POWERED BY Pickleball BellaALWAYS PLAY IN STYLE

Hey there, Pickleballers!

We’re back with a jam-packed July 15th issue of Palm Beach County Pickleball News, and it’s a good one. We’re shining a light on the World Pickleball Convention—didn’t make it? No worries. We spotlight industry leaders and the biggest trends of 2025.

There was so much going on at the show, we’re breaking up the July 15th issue into two separate newsletters: one today and one tomorrow.

Now, fair warning: this isn’t one of those “5-minute read” newsletters you skim while waiting for your coffee to brew. We go deep. Our stories, interviews, videos, and tips are meant to be used, revisited, and shared. So go ahead, settle in and take your time—this is your go-to guide to all things pickleball in Palm Beach County.

And most importantly, thank you. This community is growing rapidly (over 1,700 subscribers), and it’s comprised of players like you who bring passion, energy, and heart to the courts every day.

See you out there. Let’s play!

Bob

Get ready for an action-packed lineup today!

  • Community Spotlight: Why Ken Friedman is Always Booked

  • World Pickleball Convention: 5 Industry Leaders Reveal 2025's Biggest Trends

  • Court-Side Chronicles: The Shifting Sands of Pickleball: From Dink to Drive in Doubles

  • Exclusive Deals: VKTRY Insoles and Natural Action

  • Paddle Talk: The Great Paddle Divide: Are You a Control Freak or a Power Player?

  • Courts, Big News & Pro Spotlights

  • Beginner’s Corner: Top 5 Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Fast)

  • Palm Beach County Pickleball Planner

  • League Updates

  • Palm Beach County Pickleball Resource Guide

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Why Ken Friedman is always booked

In this episode, I visit Boca Bridges to talk with renowned pickleball instructor Ken Friedman, a 5-time National Singles title holder. Discover how this former tennis pro turned restaurant entrepreneur rose to become one of the most sought-after pickleball coaches in Florida. Ken shares insights into his journey, his teaching style, and why players from beginners to senior pros are on a waitlist to learn from him. From competitive strategies to coaching mechanics, Ken reveals what it really takes to break out of the 3.5 plateau and move up. Whether you're new to pickleball or aiming to reach the next level, this video is packed with real-world advice and behind-the-scenes stories from a true coach’s coach. Don’t miss this exclusive feature from Palm Beach County Pickleball News.

WORLD PICKLEBALL CONVENTION
5 Industry Leaders Reveal 2025's Biggest Trends

See the Ball Like Never Before: Inside Dink Eyewear’s Vision Revolution

In this lively video interview, I chat with Craig Chasnov, founder of Dink Eyewear, about the breakthrough lens technology reshaping pickleball vision. Craig shares how his 30+ years in the eyewear industry led to the creation of Color Boost lenses, engineered to reduce glare, enhance ball visibility, and adapt to lighting conditions using patented optics. With frames manufactured in Italy and Taiwan, Dink Eyewear offers premium sport sunglasses in multiple tints to suit all player preferences, beneficial for those 40 and above. The conversation covers Dink’s growth, Craig’s hands-on business approach, distribution plans, and the buzz around performance-enhancing eyewear on the courts. Shop now and use code pbcp at checkout for 10% off your order.

365Dink is Your Ultimate Pickleball Pass

Join the Movement—One Membership, Hundreds of Clubs, Endless Savings!
Camilla and Vanessa from 365Dink are making this fantasy your reality! At the World Pickleball Conference, these trailblazers unveiled their game-changing platform, connecting players to hundreds of elite clubs across several countries. Vanessa (a 4-year pickleball devotee who celebrates her paddle anniversary louder than her birthday) and Camilla (who pioneered Turks & Caicos’ first portable court) have engineered the ultimate travel hack: their exclusive membership app lets you get deep discounts at all network clubs as well as filter for amenities such as restaurant, lights, and playing surface. 

In addition, a 365Dink membership allows you to book network resorts at discount rates and purchase all your pickleball needs also at discounts.  If you are traveling, or just want to try out a new club in your area, at $99 for an entire year, this app pays for itself with just a few visits.  And, for a limited time, they are offering an exclusive $20 discount to our readers (use code PBCpickleballnews365 at https://www.365dink.com/).  With two new South Florida locations launching this month and a live map featuring real-time court updates, 365Dink isn’t just solving ‘where to play’—they’re building a borderless pickleball nation that saves pickleball players a lot of money and allows them to play 365 days a year, no matter where we are.

Could a Sticker Boost Your Energy Like a Pickleball Paddle Sparks a Rally?

At the World Pickleball Conference, wellness innovator Leah Stasney of LifeWave unveiled what many are calling a game-changer for athletes: the X39 Patch. Small but mighty, this quarter-sized wearable harnesses cutting-edge phototherapy technology, reflecting your body’s infrared light to activate GHK-Cu copper peptides—the signal that awakens dormant stem cells, your body’s built-in repair crew.

“It’s like giving your 60-year-old cells the playbook they had at 30,” Stasney said, explaining how stem cell decline after age 35 can slow recovery, sap energy, and dull vitality—three things no pickleball player wants to sacrifice.

At 59, she credits the X39 Patch for her sustained stamina on the tournament scene. One significant benefit she’s seen? Less inflammation—the silent setback for many passionate players.

With paddle in hand and a smile of conviction, she challenged the crowd: “Why settle for aging when you can upgrade? Your cells deserve this timeout.”

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. www.LIFEWAVE.com/LeahStasney

Why Rallie's Ball Machine Is Blowing Up Online

Looking to supercharge your solo drills and get a competitive edge? You won’t want to miss this.

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Eric Fransen, the mastermind behind Rallie—the world’s most portable and powerful pickleball ball machine. We dive into how this sleek, 35-pound powerhouse is redefining how players train, with features like a smart remote battery that lasts 5-8 hours, and performance packed into a grab-and-go design that fits your trunk and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re running a club, just picked up a paddle, or chasing that 4.5 rating, this machine delivers the consistency and challenge to take your game to the next level. Plus, Eric shares how two decades in digital marketing helped make Rallie a social media sensation, proving that great tech, smart branding, and a love for the game make a winning combo.

Want to see how today’s tech is transforming tomorrow’s training? Hit play and see for yourself.

Ready to out-practice and outplay the competition? Head to RalliePickleball.com and use code PBCPICKLEBALL to get yours for $1,599.

As Fransen puts it: “Your backhand doesn’t need WiFi—but your trainer should.”

Silence the Noise, Amplify Your Game: The Pickleball Paddle That’s Rewriting the Rules

What if your paddle could hush court critics and outplay every opponent? Meet Steg from Quiet Play Paddles—the Florida-based innovator turning heads at the World Pickleball Conference with a weapon that’s as stealthy as it is powerful.

Born from a lifetime of obsession with racket sports, their secret? T1100 carbon fiber—the same material shielding NASA spacecraft—woven into a face that delivers zero dead zones and a 600Hz noise drop. “We don’t have sweet spots,” Steg grins, “because the whole paddle’s the sweet spot.” Ready to swing the quiet revolution? With 62% of new court proposals facing noise complaints (Urban Rec Report), Quiet Play’s tech bridges the gap between players and communities. As Steg says, “Why choose between peace and power when you can have both?” Use code PBCPOWER at http://quietpaddles.com for 10% off your Carbon Pro model.

COURT-SIDE CHRONICLES

The Shifting Sands of Pickleball: From Dink to Drive in Doubles

If you've been watching professional doubles lately, you might have noticed a striking change: less dinking, more banging! The once-dominant patient, strategic dink game is increasingly giving way to an aggressive, fast-paced, "attack-first" style. This evolution at the highest levels of the sport is not only thrilling to watch but is also beginning to ripple down to recreational courts. Read the entire article.

EXCLUSIVE DEALS

Why VKTRY Insoles Are A Summer Must-Have For Pickleball

Pickleball isn’t just played with your paddle; it’s played with your feet. When the summer heat arrives, most of us start thinking about hats, hydration, and SPF protection. But let’s not forget the unsung heroes of every match: your feet. And if your feet are hot, tired, or aching, it’s game over.

So, how do you beat the heat, reduce fatigue, and stay nimble without tapping out after game two? VKTRY’s carbon fiber insoles aren’t your average drugstore inserts. They’re built for performance, comfort, and longevity, especially in the face of summer court melt. Read more!

Palm Beach County Pickleball News subscribers receive a 20% discount when using code PALMBEACH at checkout. Order here.

Starter Pack Bundle – The Perfect Introduction to Structured Water  

Enjoy structured water daily, in your shower and on the go. Enhance your hydration and energy, or discover the numerous benefits of structured water. This bundle includes:

*Shower Unit – Installs in seconds to transform your shower experience. Enjoy softer skin, healthier hair, and a chlorine-reducing effect with naturally revitalized water. 

*Portable Unit – Take structured water with you wherever you go - use at home or wherever life takes you. 

If you’re curious about structured water but not ready to make a full-home change, this bundle allows you to experience the benefits firsthand with minimal effort and no permanent installation.

Use the code Starterpack at Natural Action for an exclusive 25% discount. This offer may not be combined with any other offer.

PADDLE TALK

The Great Paddle Divide: Are You a Control Freak or a Power Player?

Courtesy of Pickleball & Life

For us pickleball players, understanding the nuances between paddle types, like a "14mm control paddle" and a "power paddle," is key to optimizing our game. When we refer to a 14mm paddle, that number indicates the thickness of the paddle's core, which is generally thinner than that of standard 16mm or 19mm options. This thinner core typically offers more "pop" and a crisper feel, meaning the ball rebounds off the paddle face with significant energy. However, whether that 14mm paddle leans towards "control" or "power" depends heavily on its other design elements, particularly the core material and face surface. Read the entire article.

COURTS, BIG NEWS & PRO SPOTLIGHTS

BEGINNER’S CORNER

Top 5 Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Fast)

After teaching hundreds of new players over the years, I’ve seen the same five mistakes repeatedly appear on the court. The good news? Every one of them is easy to fix once you know what to look for — and how to adjust. Whether you're brand new to the game or just looking to clean things up, here’s a breakdown of the most common beginner errors I see and how you can fix them fast.

📆 PALM BEACH COUNTY PICKLEBALL PLANNER

Stay in the game with these exciting tournaments, clinics, and open play sessions across Palm Beach County! Plan your next match, improve your game, and take advantage of local pickleball action! View here!

🤔 Newsletter getting clipped? Click ‘View entire message’ or click here to read online.

LEAGUE UPDATES

  • Women's POWER Pickleball League: 55+, must be a Palm Beach County resident. Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons. League Contact: Allyn Leeds, President ([email protected])

  • The Boomer League now has 45 communities and a total of 2,600 players. Plans to have 112 divisions to create even better parity within each division. Added two new communities and considering a division limited to newbies so people can learn how to play and have fun. https://www.boomerpickleballleague.com/index.html

  • Premier League team registration begins on August 1st; the fall season starts on Wednesday, October 8th. This is a 55+ coed league. www.thepremierpbleague.com

  • Palm Beach County Pickleball League is formulating the number of Divisions for the Fall season. Captains should notify the League of the number of teams they plan to enter. The deadline is mid-to-late July.  Contact Walter Gassner at [email protected]. Players in teams that have already notified him can start registering at any time now by going to the website www.pbcPickleballLeague.com. We’re in our 9th year and remain the largest league, with six new communities joining us this year.

PALM BEACH COUNTY PICKLEBALL 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!

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