17 A big ‘dill’ Pickleball exploding in popularity on the island By Colin McCandless ickleball mania has been sweeping the nation these past few years and Isle of Palms is caught up in the craze. One of the fastest growing sports in the country, this hybrid paddle game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong into a fun, addicting competition. While pickleball has a professional player circuit with national tournaments and prize money, most people enjoy it as a recreational and social activity. It’s easy to learn the rules and fun to play and it’s less physically demanding than tennis, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. All you need is a paddle, a plastic ball and a badminton-size court to start a match. Like tennis, it can be played in a singles or doubles format. Games are played to 11 points and you must win by two. In response to increasing demand on Isle of Palms, the IOP Recreation Center recently added two new designated outdoor pickleball courts to its recreation center offerings, which opened to the public in early April. There are also two lined multi-purpose courts shared with tennis for which pickleball nets are provided. Prior to the designated pickleball courts, the recreation center balanced programming for both tennis and pickleball daily between their various lessons and leagues, according to IOP Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. “It just — exploded so fast,” said Ferrell of pickleball’s surging popularity. The center’s pickleball courts are all first-come, first-served and players must provide their own paddles and balls. They also offer pickleball lessons for beginner and intermediate levels throughout the year. The lessons are typically two weeks long and meet twice a week. Additionally, just over a year ago the recreation center started a social pickleball league to give players the opportunity to register for open play. Ferrell said she appreciates the social aspect of open play, which welcomes all skill levels to come play and meet new people. Their pickleball courts are a major draw these days, whether from residents or the steady influx of island visitors. “They’re busy,” commented Ferrell. “There’s a group out here every day.” If you’re looking to try the sport and need equipment, Holy City Tennis in Mount Pleasant carries pickleball paddles, balls and shoes and you can order nets through them as well. PUBLIC PLACES TO PLAY PICKLEBALL Isle of Palms Recreation Center Number of courts: 4 (2 designated pickleball courts, 2 shared use with tennis, nets provided) Hartnett Boulevard and 28th Avenue 843-886-8294 Wild Dunes Resort Tennis Center Number of courts: 4 General pickleball clinics open to public, fee-based membership for open play 5757 Palm Blvd Pro shop: 843-886-2113 P IslandVibesIOP.com FEATURE Photo Provided.
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