The Orcas Island Pickleball Club will host several events this summer at Buck Park to welcome new and experienced players. These public events include pickleball games, clinics, and a tournament to bring the community together and promote the sport of pickleball on Orcas Island.
Open Events for Fun and Learning
The first pickleball event, a Pickleball Scramble, takes place on Saturday, June 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a casual gathering where players of all skill levels can mix, play, and enjoy snacks. There is no cost to join. Attendees are asked to bring a non-alcoholic drink and a snack to share.
On Sunday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a pickleball clinic on strategic play will be led by professionals from The Pickleball Experience. Jemuel Morris, a local player, will be one of the coaches. The clinic costs $200 and is open to only 16 players. It includes a bonus play session with the pros on Saturday, June 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a club barbecue.
Summer Tournament in August
The Orcas Island Pickleball Club Summer Tournament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3. It will feature brackets for women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles in recreational and advanced levels.
Sponsors are welcome, and local donations for raffle prizes are encouraged. Money raised from the tournament will be shared with local nonprofit groups.
Ongoing Opportunities to Play
New players are invited to contact the club for a free lesson and a rule overview. Open play is available all week for players with a basic understanding of the game.
Players can also visit Buck Park, place their paddle in the fence rack, and wait to join a game. When courts are busy, players rotate after one game to keep things moving. Singles play and practice are allowed when courts aren’t full.
Club Membership and Future Plans
The Orcas Island Pickleball Club is open to all players. Members receive court equipment access, invitations to events, and discounts for some clinics and tournaments.
The club is a charitable non-profit and works closely with the Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District, which owns the public courts. The club hopes to add more courts at Buck Park in the coming years with community help. Membership costs $49 per year.
News in Brief: Orcas Island Pickleball Club
The Orcas Island Pickleball Club will host summer events at Buck Park, including a June scramble, a skills clinic, and an August tournament. Players of all levels are welcome. The club promotes open play, offers lessons for beginners, and has long-term plans to expand court space on the island.