North Myrtle Beach Hosts Second Successful Tournament and Plans Unique Opportunity

Submitted by Rick Harpster, North Myrtle Beach, SC

On April 24 and 25, the North Myrtle Beach Recreation Department hosted its second indoor Paddle at the Beach Pickleball Tournament. The Paddle at the Beach is unlike most tournaments that use a double elimination tournament format. Instead, round robin pool play on the first day is used as a seeding mechanism for double elimination tournaments on the second day. This format provided the nearly 100 players with a significantly higher amount of play time which was well received.   

Instead of providing each player with a tournament t-shirt as a gift, the Recreation Department chose again to give each player a thermal mug with the city logo on one side and the Paddle at the Beach logo on the opposite side. Also, departing from awarding medals to the winners, Champion and Runner-Up finishing teams in each bracket received a 6 oz. glass etched with the Paddle at the Beach logo and their tournament finishing position.

The next Paddle at the Beach is scheduled to be held on September 28, 29, and 30, 2015. Borrowing a concept that has been used very successfully by the City of St. George, Utah, and the Huntsman World Senior Games, the North Myrtle Beach Paddle at the Beach and the Myrtle Beach Seaside Classic will be held during the same week. With one trip to the beach, a player can play five days of pickleball in two of the best tournaments offered on the Southeast Coast.

A player’s week of tournament play begins on Monday and Tuesday, with the Paddle at the Beach’s Men’s and Women’s round robin pool play format event. On Wednesday, at the request of players, a Mixed Couples double elimination event will be held. On Thursday a player can relax on the beach or play golf and then attend the Myrtle Beach Seaside Classic dinner dance. On Friday and Saturday play more pickleball in the Seaside Classic. Both of these events are age and skill level based, and all five days of tournament play will be held indoors, greatly reducing the impact that weather may have.

Don’t miss out on this very unique opportunity that few places offer. Register early for both events and take advantage of the early registration discounts to guarantee you a spot!!