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It's OK to be'in a pickle' Pickleball players of all ages engage in the fun and sociable game at the Scott Valley Swim and Tennis Club in Mill Valley. – Photo by PJ Bremier Alyson Aiello of Kentfield (left) and Teresa Toepel of Tiburon co-founded Marin Pickleball League in 2020. – Photo by PJ Bremier President and Publisher | Rob Devincenzi Advertising Manager | Lori Pearce This Senior Living Special Section was produced in its entirety by the Advertising Department of the Marin Independent Journal and did not involve the editing or reporting staff of the Marin IJ's newsroom. The Marin Independent Journal is located at 103 Shoreline Parkway Suite 201, San Rafael, CA 94901. How the fun mix-up game of badminton, tennis and table tennis is courting seniors — and their younger friends and families L ooking for a fun sport that offers a wealth of new friendships and a lively social vibe? Head to a nearby pickleball court and you'll find it. Pickleball — a fun mashup of tennis, badminton and table tennis with its own set of rules and no overhead serving — is the fastest growing sport in the country for the second year in a row, according to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association. With 4.8 million participants and growth of almost 40% over the last two years, pickleball is poised to get bigger. "We think it's so popular because it appeals to all ages," says Alyson Aiello of Kentfield. "It is super easy to learn, and you can become really good very quickly." She and Teresa Toepel of Tiburon, both tennis players, co-founded the Marin Pickleball League in September 2020 and, by the following month, the two had a full roster. On any given day, current and former tennis play- ers, golfers and sports enthusiasts can be found on a pickleball court, but they are quickly being joined by those who aren't. "We have many players that have never played a sport or have always wanted to but couldn't put the time into lessons, practicing and playing," Toepel explains. "Since pickleball has a quick learning curve, they now have a brilliant sport to play." Curt Johansen of Mill Valley is a prime example. A basketball player in his youth and a hiker in his adult life, the 70-year old picked up pickleball a cou- ple of years ago and is now considered an advanced player, opting to play against people half his age to improve and challenge his skills. Please see PICKLE, Page 6 The Pickleball Craze By PJ Bremier Special to the Marin IJ ON THE COVER: Pickleball is America's fastest growing sport, enjoyed by many seniors due to its lower-impact and smaller court size than tennis. – Photo by Getty Images 4 June 5, 2022 Senior Living A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com