What makes the sport of pickleball so appealing?
Pickleball is often played on a badminton-sized court with the net about two inches lower than a tennis net. The ball is a small polymer version of a waffle ball. The game is a combination of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Games are played as doubles or singles.
In 1996 American politician Joel Pritchard promised his children he would invent a new game for them. He lowered the net on his backyard badminton court, then went to his shed to fashion paddles out of plywood. Finally he borrowed a waffle ball from his neighbour and the game of pickleball was born.
The Pritchards named the game after their dog Pickle, who is said to have chased the ball every time it went out of bounds.
Since then pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in North America. According to Pickleball B.C., the Comox Valley is the leader in fastest growth of the sport in the province.
With the encouragement of the local sports facilities, venues have been arranged at the Comox Community Centre and Native Sons Hall as well as outdoors at Martin Park and Highland Park.
"This community commitment to pickle ball makes us the envy of the sport," a spokesperson said.
All ages (14 and up) lessons are being taught at the Comox Rec Centre on Sept. 17, 19 and 24 at 7 p.m. Course fee is $12 for three sessions. Phone 250-339-2255 to book.
– Comox Valley Pickleball