Thursday, January 30, 2014

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Why Play Pickleball

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world. Canada and USA have over 100,000 pickleball players. Pickleball is now played in many countries including Spain, India, Mexico, Netherlands (Ireland and UK - updated Feb 10/14). 

PIckleball Canada held its 2nd National Championship in July, 2013.  USAPA held its Nationals V Tournament in November, 2013.   India held its 1st National Tournament in December, 2013.

The first International Pickleball Tournament will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands in May, 2014. The 3rd Annual Pickleball Canada National Open Championship will be held in Abbotsford, BC in July, 2014. The USAPA Nationals VI will be held in Buckeye, AZ in Nov, 2014.

If you play tennis, badminton, racquetball, squash or table tennis, you will love Pickleball. Fun and easy, the game can be played by enthusiasts of all ages who have different playing abilities. It is simple enough for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced competitive sport for the experienced players. Most who give pickleball a try find it addictive and challenging. It also provides plenty of exercise, burning about 250 calories in 30 minutes.

Pickleball works most of your muscle groups at the same time and improves your balance, mobility and agility. It's great for interval training with its quick bursts of activity and intermittent resting. Pickleball also helps with speed, overall fitness, discipline, social skills and sportsmanship. What a fun way to stay fit! Just try it once, I'm certain it won't be your last. Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Well !!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Pickleball Canada National Open Championship T-Shirts

Pickleball Canada National Open Championship T-Shirts
For the 1st time, a Pickleball Canada National Open Championship T-shirt is available! You can order online from Pickleball Depot, you can select men's and women's cut styles for only $17.95! Your shirt can be mailed in advance or you can pick it up at Nationals. A limited number of  t-shirts will also be available for sale at the tournament but why wait... order today!  http://pickleballdepot.ca/product/pickleball-canada-t-shirt-2/

Product Description: This is the new 2014 Pickleball Canada “National Open Championship”  T-Shirt.  Look good and play great with this 100% Polyester pique knit wicking T-shirt.  Moisture wicking and anti-bacterial Tagless,  double-needle stitching at neck, arm and bottom hems. 

Pickleball Canada T-Shirt

 Pickleball Canada Ladies T-Shirt



 

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Special Hotel Rates for 2014 Pickleball Canada National Open Championship July 4 - 6, 2014

Pickleball Canada has listed these possible accomodations and makes no recommendations. All players must make their own arrangement for lodging. Be sure to ask if there are special rates for participants of the Pickleball Canada National Championship.
COAST HOTEL AND SUITES 2020 Sumas Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C7 (604) 853-1880 Special Group Rate: $99.00 plus tax, 2 Queen beds or King, includes breakfast.
SANDMAN HOTEL 32720 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2T 0B8 (604) 556-7263 Special Group Rate: $109.00+ tax, Double occupancy.  Group No. 45290
BEST WESTERN REGENCY HOTEL 32110 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC Preferred rate: $103.99+ tax Double occupancy, 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed, includes breakfast.1.800.771.3077 or 604.853.3111
RAMADA INN 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2C6 (604) 870-1050 Special Group rate $112.00 +tax Double occupancy, 2 Queen beds, includes breakfast.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Mission Madness pickleball tournament Feb 8- 9

Mission Madness pickleball tournament will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9 at École Mission Secondary in Mission, BC.  Events will be Men’s and Women’s Doubles on Feb. 8 and Mixed Doubles on Feb. 9. Competition will begin at 9:00 a.m. on both days.  Event brackets (round robin) will be: 
Men’s Doubles 3.0, 3.5 , 4.0, 4.5+ 
Women’s Doubles 3.0, 3.5 , 4.0
Mixed Doubles 3.0 and 3.5 combined
Mixed Doubles 4.0+
You may only register for one event per day (a maximum of two events). Registration Deadline: 02/01/14  Pickleball Canada members will receive a $5 discount off the registration fee (which is $25)  (All events: $5.00 each)  Lunch will not be provided. However, a concession stand will be open. Pizza, juice, pop, and water will be available for purchase. Current IFP rules apply. No non-conforming equipment permitted.  Registration:  http://www.fraservalleypickleball.org/  

Monday, January 6, 2014

Pickleball Canada Sanctioned Tournaments 2014

Pickleball Canada Sanctioned Tournaments 2014
Fraser Valley Pickleball Mission Madness Tournament, February 8 - 9, 2014 at Mission Secondary School, Mission, B.C.  Skill level ratings will be used. Current IFP rules. PCO Sanctioned (Tier 4)
The Rosebowl Fraser Valley Pickleball Tournament, March 8 - 9, 2014 at Rosedale Traditional Community School, Chilliwack, B.C. Skill level ratings will be used. Current IFP rules. PCO Sanctioned (Tier 4)
Pickleball Canada National Open Championship July 4 - 6, 2014 at Abbotsford Recreation Centre, Abbotsford, B.C. 21 events including Men's, Women's Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles and Junior Doubles. Current IFP rules. PCO Sanctioned (Tier 1)

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Pickleball Comes to the Netherlands

USAPA newsletter, submitted by Bill Hess, USAPA Ambassador, Cherokee County, Georgia:   On a recent business trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands, I had the opportunity to play pickleball with the Amsterdam Pickleball Players. They play Sunday afternoons at a very nice facility called the Sporthal Oostenburg. The indoor facility was excellent, with painted badminton courts using UASPA portable nets on an excellent playing surface. Most of the players are just learning the game, but they play with a lot athleticism, high energy and enthusiasm. Several of the more advanced players move from court to court giving pointers on playing the game. They are planning to host an International Pickleball Tournament in May, 2014. Check www.usapa.org or go to their website, www.picklebal.nl. If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands it would be worthwhile to take your pickleball gear and spend an afternoon playing with this fun group. You can contact them at info@picklebal.nl

Why do Pickleballs have holes

Some people asked why do pickleballs have holes?  Here's the reason why from USAPA newsletter:
Sound Off… Reader Feedback
I would like to respond to the question from Ed Mandler, Saddlebrooke Pickleball Association, about using a no-hole ball. They are available from one of the pickleball vendors and one of our players bought a dozen. I have played a couple of games with one of the no-hole balls and it is no fun. My main complaint is that it doesn't travel in a true line. It travels much like a knuckleball in baseball. Sometimes it will sail upward and other times downward and other times sideways. It seems to be heavier than the regular balls and when it hits you it hurts. It was fun to try, but it is a waste of time to play with on a regular basis. John Bliffen, Troy, Ohio