The world’s fastest-growing sport has made a fast, fun and furious debut in Rarotonga, blending elements of tennis, badminton, squash and table tennis into an enjoyable, accessible game enjoyed by all ages and sizes.

This past Saturday, Pickleball Cook Islands hosted the Trader Jacks Pickleball League finals at the National Sports Arena in Nikao, celebrating the sport’s rapid rise and acknowledging the dedicated people who laid its foundation here in Rarotonga.

The thrilling final saw a spirited showdown between foundation members, Matty Beasley and Mike Steele teaming up as the “Big Dink Energy’’ versus the Manihiki young guns “Kora Pickles” duo of James Kora and Tamuera Newnham.

After two nail-biting matches, with each side winning one, the championship was decided by a close final game where the Manihiki pair emerged as champions.

Kora Pickles beat Big Dink Energy in the final 7-11, 11-6, 12-10. In third place, Daddy Gherkins (Brendan Heath and Tim Meyer) beat Pickled & Pearled (Kora Kora and Nancy Kora) 11-8, 11-8.

Following the match, Trader Jacks owners Melanie Cooper and Heinz Matysik presented the winning teams with prizes and trophies.

Kora and Newnham, newcomers to the game, were quick to express their enthusiasm.

Kora, who had only picked up the sport six weeks ago, started playing with his brother Tom but partnered with Newnham after Tom returned to Manihiki.

Despite their short time in the sport, both expressed appreciation for its physical and mental benefits.

“Pickleball is a lot of fun,” said Kora, highlighting its dynamic and intense nature.

“It’s a mix of volleyball, tennis, squash and badminton, but you don’t have to run as far. Just two steps forward and two steps back – and that’s about it.

“It was a really good final. We lost the first game, won the second, and we were losing the third but we came back, it was really intense.”

Newnham, with a background in table tennis, praised the sport’s size and accessibility, saying, “I can put more power in my shots and take out stress.”

Pickleball’s journey to Rarotonga began through the efforts of local enthusiasts Matt Beasley and his wife Erin, who were stranded in Canada during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were looking for a sport to do during winter in Canada,” Beasley said. “We discovered pickleball, signed up for a tournament, and surprisingly did well – and we won.”

Their passion for the sport soon extended to the island.

Beasley’s mother, Lynn Watson, a former professional tennis and squash player, loved the game so much that she built her own court on her farm in New Zealand.

At 72, she continues to compete, recently earning bronze at the Pan Pacific Masters in Brisbane.

The couple brought pickleball to Rarotonga, and alongside Watson and her friend Jan from Melbourne, both former squash and tennis partners, they organised clinics for the juniors and the adults at Apii Nikao.

What started as a small gathering of friends quickly expanded, prompting the need for formal leagues and tournaments.

Supported by sponsorships from Trader Jacks, Pickleball Stuff New Zealand, Cook’s Oasis Hotel, Inu Juices and Beyond the Pickle Dome Tours, the sport’s presence has grown rapidly.

Coach Karen, Watson’s coach, contributed lesson plans and gear before an unfortunate injury prevented her from travelling, but her influence remained a vital part of the sport’s development.

“Pickleball is very accessible,” Beasley noted. “You don’t have to be smashy; it’s about fun and movement. Kids, seniors, people with knee problems – everyone can play.”

The sport’s popularity has seen players from diverse backgrounds – badminton, tennis, squash, volleyball and basketball – bringing their unique styles to the game.

As the sport grows, the local committee has expanded, including president Mike Steele – known as the “Big Dill” due to the sport’s playful pun – and vice presidents Brad Kirner and Heinz Matysik. Fiona Hales serves as treasurer, with Marianne Bola as secretary.

While memberships are just beginning, the pickleball enthusiasts are keen to grow and introduce more locals to the exhilarating world of pickleball in Rarotonga.

With a vibrant community and enthusiastic newcomers, pickleball’s future in the Cook Islands looks bright.

“We started this as a passion project,” said Beasley. “Now, it’s growing fast - and everyone’s having a blast.”

Follow the Pickleball Cook Islands Facebook page for more updates.