Boise Area Pickleball News

Hello from Ogden, Utah, nestled at the foot of the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

In July, the Ogden Pickleball Club is hosting it first major tournament. More than a Tournament, it is a Vacation Package. July has warm, pleasant days 90 degrees, nights

50-60 degrees, low humidity with only 5% chance of rain.  We are just minutes away from beautiful mountain lakes and rivers.  There are lovely hiking trails, including an easy trek to a beautiful waterfall.

From one ambassador to another, I would appreciate it if you would forward this information to your players.

This is a great opportunity for all to play from 2.0 to 5.0.

You need not have a partner in order to play.  Just sign up and we’ll see that you get a partner.  Come and have fun with us July 19-21.

Please visit our website at ogdenpickleball.org.

Go to

July 19-21, 2012

Ogden Pioneer Days Pickleball Roundup

Click On and Please review attached flyer to see what we are offering.

•     2012 Pioneer Day Event Information

Please have your people register online at pickleballtournaments.com as we are no longer doing paper registrations.  You can even sign the waiver online so you don’t have to print it out.  Just mail in your check and you’re all set.  We’re so looking forward to having you folks here at our beautiful mountains playing in the Pioneer Day Tournament.

You can purchase extra concert and rodeo tickets. Rodeo $12, Concert $10 for spouse or guests if they are not playing.

Send email to gepetto44@gmail.com to arrange.

•     Our Motel sponsor with special room rates is,

Best Western

High Country Inn

1335 W. 12th Street

Ogden, Utah 84404

For Motel Registration call

1 800 594 8979

•    Ask For Special Room Rate for Ogden Pickleball Tournament, $73 plus tax.

•    Next to Jeremiahs, one of the best Home Cooking restaurants in Ogden Please call or email if you have any further questions.

Judi Morris, Vice President, 801.825.1172 jude.1013@yahoo.com

Here’s hoping to see you in July…

John Gullo, USAPA Ambassador

gepetto44@gmail.com

Friday Night Pickleball Fever!

Jack Bonawitz, BAPA Vice-President

 When Nick and Tami sent out an email saying that they would be playing at the Sawtooth Middle School courts on Friday evening, I thought they were going to be two lonely people. In fact, I felt sorry for them and decided that I should go out there to keep them company. I was pleasantly surprised when my wife and son said they were going, but I still figured there would be five of us who would play a few games and then go home.

 Well, I was ecstatic when I drove up at six o’clock and saw a half-dozen people there already. And, as I unloaded chairs and paddles and water, more and more people arrived. At the peak, we had at least twenty-two people playing on four courts.

 The most surprising part of this was that the players weren’t all the usual hard-core, play-anywhere-at-anytime players: we had some of those, but we also had newbies of all ages, snowbirds, pickleball class graduates, senior citizens, people who had worked all day, and one young man who showed lots of potential. Some games were over quickly, but many went to 7-5. Some players were a bit hazy on that whole “kitchen” thing, and some players were able to cite chapter and verse of the rules. Some experienced players (like me) couldn’t seem to hit those corners while their beginner opponents couldn’t seem to miss them. In short, it was a great evening and a real learning experience.

 So what did I learn? Well, first and foremost, pickleball has tremendous appeal for people of all ages. Second, if people will come out on a Friday evening when the temperature is 92, perhaps we need to plan more events like that—if you plan it, they will come. Third, we won’t grow as a club if we don’t offer playing opportunities that fit into peoples’ schedules. Fourth, getting to know people and making new friends means new members for the club. And new members for the club means we have a larger voice in creating and maintaining places to play. If you see a new face, make a new friend. Finally, taking a chance—as Nick and Tami did—can really pay off.

 But that’s just what I learned. What about others? Whether you were there or not, what did you learn? And what could we do to make the experience better? You can send comments to me directly (jbonawitz@q.com) or add you comments to the blog.

 In the meantime, keep your paddles up!

Well Friday night we played our 1st nighttime games at Sawtooth Middle School.  We had 22 players come out for a great time!  The temperature was hot (92 degrees), but the games were even hotter!!  We had new people, winter birds, even a youngster join us.  I say maybe out last time, because Friday night almost didn’t make it – due to someone pulling off our court tape.  Originally we taped 4 courts (out of 6) on Tues, then Friday morning found out that 3 of the 4 courts were pulled up.  Fortunately the club had 2 more rolls of tape – so my wife and I, with assistant from Don McDaniel and Steve Vaus, taped two courts.  So Friday we had 3 courts to play on – which we really could have used all 6 courts!!  The plan is to try playing again on Tuesday night (6pm) if the tape hasn’t been pulled up again.  It’s too costly and time-consuming to tape each time, but we are a resilient bunch of enthusiast pickleball players who don’t give up easily – so we’ll see how it goes…  Thanks to all those who came out and had fun!!!

I have a question for all the readers of this blog living outside the Boise, ID area and playing inside.  What type of ball do you pickleballers use???  Please email your answers to: nleach46@gmail.com or make a comment on this post.