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THREE STARS PLAZA

THREE STARS PLAZA

Pickleball is on the rise in Clear Lake

by Rachel Wumkes

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It might have a silly name, but that’s just part of what makes the sport of pickleball so great. The game was created with one agenda in mind: Fun! Whether you’re five, eighty-five, or somewhere in between, pickleball was designed to be easy to both learn and play.

It truly is a game for all ages.

And no, there are no pickles involved!

Pickleball is traditionally played on a badminton-sized court with special paddles made of wood or other hard-composite materials. The ball used is similar to a whiffle ball, but just a tad smaller. By using a lower net and the slower paced whiffle ball allows the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. But beware, some of these players out there are sharks and can really hit the ball!

Pickleball picked up steam in Clear Lake the past few years. What started as a few people has grown immensely. Wanting to get a group together and play, local pickleball enthusiast, Jeff Baertz, put a call out on social media asking if there was any interest in the Clear Lake area.

Turns out… there was. And a lot of it!

“I put a post out there on social media,” Jeff said, “and the people just kept commenting! So, I decided to do something about it.”

Jeff contacted the City of Clear Lake and the school to collaborate on using the tennis courts on the east side of the high school. In no time, he had approval to tape off courts and set up the smaller nets. He started a Facebook group to keep people up to date on open play times and information on any happenings for the sport.

And now, they are even an official club. While there is no set time for play, the Clear Lake Pickleball Club typically gets together on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings during our favorable weather months at 8am for a few hours. However, if another time works better for you, simply drop a post onto their Facebook Page and people will show up. All levels are welcome, and anybody can join in the fun. It’s recommended you bring your own paddle, but there are a few extras supplied if you don’t have one.

The group has even hosted a few “Beginning Saturday” sessions. Something of a Pickleball 101 for those who would like to pick up the sport but aren’t sure where to start. Seasoned players will show you the ropes, get a paddle in your hand, and set you off on your pickleball journey!

To learn more about the Pickleball Club in Clear Lake, and to stay up to date on activity and games in the area, join their Facebook page, Clear Lake Pickleball.

Game on!

Photo provided by Clear Lake Pickleball Club

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