Have you thought about a pickleball holiday? Well, how about a cruise on a luxury yacht which includes matches on a floating pickleball court in a secluded cove at sunset?
That’s what’s on offer from ‘Smiley’ Riley Palmer, a certified US pickleball pro instructor, Crushed Pickleball sponsored player, business development specialist and travel agent.
Riley has organised a pickleball enthusiast’s trip of a lifetime, setting sail from Dubrovnik on 1 September aboard the Aretha luxury mini cruiser yacht and ending in Split a week later.
Included will be not only breakfast, lunch and captain’s dinner, but pickleball sessions with locals from the Tesla Pickleball Association in Dubrovnik on Saturday and Sunday, further matches on the island of Brac and a sunset session on a floating court off the island of Korcula. Starting price is US$3700 per person.
Riley told Pickleball52: “Last year I went to Croatia, hired a small cruising yacht for the week and filled the rooms with people – English, Belgians, Italians and Americans.
“But whilst there I wanted to play pickleball so bad. I reached out before going to any pickleball players or organisations but there was very little I could find.”
Since then Riley has spent eight months making contact with several pickleball clubs in Croatia and setting up round-robin tournaments and social events for this September’s lucky cruise-goers.
“These ships look like a celebrity just stepped off them,” said Riley. “There are 12 staff for 30 passengers so we will be very spoiled.”
When a local firm showed her the plans for a floating pickleball court, Riley says, “my jaw just dropped! It looks so beautiful.”
The court will be launched for the first time in May. “We will play sunset pickleball at Korcula next to the famous blue cave. It’s very novel and super exciting.”
Next, Riley is hoping to lead pickleball trips to Italy later this year. She has taught clinics in several US states including Miami and Mexico. Coaching with her is senior pro player and owner of Cabo Pickleball Pro and Quatro Certified Coaching Certification programme Matt PanGaser.
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Full cruise itinerary below
