Latest news with #PickleballCanada
Canada Standard
13 hours ago
- Health
- Canada Standard
Non-traditional sports like pickleball and bouldering are helping Canadians get active this summer
On a warm summer Canadian evening, you might hear the pop-pop of a pickleball game, spot someone scaling a climbing wall at a community centre or catch players rallying on a padel court - a fast-growing racquet sport that looks like a mix between tennis and squash. What may once have seemed like fringe hobbies are now part of a growing movement. Canadians are seeking alternative ways to stay physically active, connect socially and improve their mental and physical well-being. While gym memberships and traditional sports will always have their place, more people are choosing leisure activities that are fun, flexible and social. Activities like pickleball, climbing, padel, disc golf, cricket, ultimate frisbee and stand-up paddleboarding are gaining momentum, offering a fresh approach to fitness that suits all ages, skill levels and motivations. The COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in reshaping how people get physically active. With gyms closed and organized sports on hold, people turned to parks, driveways and community spaces for movement. What began as temporary adjustments soon evolved into permanent shifts for some. Many people realized that being active didn't have to be rigid or repetitive; it could be more social and genuinely enjoyable. TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing everything from "how to videos" to "beginner fails" have also helped pique curiosity and increase participation in these activities. According to Pickleball Canada, 1.54 million Canadians are playing the sport in 2025 - a 57 per cent increase in participation over the past three years. Meanwhile, Padel, which is already popular in Europe and Latin America, is gaining ground in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver because of how accessible and easy to learn it is. Sales increases in paddleboards, the debut of sport climbing at the Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympics and the increase in popularity of spikeball (also known as roundnet) all signal a broader shift toward fun, accessible and social forms of physical activity. The physical and mental health benefits of being physically active are well established, and yet many Canadians are still not active enough to meet the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. The guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity per week, perform muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, limit sedentary time and aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Alternative sports may help address this gap by offering new routes into physical activity. Beyond the well-known physical health benefits, such as cardiovascular health, strength, agility and co-ordination, these activities are equally effective at supporting mental health and social well-being. For example, a recent study by Canadian researchers looked at 28 studies that investigated health and/or well-being of adult pickleball players. The results suggested positive social and psychological effects - in addition to health and fitness benefits - were evident, particularly for older adults. Read more: Light exercise can yield significant cognitive benefits, new research shows Sports like pickleball, padel and ultimate frisbee thrive on social connection, as players and partners often chat, laugh, build relationships and have potlucks or social time afterwards, all which help build community and foster a sense of belonging. Other activities, such as bouldering and climbing, encourage mental concentration, resilience and problem-solving, as routes are often designed to be attempted several times before being successful. This helps get people stronger and more confident, as they learn to keep trying even when something feels hard at first. This sense of progress and enjoyment keeps people motivated. When an activity is fun, social and rewarding, people are more likely to stick with it over time. When people want to be active, rather than feeling like they have to, they're more likely to reap the long-term benefits of being active. This is known as intrinsic motivation, a key factor for maintaining long-term physical activity because people are more likely to do something they genuinely like. Because these alternative sports are fun, low-pressure and easy to try at any level, they offer a great starting point for anyone, regardless of age, experience or ability. Across Canada, cities are increasingly investing in these growing recreational activities. Municipal parks and empty buildings are rapidly being repurposed for new pickleball and padel courts. According to an industry journal, the number of climbing gyms across Canada increased from 136 in 2021 to 169 in 2024. Part of the appeal lies in accessibility. These types of activities are beginner-friendly. Unlike many traditional sports where skills and speed are expected upfront, there is no need to be in peak physical shape or have the best gear. Most people can try these activities with little more than a pair of shoes and a rental. These activities are also adaptable and low-impact, making them accessible to a wide range of participants. They're often intergenerational and focused more on enjoyment than competition. Just as importantly, they support physical literacy - the confidence and competence to stay active throughout one's life. Building physical literacy early and sustaining it throughout adulthood is a cornerstone of long-term health promotion and chronic disease prevention. If you've been meaning to try one of these activities, this summer might be your chance. After all, fitness doesn't have to be a chore; sometimes it starts with just showing up and saying yes to something different.
Canada News.Net
14 hours ago
- Health
- Canada News.Net
Non-traditional sports like pickleball and bouldering are helping Canadians get active this summer
On a warm summer Canadian evening, you might hear the pop-pop of a pickleball game, spot someone scaling a climbing wall at a community centre or catch players rallying on a padel court - a fast-growing racquet sport that looks like a mix between tennis and squash. What may once have seemed like fringe hobbies are now part of a growing movement. Canadians are seeking alternative ways to stay physically active, connect socially and improve their mental and physical well-being. While gym memberships and traditional sports will always have their place, more people are choosing leisure activities that are fun, flexible and social. Activities like pickleball, climbing, padel, disc golf, cricket, ultimate frisbee and stand-up paddleboarding are gaining momentum, offering a fresh approach to fitness that suits all ages, skill levels and motivations. The COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in reshaping how people get physically active. With gyms closed and organized sports on hold, people turned to parks, driveways and community spaces for movement. What began as temporary adjustments soon evolved into permanent shifts for some. Many people realized that being active didn't have to be rigid or repetitive; it could be more social and genuinely enjoyable. TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing everything from " how to videos" to " beginner fails" have also helped pique curiosity and increase participation in these activities. According to Pickleball Canada, 1.54 million Canadians are playing the sport in 2025 - a 57 per cent increase in participation over the past three years. Meanwhile, Padel, which is already popular in Europe and Latin America, is gaining ground in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver because of how accessible and easy to learn it is. Sales increases in paddleboards, the debut of sport climbing at the Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympics and the increase in popularity of spikeball (also known as roundnet) all signal a broader shift toward fun, accessible and social forms of physical activity. The physical and mental health benefits of being physically active are well established, and yet many Canadians are still not active enough to meet the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. The guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity per week, perform muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, limit sedentary time and aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Alternative sports may help address this gap by offering new routes into physical activity. Beyond the well-known physical health benefits, such as cardiovascular health, strength, agility and co-ordination, these activities are equally effective at supporting mental health and social well-being. For example, a recent study by Canadian researchers looked at 28 studies that investigated health and/or well-being of adult pickleball players. The results suggested positive social and psychological effects - in addition to health and fitness benefits - were evident, particularly for older adults. Sports like pickleball, padel and ultimate frisbee thrive on social connection, as players and partners often chat, laugh, build relationships and have potlucks or social time afterwards, all which help build community and foster a sense of belonging. Other activities, such as bouldering and climbing, encourage mental concentration, resilience and problem-solving, as routes are often designed to be attempted several times before being successful. This helps get people stronger and more confident, as they learn to keep trying even when something feels hard at first. This sense of progress and enjoyment keeps people motivated. When an activity is fun, social and rewarding, people are more likely to stick with it over time. When people want to be active, rather than feeling like they have to, they're more likely to reap the long-term benefits of being active. This is known as intrinsic motivation, a key factor for maintaining long-term physical activity because people are more likely to do something they genuinely like. Because these alternative sports are fun, low-pressure and easy to try at any level, they offer a great starting point for anyone, regardless of age, experience or ability. Across Canada, cities are increasingly investing in these growing recreational activities. Municipal parks and empty buildings are rapidly being repurposed for new pickleball and padel courts. According to an industry journal, the number of climbing gyms across Canada increased from 136 in 2021 to 169 in 2024. Part of the appeal lies in accessibility. These types of activities are beginner-friendly. Unlike many traditional sports where skills and speed are expected upfront, there is no need to be in peak physical shape or have the best gear. Most people can try these activities with little more than a pair of shoes and a rental. These activities are also adaptable and low-impact, making them accessible to a wide range of participants. They're often intergenerational and focused more on enjoyment than competition. Just as importantly, they support physical literacy - the confidence and competence to stay active throughout one's life. Building physical literacy early and sustaining it throughout adulthood is a cornerstone of long-term health promotion and chronic disease prevention. If you've been meaning to try one of these activities, this summer might be your chance. After all, fitness doesn't have to be a chore; sometimes it starts with just showing up and saying yes to something different.
Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
HearingLife is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Pickleball Canada!
HearingLife Canada will serve as the official hearing care sponsor of Pickleball Canada, promoting hearing health to pickleballers nationwide TORONTO, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - HearingLife, Canada's largest hearing health care provider, is excited to announce its official sponsorship of Pickleball Canada for a 3-year term. Why Pickleball? Pickleball is taking Canada by storm, with over one million Canadians hitting the courts every month! It's not just popular; it's the fastest-growing sport among all age groups! Canadians love pickleball for its fun, social atmosphere, and incredible health and fitness benefits. "I love playing pickleball and I know that communicating with and hearing your teammate is an essential part of the game, so I'm excited to spread the love your ears message to pickleballers across the country to help keep their paddles ready for years to come," said Anna Shaw, Senior Brand Manager at HearingLife. "We encourage everyone to have their hearing tested, the earlier the better. It's why HearingLife offers FREE hearing tests for anyone over the age of 19. We want to create awareness around hearing health and how to protect your ears at any age so that you can 'Keep being you' and keep playing the game we love." The partnership will feature an interactive approach with onsite HearingLife branding and activations at Pickleball Canada's Regional and National Championships. The multi-year partnership kicks off this week at the Atlantic Regional Championship, taking place from May 23 to 25 in Bedford, Nova Scotia. The full schedule includes: Nova Scotia Provincials - Halifax (May 23 -25) Saskatchewan Provincials - Saskatoon (Jun 6 - 8) Alberta Provincials - Medicine Hat (Jul 10 - 13) BC Provincials - Vernon (Jul 24 - 27) Ontario Provincials – TBC Pickleball Nationals - Winnipeg (Aug 19 - 24) "Pickleball Canada is thrilled to welcome HearingLife Canada onto our courts to help players learn more about hearing health," said Barry Petrachenko, Executive Director of Pickleball Canada. "Our sport boasts a growing community of passionate players, many of whom hope to continue to play the game for many years to come. Protecting their hearing is an important part to ensure the paddles keep swinging." HearingLife Canada is on a mission to help more people hear better. By combining a personalized approach, conducted by professionals in hearing care, with a focus on advanced hearing technology, and comprehensive aftercare, the organization delivers personalized hearing care and solutions tailored specifically to each person. For more information about HearingLife Canada and where to find a local clinic, visit About HearingLife Canada HearingLife is Canada's largest hearing care provider, with over 350 clinics nationwide. We are dedicated to improving hearing health through free hearing tests, personalized solutions, and ongoing support. Our mission is to help individuals stay connected to the people and activities they love by delivering exceptional hearing care tailored to their needs. About Pickleball Canada Pickleball Canada is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in Canada. The Canadian Pickleball Association was established in 2009 and then incorporated as Pickleball Canada in 2011. The organization works to promote and develop the sport at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of pickleball across the country by providing leadership, resources, and opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball Canada is responsible for the coordination and delivery of pickleball events across the country, including the National and Regional Championships, which brings together top players from across Canada to compete for the title of national champion. With a growing number of players and clubs across the country, pickleball is Canada's fastest growing sport and Pickleball Canada is at the forefront of this exciting movement. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit
CBC
26-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
How retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods could hurt growing sport of pickleball
Pickleballers in B.C. are serving up frustration as their equipment has been swept up in the growing cross-border trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The sport of pickleball has been growing in Canada for years, with Pickleball Canada reporting a 25 per cent increase in registered members from 2023 to 2024. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The main piece of equipment is the paddle — mainly from U.S. brands — that players use to hit the ball across the net. But paddles made in the U.S. are now subject to a 25 per cent tariff that Canada imposed on March 13 in response to U.S. tariffs on many Canadian imports. A pickleball equipment seller in B.C. says it's looking to import directly from China to counter the tariffs, and a pickleball player suggests that Canadian manufacturers could capitalize on the push to buy local. "It's probably going to make huge waves in the pickleball industry," said Cara Arding, who owns the online retailer Pickleball Depot. Arding's business is based out of Vernon and also has a retail location in Kelowna. She says it's one of the biggest Canadian online retailers of pickleball equipment. The equipment seller said she had made a big bulk order before the imposition of retaliatory tariffs and would look to maintain her prices as much as possible — but already, her customs receipts from U.S. imports are higher than usual. "Ultimately, you know, we'll only be able to hold those ... old prices so long until we start having to make some adjustments," she said. The end consumer is, unfortunately, going to see some price increases. Arding said she's now looking to pivot and feature more Canadian paddle brands, some of which are imported directly from China. She also said that the retailer was working with Chinese factories directly to create their own house-branded equipment. "It's super important for Canadians right now to be able to buy — even if it's not Canadian-made or manufactured — [a product] that is coming from a Canadian company that designed it within Canada, that has that Canadian content," she said. Landon Kitagawa, the president of the Delta Pickleball Association, said that pickleball paddles can cost anywhere from $80 on the lower end to more than $400. He said the average pickleballer could look to online Chinese retailers like AliExpress or Temu if they want to completely bypass U.S. manufacturers. "It's quite a new thing where I'm seeing more and more of those paddles start to find their way into the courts, and performance-wise, people seem OK with them," he said. However, Kitagawa cautioned that some paddles have to be certified by Pickleball Canada before they're allowed in tournament play. He said that Canadian manufacturers could find an edge supplying pickleball players with less expensive products if the tariff situation escalates. "If all things being equal, in terms of ... paddles manufactured in China, they could find themselves at an advantage," he said. WATCH | Pickleball equipment to be hit by counter-tariffs: Canada's pickleball community prepares to be hit by tariffs 9 hours ago Duration 1:59 Some sports gear in Canada is about to see a spike in prices due to retaliatory tariffs from the U.S. As Michelle Ghoussoub reports, the majority of equipment required for pickleball is shipped from the States.
