More Than a Paddle Sport. A Community on the Rise.

By Kim Rose

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about pickleball.

Submitted photos

It seems like everywhere you turn, someone is talking about it, playing it, or convincing a

friend to give it a try.

And with National Pickleball Day being celebrated this Saturday, Aug. 8, I thought there was

no better time to learn more about the local club helping fuel that excitement right here in

the North Peace.

Founded in 2019, the Peace Country Pickleball Association has grown from a small group

of enthusiasts into a thriving community with approximately 145 active members and

dozens of players taking to the courts every week.

To say the sport has grown would be an understatement.

According to Association President April Bordeleau, the club continues to welcome players

of every age and experience level, from youth and beginners picking up a paddle for the first

time to seasoned competitors looking to sharpen their game.

"Our goal has always been to help the club continue to grow," she said.

If you've never played before, don't let the name intimidate you.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis into a game that's

easy to learn, surprisingly strategic and incredibly social.

The rules are simple enough that beginners can be rallying in a matter of minutes.

Of course, there's one term you'll hear almost immediately.

The kitchen. No, it isn't where snacks are served.

The kitchen is the seven-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net, where players aren't

allowed to volley the ball. It creates longer rallies, encourages strategy over power, and has

become one of the sport's most recognizable features.

I also had to ask what surprises people the most about pickleball.

The answer wasn't the rules.

It was how quickly people become hooked.

"People come for the game," Bordeleau explained, "but they stay for the friendships."

That sense of community is something I heard repeatedly while learning about the club.

The Peace Country Pickleball Association isn't just focused on competition.

It's about creating a welcoming place where everyone feels comfortable stepping onto the

court.

Beginners are encouraged to come out and give it a try, with Intro to Pickleball sessions

running Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kin Park through August, followed by beginner

programming indoors during the winter months.

No paddle?

No problem.

The club has loaner paddles available, making it easy for anyone who's curious to

experience the sport before investing in equipment.

Throughout the year, members can participate in beginner sessions, open play, leagues,

clinics, tournaments and social events, with schedules changing seasonally between

outdoor courts in Taylor and Fort St. John during the warmer months and indoor play

throughout the winter.

The best place to find current schedules, tournament information and registration details is

through the Peace Country Pickleball Association's website and Facebook page.

As the club continues to grow, so do its ambitions.

Future goals include expanding both indoor and outdoor court access, growing

programming, hosting larger tournaments and continuing to introduce even more people to

the sport.

The association also made it clear that none of this would be possible without the many

people who have helped build the club.

Special recognition was given to founders Robin and Donna Sipe, the board of directors,

volunteers, sponsors, the District of Taylor, local schools and every member who has

helped grow the association over the past several years.

This Saturday, Aug. 8, the club will celebrate National Pickleball Day by welcoming the

community to Kin Park for a day of fun, learning and friendly competition in partnership

with the City of Fort St. John.

Whether you're eight or eighty, have played for years or have never picked up a paddle

before, the invitation is the same.

Come give it a try.

You might just discover your new favourite sport.

For more information follow the Peace Country Pickleball Association on Facebook.