Pickleball Buzz Beyond the Kitchen 4/25

Table of Contents

• From the Dink Newsletter

• Join the Int’l Association of Pickleball Facilitie …

• New Pickleball Magazine

Tyra Black’s Go-To Workout Routine

Pickleball pro (and freshly minted PPA gold medalist) Hurricane Tyra Black recently sat down with paddle reviewer John Kew to talk about her rise from tennis star to pickleball powerhouse.

Former NFL WR Ditches Frisbee for Pickleball

Rodney Adams, a former NFL wide receiver, was all set to make history as the first ex-NFL player to suit up for a pro Ultimate Frisbee team. The Colorado Summit even hyped up his signing, and Adams himself called it a perfect fit—until he changed course. Read article here

Popularity Contest: Padel vs. Pickleball

With its low barrier to entry, social appeal, and accessibility, pickleball has cemented its place as America’s fastest-growing sport. But there’s a new challenger on the court—padel—and it’s reportedly growing even faster worldwide. Read article here.

The Pickleball Bros Have Arrived — And They Brought Their Protein Shakes

Just when we thought we had reached peak bro culture—with tech bros, finance bros, and even crypto bros—here comes an invasive new species: the pickleball bro.
Read article here.

Pickleball Meets Style: See Why Players Are Obsessed with MUEV’s New Spring Line

As temperatures rise and players return to outdoor courts, one brand is stepping up to ensure you're not only ready to play—but dressed to win.

Meet MUEV, one of the first clothing brands dedicated exclusively to pickleball, designed with both performance and lifestyle in mind.

One Sport, Two Standards: The Battle for Control of Pickleball

Six industry leaders convened at RacquetX in Miami for a discussion around the current fragmented state of regulation in the sport.

This past weekend, RacquetX took over the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida. The conference brought together leading industry experts from around the globe to discuss topics related to all racquet sports.

One topic, in particular, caught my eye.

Pickleball at a Crossroads: Navigating the Wild West of Equipment, Standards, and Regulations

This panel took place on Sunday, March 23rd, from 11-11:45am on the Main Stage.

It involved six panelists:

Jason Aspes - President - United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A)

Tom Barnes - Co-Owner & Director of R&D and LABS - Selkirk Sport

Nick Bicanic - CEO - Reload Pickleball

Rafael Filippini - Founder & CEO - Gearbox Sports

Gordon Kaye - Chief Experience Officer - JOOLA

Carl Schmits - Chief Technology Officer & Director of Manufacturing and Paddle Testing - USA Pickleball

Bicanic played the role of moderator, and there was a lively discussion for the full 45 minutes.

To see the entire 45 minute session, click here. Thanks to Today in Pickleball for posting the video to YouTube.

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Letter from David Johnson:

Greetings,

We cordially invite you to join us as a founding member facility in the International Association of Pickleball Facilities - at no cost and no catch. 

We have created the IAPF to provide robust support, actionable information and data, valuable contacts and connections, community, and a vast array of resources to help maximize the growth of facilities, suppliers, and the game we all love.

Hundreds of existing and upcoming facilities from leading franchises to independent operators, sports and fitness clubs offering pickleball, tennis and golf clubs, and more have already signed up. Our founding sponsors include industry leaders such as Court Reserve, Pickleheads, Pickleball Central, Pickleball Tournaments, the Global Pickleball Federation, Just Courts and many others.

Check out our website and newsletter to learn more and see how your participation in the IAPF can boost your business and the industry as a whole. Virtually every other profession has a trade association and advocacy group. As our industry continues its explosive growth, it's time pickleball had its own professional organization.

Also, save the date: We'll be hosting the first of many regional meetups April 28-29 in Phoenix. It will include numerous sessions with experts from across the industry on critical aspects of your business, tours of multiple top-level facilities, networking opportunities, food and fun. We'll be sending out the full agenda and other details this week.

Again, join for free as a Founding Member - normally $499 per year.  
www.pickleballfacilities.org

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
David Johnson

CEO, International Assoc. of Pickleball Facilities
[email protected]
206.218.4579
https://pickleballfacilities.org/