Here’s How to Play Pickleball On Your Next Vacation
Pickleball has arrived! A year and a half ago, Seaside built its very own pickleball courts. Three new hard courts were built on the site of old Court 1 for tennis. Although one tennis court is technically enough room for four, we spread out three courts in the space. We also have a shady viewing area for players and spectators.
I am a die-hard, old tennis pro. I have to admit, however, that the new courts are bringing us new clients we would have likely never met without pickleball. The game is more user friendly than tennis. First, the court is smaller, so less movement is required. The net is also lower, and the ball is slower, so in general less running is needed. Unlike tennis with its learning curve, pickleball is a game participants can typically play immediately.
Rules are the big challenge. You can’t step into the kitchen, the area closest to the net, for volleys. You have to serve underhanded and cross court. You have to allow the return to bounce. You have to be serving to win points. And then in doubles play, both servers serve before it is side out. It’s not completely complicated, but different enough to confuse the first-time players. Just come do our Intro Clinic or a schedule a private lesson. Our Pros will explain it all and teach you how to play.
What I love seeing are the new pickleball players. Some have never played any racket sports at all. A new activity is always a challenge, and I think most of the time it’s fun. We have had multiple groups come in for play and lessons. Different abilities blend very well in pickleball. Bachelorette groups seem to be our new biggest market. We’re also hosting pickleball events for corporate retreats, family reunions, wedding-weekend festivities and for any group that just wants a fun activity while in Seaside.
This fall, due to popular demand, we will be expanding our pickleball programming. We currently have an Introduction to Pickleball Clinic each Monday from 10-11 a.m., and starting after Labor Day, we will conduct more advanced clinics and round robins. We are also offering pickleball group packages. Check with us in the Pro Shop for the new pickleball schedule.
The bottom line is Seaside has added a new activity for you. Call or come by the Pro Shop to book time for your new Seaside memories. See you on the courts!
Schedule:
Tennis Eye Opener Clinics, Mon-Sun. 8 – 9 a.m., Mon.-Thurs. 9-10 a.m., and Mon-Thurs. 10-11 a.m.
Tennis Round Robins, Fri.-Sun. 9 -10:30 a.m.
Intro to Pickleball, Mon. 10-11 a.m. (except holidays)
Courts are open for play daily 8 a.m.- dusk. Please call (850) 231-2214 to reserve courts, book lessons or sign-up for clinics and round robins. Find 30A TENNIS and SEASIDE TENNIS on Facebook for weather updates, news and events.
