Pickleball continues its growth

BY Aprile McKinnon

Pickleball is booming in Canyon Lake. The club is now at 515 members and has been steadily growing over the past few years. Pickleball’s popularity is on the rise, and, consequently, plans to expand the courts were recently approved with two new courts soon to be under construction.

For those looking to hit the courts, the current courts are open every day from 6:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. For beginners or newbies wanting to give pickleball a try, the best time to get to the courts is typically noon to 5:00 p.m. daily.

In addition to promoting the sport of pickleball, the club is also committed to giving back to the community. The club donated lessons to 200 people last year. Steve Libring, a long-time club member and skilled player, is offering free lessons to anyone interested in learning the game. The club plans to continue donating lessons throughout the year.

Canyon Lake Pickleball Club members compete during recent play at the pickleball courts. The club has over 500 members and is offering free lessons to those who want to learn the game and join the club. Meanwhile, the sport continues to grow in popularity. The Canyon Lake POA recently approved expanding the lakefront facility by adding two more courts. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The biggest event of the year is Park Hopper Day on May 27. The Pickleball Club will be hosting activities at Eastport Park. Thousands of community members came out last year to ride the ferris wheel, play on the water slide, check out the petting zoo and to enjoy the D.J. There will be a dozen or so volunteers out on the Eastport courts giving free lessons during the Park Hopper Day event. Those looking for the free lessons need only to show up in tennis shoes and a comfortable outfit. Everything else will be supplied by the club.

Over 150 participants took advantage of the lessons last year. Community members will find the game to be fast, fun and easy to learn, Steve said.

Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Pickleball hosts a Junior Clinic in June when the kids are out of school. The fee is only $5.00 and reserves a space for ages 9 to 17 to be taught pickleball skills. There will be games, prizes and a mini tournament that day.

The Pickleball Club members are giving back, as well, Steve said. Working with Zack Zander and his Eagle Scout Project, the club donated $1,235 towards the building of a practice wall at the existing courts. The new wall will allow solo players and community members to warm up or practice hitting the ball up against the wall to develop their skills and control the ball.

Pickleball is one of the more popular up and coming sports in the country. Celebrities like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Kein Durant and Patrick Mahomes have brought attention to the sport by investing in professional pickleball teams.

Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

For those looking for some exciting competition, the club members are hosting a Poker Tournament on tomorrow (Saturday) at 1:00 p.m. This tournament is expected to be a little different than most of the club’s tournaments.

Each player is dealt a handful of cards and plays with random partners. Winners will get to draw another card in hopes to improve their hand. The top three poker hands of the day will walk away with the prizes, some of which include gift cards to the Canyon Lake POA Lodge or Country Club.

Spectators are welcome to come and watch the action. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the sport, enjoy scenes of the lake and maybe even make some new friends. Contact Steve with any questions or regarding any of the upcoming events at steve.
libring@gmail.com.