Pickleball expands its reach
Jenice Lewandowski and playing partner Mike Syroid are among a growing number of pickleball players at the South Surrey Recreation Centre.
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Updated: August 31, 2009 11:41 AM
Not only has pickleball grown amongst Peninsula seniors as a healthful and entertaining activity, it has also caught the attention of families looking for a sport all ages can enjoy.
That's according to Chuck Lefaive, president of the local pickleball association, who said many of the 800 people who play at South Surrey Recreation Centre are families.
In fact, Saturday afternoon pickleball at the centre is dedicated to children, while almost four hours of Sunday play is open to everyone.
Lefaive said it's uncommon to see families play other sports together, such as soccer, baseball or hockey.
"But you do see them play pickleball, and that's where it started – it started as a backyard family sport."
With players wielding paddles used to smack plastic whiffle balls over low nets, the game is a mix of tennis, ping pong and badminton.
The first program was run out of Sunnyside Elementary around 12 years ago, Lefaive said.
"Since then it's been quite a ride from two or three players to several hundred."
The South Surrey rec centre has been offering pickleball court space for the last four years, and now has eight drop-in times a week.
While the game has been growing in popularity with a younger generation, Lefaive said it's still a senior-friendly sport that incorporates stretching, running, foot movement and hand-eye co-ordination.
"It's wonderful to see them getting exercise and camaraderie and fun," he said, adding 70 per cent of members are women. "They go home and think they've had a great day, which they have.
"What gets me up in the morning is to encourage people to keep fit."
Seniors will have the opportunity to show their skills Sept. 12, at the third annual 50+ South Surrey Pickleball Tournament.
Held from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the recreation centre, 14601 20 Ave., the event is open to competitive and non-competitive players split into two groups, 50-65 years old and 65 and over.
"This is an opportunity for people who have become proficient at this game, whether they be top-line players or not, to come and spend a day with people from other areas," he said. "It's not just about South Surrey."
Last year, 90 people participated, around half of whom were local.
"People are welcome to come and view a game," Lafaive said, noting there will be categories for men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Pickleball will also be featured on the provincial stage next month, when selected players will demo the sport at the BC Seniors Games.
Registration for the local tournament is still open. For more information, or for the South Surrey Recreation Centre drop-in pickleball schedule, call 604-592-6970.
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