Pickleball is a trending sport derived from tennis and other racket sports. It was invented by a US politician in the 1960’s for his kids. Its popularity in Canada has been growing quickly in recent years.
Here are five reasons to give it a try this summer:
1- Growing Community of Players
There are many associations present in Quebec in multiple regions. The main organizations on and off the island are Pickleball West Island and the ‘Club de Pickleball de Vaudreuil-Dorion’. They are very active and are welcoming new members by inviting them to Pickleball trainings to try the sport.
A Doubles Pickleball Match (Wikimedia Commons)
2- For Everyone and Any Age
Many individuals who never tried Pickleball tend to wrongly label it as a ‘retirement’ sport. On the contrary, it is very inclusive, and the crowd that participates in matches is diverse. As mentioned earlier, Pickleball organizations are very welcoming and do not discriminate by age nor experience. This is the perfect sport to try without being judged.
3- Small-Scale Tennis
For those who dislike the great dimensions of regular tennis courts, Pickleball is played on smaller courts, which allows for quick and exciting games. It also removes some of the frustration one has when having to pick up the ball far away from the playing field. Even if the ball is lighter and the paddles (rackets) are smaller, it resembles tennis because of the possibility to play one on one or in doubles.
A paddle and two pickleballs (Wikimedia Commons)
4- No Need to be Athletic
When learning a new sport, athletic skills are often required to develop certain abilities. This is not the case with Pickleball. Little cardio is required, but overall, it is a simple yet effective game that enables you to have fun and stay in shape. As previously mentioned, age is not a determining factor that affects one’s ability to play Pickleball. So, anyone can try this sport.
5- Fun Activity in any Temperature
Looking for an activity that can be practiced both outdoors and indoors? Pickleball is for you! The courts do not need to be spacious like tennis courts, and you can try them in many places. Whether it is in a park or a gymnasium, you will not regret giving Pickleball a try.
Where can you play Pickleball? Here are places on and off-island that will satisfy your curiosity:
John Abbott College (Casgrain Sports Center) in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue (4 courts)
Aumais Park in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue (1 court)
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Courts in Vaudreuil-Dorion (4 courts)
Kirkland Park in Kirkland (3 courts)
Heritage Park in Kirkland (3 courts)
Ecclestone Park in Kirkland (3 courts)
Parkinson Park in Pierrefonds (1 court)
Munro Park in Pierrefonds-Roxborro (4 courts)
Beaconsfield Heights Park in Beaconsfield (3 courts)
Valois Park in Pointe-Claire (2 courts)
Northview in Pointe-Claire (2 courts)
Lake Park in DDO (4 courts)
Westminster Park in DDO (3 courts)
Sunnybrook Park in DDO (3 courts)
Picardy Park in Baie d’Urfé (3 courts)
Surrey Aquatic Center in Dorval (4 courts)
For more information concerning specific reservations of courts, visit the websites or pages of these organizations:
John Abbott College (Casgrain Center)
Pickleball West Island
Club de Pickleball de Vaudreuil-Dorion
Sources: USA Pickleball, John Abbott College, Pickleball West Island, Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion, Club de Pickleball de Vaudreuil-Dorion, Wikimedia Commons
