Let's Play Pickleball: The Fastest Growing Sport in the Country
Pickleball is all the rage these days. Gyms all over California and the nation have converted tennis courts into pickleball courts as the number of players only continues to grow. And although pickleball is one of the newer sports at the California State Games, it has been easy to find players. So let's dive into why pickleball's popularity has soared in San Diego.
America's Fastest Growing Sport
Between 2019 and 2021, pickleball membership grew by nearly 40% according to the USA Pickleball Association. With more than 36.5 million people playing the sport, pickleball is now up there with more traditional choices like basketball and golf. A combo of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, several factors — from the pandemic pivoting folks to play outside to it's easy-to-grasp nature — point to its meteoric rise in popularity.
Anyone Can Play Pickleball
One of the most appealing aspects of this sport is that anyone can play pickleball. Regardless of age, pickleball is a great workout, and it's one of the reasons we see such a diverse group of people who play pickleball in San Diego at the California State Games.
And we've seen it all at our pickleball state championship: double teams made of friends, daughters and mothers, fathers and sons, you name it. While any new sport can be challenging to learn, pickleball is one of the less daunting sports to pick up. A much smaller play area than a tennis court, a manageable racket, and a stiffer ball with less bounce all provide a less initially challenging and frustrating activity with more immediate reward and enjoyment.
Just ask the California State Games' very own Executive Director, Sandi Hill, who is an avid pickleball player: "I love that anyone can play the game, and it's a social game where you get to meet lots of great friends!" In fact, the social atmosphere is likely a reason why the sport attracts people from all ages. The two highest age groups of pickleball players are the 18-to-34 year olds and 55 and up, which shows how easy it is to continue playing.
Great Weather Makes it Easy to Play San Diego Pickleball
Another significant aspect of the sport is its flexibility. For example, for a sport like tennis, a rainy day means well... playing tennis in the rain.
Pickleball on the other hand, is much more flexible and can transition to indoor play. However, that's rarely a concern in San Diego, as our annual high temperature is a stunning 74 degrees- we'll take that sunshine any day. And for San Diego pickleball players, the weather is another reason to get out there and play. Unlike some other areas of the country where wet weather might force you inside, local players can nearly guarantee an outdoor game playing pickleball in San Diego.
2023 California State Games Pickleball Championship
Ready to take on California's best pickleball players in San Diego? Register for the 2023 California State Games Pickleball Championship set for this June. Hosted by Coronado Cays Park, the tournament will run June 9-11, with Women's Doubles on the 9th, Mixed Doubles on the 10th, and Men's Doubles on the 11th.
Register now to secure your spot! Be sure to register by May 20 for your free Cal State Games shirt. Players from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Baja are eligible to compete.
The California State Games is a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a quality amateur athletic event to foster the Olympic dream. Your donation will help us continue to provide competitive events for California’s amateur athletes and provide them the Olympic experience.
Funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District assessment funds.