In case you're unaware, pickleball is actually the official sport of Washington state (in large part because it was created on Whidbey Island in the 1960s). As the fastest growing sport in the United States for three years running, seeing a 223.5% increase in players over that time, odds are decent that someone in your life has joined the craze. Here are a few ideas if you find yourself in a pickle when trying to shop for them.
SELKIRK PADDLES
Did you know that the leading pickleball equipment company in the market is a family business founded in Coeur d'Alene? Selkirk has become world-renowned over recent years for their innovative tech, so if you're looking to give someone a new paddle, you might as well shop local, right? North Idaho is home to the lone Selkirk Pro Shop, and its knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect paddle for your giftee's game (for the best bang for your buck, they recommend the models that run for $130). $50-$250 • Selkirk Pro Shop • 12037 N. Tracey Rd., Hayden • selkirk.com
PICKLEBALL CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Thanks to the sport's boom, Pickleball is no longer a summer-only sport in the Inland Northwest. Multiple indoor pickleball facilities and clubs have opened recently, and gifting a membership would give your Picklehead fun fitness all year round. For the most locked-in players, The Press Pickleball Club, Power Pickleball Club and Pickleball on Broadway all offer dedicated courts. And if you're looking for a more general gym membership, spots like the North and Central YMCAs and North Parkfit Athletic Club offer indoor pickleball along with all their other fitness options. There's no wrong way to slice this pickle. Prices vary • spokanepickleball.club/find-play
BLACK DIAMOND ROCKLOCK SCREWGATE CARABINER
While tennis players have no problem with their bags lying on the court when playing at public parks, that's apparently below the fastidious lot that love pickleball. (Can you imagine a bag on the dirty ground outside? How uncouth!) Some of those fancy folks like to keep their belongings as elevated as their egos and hang their bags and backpacks to the chainlink surrounding most courts via a carabiner. To prevent your giftee from seeming like a vagabond, pick up a high-end carabiner as a stocking stuffer. $14.95 • REI • 1125 N. Monroe St. • rei.com
SPOKANE PICKLEBALL CLUB HOODIE
The nonprofit Spokane Pickleball Club is dedicated to building a friendly community of players and growing the sport locally through events and providing informational resources. Beyond signing up for a membership, pickleballers can also support that mission through SPC merch. The club's logo looks pretty great — a huge pickleball under the Monroe Street Bridge — and snagging a hoodie with that logo can keep the giftee warm in the winter while also possibly helping them find other pickleheads in the wild. $32.50-$37.50 • spokanepickleball.club
FRANKLIN DAGGER PICKLEBALL SET
A huge factor in pickleball's growth is how accessible it is for all ages. It's a sport that can be played by kids, parents and grandparents. And while grandma and grandpa might already have their own balls and paddles, they'd probably like some extras lying around for whenever the grandkids come to visit. This starter set from Franklin comes with two paddles and four balls, so a cross-generational doubles match can commence at any time. $80 • Ash & Rowan Ace Hardware • 1616 W. Rowan Ave. • acehardware.com ♦
