By Ted and Sarah T
Pickleball has been a game-changer for us in more ways than one. Not only has it brought us closer together as a couple, but it has also given us the opportunity to explore our country and meet new people. We’ve been playing pickleball for years now, and our love for the game has only grown stronger over time.
It all started when we were looking for a new hobby to do together. We had always enjoyed playing sports, but as we got older, we found ourselves struggling to keep up with some of the more intense activities we used to enjoy. That’s when we discovered pickleball, a sport that combined elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and seemed like the perfect fit for us.
We started playing pickleball at our local community center, and before long, we were hooked. We loved the fast-paced action and the strategy involved in the game, and we quickly found ourselves playing several times a week. As we got more comfortable with the sport, we started looking for opportunities to play outside of our community.
That’s when we discovered the world of pickleball travel. We found out that there were tournaments and events happening all across the country, and we started making plans to attend them. We quickly realized that not only was pickleball a fun game to play, but it was also a great way to see the country and meet new people.
Our first big pickleball travel adventure took us to a tournament in Florida. We were a bit nervous at first, not knowing what to expect, but as soon as we arrived, we knew we were in the right place. The tournament was filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, all united by their love of the game. We made some new friends and even ended up placing third in our division!
That experience gave us the confidence to start planning more pickleball travel adventures. We started looking for tournaments and events in different parts of the country, and before we knew it, we had a whole itinerary of pickleball-related trips planned out.
We traveled to California, Arizona, Texas, and even Hawaii, all in the name of pickleball. Each trip was a new adventure, with its own set of challenges and rewards. We played on outdoor courts in the blazing sun and indoor courts under the bright lights. We played against players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
One of our favorite trips was to a tournament in Colorado. We had never been to the state before, and we were excited to explore the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities it had to offer. We spent our days hiking in the mountains and our evenings playing pickleball under the stars. It was a truly magical experience, and one that we will never forget.
But our pickleball adventures weren’t just limited to tournaments and events. We also made a point to visit some of the best pickleball destinations in the country, places that were known for their excellent courts and pickleball communities.
One of our favorite destinations was The Villages in Florida. The Villages is a retirement community that is home to more than 100 pickleball courts and a vibrant pickleball community. We spent a week there, playing pickleball every day and immersing ourselves in the culture of the community. We even took lessons from some of the top players in the area, and learned a few new tricks to add to our game.
Another great pickleball destination was Sun City West in Arizona. Sun City West is a community that is dedicated to pickleball, with more than 40 courts and a wide variety of events and activities. We spent several days there, playing pickleball and enjoying the warm Arizona sunshine.
Throughout our travels, we met so many amazing people, all of whom shared our love for pickleball. We played against players of all ages, from teenagers to seniors in their 80s and 90s. We met couples who had been playing pickleball together for decades, and we also met single players who had found a sense of community and friendship through the sport. The diversity of the pickleball community was one of the things that we loved the most about it.
Of course, our pickleball travel adventures weren’t without their challenges. There were times when we got lost on the way to a tournament, or had to deal with bad weather or equipment issues. But we learned to roll with the punches and make the most of every situation. Even when we didn’t win a tournament or didn’t play as well as we had hoped, we always came away with new experiences and memories that we cherished.
Looking back on our travels, we realize how much we have grown as individuals and as a couple. We’ve learned to be more adventurous, to take risks, and to embrace new experiences. We’ve also learned the importance of communication and teamwork, both on and off the court.
Playing pickleball together has brought us closer together as a couple. We’ve developed a new level of trust and respect for each other, as we’ve learned to work together to improve our game and support each other through the ups and downs of our travels. It’s also given us a shared passion and interest that we can enjoy together for years to come.
We’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the pickleball community. We’ve seen firsthand how the sport brings people of all ages and backgrounds together, and how it creates a sense of belonging and connection. We’ve made lifelong friends through pickleball, and we feel grateful for the sense of community and camaraderie that it has given us.
As we continue to travel the country playing pickleball, we know that there are still many more adventures and experiences to be had. We look forward to exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and improving our game along the way. But no matter where our travels take us, we know that pickleball will always be a part of our lives, and that it will continue to bring us joy, connection, and adventure.
One of the things that we love about playing pickleball is how accessible it is. Unlike some other sports, you don’t need to be an athlete or have a lot of experience to play pickleball. It’s a game that almost anyone can pick up and enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level.
We’ve seen this firsthand in our travels, where we’ve played against players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. We’ve also seen the sense of satisfaction and joy that comes with learning a new skill or improving your game. It’s a feeling that we’ve experienced ourselves, as we’ve worked hard to improve our own game over the years.
Playing pickleball has also given us a new perspective on our country. As we’ve traveled to different parts of the US, we’ve seen the unique culture and beauty of each region. We’ve explored national parks, small towns, and big cities, all while enjoying our favorite sport. It’s been a wonderful way to see our country and appreciate all that it has to offer.
Of course, playing pickleball isn’t always easy. It requires focus, skill, and strategy, and there are times when we’ve felt frustrated or discouraged with our progress. But we’ve learned that these challenges are part of what makes the game so rewarding. When we finally get that perfect shot or win a tough match, the sense of accomplishment is hard to beat.
As a middle-aged married couple, playing pickleball has also given us a new sense of vitality and energy. It’s helped us stay active and healthy, both physically and mentally. We’ve also found that playing pickleball together has given us a fun and low-pressure way to spend time together, without the stress or pressure of other activities.
Overall, our travels playing pickleball have been some of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of our lives. We’ve met new people, seen new places, and developed a new passion for a sport that has brought us closer together as a couple. We look forward to continuing our pickleball adventures, and we encourage anyone who’s interested in the sport to give it a try. Who knows where it might take you?
