Nude pickleball nets popularity
Exploring the sweeping rise of pickleball and its unique adoption in nudist communities
Pickleball has become the sport of the moment. Once a backyard game invented by three dads in 1965, its meteoric rise has turned it into one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the United States. Participation has surged over 223% in just three years,1 spreading from local parks and retirement communities to a surprising new frontier: nudist resorts.
What makes pickleball so popular—its simplicity, social nature, and accessibility—also makes it an ideal fit for nudist communities, where connection, inclusivity, and group activities thrive. And while it’s easy to dismiss pickleball as a passing trend, its rise in naturist settings suggests something deeper: a sport that bridges generations and lifestyles, creating a niche phenomenon that invites everyone to give it a try.
The rapid rise of pickleball
Pickleball’s ascent from backyard pastime to cultural mainstay is undeniable. In 2023, more than 13.6 million Americans reported playing the game, reflecting a staggering 223.5% increase in participation over the past three years. This meteoric rise has secured its place as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, evolving far beyond its modest beginnings.2
The sport originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the mid-1960s, born out of improvisation. Using a perforated plastic ball, wooden paddles, and a lowered badminton net, a group of three dads with bored kids stumbled upon a game that combined elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. One of the co-creators was Joel Prichard, who had previously been a US Congressman and Lieutenant Governor of Washington.3
Initially, pickleball remained a hyper-local activity, played in driveways and community spaces. Its transition into the mainstream began in the 1970s with the creation of Pickle-Ball, Inc., which formalized equipment production and distributed the first sets of official paddles. By 1984, the establishment of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) provided a standardized set of rules, facilitating the sport's expansion into organized play and national tournaments.4
In the last decade, pickleball has seen explosive growth, thanks to its versatility and accessibility. Played indoors or outdoors, casually or competitively, it appeals to a diverse audience, from retirees to young professionals seeking a social yet active pastime. Its simplicity and inclusive nature have broadened its appeal across generations and abilities, bringing it into unexpected spaces—nudist resorts included—where community and openness thrive.
Evolution of sports in nudist communities
Nudist communities have long integrated sports into their lifestyle, valuing physical activity as a means to promote health and social connection. Historically, activities such as swimming, tennis, pétanque, and even archery have been popular within these groups, aligning with the naturist emphasis on holistic well-being and recreation. Lawn games like bocce and horseshoes are also staples.5
Volleyball, in particular, has been prominent in nudist resorts since the mid-20th century. The sport's minimal equipment requirements and emphasis on teamwork made it a natural fit for naturist settings. Notably, the annual “Superbowl of Nude Volleyball” at White Thorn Lodge in Pennsylvania has attracted participants from across the continent since its inception in 1971, underscoring the sport’s enduring appeal within these communities.6
In recent years, with its nationwide surge in popularity, pickleball has developed into a favored activity in nudist resorts. The game’s straightforward rules, smaller court dimensions, and suitability for various skill levels have facilitated its seamless adoption. Unlike more physically demanding sports, pickleball offers a balance of activity and accessibility, making it particularly appealing to a diverse demographic. Resorts like Cypress Cove Nudist Resort in Florida have embraced this trend, hosting events like the “Clothing Independence Day Pickleball Tournament,” combining the sport with the naturist principles of body positivity and communal engagement.7 Similarly, Glen Eden Sun Club in Southern California has incorporated pickleball into its array of activities.8
How pickleball is reshaping nudist recreation
The integration of pickleball into nudist settings reflects both broader societal trends and a strategic effort to attract a younger, more diverse membership. By embracing contemporary and inclusive activities, naturist communities aim to bridge generational divides and foster a sense of belonging among newcomers, while staying true to their foundational values of freedom, acceptance, and holistic well-being.
Pickleball’s accessibility and growing popularity have made it a mainstay in textile spaces, but only a small percentage of players have taken the step to play au naturel. This presents a marketing opportunity for naturist groups and clubs seeking to attract new visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned nudist, a pickleball enthusiast, or simply curious, nude pickleball offers an open invitation to step onto the court, pick up a paddle, and experience the joy of this uniquely inclusive sport. 🪐
Pickleheads. (2023). The explosive growth of pickleball. https://www.pickleheads.com
Sports & Fitness Industry Association. (2023). 2023 pickleball participation report. https://www.sfia.org
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Joel Pritchard. In Wikipedia. Retrieved January 5, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Pritchard
Britannica. (n.d.). Pickleball. https://www.britannica.com
France 4 Naturisme. (n.d.). Sport and naturism: For complete wellness. https://www.france4naturisme.com/en/blog/sports-and-naturism-for-complete-wellness/
White Thorn Lodge. (n.d.). Superbowl of Nude Volleyball. https://www.whitethornlodge.org/
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort. (n.d.). Nude pickleball events. https://www.cypresscoveresort.com
Glen Eden Sun Club. (n.d.). Activities. https://gleneden.com/activities/
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I guess it's the new miniten
I played pickleball at Penn Sylvan Resort last summer. It amazes me that even among nudists the thought of doing such things barefoot is unimaginable. Everyone there warned me that pickleball couldn't be played barefoot. Even though I had never played pickleball before (or since) I won every game!