The Unyielding Spirit of Pickleball Players in Blazing Heat
Arianna Shojaee aptly described the scorching environment in Little Rock as “hot” and “humid.” Yet, undeterred by the 103°F temperature, people still flocked to Kanis Park to play pickleball. Shojaee observed that fewer people turned up at the courts when the mercury rose, but she wasn’t complaining – with fewer players, she got to play more. This now-fast-growing sport has caught on with both her and Jaxson Allen, who started playing just two months ago. Despite the challenges, they cherish the connections they make while playing.
Shojaee and Allen’s perseverance is reflective of the larger trend where people are flocking to pickleball. It isn’t just about the game; it’s about mental health and self-discovery. Kate Spencer, an author and podcaster, shares her own journey of learning to “stop saying sorry and have fun.” For her, it means finding calm and moving away from the obsession with tracked fitness metrics.
The determination to play pickleball in extreme heat, however, does come with significant risks. Hot temperatures and humidity stress the heart, causing it to beat faster and work harder. This is particularly dangerous for those with underlying heart conditions. Pickleball Terry highlights the importance of taking precautions like hydration, playing indoors or at cooler times, and recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
This relentless spirit and the connections it forges are what drive pickleball players to keep going, even when the heat becomes overwhelming. They prove that sometimes it’s about embracing the moment and finding the joy within, rather than letting external conditions dictate their actions.
- Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
- Wide appeal across age groups
- Accessible and social
- Continuous improvement and fun
- Coping with Extreme Heat
- Hydration and electrolyte management
- Scheduling games around cool temperatures
- Awareness of heat-related health issues
