Help! I’m Traveling to a Pickleball Tournament
Center court for a PPA event at Pictona at Holly Hill
So, you’ve signed up for a pickleball tournament. Maybe it sounded like a great idea (blame that second glass of wine?), or maybe you’re chasing medals and glory. Either way — the flight’s booked, your partner’s texting you memes, and reality is setting in: there’s a lot to prep. I’ve been to 15–20 tournaments — from PPA to APP, MLP to Nationals — and trust me, I’ve learned a lot the hard way. Here’s the balanced, no-nonsense guide I wish someone handed me.
What to Expect
Tournament days are long — and I mean all-day-long. In places like Florida, it’s not just the wait between matches; it’s the heat, the humidity, and the complete lack of shade. Hydration isn’t optional, it’s survival. Matches can run hours past their scheduled times, so clear your calendar, pack patience, and be ready to stay flexible.
Packing Checklist (With Some Hard-Learned Lessons)
Pickleball gear:
Two paddles. If one breaks mid-tournament, you’ll thank me.
At least two balls.
Court shoes for playing, sandals for when you’re done (trust me — your feet will scream otherwise).
Loose-fitting athletic clothing. I once wore sweatpants to my first tournament… big mistake. And, I mean, you should already know that a few extra pairs of socks per day are CRUCIAL.
Layers — mornings can be cold, afternoons scorching.
A hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen (don’t be me… I’ve been lobster-red more times than I’d like to admit).
First aid basics: blister patches, Advil, muscle rub. You’ll probably need them.
Travel essentials:
Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the 2019 USA Pickleball National Championships
Toiletries and medications (especially anything you might need mid-day). Deodorant may also be a good idea, too.
Chargers and a portable battery — match assignments come via text, and your phone is your lifeline.
Healthy snacks for travel days and beyond. Airport food won’t cut it. I like to go grocery shopping once we get to the location to make sure I’m stocked up on everything I need — my go-to items are fresh fruits, trail mix, a case of water, yogurt, and something salty for those long days.
Tournament extras:
Make sure the tournament schedule is set up on your phone browser for easy refreshing. Arrive at least an hour early.
Know where to find warm-up courts and use them smartly — get loose, not exhausted.
Hydration and snack game on point. You’ll need sustained energy.
A small, easy-to-carry bag — parking can be far, and you don’t want to lug a giant duffel across a hot lot. Some tournaments even have shuttles from the parking lot. I once had to jog to catch one because parking was so far out — definitely not the warm-up I planned! You never know, so be prepared.
Game Day Mental Prep
The night before, set small, manageable goals. Get 8 hours of sleep, eat a protein-packed dinner, and hydrate. On game day, focus on fundamentals. Use timeouts wisely (they’re there for a reason) and don’t spiral after mistakes. One point at a time. Most importantly: enjoy the chaos.
The Scene: It’s Basically a Pickleball Party
Big tournaments are an event. The energy? Electric. People are there to play, cheer, shop, and soak it all in. Take advantage of the vendor areas — you’ll find new products, great deals, and maybe free samples. And remember, tournaments are organized chaos. Weather delays, long matches, bracket confusion — it happens. Give tournament staff grace. They’re juggling a lot.
Pros: Closer Than You Think
A throwback photo of Riley Newman after winning the USA Pickleball National Championships in Indian Wells, CA with his sister, Lindsey Newman
Pros are just kind of there. This isn’t an NBA game or BNP. They walk among us — chatting, hanging out, and sometimes warming up on adjacent courts. I once saw Riley Newman watching an amateur play with one of his paddles; the fan noticed and lit up like Christmas. It was such a wholesome moment that reminded me how down-to-earth these pros really are. Most pros are happy to chat and take photos if you catch them at the right time (ideally after a match, not when they’re rushing between courts).
A Few More Things I Wish I Knew Early On:
Bring a crew if you can. The downtime between matches is way more fun with friends.
Expect sticklers and refs — know the rules and keep cool.
Warm up with intention. Don’t exhaust yourself before your first match.
Tournaments often run long. Be mentally and physically ready for a marathon.
Pack extra outfits if you sweat a lot or plan to head out afterward. I love traveling to new places because it gives me the opportunity to explore the local cuisine and attractions. One of my favorite finds was an incredible Cuban restaurant in Daytona that I still dream about!
After the Final Point
Win or lose, stretch it out, treat yourself to a good meal, and reflect on what went well. What would you change next time? Then… start planning the next one. And if you see someone courtside with a big hat and a backpack full of snacks — it’s probably me. Come say hi.
