Welcome to Tuesday’s Vancouver Island Newsletter, supported by Title Partner, Owen Williams-Raymond James! ☀️

Are you playing with a crushed paddle core? 🏓 Shawnigan Lake Pickleball Club’s Leanne Schultz is bringing attention to the issue. This month’s Rally for Recovery tournament is seeking volunteers, fashion tips to stay dry and warm, another video from our ‘Getting to know Owen Williams’ interview, and more!

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📸 Pictures, updates, or events to share? Send them to [email protected].

‘Crushed’ pickleball paddles issue threatens competition fairness and safety, says Vancouver Island club director

Vancouver Island, with multiple events on the Island schedule heading into the month of January. Unbeknownst to many however, is an issue plaguing the playing field that carries serious implications related to the fairness and safety of the sport.

READ MORE

Welcome João Pereira to our Coaching Directory!

João Pereira is a dual-certified (I​FP, Pickleball Canada) instructor ​with eight years of coaching pickleball and over 30 years coaching tennis.​ João combines his extensive background in tennis with his love for pickleball, offering a unique coaching perspective that helps players develop strong fundamentals, master key strategies, and enhance their game sense.​

 LEARN MORE

• The Forge Open: Rally for Recovery 2026 tournament seeks volunteers
  Read more at: https://vancouverislandpickleball.ca/the-forge-open-rally-for-recovery-2026-tournament-seeks-volunteers/

• Host Venue of 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championship announced
  Read more at: https://pickleballcanada.org/pickleball-canada-selects-pickleplex-social-club-as-host-venue-of-2026-pickleball-canada-national-championship/

• USA Pickleball Rules Changes For 2026
  Read more at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/toddboss/2026/01/01/usa-pickleball-rules-changes-for-2026/

• Pickleball in the cold: 3 fashion tips to stay stylish and warm
  Read more at: https://pickleball.com/fashion/pickleball-in-the-cold-3-fashion-tips-to-stay-stylish-and-warm

Opportunities to Play

Upcoming Events

• 🏓 The Forge Open: Rally for Recovery 2026 - Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2026 - More Info

• 🏓 9th Annual Comox Valley Pickleball Tournament - May 2, 2026 -

  Registration opens April 2, 2026. More info to come.

• 🎄 Cowichan Valley Winter Rally - Jan. 17 - Jan 18, 2026 - Registration Open

  
  (Contact us to have your region or event listed)

About Vancouver Island Pickleball

Vancouver Island Pickleball celebrates the growth and diversity of the Island’s pickleball community, sharing stories, updates, and resources that showcase the people, places, and passion driving the sport forward. With a vibrant social media presence and dynamic coverage, VIPB connects local and visiting players alike, highlighting the Island as a destination where pickleball and community thrive together.

Are you a player, club, business, or organization with a passion for pickleball? Reach out to us at [email protected]!