Shake and Bake on the Lake Tournament: Pickleball players from across northeast Wisconsin gathered in Manitowoc for the first Shake and Bake on the Lake Tournament, hosted by the Pickleball Connection behind the Connection Church on North Rapids Road. The event combined competition with fundraising to support local pickleball facilities.
Tournament Highlights
The weekend featured four separate tournaments with 70 participants. Players competed in doubles teams made up of two women, a man and a woman, or two men.
Pickleball Connection President Gary Underwood said the newer indoor courts were built to allow year-round play.
“We played outside a lot here, and you only have a short season,” Underwood explained. “You can basically play seven months a year. So, what do you do the other five months? The southern states have that advantage that they have more hours available. So it’s a trend to build more and more courts inside.”
Indoor courts also provide protection from wind, temperature changes, and lighting issues.
Community Support and Growth
Funds raised from the tournament will help maintain pickleball courts at Rheaume and Washington Parks.
“There are a lot of people learning at Rheaume Park and then by the time it gets to fall where the season is over outside, we have an influx of members here,” Underwood said.
While the sport may look similar to tennis, Underwood explained it is more like a large version of table tennis. He added that the game has evolved over time based on player feedback, but core elements have stayed the same.
“The sport has continually improved based on players’ input and making it into a better game,” he said. “But the court dimensions haven’t changed. The basic moves haven’t really changed much since 1965.”
Lasting Impact
Staff at the Pickleball Connection praised the athletes for their energy and skill, saying that the tournament transformed Manitowoc into a hotspot for the sport. The event is expected to encourage more year-round play and attract new members to the growing pickleball community.
News in Brief: Shake and Bake on the Lake Tournament
The first Shake and Bake on the Lake Tournament in Manitowoc drew 70 players for a weekend of competition and fundraising. Hosted by Pickleball Connection, the event raised money to maintain local courts and showcased the sport’s growing popularity in northeast Wisconsin.
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