Pickleball season is here! Actually—since it can be played indoors or out—pickleball season never left. So, grab your premium lightweight paddle, throw on your Just Mystic Pickleball Crewneck, and head to the courts for what’s being called “the fastest growing sport in the US.”

So, what’s all the hype about? Pickleball’s popularity can be attributed to a healthy blend of social connection, competition, and accessibility. Since a pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, there’s less ground to cover, making it easier on the knees and hips. Therefore, people of all ages can get together and play the sport, which can be thought of as a blend between ping-pong, tennis, and badminton.

2024 marks the 59th anniversary of Pickleball, which was born on Bainbridge Island outside of Seattle. According to data from USA Pickleball, three creative dads crafted the game to cure their children’s summertime boredom. And no, the sport has nothing to do with actual pickles—it was named after the family’s cocker spaniel, whose name was….you guessed it…Pickles!

Whether you’re there to compete, or just to show off your sporty new ‘fit, Pickleball is sure to bring folks together. With the sport’s rise in popularity, regional tournaments are cropping up across the country, with New England being no exception. June 8th marks the kickoff of the New England Pickleball Tour on Cape Cod. Visit newenglandpickleballtour.com to view the schedule for the season, and to register for the round-robin style tournament—which includes a raffle with sweet prizes!—visit pickleballbrackets.com.