The popularity of pickleball around the world has skyrocketed over recent years, a trend that has been mirrored in the UBC community.
This popular sport borrows a lot of its rules from other sports like tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The rules are easy to learn, and the sport is accessible to those of different ages and athletic ability.
“We see seniors and kids, men and women, and people from all walks of life and abilities,” says Dave Gillis, the UNA’s recreation manager. “It truly is a sport for everyone.”
Another aspect that’s luring more and more players is it’s also fairly financially accessible.
While some sports can be expensive to purchase starter equipment, the requirements for pickleball are lower, says Angela Yang, an avid local pickleball player. “You can get a decent beginner racquet set for $50 dollars, and you’re set.”
No wonder the sport has become so popular among members of the UBC community. “I’m so passionate about the sport,” says Wynn Chau, a campus resident and pickleball enthusiast. “I love everything about pickleball.”
Pickleball can be played indoors and outdoors, and there are many courts across the Lower Mainland. During the pandemic, the City of Vancouver converted many tennis courts into pickleball courts, as two tennis courts can become four pickleball courts. “I like how you can play outdoors while enjoying the sun and fresh air,” says Yang.
Playing pickleball outside is easy during the summer months, but in the colder—and rainier months, playing outside becomes difficult, which can mean disappointment for some players. “The UNA tends to have larger waitlists for pickleball in the winter months,” says Gillis. “Our waitlists are on par with other facilities offering indoor pickleball times.”
The UNA offers drop-in sessions, as well as lessons which are available for registration each new term or season. Waitlist times vary by a number of factors, including the season, popularity, session additions, and of course, the possibility of ever increasing participant numbers.
And the demand for these programs has grown substantially. Pickleball, once a sport mostly for seniors, has become beloved by all ages. In addition, the population in the campus neighbourhoods is growing. “The UNA has seen a spike in all registration numbers for its programs, including pickleball,” says Gillis. “It’s exciting! The rise in participation in any recreational activity is always positive.”
Yet, increasing the number of pickleball programs is challenging for the UNA programming team, given space limitations and the need to include other recreational activities.
“Our programming team works carefully to ensure that all programs are balanced,” assures Gillis. For pickleball lovers, though, the increasing demand and winter weather can make it difficult to secure opportunities to play the sport. “As soon as they’re open for registration, they’re gone so quickly,” says Chau.
Pickleball players would love to see more courts around the city, to meet the increasing demand. “I’m hoping for someone to open the first private indoor court facility in Vancouver or for more outdoor courts as it’s in high demand,” says Yang.
UBC currently does not have any outdoor pickleball courts, or any indoor courts that are designated for just pickleball. “I would love a pickleball court on campus,” Chau says with a laugh. “I’d be there every day!”
AMIE BERNAERDT IS A THIRD-YEAR STUDENT AT UBC WITH PLANS TO MAJOR IN CREATIVE WRITING OR ANTHROPOLOGY. SHE LIVES IN WESBROOK PLACE.