Tampa: Get Ready To Play Waterfront Pickleball

Next month Sparkman Wharf is about to get a bit more competitive. Water Street Tampa has announced the return of their pop-up pickleball summer series.

That's So Tampa explained, "The event will feature four pickleball courts provided by Tampa Pickleball Crew and will be open to the public free of charge on July 16, August 13, and September 9, from 9 am to 9 pm each day."

From 9 am to 9 pm you can play pickleball here on a first come first serve basis. Although the space is open to the public, there are dedicated hours to be aware of. Four hours each day are specifically reserved for beginners only. They are 9 am to 11 am, and 5 pm to 7 pm.

"During Dedicated Beginners’ Hours, instructors from Tampa Pickleball Crew will be on hand to assist beginners and help you perfect your game through professional guidance," Water Street Tampa says.

These four courts were provided by Tampa Pickleball Crew. They will have balls and paddles available at the courts. Of course, you are also able to bring your own if preferred.

These courts will be located at 615 Channelside Dr. While you can't book your court time well in advance, you can plan your day at Sparkman Wharf and reserve your parking space.

If you are new to the fastest growing sport in America, here are few tips from someone who recently learned to play.

First of all, it is very addicting in a good way. It's one of those things that you need to experience to understand. Why is that? Well, it is very simple. The game is just really fun. It's also social. You need four people and often that includes three of your friends or family members joining you on the court.

The actual ball moves at a very manageable speed. This is a major difference between pickleball and a tennis ball. While the pickleball certainly has some velocity, it won't travel 100mph like a spiked tennis ball.

Also you may have heard the word "kitchen" often kicked around when speaking of a pickleball game. Yes, that is the correct terminology. In fact, it is a dedicated area on each court.

Paddletek explains it as, "The seven-foot zone on each side of the net is known as the non-volley zone, more commonly referred to as “the kitchen” of a pickleball court." The rule is that players can't volley while in this area to prohibit just roaming at the net and smashing each hit that comes your way.

Playing pickleball outdoors in Tampa this summer and fall is bound to be an enjoyable time. "With dedicated beginners’ hours, professional instructors, and all equipment provided, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn, play, and connect with the community," Water Street Tampa says.