A 'Smashing' Road Trip Adventure

The Wallflowers in Kalamazoo

Mission accomplished! My Rock & Pickle Road Trip was an amazing time, starting with a fun visit to Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was my first time exploring the city, visiting local microbreweries and pubs, culminating in an unforgettable night of music by opener Early James, followed by Jakob Dylan & The Wallflowers. A perfect start to my trip, with all the pickleball planned for the rest of my journey, including catching the pros play in nearby Grand Rapids. I highly recommend attending a pro event like Major League Pickleball or a PPA Tour stop if you’re a sports fan. These athletes and events are the best in so many ways.

After spending four days in Michigan, I planned to split my 6-hour drive back home with a stop halfway in London, Ontario. There, I checked out Smash Pickleball, signing up for a Mixed Doubles Boot Camp led by head teaching pro Corey Osborne. Smash Pickleball is a new facility with its first location in London, and another spot soon to open in Collingwood, Ontario. A perfect setup in London. I would say the closest comparable would be The Picklr chain growing (globally) out of the U.S.

One of the many all-indoor courts at Smash Pickleball

Meeting Corey was a bonus, too, as I'm always on the lookout for a coach to help improve my pickleball skills. I appreciated Corey's method, which involved analyzing everything strategically before focusing on the essential fundamentals of the game. A major takeaway for me from the camp was learning more about stacking while playing with a partner, which is crucial being a left-handed player myself. I also valued his insights into mixed doubles strategies, such as the significance of the return. Corey effectively reinforced these concepts with drills to round out the 4-hour camp.

Joining a camp at Smash Pickleball was a fantastic way to experience this facility, which exemplifies the perfect club for competitive play. It's a rare find, since pickleball is a new and growing sport north of the border. Plus, it's an added advantage for me, given that I have numerous trips planned to London with my son starting school there in the fall. I'll certainly be reaching out to Corey often for more help with my game! 😅

TIP:

• Sign up for a camp or clinic first when exploring a new club or facility