“The energy, the sportsmanship, laughter and nail-biting rallies made the day not just about competition, but about community spirit as well”, she said.
“Horowhenua is a very, very strong club, and Ngāmotu, like us, is currently building strength and a good player base.”
Walden said pickleball was for anybody.
“It’s easy to play, there are not a lot of rules and it’s social, but it can be competitive.”
Players use a paddle, larger than those used in table tennis, and a plastic waffle ball with holes in it.
“You’re going for a shot, you miss the ball, you go, ‘oh I would’ve got that yesterday’. So you laugh and get on with it.
“In pickleball, they do away with all the official stuff. At the end, they just say [who] the winner is”, she said.
The Whanganui River City club is three and a half years old and has more than 110 members.
“As with the worldwide trend, we are growing quickly,” Walden said.
People of all ages are invited to two open weekly sessions at the Jubilee Stadium, with another two for club and advanced players.
Walden said the sport is played in local schools, which helps bring younger players into the club.
Tournament organiser Craig McLaren was one of the few playing pickleball at Whanganui High School gym when the sport first gained traction in town.
He was excited to organise his first tournament this year.
