Pickleball Sparks Bonds at Surf City: On a recent Monday afternoon at the Surf City courts, the essence of pickleball transcended the game itself. The true victory was in the camaraderie formed among players, who eagerly shared their enthusiasm with a curious onlooker. Kristen Talke, a Ship Bottom resident, reflected on the impact of the sport. “We never would have met each other if it wasn’t for pickleball,” she said, noting the friendships that have blossomed through the game. Talke was joined by Surf City locals Stacy Hinkle and Karen Rose, along with Kerry Dowd from Barnegat Light.
The Social Appeal
The appeal of pickleball, according to Dowd, lies in the community it builds. “I like the group of people we play with,” she said, showing the social aspect of the sport. Hinkle began playing two years ago, drawn by its growing popularity and the opportunity to stay active. Rose, who moved to the area full-time a few years back, found a sense of belonging through pickleball. “When I started playing pickleball, I just found my people,” Rose shared.
Courts and Conditions
The Surf City pickleball courts, recently updated, are open daily from 7 a.m. to noon on a first-come, first-served basis. Games are played to 11 points, with a win requiring a two-point lead. On this particular Monday, the group completed six games within an hour. The speed of play varies depending on player skill and weather conditions. “Wind can overtake strategy,” Hinkle noted, while Talke added, “No skill can beat wind.” For those days when the weather is uncooperative, indoor pickleball is available at the St. Francis Community Center and will soon be offered at a new facility in Stafford Township, featuring seven professional-quality courts and comprehensive amenities.
Playing Together
The quartet plays together two or three times a week, appreciating the consistency and accountability of their matches. “We like playing together. We’re all similar skill and we know each other,” Hinkle explained. The Team Reach app facilitates scheduling and messaging, though Hinkle noted that “Pickleball etiquette is to share (the courts).” Talke added, “I know in Ship Bottom, people will be driving by, and they have their paddle and they just rotate in.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Sparks Bonds at Surf City
Pickleball is not just a game but a catalyst for friendship, as seen at Surf City’s courts where players like Kristen Talke, Stacy Hinkle, Karen Rose, and Kerry Dowd have formed strong bonds. With updated courts available daily from 7 a.m. to noon, and indoor facilities soon to open in Stafford Township, the sport’s appeal lies in its blend of tennis and badminton elements and its ability to foster community. Despite weather challenges, players find joy in the camaraderie and shared experience, facilitated by the Team Reach app for scheduling and court-sharing.
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