
In Partnership with
  VKTRY: Performance Insoles
Hope Health and Wellness: Comprehensive Health Solutions
DAPS: Pickleball’s First Real Shoe
Gamma: High Performance Paddles
Natural Action™: Water, the Way Nature Intended
LifeWave: Elevate, Activate, Regenerate
Hi everyone,
Welcome to the October 15th edition of Palm Beach County Pickleball News! This issue celebrates what makes our sport so powerful—community, connection, and continuous improvement.
From my conversation with Catherine Barton on empowering women through pickleball to the latest on hydration, recovery, gear, and strategy, there’s something here for every player who wants to stay strong and play smart.
See you on the courts!
Bob

In this issue—Quick Hits
- Catherine Barton’s Story: How one woman built a 1,800-player pickleball community in Palm Beach County. 
- Recovery That Works: See how players are healing faster with LifeWave patches and smarter hydration. 
- Game-Changing Gear: Meet DAPS shoes (born in Palm Beach!) and the new GAMMA Knockout paddle. 
- Coach’s Corner Tips: Win the transition zone + get faster hands at the net. 
- Play Pain-Free: Fix that lower-back ache and discover why VKTRY insoles are worth it. 
- Local Action: Tournaments, league updates, and where to play this month across Palm Beach County. 

Spotlight Interview: Catherine Barton — Building Community Through Women’s Pickleball
In this issue: Meet Catherine Barton, co-founder of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation and creator of the Women’s Power Pickleball League, now 1,800 players strong. She shares how pickleball builds community, empowers women, and gives back through programs for the Special Olympics and beyond. Don’t miss her inspiring story — and a sneak peek at a National Pickleball Challenge coming soon.
👉Watch the full interview

Bouncing Back Strong: Healing and Energy with LifeWave Patches
In this video, Leah Stasney, a regenerative health practitioner, interviews Thomesa Lyndon, a 72-year-old pickleball player, who, while playing pickleball, was moving backward to return a lob when she fell and sustained a wrist fracture and a concussion.
Lyndon shares how she utilizes LifeWave’s non-invasive, drug-free patches, which employ patented phototherapy light technology that naturally supports strength, stamina, and overall wellness, to recover from her injury and help enhance her performance and maintain energy throughout the day.
To introduce Palm Beach County Pickleball News readers to the benefits, LifeWave is offering a complimentary wellness sample and consultation. Text ‘PBCX39’ to Leah directly at (713) 299-7511 to claim your 1 X 39 Patch + Quick Start Guide or visit Leah’s website.

🔥 Beat the Heat with Smarter Hydration

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—hydrate before your match. In the South Florida heat, even light pickleball play can lead to significant fluid loss. Start sipping 12–16 oz. of water about 60 minutes before you hit the court. Structured water from Natural Action™ helps your body absorb and utilize hydration more efficiently, allowing you to feel better, play longer, and recover faster.
Personal Testimonial:
“As someone who teaches and plays pickleball nearly every day, I've noticed a significant difference in my energy since switching to Natural Action’s structured water. This is particularly noticeable during back-to-back clinics and competitive recreational play. I used to hit a wall after an hour—now I’m playing stronger and recovering quicker.”
Don’t just hydrate—optimize your game. Visit NaturalAction.com to learn more and get your competitive edge today! Bundle & Save: Get the Portable + Shower Unit with code STARTERPACK for 25% off (offer cannot be combined with other promotions). Free shipping included.

DAPS: Palm Beach-Born Footwear Brand Sets a New Standard for Pickleball Shoes

Discover the inspiring story behind DAPS, a fourth-generation, Palm Beach County-founded brand creating pickleball shoes engineered for real players—combining family shoemaking tradition, cutting-edge tech, and true court-tested comfort.
“I wear DAPS shoes both when I’m teaching clinics and during games with friends, and they truly make a difference. The support and grip help me stay quick on my feet during intensive drills, while the comfort holds up through hours on court. It’s clear these shoes were designed by people who know pickleball.”
Visit the DAPS online. Use code PBCPN15 for 15% off.

POLL: What’s Your Go-to Pickleball Paddle Style?
Poll Winner Announcement
The answer most frequently given in the poll in the last issue, “What part of strategy gives you the most trouble?” was court positioning and movement. We’re excited to announce that the winner of the free, 1-hour pickleball lesson in Delray Beach is Ken Sonabend.
Congratulations to Ken—and thank you to ALL of you who participated!
Today’s Poll: What’s your go-to pickleball paddle style?
Choosing the right pickleball paddle can feel like finding the perfect partner—it’s all about compatibility! Whether you’re a power hitter, a precision player, or still figuring out your style, your paddle can make or break your game. So, what’s your go-to paddle style? Let us know in the poll below—your answer might help others find their match!
What’s your go-to pickleball paddle style?
🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘View entire message’ or click here to read online.
Pickleball and Lower Back Pain: The Love Story Nobody Asked For

If you’ve played pickleball for more than five minutes, you already know its dirty little secret: it’s basically a sport of constant bending, lunging, twisting, and reaching for balls that are just out of reach. Add that up, game after game, and sooner or later your lower back files for divorce. At Hope Health & Wellness, we approach back pain with a multidisciplinary team. Continue reading the full article to see how we address back injuries caused by pickleball.

Meet the GAMMA Knockout: The Paddle That Packs a Punch

Introducing the GAMMA Knockout, our first foam core paddle powered by BONBON CORE™ Technology. It’s engineered to deliver more power, spin, and stability at a reasonable price point ($249.99). The Knockout’s foam-fueled core compresses to keep energy moving through the ball for longer dwell time and greater spin potential. Its T700 carbon face enhances grip and control, while expansion foam edges and higher twist weight provide superior stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. Built with a solid foam core free of air pockets, the Knockout ensures lasting durability and consistent performance—so you can strike with confidence, match after match.
Keep an eye out for exclusive spotlights, pro tips, and subscriber-only discounts throughout the season as we team up with Gamma to help elevate your game! Learn all about the GAMMA Knockout here.

COACH’S CORNER #I
Win the Transition Zone – The No-Man’s Land Survival Guide

Courtesy High Five Pickleball
Every pickleball player fears it — that awkward space between the baseline and the kitchen line known as No-Man’s Land. But here’s the truth: it’s not a place to fear, it’s a place to learn to master. Great players don’t avoid the transition zone — they control it.
No-Man’s Land doesn’t have to be your downfall. Learn how to turn that tricky middle zone into your strongest position on the court. This issue’s feature shows you how to move with purpose, stay balanced, and take control. Read the entire article to learn how to build consistency and confidence while advancing through the transition zone with the 3-Ball Transition Challenge.

Play Harder, Hurt Less: VKTRY Insoles Keep You in the Game

Once you’ve played a dozen games of pickleball, one thing becomes clear: this sport demands constant movement. Whether you’re sprinting for a drop shot, lunging for a volley, or recovering between rallies, your feet take a beating. You’re on your toes, driving through your heels, and those pressure points don’t always appreciate the workload. Bruising and fatigue can creep in fast—and when pain starts, your commitment to each point begins to fade. That’s where VKTRY Insoles come in.
With a responsive carbon plate built into every pair, VKTRY Insoles absorb impact and return energy with every step. They reduce stress on your toes and heels, helping you move more explosively and comfortably—so you can stay in the game longer and recover faster.
Risk-free trial: VKTRY offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. If they don’t work for you, send them back—no questions asked. Call 844-393-0775 or visit VKTRYgear.com and use code PALMBEACH to save $30. Your feet deserve support that works as hard as you do. Give them the edge—and keep your game strong.

COACH’S CORNER #2
Faster Hands, Smarter Net Play: How to Win the Fast Exchanges
One of the most common questions I hear from advanced players is:
“How can I get faster hands at the net? I can hang in the soft game, but when the drives and speed-ups come, I get outgunned.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Quick hands at the net aren’t just about reflexes — they’re about preparation, positioning, and reading the play before it happens.

COURTS, NATIONAL NEWS, and PRO SPOTLIGHT
- Pickleball War Erupts in Exclusive West Palm Beach Gated Community: The Pickleball People Took Over the Board: At the center of the war is a disagreement over whether to build six new pickleball courts at Riverwalk of the Palm Beaches. The community already has eight existing courts. 
- SLU Study Highlights Pickleball's Safety for Overweight Players, Ideal for Weight Control: Unlike other sports where BMI increased the odds of injury, pickleball appears safe for folks who are overweight or obese. Pickleball might be the perfect physical activity intervention for weight control. 
- Doctors warn ‘pickleball is a drug’ — As participation in America’s fastest-growing sport proliferates, so, too, do incidents of injury. Doctors say the surge is driven not just by sheer numbers, but by the game’s demographics: quasi-fit retirees who play hours a day and weekend warriors who skip warm-ups and cool-downs to maximize their time on the court. 
- Palm Beach Royals join Major League Pickleball team becoming Palm Beach’s first major pro sports team: Hyperspace Ventures acquired the team for a record $16 million. The ownership group includes former tennis players Zach Hunter, Taylor Meyer, and Alex Rafiee, alongside Peter Fox. 

EVENT CALENDAR

LEAGUE UPDATES
- Women's POWER Pickleball League: The Women’s POWER Pickleball League is starting its 12th season in October 2025 and celebrating 55+ women who play pickleball, using the sport both for physical fitness and for building social relationships and networks! Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons.Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons. Visit pwrpickleball.com for more information, or contact League President Allyn Leeds at [email protected]. 
- The Boomer League: If you live in a 55+ community and want to play in a great, fun, social, yet competitive league, ask your pro or the person in charge of pickleball teams for information on how to sign up. You must be a member of your community to play. The Boomer League offers numerous benefits, including restaurant discounts, medical supply discounts, and access to medical advisors specializing in sports medicine. For the fall league, we have 84 teams with over 1500 participating members. Winter sign-up commences in mid-October. 
- Premier League: The fall season started on October 8th. This is a 55+ coed league. 
- Palm Beach County Pickleball League: Emails for “Intent to Register” will go out on Nov. 1st with a deadline of Nov. 30th for the Spring season starting 1/10/26. Email Walter Gassner at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

RESOURCE GUIDE
Stay in the loop with Palm Beach County’s pickleball scene—top instructors, prime playing spots, active leagues, and must-follow social groups. View here!

Jim Donnelly’s Free ‘Learn-To-Play’ Pickleball Clinic
Wellington - Greenbrier Park
2975 Greenbrier Blvd.
Saturday, Nov. 8th @ 9:00 am
These clinics are designed for those who are just starting or have recently begun playing. No registration is necessary. Paddles and balls will be available for those without equipment. Sneakers are required to participate.




