A NEW sport right here on the Surf Coast and the Bellarine is on the rise, combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton with new players becoming hooked.<\/p>\n
Pickleball, a growing sport with more than five million Americans registered in the sport and Australian participation on a similar trajectory, is in our backyard with plenty of chances for locals to join the fun.<\/p>\n
The sport is played on a badminton-sized court with a waist high net, a paddle, and a plastic ball.<\/p>\n
It combines the best features of all three previously mentioned sports to produce what organisers are calling a fun, healthy, social sport that is easily learnt.<\/p>\n
Historically, Pickleball was invented in the mid 60s in the USA, but the origin of the name is believed to either be named after the inventor’s dog “Pickles” or a rowing term referring to a boat being crewed by the leftover members of other crews.<\/p>\n
Pickleball is suitable for all ages, and it is not uncommon to see people in their 70s and 80s playing.<\/p>\n
Ocean Grove Pickleball was established in 2019 by Terry and Fran Kealey, after they experienced the game in America that year while attending their son’s wedding.<\/p>\n
It has flourished ever since and now operates six days a week from Memorial Hall.<\/p>\n
“Local clubs are developing at a rapid pace and are well supported by national and state associations,” Ms Kealey said.<\/p>\n
“While the majority of play could be described as social, there is increasing competitive opportunities which include tournaments as well as state and Australian championships.<\/p>\n
“Pickleball will also feature in the 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games being held on the Gold Coast in November.”<\/p>\n
Murray Ellis, a former committee member, started Torquay Pickleball at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium in 2021 where it now operates three days and two evenings a week and has increasing interest from Surf Coast locals.<\/p>\n
The stadium provides a modern facility and offers a fantastic opportunity for Pickleball players.<\/p>\n
Both Torquay and Ocean Grove conduct free introductory sessions and welcome new members.<\/p>\n
Session times for Ocean Grove are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Mornings, Wednesday afternoons and Sunday evenings.<\/p>\n
Contact terrykealey@yahoo.com if you are interested in a free session or to find out session times at Torquay’s venue contact torquaypickleball@gmail.com.<\/p>\n
Session times for Torquay are Tuesday to Thursday afternoons and Tuesday and Sunday evenings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW sport right here on the Surf Coast and the Bellarine is on the rise, combining elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton with new players becoming hooked. Pickleball, a growing sport with more than five million Americans registered in the sport and Australian participation on a similar trajectory, is in our backyard with […]<\/p>\n