The hottest game on the beach.
The pickleball wave has swept across beach towns everywhere, making a splash with fans of all things sun, sand, and sport. This fast-growing phenomenon is bringing together players of all ages for fun, fitness, and sun-soaked socializing, perfectly complementing the carefree beach lifestyle.
Pickleball Fever: How It Took Over
Have you been asked lately, “Do you play pickleball?” and found yourself wondering how this little sport got so big? It's no surprise—pickleball has swept the nation, but what's behind its growing popularity?
Pickleball combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fan-favorite game that's both easy to pick up and thrillingly fast-paced. The sport provides the opportunity for players to jump in with little experience and leave having had some physical and social interaction. Because the game moves on a rotating serve, there are high levels of verbal communication, providing the perfect space for socializing.
Pickleball's boom in our own little slice of paradise along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A comes as no surprise—our friendly, adventurous community loves anything that promotes social interaction, active lifestyles, and fun for the whole family. It is easy to learn, requires minimal equipment, is available to all ages, accommodates different skill levels, and provides a low-impact yet full-body workout.
Alexa Bruner, the director of tennis and pickleball at the Watersound Club at Camp Creek, highlighted the enjoyment of pickleball when we asked her why it has become so popular. “It's so great because most anybody can pick it up and play and see results. Whereas tennis takes years to see success, in pickleball, you can see it almost right away.”
A Slice of Pickleball History
Pickleball, a truly American sport, was invented in 1965 by U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The first pickleball tournament was held in 1976 in Tukwila, Washington. After the tournament, pickleball was recognized in a national tennis magazine. Its traction stirred, and by 1990, the sport was played in all fifty states.
The three dads invented the game to create some summertime fun for their families—little did they know they were originating what would later become a long-lasting national phenomenon.
Pickleball 101: The Basics
Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game. The objective is very similar to tennis. You score points by hitting the ball over the net and into your opponent's court. The game is played to eleven, and you must win by two points. You can only score points on your serve, and the server rotates between teams based on winning and losing points. No volleying can occur in the front-most part of the court (called the kitchen). The players use solid paddles made of wood, graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass and a plastic ball with mini holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
Learning to play is a breeze. Just grab a friend who knows the rules and hit the court. The best way to learn is to jump right in and play with someone leading you through it, or to engage in a pickleball clinic led by a professional.
There are many locations across 30A where introductory clinics are offered. The Watersound Club at Camp Creek has a specific clinic designed for first-time players, titled “Learn to Play.” Bruner shared that the Watersound Club “really is a hidden gem. Members or vacationers staying at Camp Creek have access to all these amazing amenities, such as pickleball courts and lessons.”
30A's Pickleball Hot Spots
Our Beach Happy community has embraced pickleball to the fullest. There are so many places for players to meet up for some fun in the sun. The Walton Sports Complex has four public courts currently open for play and four additional courts opening by the end of September. This is a fantastic place to spontaneously meet your friends, reserve a court, or show up for rotating open court games of doubles in the evenings.
Whether you are a homeowner or a vacationer, there are plenty of courts throughout our beach communities. Seaside Swim & Tennis Club, The WaterColor Tennis Club, Sandestin Tennis Center, The Watersound Club at Camp Creek, and Alys Zuma Wellness Center all feature pickleball courts.
The growth of these pickleball hubs directly corresponds with our community's desire for them. The director of public relations at Alys Beach, Diana Lane, shared that “this decision [to build pickleball courts] was based directly on our homeowners' feedback.” She explained that “wellness is such a brand pillar for Alys, and pickleball encompasses being outdoors with friendly interaction…there is a beautiful comradery that comes with racquet sports like pickleball.”
Fun Pickleball Trivia to Wow Your Court Mates
Why is it called pickleball? Believe it or not, the sport was named after a dog. The game's founders had a pup named Pickles who loved chasing down the ball and bringing it back. What started as “Pickle's Ball” quickly evolved into the catchy name we all know today.
Which U.S. presidents have hit the pickleball court? Both Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton were known to have enjoyed a game or two.
How many Americans play? A whopping 4.8 million people in the United States proudly call themselves pickleball players, and the number's only growing.
Why is the no-volley zone called “the kitchen”? Back in 1965, when pickleball was invented, the no-volley zone earned the nickname. Just like avoiding chores, players tried to stay out of this small, tricky space.
The longest game ever? An incredible 17 hours and 25 minutes. Tyler Loong and Yvette Hinton set this record on August 12, 2022, during a professional event.
Catch You on the Courts
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the vibrant pickleball scene at the beach has something for everyone. With beautiful courts set against stunning coastal backdrops, plenty of clinics to choose from, and a lively community that embraces this exciting sport, there's never been a better time to hit the sand, grab a paddle, and doink with your friends.
Story by Abbie Lee Webster. Photos by Noah Escobar. Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Fall 2024.
