
When you’re in NMB, you can play a game of pickleball indoors or outdoors. J. Bryan Floyd Community Center has a popular indoor Pickle board program. Rates for visitors are very reasonable, starting at just $2 per day per person. Two courts are set up, one for advanced players, the other for starters. With six indoor courts, it’s always easy to get a game going.
It’s part of Central Park, an entire recreational complex. It has great basketball courts and softball fields, but the highlight is its four outdoor pickleball courts.
If you want to put your skills to the test, then hit up NMB in August for the Paddle at the Beach Pickleball Tournament. There are brackets for experience level, age, men, and women.
Here in NMB, you’ll have a blast learning the ins and outs of pickleball. See you soon!