FINDING PICKLEBALL IN BY JAMES SCOTT
Paradise
FINDING PICKLEBALL IN BY JAMES SCOTT
Inspiration comes in many forms and often from the most unexpected places , so when Sara Aiken and her husband sailed to the tiny island of Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas , she never expected to discover pickleball . As chance would have it , they docked their boat at the only club with a tiki bar , pool and old tennis court , with pickleball lines and nets . In the months that followed , Sara spent a lot of time on the courts playing what she assumed was a locally invented pastime . Before returning home , there was no doubt , Sara had discovered pickleball in paradise and was hooked .
Plagued by “ Pickleball Fever ” she and her husband returned to the Green Turtle Cay the following year . Her love of the game was so strong , she convinced friends to sail their boat over to play . On the island , the popularity of the game grew in leaps and bounds and soon the local primary students were playing every Friday at school .
Since the loaner equipment on Green Turtle Cay was basic and in short supply Sara went looking to buy her own paddle . She turned to the internet for a paddle with power , performance and style . She was surprised when her search came up empty .
Back at home the next summer , Sara decided to build the paddle of her dreams , one with quality materials which provided better control , a softer sound , power and a look of luxury . As the delivery of paddle materials started to arrive space inside their home began to dwindle . The kitchen counter wasn ’ t big enough , so soon the dining table and home office were pressed into service as wood , plastic , panels , glues , caps and trims were tried , rejected
When only the best will do
Eastport Champion Paddle
Made in the U . S . A . www . eastportpickleball . com 443-370-6410
and replaced . From the very start Sara decided to source all components from within the USA and call the company Eastport Pickleball as she lives in the unique Maritime Republic of Eastport on the fun side of Spa Creek in Annapolis , Md .
The island of Green Turtle Cay ’ s brightly colored buildings , brilliant vistas , beautiful beaches , gin-blue seas , amazing azure skies and exotic sea life became the inspiration for the paddle artwork and the colors .
Finally all the parts came together and Sara had a product that performed well with delightful illustrations . At that point the paddles were ready to be tested , but how and where ? Back to the island and the local school children to give the paddles an enthusiastic workout . And they did . And the paddles held up outstandingly to the students as well as to other tests . In May 2016 , the USAPA approved the Eastport Champion paddle for all sanctioned tournament play .
Today , Eastport Paddles are easily recognizable on the
U . S . A . P . A Approved courts . Known as pickleball ’ s luxury brand paddle there ’ s no doubt Sara achieved what she set out to do by filling the niche for people wanting outstanding quality and superior style . As she likes to say , “ In pickleball you ’ ll win every game with style when playing with an Eastport paddle . My paddles were inspired by an island . I want my players to feel that inspiration .”
This year Sara has added new themes to the Eastport Champion collection . In August the woman-owned company celebrated its first anniversary . •
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER2017 | MAGAZINE 47