Kitchen Sink Newsletter Report January 2026 Edition – Welcome to 2026!!
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The Kitchen Sink January Edition, Pickleball BC (“PBC”) President’s Introduction
Welcome to our first 2026 edition of our Kitchen Sink Newsletter and happy new year.
The PBC Board of Directors and myself, our hardworking Committee members and contractors would like to wish all of our PBC Members, Clubs, stakeholders, sponsors and supporters the best in 2026 – stay active, healthy and safe and remember, protective eyewear is not helpful in your bag!
In this January 2026 issue we wanted to highlight: the Notice of our 2026 Annual General Meeting February 17th 2026, 6pm with details below in my President’s Report: an announcement of the 2026 National Championship Tournament from Pickleball Canada (“PCO”) and the 2nd annual Provincial Team Competition; details about recent “Safety In Sports and Fairness” reports about the use of and issues with “cracked” paddles; a “News From Our Clubs” story about the Desert Pickleball Club, Osoyoos who have encouraged recreational players to enter tournaments; and, other updates on 2026 tournaments, News, Policy reports and our focus in our Director’s Kitchen Corners section here.
Please enjoy all the new news and updates in our January 2026 Kitchen Sink Newsletter and hope to see you at our AGM on February 17th!
David Snell
President Pickleball BC
President@PickleballBC.ca
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News From Our Clubs
Osoyoos is known as a vacation destination, celebrated for its desert climate, the warmest lake in Canada, world-famous wineries and orchards, beautiful beaches, and unmatched hospitality. But beneath that relaxed exterior lies a community deeply committed to an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round. …
<Click link to read more.>
• Desert Pickleball Club, Osoyoos
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PBC Website Stories
Submit your club stories and photos for inclusion in the website and/or upcoming newsletter. Send to Marcom@PickleballBC.ca
<Click link to read more.>
• January 13, 2026: 2026 Pickleball BC Championships, Canadian Nationals Announcement, and the 2026 Provincial Team Competition
• November 15, 2025: Pickleball BC Association (“PBC”) Awards The 2026 Provincial Championships to The Nest/Steve Deakin Pickleball (“SDP”)
• November 10, 2025: Canada’s Senior Team Captures Bronze At The 2025 Pickleball World Cup at The Fort, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• October 13, 2025: Activating Youth Pickleball In BC Phase 2 Initiative Begins With viaSport BC Grant
• October 1, 2025: Seven BC Players Join Team Canada At The 2025 Pickleball World Cup – Sponsored by Pickleball BC
Resources
<Click link to read more.>
• Officiating Program
• Coach Education Program
• Grant Programs: Intro, Community & Youth
• PBC Policies and Plans
• Newsletters (Past and Present)
• Your Board of Directors
Additional Content
<Click link to read more.>
• Visit PBC Instagram
• See also our new YouTube Channel
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PBC President’s Report
Notice of the 2026 Pickleball BC Association Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the registered not-for-profit society Pickleball BC Association will be held via Zoom February 17th commencing at 6:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
This notice is being delivered to all registered and paid up members of Pickleball BC Association as of January 17th 2026. Individuals must be paid up members in good standing to vote in any matter duly brought forward at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Please RSVP to Registrar@PickleballBC.ca prior to January 31st 2026 5pm PST and we will send a Zoom link and our Board Reports following verification of membership as stated above.
We will entertain any Agenda item requests for 10 days from this date (please contact President@PickleballBC.ca) but all nominations for the one open Board of Directors seat are closed. Expressions of interest to join the Board are welcome following the AGM, especially from more remote regions of BC. Thank you for all your submissions to date!
The information package relevant to this Meeting as attached here consists of the following documents:
- The 2026 AGM Agenda
- 2025 AGM Minutes
Click on a Report above to download your copy. Additional 2025 Reports will be sent to you following your RSVP’s after January 31st 2026 and will include: the President’s Report as well as financial, membership, facilities, grant programs, refereeing, Marcom, Nominating Committee information and our Activating Youth Pickleball in BC (“AYPBC”) program.
Remember – the meeting is scheduled to start at 6pm PST sharp. The “doors” will be open at 5:45 pm. Hope to see you then.
Canadian National Championship Tournament
Pickleball Canada has announced the details about our Canadian Nationals. We have covered this news and other tournaments including our Provincials in a story on our website here.
Several interrelated events include: the BC Provincial Championships, July 22nd – 26th at the The Nest/Steve Deakin Pickleball (“SDP”), adjacent to Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Centre, Tsawwassen, BC; the 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championship, August 25th – 30th at Pickleplex’s Downsview and Vaughan locations within the Greater Toronto Area; and the 2nd Annual Provincial Team Competition (“PTC”) at the Nationals, where in its 2025 inaugural year the BC Provincial Team was presented with the Trophy as the Interprovincial BC Team Gold medalists.
Congratulations again to our 2025 BC Provincial Team and we are looking forward to 2026, upcoming announcements on Team development and events, retaining the trophy in August, and seeing further accomplishments of our BC athletes on the world stage as highlighted here!
“Crushed” Paddles and PBC Related Initiatives
As paddle technology advances, players may hear the terms “crushed” or “decompensated/delaminated” paddles. According to the experts, this refers to paddles whose internal core—usually a polymer honeycomb but varies by manufacturer and model—has been permanently compressed or damaged over time.
To be clear, we are told that this is not a base manufacturing issue nor necessarily malfeasance. This most often happens through normal use, repeated hard shots, edge impacts, or heat exposure (such as leaving a paddle in a hot car). When a paddle decompensates it may produce extra power (often described as a “trampoline effect”), inconsistent ball response, or a duller sound, and it may no longer meet certification standards for sanctioned play.
We believe use of these decompensated paddles undermine fairness, safety, and consistency, making education, monitoring, and evolving standards essential as pickleball continues to grow.
What have the governing bodies done so far to address these issues? USA Pickleball (USAP) and Pickleball Canada (PCO) require paddles to meet certification standards and have a “USA Pickleball Approved” logo on the face of the paddle. USAP has initiated a Coefficient of Restitution (“COR”) test to measure paddle power and speed for their Sanctioned tournaments resulting in Go/No-Go decisions to take paddles off the approved list. Also the United Pickleball Association (UPA) and Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tours have initiated a joint effort to combat the use of non-compliant and potentially dangerous equipment. A paddle that has decompensated may no longer conform, even if it was originally approved. But there are enforcement challenges:
- No simple on-court test yet
- Rely heavily on sound tests, visual inspection, and in BC Sanctioned and other officiated tournaments, our accredited Referees’ judgment
- Paddle testing programs are emerging but not yet universal
“For safety purposes and for the integrity of the game, you can’t have the ball coming at you faster than human beings can respond,” said Leanne Schultz, director of our Affiliated Club Shawnigan Lake Pickleball Club on Vancouver Island. CTV News Vancouver published an article here with more details and Leanne’s comments. PBC is looking into this reported issue further on behalf of our Clubs and will report on our initiatives including specific BC accredited Referee education and training.
Can’t help saying: please wear protective eyewear and a reminder that at our upcoming BC Provincial Tournament protective eyewear is mandatory as is becoming more prevalent in our Clubs such as Vernon Pickleball Association.
Kitchen Corners Reports. Updates on Memberships, Refereeing and Grants as noted above.
Finally, please send your Club stories and pics for consideration in our monthly “News From Our Clubs” segment, or if you can share some of your Club event pics/videos for possible inclusion on our PBC website, Instagram or YouTube, we would really appreciate it – for consideration please send them to Marcom@PickleballBC.ca.
This Newsletter contains plenty of current news, which I hope you can enjoy along with family and friends. All comments and contributions are very welcome!
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David Snell, President
PICKLEBALL BC ASSOCIATION
President@PickleballBC.ca
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News From Our Clubs:
From Curiosity to Competition: How Tournament Play Took Off at Desert Pickleball Club
Ellen Zoellmer, Karen Goodfellow, Gail Vodden, Kelowna tournament
Osoyoos is known as a vacation destination, celebrated for its desert climate, the warmest lake in Canada, world-famous wineries and orchards, beautiful beaches, and unmatched hospitality. But beneath that relaxed exterior lies a community deeply committed to an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round. It was in this spirit that the Osoyoos Pickleball Club was founded in 2015. Renamed Desert Pickleball Club (DPC) in 2021, the club now provides a safe, welcoming environment for 181 full-time and seasonal residents to learn, develop, and grow their skills.
Most players join Desert Pickleball Club for the same reasons: fun, fitness, and friendship. Tournament play once felt like something reserved for “other” players. But as interest grew, a small group of experienced members stepped in to mentor those who were curious but hesitant. They organized skills-and-drills sessions, shared strategy tips, ran practice games, and—most importantly—reassured players that everyone starts somewhere.
That encouragement made all the difference. In 2025, eight players kicked off the tournament season at the 4th Annual Royal LePage Spring Fling in Vernon.
Members who had stayed firmly in recreational play began signing up for their first tournaments. Nervous first matches turned into learning experiences filled with laughter, reflection, and new friendships. Wins were celebrated, losses were analyzed courtside, and confidence grew with every rally. What began as guided support quickly gained momentum.
Soon, the tournament movement took on a life of its own. Practice groups formed organically. Members connected to train together, engage coaches, share resources, and cheer one another on. Tournament stories—the highs, close calls, and unforgettable moments—became part of everyday conversation on the courts. Partners teamed up, rotated, and tried new pairings, supporting one another as they discovered combinations that worked in style, chemistry, and temperament.
Ellen Zoellmer (79), shared her experience: “I ended up playing in 10 tournaments in 2025 with seven different partners, won the BC Provincials gold medal and two silvers. Every tournament taught different lessons, but I now know that for me, the most important part is connecting with your partner.”
The impact rippled throughout Desert Pickleball Club. The atmosphere buzzed with pride and positive energy. Competitive play didn’t replace the club’s welcoming spirit—it enhanced it. Growth felt exciting rather than intimidating.
Pentiction Tournament, various DPC players and supporters
DPC players traveled to tournaments in Kelowna, Penticton, Princeton, Kamloops, Chilliwack, Christina Lake, Lake Country, and the BC Provincials in Vernon. Forty-two DPC players challenged themselves on the court and cheered on their fellow competitors.
Gail Vodden (71) reflected: “I had played pickleball for many years before jumping into tournaments, but the level of social connectedness expanded dramatically for me. This spring was a difficult and emotional one, and I truly believe diving into competitive pickleball held me together and strengthened my sense of community.”
David Kittner (DPC president), Patricia Costa, Leslie Harrison, Sue Lloyd, Gail Vodden, Ellen Zoellmer, Ann Currie, at the Vernon Spring Fling April, 2025
Even members and friends who weren’t competing traveled to support Osoyoos players, filling venues with encouragement and positive energy. Sheila Favel (63) shared her Princeton tournament experience: “It was amazing to look out during a game and see so many supporters, especially people who weren’t even competing. I had no idea that happened—and it helped me focus even more.”
Rick Jones (68) echoed that sentiment: “I’m much calmer during tournaments now and truly enjoy the experience, especially the support and camaraderie of the Desert Pickleball tournament group.”
At Desert Pickleball Club, fun still comes first. The difference is that alongside the laughter and high-fives, there’s now a shared confidence that—with the right support and a little courage—something extraordinary can grow.
As 2026 begins, tournament play is expected to continue growing as one of the club’s most vibrant offerings, powered not by pressure but by passion. There is a commitment to continued education and programming around the DUPR rating system, and expanded DUPR-leveled play integrated with Court Reserve.
The year ahead also brings exciting initiatives. The club has been diligently fundraising to address the need for new courts and is engaging with the Town of Osoyoos to achieve a successful outcome.
From curiosity to competition, Desert Pickleball Club continues to prove that the heart of the game lies not just in how you play—but in who you play it with.
Ann Currie
DPC Vice President
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Kitchen Corners: Grants
PBCA Grants Program
On behalf of the South Cowichan Pickleball Club, thank you for awarding us the Community Initiative Grant in December 2025.
The grant enabled us to purchase USA Pickleball Approved balls for our upcoming events and redirect funds to buy a court roller, which helps maintain safety during wet months.
We appreciate your support.
Becky Warrington – Chair
South Cowichan Pickleball Club
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Senpaq’cin Pickleball Report
The Osoyoos Indian Band elementary school, Senpaq’cin, received funding from Pickleball BC in the fall of 2025. This grant allowed us to purchase two USA approved Pickleball nets and a set of 16 racquets.
Some Senpaq’cin students enjoying pickleball.
Having our own equipment at the school will ensure the sustainability of our Pickleball Unit for Grades 4 to 7 that was added to our programming in the previous school year. We had members of the Oliver Pickleball Club provide instruction last year, and this year we have expressed interest in joining the South Okanagan Youth Pickleball Association. We will have an instructor come to our school for 2-3 sessions to provide instruction, and our PSPE teacher is also hoping to get certified as a coach moving forward. A big thanks to Pickleball BC for supporting our physical education programming at our community school.
Michele Woitzik, Teacher
Senpaq’cin School
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Apply For Your Grant Funding Today
If you have a need and feel that your club qualifies for either our expanded Youth or Community Grants, please apply here, or if you have any questions contact …
Sharon MacDonald
Vice President & Grant Administrator
Grants@PickleballBC.ca
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Kitchen Corners: Facilities
Small Town Pickleball Courts, Nechako Region
Fraser Lake pickleball at an ice arena during the Summer, and, as shown, at a school gym during the Winter.
Small towns in the Nechako Region such Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Fort St. James have had to think of creative ways to enjoy pickleball as courts are scarce.
Vanderhoof pickleball in a small school gym.
Vanderhoof Pickleball Club, which has 35-40 members, started out in a small, school gym and now rent a gym from a local Church. The municipality was granted the arena this past July and August 2025 with the assumption of building proper courts in 2026.
Fraser Lake utilizes the local ice arena during the Summer and the high school in the Winter. Thankfully both facilities are donated and have around 20 members. Fort St. James is currently using the curling rink for a fee, but it’s only during the Summer.
To help accommodate for a lack of courts, I, with a small group of friends, purchased pavement filler and proper paint then built our own court on a paved section of driveway surrounded by portable construction fencing and a portable net. See the photo and description below.
DIY Regulation-Size Pickleball Court: The pavement was already there, but we bought filler and applied two coverings, let it dry (dried quickly), then painted two coats. We had to purchase the filler and paint across the border as they were unavailable at our local Home Depot. This production took four buddies, about 4-6 hours, and roughly $1,500 with fencing and net, which was inexpensive and a great way to get a court for the price. Even if we have to repaint the court after Winter, five gallons is only about $145. Obviously it’s not the same as a rubberized court but better than playing on concrete.
Vanderhoof has full-time, year-round courts, but for the other places, courts are seasonal yet much needed for everyone to exercise, socialize, and maintain their mental health—especially with all the local mill closures that was the main industry.
If you have any questions, please email me: Doug@PickleballBC.ca
Doug McKay
Facilities
Doug@PickleballBC.ca
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Kitchen Corners: By The Numbers
January 2026 Membership Report
As at December 31st 2025 we had 21,500+ Members and that date was the expiry date of all memberships. January 1st 2026 was the start of new memberships for the year and we will report on those numbers next month.
There were 6,631 memberships processed in December 2025. This is up from last month by 4,708. The processed memberships consist of 6,249 renewals and 382 new memberships. As expected, December renewals reached an all time high as members registered for the 2026 Summer season.
See you on the court.
Blair Morton
PBC Registrar
Registrar@PickleballBC.ca
Thinking of Joining—Follow The Link!
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Kitchen Corners: Head Referee Corners
Rule Changes For 2026
USA Pickleball has finalized the Pickleball Rule changes for 2026. Once again, there have been no highly significant changes, rather a number of small changes … making existing rules clearer with wording changes. The major change that has been made is the format of the Rulebook. It is now in a much more easy-to-read format, and it will make it easier for players and officials to find the appropriate location of their query.
Of the changes, I would like to point out two that I think are worth mentioning at this time:
1. When rally scoring is being used in a sanctioned tournament, the game winning point does not longer have to be scored while the player/team is serving. As all points are scored in rally scoring by winning the rally, it will be the same when the non serving team is within one point of winning the game. For example: In a game to 15, if your opposition is serving and the score is 13-14, your team could win the game by winning the rally. To me, this makes total sense.
2. In a lesser known rule, a player must make an ‘out’ call as soon as possible. The rule has been that an out call must be made before the opposition touches your return or the ball becomes ‘dead’. This has not changed. The change is if the ball becomes dead after it has bounced (eg; the ball has landed then hit a permanent object or bounced twice). The ‘out’ call now has to be made immediately. The rule used to be that a player has until the next serve to make an ‘out’ call. In my opinion … another good change that makes sense.
I would recommend that all players check out the new rulebook. USA Pickleball has it on their website, and Pickleball Canada will have it posted once it has been translated into French as well.
Happy New Year!
Enjoy Pickleball.
Rick Folk
Head Referee
HeadReferee@PickleballBC.ca
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Sponsorships
We urge you to support and thank all our sponsors at every opportunity—they are listed throughout our website and in this newsletter. Sponsorships can help to defray the cost of hosting our website, sending this newsletter and also of supporting the running and promoting of tournaments and clinics.
Opportunities exist for businesses and individuals, starting at $50.00 to sponsor and support pickleball in British Columbia—details on our Sponsor Program page or contact Marcom@PickleballBC.ca.
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Website or Newsletter
As always we are delighted to receive suggestions and/or contributions of content for the website and future newsletters. Send to Marcom@PickleballBC.ca.
David Snell
President, Pickleball BC (Association)
President@PickleballBC.ca
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