Throughout the weekend, the group of 20 were
provided with food and beverages (included in
registration fee) to rehydrate and refuel, and no small
detail was overlooked. Desserts were homemade
and yummy, and the evening BBQ was a great way
to meet new friends and share a cold drink while we
watched an exhibition pro match.
Day two moved into more advanced game
strategy—how to handle the beloved “bangers,”
paddle techniques to aim fast returns, overhead
slams and returning deep lobs. Lunch again was
yummy and nutritious and was a welcomed break
from the intense morning of drills, short games and
group skills training. The afternoon was all about
practicing what we’d learned and working on bad
habits, while receiving much-needed coaching to
understand technique, positioning and tips/tricks
to increase our ability to read the other player and
anticipate a shot.
By 5 p.m., we were officially played out and said
farewell to those who had driven from Ottawa, Tweed
and surrounding areas. Overall an excellent, well-
run and professional camp that’s recommended to
those interested in improving their game at any level.
Thanks to Ryan Hanes from the Kingston Pickleball
Club for the invitation to attend, and to Matt and Cam
for coming to Kingston and sharing their expertise.
Overall rating: 5/5 paddles
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[
We love hearing from you! Here is a great player
profile suggested by one of our club members in
Chatham, Ontario:
]
Player Profile
Pete Roelofsen from
Chatham Pickleball
Club in Ontario, Canada
Thirty years ago, Pete suffered
an electrical workplace injury,
which resulted in the amputation of both of his hands. After
six months of recovery and rehabilitation, Pete joined another
company and recently retired after 35 years of service. For the
past three summers, Pete’s had the opportunity to work with
some of Hydro One’s young apprentices, which has been “a
great blessing” to him.
Pete, now 58, has found his sport! “There’s no need to
take it easy on me on the court or you will regret it,” he says.
“Pickleball has introduced me to some fantastic people and
it’s a great, fun way of staying fit.”
Here are a few highlights from our conversation with this
resilient pickleball player.
How did you get started with pickleball?
I was introduced in Florida when my wife and I did a clinic—
and we loved it! Unfortunately, my wife injured her knee and
we never played again. However, last year, I ventured out on
my own and now I’m hooked!
How often do you play and where?
In Florida, I played three to four times per week. Now that
we’re back home in Chatham, Ontario, my work contract gets
in the way and it’s only once or twice a week for now.
Have you encouraged others to get involved in PB?
Absolutely! I tell everyone to Google it or, better yet, come
with me and play. I’m happy to say we have more faithful
followers.
Do you need any special equipment to play?
When I first played, I would duct-tape a racket on. Now that
I’m playing on a regular basis, we used fiber tape to cement
the racket permanently. The spline in the hook allows me to
change from my regular prosthetic hook to my adapted hook
with racket. •
PLACES TO PLAY TOURNAMENT CALENDAR
www.pickleballcanada.org/places_to_play.php www.memberleap.com/members/calendar6c_responsive.php?org_id=PBCA
MEMBERS LOGIN LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?
www.memberleap.com/members/mlogin.php?org_id=PBCA Check out the opportunities online at pickleballcanada.org.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 |
MAGAZINE
71