Octoberfest Pickleball: Read about the Inter-Cup to Ai in October newsletter.

ai pickleball

Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter, where we’ll bring you up to speed on the latest developments in the world of pickleball. From exciting AI innovations to community events and upcoming facilities, there’s a lot to explore. So, grab your paddle, and let’s dive in!

Keswick Park Skills and Drills

Our Keswick Park Skills and Drills program has seen incredible success, with all 24 spots filling up within 10 minutes of the announcement on What’s App. This reflects the high demand from passionate players eager to enhance their skills. Even though it’s held on Sunday mornings, the enthusiasm is infectious. If you’d like to join, simply email [email protected]. Explore the Keswick Park picture for a glimpse of the action.

Teaser for the New Facility in Vancouver

While we wait to announce the impending arrival of a dedicated pickleball court facility. We need your help in the interim. Please share the survey link with your friends and family. In 2022/23, we conducted a survey in the Lower Mainland, and the results were eye-opening:

  • 98% of players want a dedicated indoor pickleball facility.
  • 84% are willing to travel 15 to 60 minutes to play.
  • 85% play 2-5 times per week on average.
  • 45% would play in the evenings if given the option (based on current players’ responses).

If you haven’t filled out the survey yet, please do so here.

Abbotsford: Exploring the Pickleball Hotbed

We recently embarked on a journey to explore the thriving pickleball scene in Abbotsford, a city with a rich history of pickleball and home to the first club in BC with organized players. Our visit coincided with the opening tournament of the APA venue at the Agraplex, and it was a day filled with excitement and camaraderie.

We had the honor of meeting club president Frank, a passionate advocate for the sport, and his dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to promote pickleball in the community. The event was a testament to the strong pickleball community in Abbotsford and showcased the enthusiasm and skill of its players.

If you happen to find yourself in the Abbotsford area, we invite you to drop by the center and experience the vibrant pickleball scene for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community eager to share their love for the game.

For more information about pickleball activities in Abbotsford, visit their website here. It’s a great resource to stay updated on events, programs, and opportunities to get involved in the Abbotsford area.

Surrey Pickleball Club Inter Club Cup

IPOP was honored to be invited as a sponsor for the Surrey Pickleball Club’s Inter Club Cup. Teams from various clubs an associations across the lower mainland came together for a thrilling round-robin team event. We took pride in being the first sponsor of this fantastic event and eagerly look forward to future collaborations with the Surrey Pickleball Club at the stunning Crescent Park location. You can catch a glimpse of the event through the pictures in our media deck.

PickleballBC and PADS Press Conference

We were delighted to support the PickleballBC and PADS press conference held at the Robert Burnaby courts. What stole the show? The impeccable behavior of the dogs that shared the limelight with the pickleball action. These well-trained K9s are destined to become companions to those in need, making for a heartwarming combination of pickleball and puppies. You can watch the news story on CTV here.

DUPR: Changing the Pickleball Ranking Game

DUPR is fast becoming a game-changer in the pickleball ranking landscape of the lower mainland. During a recent trip to the US, we witnessed firsthand the power of DUPR as a practical application. We were asked if we had DUPR accounts to quickly organize a “ranking” event and have a short competition within minutes. To get in on the action, sign up for a DUPR account here. Be sure to check out the DUPR picture for a visual taste of the excitement.

Farewell to Coach Catalin

On Friday, September 29, IPOP had the honor of joining the VPA for an appreciation send-off party for Coach Catalin Costea as he moved to Mexico. Catalin has been instrumental in the growth of pickleball in the city and is a founding member of the VPA. We are sure that he will be back next summer… at least that’s what we all hope!

New Products in Pickleball

The pickleball world is abuzz with the integration of AI technology. The notion of an AI program enhancing our gameplay is both intriguing and promising. While most of us haven’t had a chance to try it out personally, the potential for improvement is undoubtedly exciting. Learn more about this innovative development here.

Final Thoughts…

The world of pickleball is not just a sport; it’s a vibrant and inclusive community that welcomes players of all levels and backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for the latest innovations in the game, exciting tournaments, or the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts, there’s always something happening in the world of pickleball.

As we continue to grow and evolve, pickleball remains a sport that brings people together, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories. The future of pickleball is brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see where this incredible journey takes us in early 2024.

Yours in Pickleball,

Chris

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s be part of something truly special in the world of pickleball!

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