The Winter Warm Up Pickleball Tournament, organized by Base to Pickle Inc., offered an exceptional day filled with enthusiasm, competition, and a sense of the South Florida pickleball community. With divisions for men, women, and mixed teams, all rated between 3.0 and 3.5, and comprising 10 teams each, the event captivated attendees from beginning to end. And guess what? It was all DUPR rated, making every game count and every point exciting!
Everything Ran Smoothly
Vendors For Pickleballers
Spot-On Venue and Cheerful Crowds
Playing at Riverside Park was the best choice. Base to Pickle took full advantage of Riverside’s 10 courts and space. Vendors were easy to get to and out of the way of playing. The weather was perfect, and there was plenty of room for everyone to navigate around and for folks to watch and cheer. There was such a good turnout of people watching and supporting, which made the atmosphere even more energetic and fun. It’s something about having a crowd cheering that just lifts the whole experience.
Looking Forward to the Next One
Interview With Raul De Castro
I had the pleasure of interviewing Raul, the owner of Base to Pickle Inc. He was kind enough to answer these questions about his passion for pickleball and its growing community.
Can you share a memorable moment from your early days of playing pickleball that solidified your love for the sport?
During the fall, the weather was ideal, and I found myself on the court from 8 am to 2 pm, fully immersed in the game. As time went on, there was a constant stream of new players joining in, each bringing their own enthusiasm. The atmosphere was infectious, and with everyone I met radiating joy, I simply couldn’t tear myself away from the court! It was amazing.
How did it feel going from swinging for the fences to dinking at the kitchen?
After being away from the game of baseball for quite some time, rediscovering my competitive spirit through pickleball reignited that passion and brought back the social interactions I cherished from my baseball days. It was an exhilarating sensation, one that I’m sure resonates with many other pickleball players, whether they come from a sports background or are just beginning their athletic journey with pickleball.
How did your passion for pickleball lead you to host tournaments?
My passion for pickleball drove me to host tournaments as a way for others enjoy the game in competitive but relaxed fun way . Seeing the enthusiasm and camaraderie among players inspire me to create opportunities for like minded athletes to gather and make connection.
Hosting a tournament involves numerous challenges. Can you describe one obstacle you’ve overcome that has been particularly rewarding?
Securing the perfect venue posed the initial challenge. While there were courts available, not all of them were suitable. However, after diligent searching, we discovered an ideal location, and the positive feedback about the park was truly gratifying.
What do you think helps the most for making pickleball tournaments a memorable experience?
From the warm greetings to the announcements made throughout the event, we strived to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere that not only encouraged players to participate in matches but also offered a variety of engaging activities to keep everyone involved and entertained throughout the tournament.
What feedback from players and attendees has been most influential in shaping how you organize pickleball events?
Players experienced a sense of genuine hospitality, ease, and anticipation as they embraced the activities we organized alongside their playing schedule.
Reflecting on the growth of pickleball, especially in South Florida, what role do you see Base to Pickle providing in this expansion?
As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, especially in South Florida, Base to Pickle will continue to play a crucial role in providing quality equipment, growing community engagement, and offering educational resources to support players at all levels. By being a reliable source for gear and knowledge, Base to Pickle contributes to the expansion of the sport by equipping enthusiasts with the tools they need to enjoy, excel in pickleball, and stay healthy to continue playing uninterrupted by an injury.