FROM THE USAPA
USAPA Ambassador Tom Widden Introduces
Pickleball on the Moody Blues Cruise
A
bunch of pickleball players traveled
together with USAPA Ambassador
Tom Widden, Lake Oswego, Oregon,
aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Pearl
to the Caribbean,” which featured the
Moody Blues Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventure to
Key West and Beyond.
With cruising speeds up to 20
knots (23mph), play was smooth and
comfortable with the Deluxe PickleNet
and the Onix Pure Ball (not one broke
during the cruise).
Tom brought along a variety of
pickleball paddles to share with fellow
“Moodies,” including John Lodge,
founder of the Moody Blues, pictured
here with District Ambassador Tom
Widden and the concert promoter. All
new players caught on to the game of
pickleball in just a few minutes.
After a morning of pickleball everyone
settled into great concerts until late at
night.
This historic voyage demonstrated that
cruise ship sport courts are ideal for the
pickleball player demographic, and should
be promoted as a natural combination to
attract seniors who love cruises and love
playing pickleball. More cruises featuring
pickleball are being planned soon. •
JULY/AUGUST 2016 |
MAGAZINE
31