Locals flock to Pickleball

MOVE TO CYCLONE SHELTER

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Cliff Mitting and Leslie Rodenburg from Port Douglas were keen to play Pickleball for the first time Picture: Paul Makin

It's the fastest-growing sport in the world, and now it's started in earnest here in Douglas. Funny name, but now a seriously popular activity with locals.

After a hiccup with the Council, U3A, who run Pickleball in the Shire, has kindly been given the green light by the Port Douglas State School to use their gym.

Ah! But not any old gym, it's an official Douglas Cyclone Shelter if things get hairy in the future. It's huge, with all the amenities you need.

The Council decision to charge these folks $160 to play Pickleball at the Community Hall in Port Douglas forced the organizers to think outside the square. U3A hasn't given up on the Community idea completely.

Liz Kendall, the chief promoter of the sport, says they are still in talks with the DSC, "Yes, we are still hopeful that the Council will see this is a worthwhile activity that needs to be supported as many of these folks are elderly, and some have dementia, and it's a fantastic way to keep fit," she said.

Locals try Pickleball

Cliff Mitting and Leslie Rodenburg from Port Douglas were at the Cyclone Shelter to see what all the fuss is about with this new sport.

"Some of our friends at a walking group told us about Pickleball, and because we've played tennis and table tennis, we thought this could be a good fit," said Cliff.

The couple took to it like a duck to water, as did several visitors from interstate who were equally as curious on the day. My wife Marion is now a dedicated player who returned home after a Pickleball session and when asked how it went, replied, "It's so good, I'm exhausted, but I'll be going back for sure," she said.

Where did it come from?

The game was invented in the '60s by Joel Pritchard in the United States. There are two theories as to why it took the name of Pickleball. One theory is that it was named after the term used about the last placegetter in competitive rowing.

It is called the pickle boat. Other sources state that the name was derived from the name of the Pritchard's family dog, Pickles. Take your pick (le).

The Cyclone Shelter is a perfect size to play Pickleball Picture: Paul Makin
Leslie Rodenburg from Port Douglas has her first try at Pickleball Picture: Paul Makin

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