• A New Pickleball Guinness World Record Set
• Don't Be Intimidated to Enter a Tournament
• Tournaments Open Near You Now
• Why Breathwork Matters in Pickleball
• Summer Equipment Care & Essentials

Last month we brought you a story about how four, new, passionate pickleball friends from across the country were all meeting in Carrollton, Texas to attempt to beat a Guiness World Record for the Longest Marathon Rally Playing Pickleball.

Not only did they beat the 34-hour and 5 minute record held by the UK, but they raised over $15,000 for Taylor's Gift Foundation to bring awareness and support to mental health.

The mission they set out to complete AND accomplish? To bring the record title back to the U.S.—where pickleball was born—and play for 36 hours straight! And they did it all!

Don't Be Intimidated:
Why Every "Beginner" Should Enter a Tournament

👍 Why You Should Join Your First Tournament

1. Everyone starts somewhere - Even top players were beginners once.
2. You’ll get better, faster - Tournaments challenge and sharpen your skills.
3. The vibes are great - Music, snacks, and community fun—not just serious faces.
4. You’ll find your people - Tournaments build friendships as much as forehands.

🔍 Look for These Beginner-Friendly Formats

• Skill-level brackets (2.5, 3.0, etc.): Compete with people at your level.
• Round robin formats: Guaranteed games, even if you lose a few.
• Local charity or rec events: These are low-pressure and full of encouragement.

💡 Tips Before You Enter

• Find a partner you vibe with—or sign up solo for “partner-matching”.
• Don’t stress about winning. Your goal is to learn, laugh, and level up.
• Bring snacks, water, and sunscreen. (And maybe a backup paddle!)
• Be kind—to yourself and others. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone gets better.

You don’t need to be great to start. But starting is how you get great.

So grab a paddle and register for a tournament—you’ve got this.

And, to make it even easier, below are tournaments NEAR YOU open for registration NOW!

Let's go! ⬇️

Straight Away Travel presents Pickleball in Paradise - pickleball destination vacations to luxury resorts in the Caribbean.

Improve your pickleball game and relax on sandy white beaches at Sandals resorts in:

• South Coast, Jamaica
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas
• Royal Curacao in Santa Barbara, Curacao
• Saint Vincent in Buccament, St Vincent
• Beaches Resort inTurks and Caicos.

Non-playing friends and spouses are welcome, too. Our trips are at luxury, all-inclusive resorts. Everything needed for a fantastic vacation is included except for your
airfare!

Enter breathwork: a simple but science-backed tool that can help you stay calm, focused, and physically primed, whether you're mid-rally or facing match point.

Whether it’s sharpening your focus between points or speeding up recovery after a long rally, breathwork taps into your body's deepest systems to enhance performance. Here’s how it works—and how you can use it to your advantage on the court.

Breathwork Techniques Every Pickleball Player Should Know:

Box Breathing (Balanced Control)
Best for: Settling nerves before or during a match

• Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale through the mouth for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Repeat for 1–3 minutes

• Place one hand on your chest, one on your stomach.
• Inhale deeply through your nose so only your belly expands.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth (4–6 seconds).
• Do 3–5 breaths between points.

• Inhale for 5 seconds, exhale for 5 seconds (6 breaths per minute)
• Use before practice, post-match, or during breaks
  

• Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
• Hold for 7 seconds
• Exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds
• Repeat for 4–6 cycles
  

Summer Equipment Care Tips

Pick the Perfect Outdoor Ball for Summer

As temperatures rise, so does the intensity of your pickleball game, and not all balls are created equal - especially when it comes to outdoor play in the heat of summer. Here’s what to look for:

Durability – Heat can warp low-quality balls. Choose ones designed for high temperatures and rough surfaces

Hole Count & Size – Outdoor balls usually have 40 smaller holes for better wind resistance.

Bounce & Pop – You want consistency. Some balls get mushy or cracked in the heat—avoid those.

Color – Opt for bright colors like neon yellow or orange for maximum visibility in sun glare.

To care for your new pickleballs, don't leave them baking in your care or direct sun. Heat can soften or deform balls, so store in a shaded bag and rotate them between games.

Summer Paddle Care 101

Avoid the Trunk: Heat trapped in a car can warp your paddle’s core or soften the face. Always bring it indoors.

Shade It Up: If you’re playing in the sun, keep your paddle in a shaded area when not in use.

Dry It Off: Wipe down your paddle after every match to prevent sweat from breaking down the grip or causing moisture damage.

Grip Check: Summer sweat = slippery handles. Replace your overgrip more frequently to keep control.

Gear Up Essentials

Stay ready for every match with these summer must-haves:

• Padles cover or thermal case
• Extra overgrips (sweat absorbing)
• Microfiber towel
• Paddle-safe cleaner spray
• Cooling towel or wristbands
• Large water bottle or hydration packs
• UV-protection hat or visor
• Sunscreen for skin and lips
• Protective glasses
• Extra pair of socks