Over the Summer, my cousins called me and asked if I wanted to play pickleball. I had never tried playing pickleball. With all the hype around pickleball, I was curious to give it a try. I agreed to play. [Just an FYI, pickleball has been around a long time – since 1965.] For me, I prefer trying new activities with someone who has knowledge and experience. I feel it helps speed the learning process and I waste less time. Anyway, I agreed to meet my cousins at Presidio Wall Playground in San Francisco on a Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, I was surprised that before 9 AM on a Sunday morning all the pickleball courts were in use. There were also groups of people waiting to play. One of the first things I noticed was the wide age range of the players. There was both men and women between the ages of 20 to 60 years of age playing. While waiting for my cousins to arrive, I took a seat and watched the games being played. Each player had their own unique athleticism. Some of the games were intense. But, one thing was apparent. Everyone was having fun. After all, this was pickleball.
My cousins arrived and almost immediately a court opened up. We had four players including me, so we played doubles. My cousins came prepared with their paddles and I borrowed one. It was so much fun. Here are some of my thoughts.
Good Exercise with a Side of Laughter
Exercise doesn’t have to be a bore, and pickleball proves just that! It was fast-paced and I broke a sweat. At no point did I feel like I was out of breath. It is fun to play because you can be competitive and still have the ability to joke around while playing.
Pickleball can definitely be a family activity. Dad can enjoy a healthy workout while sharing laughs and creating lasting memories with the family. It’s fitness with a side of fun!
Pickleball solved a problem for my wife and I. I want to workout with her, but our workout routines are so different. Plus, my wife likes and is good at tennis. I never played tennis. So, after playing pickleball, I proposed we try pickleball. She agreed. I went ahead and purchased paddles and balls. We went down to the local recreation park and played on the tennis court. It was fun and she was really into it. We try to play once every two weeks, if we have time.
Good Social Scene:
The day I played pickleball with my cousins, there were many other groups of people playing. They all were happy and friendly. I am not sure if they were part of pickleball clubs, social groups, or coworkers. As I mentioned before, the groups had players of all ages playing together.I could only guess some of the groups were part of a pickleball community group and league. It would not be surprising. Just google it and you will find a pickleball club or community organization near you.
So, pickleball does make for a good social scene and allows people to interact with one another who otherwise may not. If you are interested in giving pickleball a shot, you should easily be able to find a supportive group in your area.
My takeaway is that pickleball is more a lifestyle than a sport that brings families closer, promotes fitness, and guarantees a great time for dad and everyone else involved. so, get some paddles and balls get out there.