across the country , with portable nets assembled on a daily or nightly basis .
While indoor and outdoor pickleball share the same rules , there are some differences . Most indoor play is on polished hardwood , which requires the use of a softer indoor ball . Wind is not a factor during indoor play and the sun usually isn ’ t , though it may peek through windows at certain times of day .
Over the past five years in Canada the popularity of pickleball has been meteoric . Most areas are plagued by court shortages as communities struggle to keep up with the growing demand . Some entrepreneurs are betting that the growth will continue as younger generations begin to embrace the sport . Dedicated indoor pickleball facilities are being built in many communities . I believe this trend will only continue . Even
though indoor pickleball is great , most of us can hardly wait to play outdoors .
At any given time across Canada there are hundreds of citizens picking up a paddle for the first time and learning the many rules of pickleball . Pickleball is easy to learn , with a new player often competing within a few minutes of instruction . But beware , it only takes playing once to be hopelessly addicted . Soon , like the rest of us , you will be craving a daily pickleball fix . I guarantee if you start playing pickleball you will have loads of fun , make amazing new friends , and , despite how easy it is to learn , you ’ ll never stop discovering new techniques and strategies . Pickleball can be both easy and challenging .
Canada is home to players of all levels , from beginners to those competing at the highest levels such as professional players
Over the past five years in Canada the popularity of pickleball has been meteoric .
Vivienne David , Steve Deakin and the current number-one female player in the world — Catherine Parenteau . We are all united , no matter what level we play , by the love we have for the sport of pickleball . •
Wayne Kerr is a novelist , writer or Pickleball Canada contributor .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 | MAGAZINE 67