Best Pickleball at Sundial – The Team and the Tournament
We were so honored last month to be awarded the title of Best Pickleball during the 2017 Best of the Islands Awards. In honor of this award and our upcoming Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Pickleball Classic, we wanted to give you a peek at the team behind the pickleball fun!
Where are you from?
Sean (left): Miami, FL
Ernesto (right): Las Tunas, Cuba
What’s your background and how long have you been in the industry?
S: I played every sport there is while growing up. After college, I joined Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Here I picked tennis back up for the last two years, and I have been playing pickleball for the last 6 months and love it!
E: I started playing badminton when I was 7 years old. I played badminton for 15 years and I coached for 4. I’ve been playing tennis for 2 years and pickleball for 1 year.
What drew you to Sundial?
S: The beautiful location brought me to Sundial. I thought it’d be a great atmosphere to work in the prettiest area in the country.
E: I really enjoy Sanibel for its laid-back island atmosphere. This drew me to Sundial because it reminds me of home.
How would you describe what you do every day?
S: I organize, schedule, and answer anything to do with pickleball and tennis activities here at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.
E: I’m responsible for instructing pickleball and maintaining the 6 HydroGrid clay tennis courts and our 12 Plexicushion pickleball courts.
What is your favorite part of your job?
S: My favorite part of the job would have to be meeting and assisting new people each day.
E: Introducing beginners to pickleball would have to be my favorite part of my job.
What’s your number one tip for a new player just getting started in the sport?
S: Number one tip I would give to someone starting pickleball would be to not hesitate and jump right in. The pickleball community is extremely nice and accepting of new players. Almost every player I’ve met has done some sort of teaching or explanation to beginners in some facet.
E: My number one tip would be to stretch before playing. This simple step will prevent unnecessary injuries.
What is it about pickleball that you think has made it such a popular sport in recent years?
S: I believe pickleball has taken off like it has due to the ability to include all ages into the mix. The even playing field for younger vs older players is extremely appealing.
E: I believe the advertising for the sport has definitely improved. From word of mouth to social media, the buzz is definitely out there. Tournaments are popping up all over the place now.
Now that we’ve got you excited about pickleball, make sure to sign up for next month’s tournament and show off your dinking skills!
About the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Pickleball Classic
Ready your paddles for the first annual Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Pickleball Classic. Voted Best Full Service Resort five years in a row and Best Pickleball, Sundial is proud to host Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles on twelve new, state-of-the-art courts.
Ability Levels: 3.0-4.5; age division placement based on registration.
Schedule:
Friday, November 3rd
Women’s Doubles by Skill and Age Group
Players Party, 7 PMSaturday, November 4th
Saturday, November 4th
Men’s Doubles by Skill and Age Group
Sunday, November 5th
Mixed Doubles by Skill and Age Group
Registration Fees:
1st Event $30
2nd-3rd Event $15 each
Registration includes free shirt. Ball will be the “Dura 40.”
REGISTER
http://sundialresort.onpressidium.com/play/tennis-and-pickleball/
A special $159 rate is available for players and their families and includes breakfast for two and a waived resort fee ($65 savings). When you’re not on the courts, take advantage of complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, five resort pools and much more.
BOOK NOW
http://sundialresort.onpressidium.com/play/tennis-and-pickleball/
