Pickleball

“What is Pickleball, and, how do you play Pickleball,” you ask? Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, just outside of Seattle, Washington – Pickleball is a  combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton that is played on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court (same dimensions as a badminton court) with a net that is 34 inches high at the center. Pickleball is played with a paddle (think over-sized ping-pong paddle) and perforated ball – somewhat similar (but not  really) to a Wiffle Ball. When Pickleball started, players would play with wooden paddles. However, technology has changed over the years. The wooden paddles of yesteryear have now been replaced with graphite and fiberglass paddles made with  honeycomb cores. 

Currently, the sport of Pickleball is exploding in popularity. There are now nearly 8,500 locations with more being built every week. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within community centers, gym classes, YMCA facilities and retirement communities. The sport continues to grow worldwide as well with many new international clubs forming on multiple continents.

Pickleball at RiverBend

As you tour our luxurious resort you will soon discover one of RiverBend’s premier amenities that sets us apart from other resorts. Located on the west side of the resort you will find 8 world class, lighted, championship Pickleball courts that are open from 8am to 8pm. Beautifully landscaped with pavers and and two wooden pergolas with sun screens and seating, it is the perfect haven for players to retreat from the hot Florida sun. Two large fans are also installed in the pergolas adding further comfort for the players while they wait their turn to enjoy a fun game of Pickleball.

RiverBend Pickleball Club

The RiverBend Pickleball Club has continued to grow each year as Pickleball has grown in popularity. Boasting over 140 members, many opportunities have opened up for organized and competitive play. If you are new to Pickleball, the club offers free Introduction to Pickleball lessons taught by certified instructors. Paddles and balls are provided, just wear court shoes, bring water and plan to have fun! You won’t find a friendlier place when it comes to making friends and learning Pickleball.  

 

As a member of the RiverBend Pickleball club you can join numerous club activities such as weekly round robins, twilight plays with food & beer, creative holiday round robins, challenge play by skill level, weekly skills and drills by certified instructors, monthly clinics hosted by a local pro and new player development time set aside for new players. Please check the calendar at the courts for all the available activities.

Lighted pickleball courts
The RiverBend’s Pickleball courts, Pickleball club and RiverBend Classic Pickleball tournament were founded by long time owner and Pickleball enthusiast, Jerry Rea. The membership will be forever thankful for his vision year’s ago.

RiverBend Classic Pickleball Tournament

The Annual RiverBend Classic Pickleball Tournament is one of the longest  running tournaments in Florida. Some of the Pro’s today played their first  tournament at RiverBend years ago. The Annual Tournament highlights players from all over the United States 

A popular tournament in Florida, it quickly fills with some of the best players requiring the tournament to be capped at 350 players. Owners and Renters alike join in on the fun in some form of participating and volunteering. From helping to park vehicles, providing golf carts to shuttle players to and from the courts, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers at the concession, registering players or just helping around the courts. It’s a fun time for everyone at RiverBend.

Contact us today and discover why you should make RiverBend Class A Motorcoach Resort your next destination.