Probing the Past, Present & Potential of Pickleball

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Chicken N Pickle | Photo by Kacey Meinecke

Let’s Dink!

By McKenna Mears

It’s America’s fastest-growing sport and isn’t slowing down. Invented by visitors to Bainbridge Island in 1965, pickleball is a fusion of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, spreading like wildfire and sparking a pickle-packed revolution from coast to coast!

In 2023, approximately 13.5 million people took part in the game, nearly a 50-percent increase from 2022. Pickleball’s accessibility makes it appealing to people of all ages, contributing to its widespread popularity. Its inclusive “open-play format” allows participants to engage with a diverse range of players during a session, fostering a sense of community and fun that further enhances its appeal and growth. It isn’t just a game; it’s a social phenomenon that brings people together in the spirit of fun and fitness.

As pickleball fever sweeps the globe, the landscape is dotted with indoor and outdoor courts popping up faster than you can say “pickle!” The excitement is palpable, and as this craze continues, more courts are sure to be on the horizon as cities rush to meet the demand for this rapidly growing activity.

To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pickleball items you’ll want to add to your court—er, we mean cart. From cute matching paddle sets to top-notch pickleball equipment for serious players and even pajamas and outerwear (in case you eat, drink, and sleep pickleball), we’ve selected some fun products that will have you looking fabulous, help you sharpen your skills, and keep the competitive spirit flowing!

Eat, Sleep, Pickle

Katie Kime Pickleball Pajama Shorts Set

katiekime.com – $118

Vacay Mode Activated

On Holiday Pickleball Paddles

onholidaypickleball.com – $80

Safety First

Dune Suncare “The Gang” Collection

dunesuncare.com – $75

Go Team

Nettie Family Pickleball Set

bespokepost.com – $290

Courtside Tunes

Beosound A5 Portable Speaker in Nordic Weave

bang-olufsen.com – $1,099

This Is Serious

Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air – Epic Paddle in Selkirk Red

selkirk.com – $250

Top of Your Game

Sporty & Rich Sports Hat

sportyandrich.com – $60

As the sun sets on another day of pickleball madness, one thing is clear: this sport isn’t just a fad—it’s a playtime revolution that’s here to stay. So grab your paddle, find a court, and join the millions of pickleball fanatics who have already discovered the sheer joy and fun of this beloved pastime.

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