By Mike McKenna
Pickleball was invented in the Northwest, so it was only a matter of time before it caught on in Idaho.
First created back in 1965 by some bored families on Bainbridge Island in Washington, the sport has really caught on recently. Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the country for several years and the Wood Rive Valley is proof.
“Pickleball has definitely arrived in the Valley,” Lee Sponaugle said. “We have a really great pickleball community here.”
Lee is a nationally-ranked player and president of the Wood River Pickleball Alliance (WRPA). The former tennis player used to think pickleball was “just a fad.” Then he played and, like so many others, Lee quickly got hooked on the sport.
It’s estimated that nearly 20 million Americans played pickleball last year alone. The local WRPA league itself has nearly 200 members. And it doesn’t take a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist to figure out why pickleball is so popular.
“Pickleball is the every person’s sport,” Adam Taylor, WRPA’s vice president explained.
Featuring small courts, short games, light paddles and soft, forgiving pickleballs, it’s the rare sport where people of all ages and just about any physical ability can learn to play and have fun rather quickly. Pickleball is also a very social sport, which is a big part of its appeal.
“Most pickleballers are just out to have fun, to get some exercise and be social,” Lee said. “They’re very welcoming and you just have to play once to feel like you’re a pickleball player and part of the sport.”
The Wood River Valley now offers pickleball options year-round. The Blaine County Recreation District, or “BCRD,” has indoor courts in Hailey offering leagues and clinics. The WRPA has an outdoor summer league at Atkinson Park in Ketchum and indoors during the winters at Gravity Fitness in Hailey. Adam and others also lead free clinics for players of all abilities most Friday mornings.
There’s no doubt about it, people have gone crazy for pickleball and the Wood River Valley is no different.
“The pop-pop-pop sound is a beacon,” Adam said. “It’s the sound of something fun happening.”
In addition to the local pickleball leagues, the Wood River Valley now hosts three annual events that draw players from far and wide. In May, the WRPA hosts its Summer Kick-off Tournament. In August, the MSCL Pickleball Bash is held at The Valley Club. The star-studded fundraiser includes legends in rackets sports like Mats Wilander and John McEnroe. In September, the Sun Valley Pickleball Classic attracts some of the best players from across the country to the cozy confines of the historic resort. Find out more at WoodRiverPickleball.org.
And don’t forget to get your tickets for the return of the Chamber Awards Banquet before they sell out. The popular event will be held on Thursday, May 29th from 6-8 p.m. at The Senior Connection. Find out more at ValleyChamber.org or call 208-788-3484.
