“Oh, honey, I’m ready for you”, I cajoled in my most sultry voice.
Silence.
“Darling boy, I am waiting”, I implored even more lovingly.
No response.
“Come on, love of my life…everybody’s doing it! Especially seniors!”
“I don’t care that everyone is doing it. I’m looking forward to eating molcajetes for lunch”, he growled. “I didn’t’ come to Cabo to play pickleball!”
“Sweetie”, I cooed. “You can eat your heart out after you play pickleball with me!
So off we jogged (well he shuffled) to the pickleball court. Of course as I had never played before, I didn’t have a clue where to begin.
“Let’s just hit the ball”, I suggested.
Tick tock.
“Don’t just stand there, I said. “Hit the ball!”
“It was out of bounds” was his reply.
“I don’t care. Just hit the ball back to me!”
Tick tock, the sound the holey ball makes, sort of like the clicking of one’s tongue.
I served the ball again and it was returned to me.
This is fun I am thinking. I returned the volley and again, he stood there. “Out of bounds again. The rules say…”
“I don’t care what the rules say” I yelled. “Just hit the damn ball!”
After 15 minutes of our futile efforts, it was either murder my beloved opponent or abort the game.
We were sweating anyway in the hot Mexican sun. Time for a well-deserved Margarita with extra lime.
So what is the big deal about this game of Pickleball which originated in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington by three fellas looking for a game for their kids. They improvised with a badminton court, ping-pong paddles and a wiffle ball and named the game after their dog.
It has taken off like wildfire since then, especially with seniors who have embraced it.
As has my girlfriend Janet, 71, who is White Rock’s pickleball queen, She started off taking lessons through the White Rock Community Centre at the 8 courts in Centennial Park which are run by White Rock Pickleball Association, a group of volunteers.
She adds everyone is welcome to play regardless of membership. Just show up and you will very quickly be asked if you want to join a game. (They might make an exception if they espy my guy and me approaching).
Janet joined the WRPA for the grand sum of $5 a year!
They provide balls, some extra paddles, maintenance of the courts and run a fundraiser tournament in the spring, a summer barbecue and a Christmas party, which offers a real feeling of community spirit.
Starting in the spring, they have organized games every night of the week. Monday is music night, a take on musical chairs. Tuesday is ladies’ night which is very popular with two time slots. Wednesday is men’s night, Thursday is mixed and Friday is newbies night for people new to the game to come and get instructions and guidance.
Sorry Janet, did I mention I’m busy on Friday nights?
Crescent Park in Surrey has 8 courts and South Surrey Athletic park has 12 courts, home of the Surrey Pickleball club.
Janet tells me why she loves the game.
“It’s relatively easy to learn how to play. The rules aren’t complicated, with the exception of the scoring which requires a bit of concentration. Good exercise for the brain! You don’t have to be fit…there are all shapes, sizes and fitness levels so it is a very welcoming and inclusive game. Most importantly, it is fun!”
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
“Sweetheart, it’s time for our afternoon siesta…everyone’s doing it!”
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
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