It’s no secret, pickleball is the hottest new sport. By some estimates, nearly five million people in the U.S. are now playing across 5,000+ locations … and this number is only increasing, quickly.
Pickleball’s growth in popularity is having a profoundly positive effect on communities by getting more people out, active, and social. The pickleball movement has been picked up in earnest by the community here on Hilton Head Island. There are a number of new private and public courts/facilities to play, along with many coaching, clinics, and tournaments offered to players of all levels – beginner through expert.
Pickleball On Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island has always been known as a great sports destination because of the wonderful year-round weather. Golf, biking, tennis, and boating, along with many other sports and activities are popular on Hilton Head. The island has a long history of offering world-renowned facilities backed by strong community athletics support, and now pickleball is also added to the mix.
Hilton Head Island is quickly becoming a premiere destination for pickleball enthusiasts and beginners who are on vacation. Let’s take a quick look at what pickleball is, why it’s so popular, and then where you can play on Hilton Head Island.
What is Pickleball?
If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes.
When was Pickleball Started?
Out of boredom, pickleball was actually invented back in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, and Bill Bell, a successful businessman. The original intent was to come up with a simple game that the whole family could play together. You can click here for a complete history of pickleball.
Why is it called Pickleball?
Pickleball’s origins are well established, but its peculiar name is actually disputed. Shortly after Joel and Bill started playing their nascent game, Bill’s wife, Joan Pritchard, had come up with the name “pickleball”—a reference to the thrown-together leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races. However, a naming controversy arose when many years later, a few neighbors said they were there when Joan named the game after the family dog, Pickles. Even though Joan and the Pritchard family have said that the dog came along a few years later and was actually named after the game, the controversy still lives on to this day.
Why is Pickleball So Popular?
There are numerous reasons for its popularity.
- Unlike many other sports, pickleball is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels.
- Rules for pickleball are simple, making it a great introductory sport that can also be enjoyed by advanced players as their skills improve.
- Pickleball is a social activity because a court is smaller than a tennis court and gameplay allows players to be close enough to one another that they can hold conversations.
- Playing pickleball is healthy because it allows players to work on balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strain on the body.
- Pickleball is proving to be a great alternative for older players who used to play tennis but have physical limitations.
Playing Pickleball On Hilton Head Island
As mentioned before, Hilton Head is well regarded as a premier vacation destination for sports enthusiasts. For those who enjoy pickleball, or who are just getting into it, they can now add Hilton Head to the list of renowned pickleball vacation destinations. Here’s a list of pickleball facilities to consider when vacationing on Hilton Head Island.
Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center
The Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center is very close to Rozel Home’s Singleton Beach Place luxury vacation home rental. The facility features 24 dedicated Pickleball courts, all lighted for night play, and one of the most comprehensive instructional programs on the east coast.
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center
Hilton Head Island Recreation Center is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Hilton Head Island, SC. There are 6 outdoor concrete courts. The lines are permanent, but you’ll need to bring your own net. The facility includes amenities like restrooms, water, and lights.
Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort
Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort is a place to play pickleball in Hilton Head Island, SC. There are 6 outdoor hard courts. These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. A one-time fee is required to play.
The Sea Pines Resort
Sea Pines Racquet Club is another great place to play pickleball on Hilton Head Island. There are 6 dedicated outdoor clay courts with permanent lines and nets. Players have access to restrooms, water, and lights. The courts can be reserved and there is a one-time fee to play.
South Beach Racquet Club
The South Beach Racquet Club is a popular place to play pickleball on Hilton Head Island, SC. There are 12 dedicated outdoor clay courts with permanent lines and nets. Players have access to food, restrooms, water, wheelchair accessibility, a pro shop or equipment store, and trainers or lessons. A one-time fee is required to play. Reservations are accepted.
Hilton Head Island Park (Adrianna Lane)
Hilton Head Island Park is managed through the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center and is one of the more popular places to play pickleball on Hilton Head Island. There are 7 outdoor hard courts with permanent lines, but players will need to bring their own nets. The courts are free. You can’t reserve the courts.
Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort
Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort offers 6 dedicated outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets. The facility includes amenities like restrooms. A one-time fee is required to play. The courts cannot be reserved.
Chaplin Community Park
Chaplin Community Park is one of the Island’s largest and most diverse parks. There is a hybrid basketball/pickleball pad with a proposed dedicated pickleball facility. Play is free.
Cordillo Tennis Courts
The Cordillo Courts is located off of Cordillo Parkway. Courts are first come, first serve 8:30AM – 5:30PM daily. This offers four tennis/pickleball courts.
Additional Pickleball Resources on Hilton Head Island
Professional Pickleball Registry
Want to become a pickleball instructor while on vacation? This is the place to do it. The Professional Pickleball Registry is home to the certification, education, and resources players need to become a qualified pickleball instructor.
Hilton Head Island Pickleball Club
Hilton Head Island Pickleball Club (HHIPBC) is a club that partners with the Town of Hilton Head Island, the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association, and People for Parks. The club’s mission is to promote and provide high-quality facilities for public pickleball, enabling healthy exercise, friendly competition, and social interaction. Membership is open to people who pay the annual membership fee established by the club. Even if you are here for a short vacation, joining the club will be worth it to participate in all the associated activities and facilities.
Make Your Next Vacation A Pickleball Vacation on Hilton Head Island
It is no surprise, given the island’s strong reputation as a sports and outdoor enthusiasts’ vacation destination that Hilton Head is also becoming a leading vacation destination for pickleball. There is no better way to experience pickleball and all the spoils Hilton Head has to offer than by staying oceanfront at our luxury vacation rental – Singleton Beach Place. We look forward to seeing you on the island and on the pickleball courts!