Combining tennis, ping pong, and a little spice of badminton, you’ll have the recipe for the fastest growing sport in America, played with a paddle not much bigger than a table tennis bat.

With a perforated polymer ball, much like a wiffle ball, players on the pickleball court – roughly the size of a badminton court – enjoy a multi-generational, addictive sporting outlet that is as much about socialising as competing.

Lorraine Christiansen began playing Pickleball five years ago, and has been spearheading the growth of what is quickly becoming a weekend love affair for Whitsunday locals of all ages.

“It’s a great social game; it’s a lot more personal game than other bat or racket sports, because you’re closer to each player and because there’s a chance for some weird and funny shots – especially if it’s windy,” Lorraine said.

Just within Qld there are 70 venues where pickleball is currently being played, with Proserpine jumping on board soon, and 10,000 people in Qld play the game.

That growth is in no small part due to its easily accessible nature, and that it is less taxing on joints, meaning it’s become a favourite with once tennis players who might want a slower, more sociable game.

That doesn’t mean it’s not fast-paced at the higher levels though, and there’s certainly room for some tense rallies and close matches.

Locals are seeing a lot more paddles and perforated balls around Airlie as America’s fastest growing sport slowly takes over, with social play with the Pickleball Whitsunday club at 4:30pm on Thursday’s afternoons, as well as Saturday mornings at 6:30am at the Tennis Whitsundays courts in Cannonvale.

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This weekend the seventh annual Sportspark Expo will transform the Whitsundays PCYC into a buzzing hub for sports enthusiasts of all kinds who will come together and discover new clubs, signing-up for exciting seasons ahead.

There will be 25 different sports represented, all showcased at over 60 interactive stalls where attendees can talk to the professionals, learn about the club and decide whether they would like to join.

Suitable for both adults and children, everyone in the family can join-up to an exciting and healthy activity that will not only improve their wellbeing but also become a vibrant social outlet for all.

Chairman of the Whitsunday Sportspark said that, this year he expects it to be another popular event because so many people have moved to the region.

“There are more people than usual that are new to town – it’s off the Richter!” he said.

“It’s time to get active and healthy – get away from your screens after a couple of years in lockdown.”

Last year 350 people attended the event, and it is anticipated that this year will be the biggest yet.

Welcoming the return of sports like Football, Swimming and Basketball while introducing new additions to the event like Pickle Ball and Gel Blasting – you will be surprised at the variety of different sporting groups we have in our community.

The Expo is an excellent place to see all of these under one roof – so make sure you come down to the PCYC this Saturday, 5th February from 9am until 12pm.

‍Discover the sport of golf

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In the international stage, we were a little late to the party when it came to basketball – we didn’t quite get the first memo on the sport that has taken over the culture of the US - but we made a bang of an entrance once we finally did.

The third best basketball nation in the world, Australia is enjoying its golden age in the sport, and in turn its golden generation, and here in the Whitsundays, it’s our locals’ chance to become a part of one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

A team of passionate locals in the Whitsundays have been fostering the growth of basketball in the region, continuing to teach youngsters from their own expertise, as well as with the help of special guests during training camps and tournaments.

Tim Oberg has been at the vanguard over the last two years, taking basketball from nowhere to having a strong core of young players, and with the goals in mind of bringing in the seniors, masters, and representative competitions for Far North Queensland from the Whitsundays.

“My favourite thing about junior basketball is for starters that the boys and the girls get to play together, they learn to understand each other,” Tim said.

“The skills too, the passing, the catching, and your general fitness are all integral for young kinds.”

Now the Whitsundays is entering the game, and there’s the potential for the next generations Patty Mills to be Whitsunday Basketball alumni.

Played on a basketball court, the basics are to score in the oppositions hoop – scoring more than your opponent wins you the game. It’s a game accessible to anyone of any build, even though tall players often dominate the national circuits. A small player can be a point guard, a small forward. A tall player, a power forward or a centre.

Whitsunday Basketball are excellent teachers, both in Bowen and Airlie Beach. You can find out more about their training schedules for your township here - whitsundaybasketball.com.

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From bubs to adults, Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle is the team of professionals providing the finest swimming classes, as well as Aqua Fit and Hydrotherapy so that everyone in the Whitsundays can enjoy the water.

Owner and founder, Danielle Shea, believes that every child and adult should learn how to swim, because it’s not only an important skill, but allows them to experience the region in its fullest.

“It’s the number one survival skill that anyone should learn and especially living here in the Whitsundays when you’re surrounded by water,” Danielle said.

“Not every family has a pool, but every family will visit the lagoon, or the beach, birthday parties and living in Australia, it’s surrounded by water – so every child and adult should learn to swim.”

Danielle is an expert in her field, having been awarded Swim Australia Teacher of the Year for 2020 for always putting her heart and soul into the school.

Teaching mums and bub classes as well as juniors and adults, the school guides the development of their students of every age, helping them achieve their goals, especially when introducing first time learners to the wonders of the water.

The team of experts at Airlie Beach Swim School are there to guide you to becoming your best swimmer, with safety at the heart of all their training.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club had a fantastic week of bowls, welcoming new players and last Wednesday Merve Stewart’s Jackpot Bowls was hotly contested with one team standing out from the rest - Col Morris skippered, Karen Jensen at lead and Paul Foster.

Sunday afternoon was also a great gathering with 33 talented bowlers all competing for the cash, thanks must go to Henny Tattam who arranged the draw so there could be no arguments.

Ladda Purdie as skipper with John Brown and Betty Whitehorn had a great win.

Duncan Smith has retired from running Scroungers and John Askew will be taking over the reins and it will recommence on Saturday the 29th January at 9.30 am - please have $15 in before 9am sharp and everyone is welcome.

The school competition is being finalised by Margo Stanley in the next few weeks.

All members must have their monies in by 31st January to avoid reapplying to Bowls Queensland, so please get into the clubhouse this week.

Finally, Business House Bowls will commence Wednesday evening, 2nd February, so any businesses wishing to have some socialising with their staff are invited to get 4 people together - it’s great fun kicking off at 6.30pm, monies in by 6.15pm at only $10 per person, with cheap drinks and meals available.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Caption: Paul Foster, Karen Jensen and Col Morris after their big win on Wednesday. (Please crop image to remove anything other than the people)

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Wednesday Social Bowls: Joan Edwards, Robyn Stitt, Peter Bruce, Paula Welsted, Lee Welsted and Daryl Tuttle. Mary-Ellen Pratten, Lou Fordham, Doc Fordham-Kurri, Herb Dalton, Gus Munro. Gavin Charles, Jill Brabon, Tracey Roach and Ron Gould.

Sunday Scroungers Winners: Peter Thomson, Steve Roome, Helen Jacobsen, Herb Dalton, Peter Bruce and Peter Wilson.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner Carol O’Connell 38 points, runner up on a countback Bev Lowcock 36 points. Men’s winner Ryley Malone 39 points, runner-up on a countback Russell Carlyon 38 points.  

Saturday was a single stableford for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner Tanya Gaudry 40 points, runner-up Claire Garrod 37 points. Turkeys nests to Claire Garrod, Grace Nott, Robyn Newell. NTP Carol O’Connell.  

Men’s winner on a countback Rhyce Layton 37 points, runner-up Walter Maguire 37 points. Turkeys nests to Jeremy Chrzanowski, Dave Lydom, Geoff Fellows. NTP Tim Miller and the car wash voucher was won by Paul Martin.

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf club. The joker draw has gone back to $1000 after Matt Trewin picked the joker card last week. Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu. Takeaways still available. Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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A three ball Ambrose was held with 21 members playing in the Whitsunday comp.

The winning score went to the team of Anna Winterbourn, Ron Jamieson and George Meharry on 66.333 on a countback from the runners-up Linda Wardroper, Scott Wardroper and Mark Callaghan.

Pin shots went to Paul Nicol, Mark McDougall, Linda Wardroper.

Longest Drive was claimed by Peter Fox, Peta Thomas, Mark Callaghan and Karen Rix.

Next week will be a Single Stableford followed by the Annual General meeting at the Reef Gateway Hotel from 1pm.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

Winners L – R: Mark Callaghan, Ron Jamieson, Anna Winterbourne, Scott and Linda Wardroper

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There were 18 of us out on the course yesterday and what a great day for golf it was!

Most of the scores however were not that great - the ladies winner was Anna Winterbourn (36), second was Tina Randmae (34).

For the men, the winner was Nick Apruzzese (39), second Vic Feldman (34).  

The pin shots for the ladies went to Lyn Muller (5th) and Tina Randmae (18th) and the men’s went to Warren Deighton (5th) and John Oates (18th).  

There were two chip-ins on the day, Peter Fox (14th) and Tina Randmae (10th).  

Keeping the best till last, the coveted NAGA went Albert Pini and Paula McQuat.

Next Tuesday will again be a Stableford competition so come on down - the more the merrier.

Anna Winterbourne and Nick Apruzzese

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On a refreshingly overcast Saturday 62 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course. We had 15 first timers from locations such as South Australia, Victoria, Cairns, Brisbane and Mackay and Damien Campbell recorded a new Personal Best.

The event was made possible by 13 wonderful volunteers: Tim Oberg, Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Greg Olver, Toma King, Darlene Reid, Wade Whincop, Christopher Harvey, Susanne Willmott, Laura Oates, Louise Cox and Rosalie Crank.

This week’s first female finisher Brigitte was visiting Airlie Beach parkrun for the first time and was only 1 second off the female record of 18:56 that's currently held by Alex Stevens.

Tutu fun - Margaret, Ashley, Tennelle and Susanne

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Over the weekend, the Cannonvale Cannons hosted a very successful swimming carnival with 240 swimmers participating. The Cannons’ Management Committee with NQ Swimming did a fantastic job with organising the event.  

Club Coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the Cannons who swam exceptionally well, swimming PBs in most of their events. It was impressive to see Cannons selected for the Skins and performing superbly.    

Ken reported that the 49 Cannons competed in 614 swims and achieved 440 PBs which is outstanding. The Cannons set 20 more Club Records.  

Congratulations to all the boys who set new Club Records - Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Nelson Malady, Austin Edwards-Bland, Oliver Bond, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson. The coaches would also like to commend all the Cannons who were selected in the Skins’ events.  

Special mention to Eloise Chegwidden, James Davies, Tora Delac, Maeve Dichiera, Austin Edwards-Bland, Liam Filewood, Scarlett Gascoyne, Koa Harland, Lochlan Jamieson, Mitchell Milostic, Isaac Pisaniello, Alannah Ogilvie, Charlotte and Lukas Trevaskis and Celeste Orenshaw who all  swam extremely well and achieved PBs in all their events.  

It was exciting to see some young Cannons putting in a mighty effort. Zane Clayworth (6 years) smashed his 25m Butterfly in 36.47 seconds (a 10 second PB).  

Thomas Ganter (10 years) swam a very smooth 100m Breaststroke in 1.48.08 which earnt him a silver medal.  

Ruby Harland (9 years) saw a 13.8 second PB in her 50m Breaststroke. Matilda Nicholes (9 years) swam a super 100m Freestyle in under 1 minute 40 seconds which was a 9.8 second PB.  

Nelson Malady swam a fantastic 100m Breaststroke in 1.48.04 to earn a gold medal. Nathan Saunders (10 years) swam extremely well in his 100m IM, swimming under 2 min and earnt a 11.13 second PB.  

The coaches would like to commend all the Cannons who competed on the weekend - they all put in a mighty effort and were very successful. A big thank you to all the parents who worked hard all week to make the carnival such a success.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannonvale Cannons’ Boys

Cannonvale Cannons’ Girls

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Ideal for youngsters who are interested in channelling their physicality into a controlled discipline or for those who wish to gain confidence through mastering a martial art, Cannonvale Kyokushin Karate Club helps your child learn and develop in a safe environment.

Sensei Belinda Woodham is a third-degree black belt who started her training back in 1987 and has been running the Cannonvale club for the past 15 years.

“It’s good for developing listening skills and concentration, fitness, confidence and self-discipline,”she said.

“We still make it fun but also instil disciplines such as paying attention, perfecting techniques and trying our best.”

Belinda has enjoyed watching many junior and senior students mature within the dojo environment with many assisting with classes as they reach higher grade levels passing on a wealth of information and knowledge.

“This Karate Club is an excellent place to nurture and support growing minds, giving them structure, security and self-assurance,” she said.

For those living with confidence or behavioural issues, this sport can be especially beneficial as it helps to bring out the best of each personality type.

Available for children six years and older, the classes take place from 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday evening, and each class is split into the appropriate age-groups.

Senior classes for those 13 years and older are also popular with extra training offered over the weekend when leading up to events.

There is opportunity to progress through the gradings as your child learns and perfects techniques.

They can also attend events like camps and tournaments with option to travel to southern tournaments to compete against some of the country’s best.

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There’s nothing quite like The World Game, The Beautiful Game, Futbol, Le Foot - the biggest sport in the world, known in Australia as soccer.

Here in the Whitsundays, the mighty orange and black of Whitsunday United Football Club are the representatives of the region, with senior men, women, and youth teams from under 13 to under 16 pulling on the shirt each week.

It’s the sport everyone knows whether you be a rugby devotee or an AFL aficionada, as the world’s most popular sport is, of course, its most enduring, with all ball sports born from its influence.

It’s a favourite for kids across the world, meaning almost everyone knows the rules, but for the uninitiated, football is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end – the objective to score more than the opposition.

Whitsunday United have already begun their registration drive this year, with the men’s team training since the beginning of January, they’ll be soon joined by the Senior Women and Youth teams starting February 8.

Home games are played at the Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturdays throughout the day, with their away matches in Mackay.

The men and women’s squads work over two teams, with one premier division team and reserve grade, and for players of all levels there’s a place at Whitsunday United, with coaches more than accommodating for those new or returning to the game.

For those in the competitive frame of mind, the Premier Men’s team have recruited an array of talent this year, building on their successful season last year, with the same for each team.

Aside from the fitness, the competitive nature, and the fun of the sport, Whitsunday United have an exceptionally welcoming culture.

A favourite past-time for player of the match performances is, to the tune of Freed from Desire, players sing out “so and so’s on fire, your defence is terrified” and other strangely welcoming traditions of camaraderie.

There’s nothing like football, and there’s nothing like Whitsunday United.

Follow the Whitsunday United Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on training schedules, gamedays and more.

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The whole community is invited to the seventh annual Whitsunday Sportspark Expo - an opportunity to learn about and discover new ways of keeping fit, participating in teams, and interacting with your community.

Due to be held on Saturday 5th February from 9am until 12pm, the Expo will feature a wide range of local sporting groups and clubs who look forward to meeting new team members and telling children of all ages about the sports they love.

An interactive experience, there will be opportunity to bat a tennis ball, jump on a motorbike, climb aboard a sailing dingy and shoot for goal in a number of ball sports.

Great fun for the whole family, the Expo brings together over 60 different local clubs so that your children can discover their next passion.

Chat with the stall hosts and find out how different sporting commitments can work alongside each other so you can maximise your children’s extra-curricular activities.

“This is an opportunity to see what’s out there, everything you need for a happy and healthy new year,” said Whitsunday Sportspark chairman Justin Butler.

Individual sport stalls will be on the left-hand side as you enter the PCYC and team sports will be on the right.

In the middle section, the PCYC canteen will be serving morning tea, coffee and cold drinks.

The 2021 Whitsunday Sportspark Expo

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Sometimes the best kind of competing is the internal battle, beating your own personal records and finding that your true strength lies within.

At Whitsunday Weightlifting, building your power, speed, coordination, balance, challenging yourself and your self-confidence all come hand in hand.

Each week at both Gravity Fitness in Airlie Beach and at Whitsunday Weightlifting in Mount Marlow, Whitsunday powerlifting and weightlifting coaches Tony Lisciandro and Leanne Knox help their group of committed weightlifters achieve personal bests.

With a loaded barbell, these athletes learn to lift their heaviest weights, pushing their own boundaries and showing themselves what they can achieve.

“It’s perfect for males, females, anyone any age, because it’s experience driven – you could be a beginner at 15 or a beginner at 50 and you’ll both be at the same level,” Leanne said.

“People think that’s not for me, but anyone can do weightlifting, and it is so good for you.”

Leanne said that the wide-ranging benefits of not only regular exercise, but increased muscle mass have shown improvements in people’s cognitive abilities too, making them happier and healthier.

They have a wide range of ages at the Weightlifting club, as well as a wide range of techniques from the highly technical Olympic Weightlifting moves such as the Snatch and clean and jerk to Powerlifting basics of Squat, deadlift, and bench press.

For those externally motivated, the club hosts its own regular, internal competitions which pit members against each other. Leanne also encourages her pupils to join into state and regional competitions.

“The best thing about powerlifting is that it’s empowering; it shows you what you can achieve,” Leanne said.

You can head to any of their sessions for a come and try day, where Leanne or Tony are more than accommodating.

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