The Ultimate Game Of Pickleball On A Floating Court This Summer

It is a match made in heaven for adventure seekers. Florida's favorite new sport (pickleball) is combined with Floridians' favorite way to vacation (cruising) and with a breathtaking, Mediterranean backdrop. You can play the ultimate game of Pickleball on a floating court this summer. It's true. A regulation size pickleball court floating in the Adriatic Sea with Croatia over your shoulder. Get you bags ready. This is a Fabulous Find.

I have been to Croatia and taken a dip in the Adriatic. It's cold. So if that ball goes in the water, consider letting someone else retrieve it. I did not realize the Pickleball craze had reached the Balkans. But it has. Some cities have dedicated courts, while others are adding Pickleball lines to tennis courts. It is a common practice around the world and in Southwest Florida.

This getaway is actually a yacht charter designed exclusively for Pickleball enthusiasts. It takes the crew about two hours to set up and prepare the floating court. The pickleball cruises can set sail as early as April and continue through mid October.

There is still plenty of time to plan your getaway. In addition, the itinerary includes games on solid ground. You'll get to play at stationary courts in Croatia, along the coastal tour.

Cruising is arguably one of the most popular ways to vacation and Florida is a hub for it. However, this getaway does not depart from the port of Miami. Pick up the yacht in Croatia and take some extra time to explore this beautiful country. A typical itinerary is eight days and can be adjusted based on preference.

The company has two yachts, however, at press time the Aretha was the only one with Pickleball. It's new and sets sail for the first time in May. Aretha has 13 luxurious cabins and two VIP suites.

Find out more here. Call up your travel buddies and Pickleball comrades. And if you need the perfect wine to pack in your checked bag, check out Pickleball from VICE Wines. It was this week's Wine Wednesday feature. Book the yacht and have a one-of-a-kind summer vacation this year.

The 2023 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships came to East Naples Community Park last weekend in Naples, Florida and did not disappoint. Much of the hype was the play of Fort Myers resident Parris Todd. She won three gold medals after winning the triple crown which consists of gold in singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles. So who is Parris Todd?

Parris developed her tennis skills at a young age where at age eight, her father took her to the renowned Bollettieri Tennis Academy. If that name sounds familiar - Serena Williams and Venus Williams worked with Bollettieri and trained at the academy. According to her bio "As the pandemic slowed down the globe, Pickleball emerged and summoned her to the courts. It wasn't long before her tennis talents crossed over and her peers confirmed the calling. Since then, Parris has enjoyed herself more than ever on the courts, and voilà... the rest is history."

Elsewhere in the Pickleball Championships, the Naples News reported "On the men’s side, the Florida tandem of Kyle Yates and Andrei Dăescu were dominant in doubles."

The biggest takeaway for me, is the amazing facility at the East Naples Community Park. If you've never been, it's certainly one to check out. Collier County Parks and Rec have equipped 6 Pickleball Championship Courts and 59 Pickleball Courts. So let's have a look at last weekend's action.