Lively exchanges at court session

JO RICHARDS

It’s Thursday morning at the Rec Park Centre and the Tākaka Badminton Club regulars are enjoying their on-court knockabout.

Taking a breather between matches, club “co-ordinator”

Graeme Baigent has been a keen player for over 10 years. “I usually play three times a week,” says Graeme. “It gets my fitness level up and keeps my reflexes sharp.”

Badminton frequently suffers from the misconception that it is a genteel sport. But the reality is quite different; although the racquet and shuttlecock (or shuttle) are both much lighter than the equivalent tennis gear, the feathered projectile can achieve speeds of over 400km/hour, compared to around 250km/hour for the fastest recorded tennis shot. So, it is a lively game, and at the highest level, players require agility, strength, speed, and precision.

But it can be enjoyed at any level and the proof is on display in the Rec Park Centre stadium. Players of differing abilities and ages (spanning several decades) mix to make up multigenerational doubles matches that produce lively exchanges across the high net. Along with the shuttle there’s also friendly banter whizzing back and forth. “It’s part of the camaraderie at the club,” says Graeme.

Whilst the game itself may be energetic, the audible swish of racquet heads, the pinging of the shuttles off strings, and the squeaking of soles on the wooden floor creates a rather relaxing sound. This echoes the vibe of the group, which is informal and very friendly. “It’s all about participating, rather than winning,” says Graeme. “We have a lot of fun.”

It is fun that can be enjoyed all year round – on Tuesdays and Thursdays and, starting next week, on Mondays too. Anyone wanting to participate can choose between paying an annual subscription to cover Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, or just drop in and pay a casual $5 fee ($2.50 for Mondays).

For those living at the other end of the Bay, Collingwood badminton nights are due to resume at the end of next month. Organiser Cheryl Balck says loan of equipment is included in the $3 session fee. “There are some racquets available to borrow if people don’t have their own to begin with.” And she invites anyone keen on getting some exercise and having a fun a night out, to come along. “It’s a great social night with some fabulous people and all ages are welcome and encouraged.”

Tākaka badminton: Rec Park Centre stadium, Monday (from 13 Feb) 9.30-11.30am; Tuesday 7-9pm; Thursday 9-11am.

Collingwood badminton: Collingwood Memorial Hall, Thursday (from 30 March) 6.30-8.30pm.