The paddle of 2024 (so far)?

I have a new go-to paddle. Not what you’re expecting…

It’s the Pro Line Energy S from Pickleball Apes.

I’ll be honest, I was NOT expecting to find a new favorite paddle while testing it back in December. But I just can’t put it down.

Why? This paddle is unique – it’s made with Kevlar and raw carbon fiber.

To me, Kevlar softens the edges of raw carbon fiber – and that has a big impact on your game.

It hits hard and has some of the biggest spin I’ve played with. But when you need to slow down, it has that plush feel to get you back in the point.

You can hit those buttery smooth drop shots that get you to the kitchen in a single go 🤌

I predict Kevlar paddles will break out in 2024. And right now, Pickleball Apes makes the best one.

If you’re an intermediate who needs a paddle that does a bit of everything, this is my new pick for you.

Because if I show up to a 4.0+ advanced session and can only grab one paddle… this is it.

I’m also happy to share a special 10% off with code PICKLEHEADS. Which takes the price down to a super-reasonable $137.70.

Hope you have as much fun with this paddle as I do :)

** 10% off code PICKLEHEADS auto-applied with the link above **

🧖‍♀️ The world's first pickleball spa Is open for business

Destination Canada announced that, starting January 16, reservation waitlists for the world's first winter pickleball spa are now open.

Dubbed DinkDunk Pickleball Spa, the pop-up experience is exactly what it sounds like—a winter spa featuring cold plunges, winter wellness activities, and, of course, a good bit of pickleballing.

🎾 Four players attempt to set pickleball world record

Four Western Montana pickleball players are attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous game of pickleball.

The goal is to play for more than 30 hours. The current record is 24.

🤩 Pickleball: Can a game change prison culture?

Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an ambitious goal to transform California’s infamous San Quentin State Prison into the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

Uncuffed, the podcast, kicks off their third season with a story about one unlikely step toward this change — it involves nets, sweatbands, and paddles.

Pickleball players battle Silicon Valley elites

Another week brings another tale of pickleball players battling noise complaints.

This time, though, it’s a drama big enough for the Wall Street Journal to cover.

A clash erupted in San Francisco's Presidio Heights, which a real estate agent describes as “a rarefied community where Silicon Valley’s elite mingle with affluent families.”

The controversy centers around the use of public pickleball courts near luxury homes. Leading to a petition by residents to limit the sport in the area…

One of which has a pickleball court in the backyard of her $36 million mansion.

Despite the closure of six courts, pickleball enthusiasts remain steadfast. As permanent nets were taken down, players brought their own temporary nets and continued to play.

“Unless they send a ranger to arrest us, we’re using these courts,” said 62-year-old Suzy Safdie, her eyes flashing. “Try to stop us.”

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Is this another case of pickleball being victimized? Or, do you feel for these residents?

Reply and let us know.

New: Find an open play anywhere you go

Did you know you can do a lot more than find courts on Pickleheads?

Now you can find pick-up games and open plays across the country.

Search an area or use the Pickleheads mobile app, navigate to the Discover tab and select “Games”.

With over 4,400 open play schedules listed in the US and CA, you can find one whether you’re traveling or looking in your own backyard.

Download now for free: pickleheads.com/app 

You’ll find this week’s dream court in the Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii.

A luxurious hotel on Oahu's North Shore, known for its legendary waves and beautiful beaches.

We reckon their pickleball courts give even the best aquatic activities a run for the money!

Picking up a paddle and playing on courts surrounded by palm trees seems pretty enticing, am I right? 🫶

I don’t mean to make anyone jealous but…

My Erne arrived this week!

I can’t wait to take it out. And stay tuned for a full write-up and video review 🙌

I’ve hit a point where open plays won’t get me up another level. I need to drill.

Hit 3rd shot drop after drop…

And that’s what the Erne is. A pickleball drilling partner. That you don’t need to coordinate schedules with…😆 

If you’re ready to improve your game this year, check out the Erne. And, remember to get $100 off with code PH100.

Though the Erne is still on backorder, I recommend ordering before you get bumped to the next production run.

Cheers to improving our games in 2024! 🥂

Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch: [email protected]  

This newsletter supports our free tools at Pickleheads, thank you for reading … 🙏