Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. Low entry costs combined with a short learning curve make it a great introductory sport for people of all ages.
LBI offers courts that are spread conveniently throughout the island. There are playing groups varying in skill level, making it easy to find a game that suits you.
The Pickleball communities on the island are vibrant and welcoming. Whether you are a new or experienced player, this guide should tell you everything you need to know about playing Pickleball on Long Beach Island, NJ.
Pick your pickleball tips & advice 🏓
1. Where to Play
The following courts are located on the island and are available to the public, often for a small fee.
Long Beach Township Courts
📍 Locations:
6805 Long Beach Blvd: 3 courts (8am–7pm)
34th St & Long Beach Blvd: 4 courts (8am–5pm)
North Beach (Sandcastle Ln): 1 court, temporary net (8am–7pm)
Loveladies (Dolphin Ave): 1 court (8am–7pm)
Courts: All outdoor hard courts with permanent nets (except North Beach)
Fees: Recreation Badge required May 24 – Sept 9.
$40 seasonal (resident, with ID)
$80 seasonal (non-resident)
$20 weekly
$10 daily
Free for veterans and active military
Note: Badges sold via the My Beach Mobile app or at the 68th St Beach Badge Shack (ID required for resident rate)
Barnegat Light
📍 Location: 10 W 10th St 🕒 Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Courts: 3 outdoor hard courts with permanent nets and lines
Fees:
Barnegat Light Homeowners: Free
Non-Homeowners: $100 annual pass, $20 weekly pass, $5 daily pass Notes: Court space is limited — please be courteous if others are waiting to play.
Beach Haven (Nelson Ave Park and Playground)
📍 Location: Nelson Ave. Park – 2301–2351 West Ave (between Merivale & Nelson Avenues)
Courts: 6 outdoor hard courts with permanent nets and lines
Fees:
- Resident Seasonal Pass: $80.00 — Proof of residency required (NJ driver’s license or tax/water/sewer bill or 12-month lease). Includes dependents residing in the home. Purchase in person at the Pickleball Shack at Nelson Ave. Park.
Non-Resident Seasonal Pass: $120.00
Weekly Pass: $30.00
Daily Pass: $10.00 (No sales before 10 AM in season)
Veterans: Free lifetime recreation badges available with ID at the Centre St. beach badge office (valid at all recreation areas).
Active Military: Free weekly wristbands for active duty and immediate family. Available with ID at the Centre St. beach badge office.
Ship Bottom
📍 Location: 271 W 6th St (between Barnegat Ave. and Central)
Courts: 2 outdoor hard courts with permanent nets and lines
Fees: Residents: $50 annual badge. Non-residents: $80 annual, $20 weekly, $5 daily (pay attendant at court)
Surf City
- 📍 Location: N Barnegat Ave & N 1st St
Courts: 4 outdoor hard courts with permanent nets and lines
Fees: Access with a beach badge — $50 seasonal, $20 weekly, $10 daily; free for veterans, active duty military, and senior citizens
Harvey Cedars
📍 Location: Sunset Park, West Salem Ave
Courts: 2 outdoor hard courts with permanent nets and lines
Fees: Residents need only a beach badge. Non-residents: $100 seasonal, $20 weekly, $10 daily (can be purchased on site)
Reservations: South court can be reserved after 1:00 PM for $25 with a Pickleball Pass
2. How to find a game
Looking to join a game? Here’s how to play at each LBI court location:
There are several communities on Long Beach Island that can be found on the app “TeamReach”. Download the app and search the following codes to join these groups. Although these groups are welcoming, I recommend forming a basic understanding of the rules and etiquette before showing up.
Barnegat Light
Open Play: Every morning
TeamReach Code:
BL
Beach Haven
Open Play: Every morning, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TeamReach Code:
08008
Harvey Cedars – Sunset Park
Open Play: Every morning
TeamReach Codes:
HCand08008HC(HC Girlfriends)
Long Beach Township
(68th St. and 34th St. Courts)
Open Play: Every morning
TeamReach Codes:
Nelsonave,LBTPickle
Ship Bottom
Open Play: Every morning
Access: Badge required 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM; open to all after 3:30 PM
TeamReach Code:
SHIPBOTTOMPBTT
Surf City
Open Play: Every morning
Access: Open to all in the afternoons
TeamReach Code:
SCPB24
3. How to find a tournament
The island’s biggest event, the “LBI Pickleball at the Beach Tournament” is held annually in early August. The dates for 2025 are August 1st- 3rd. You can register using the link below.
There are also other events held in the area. For a full listing of tournaments check out the following sites.
4. Pickleball Instructors on LBI
Looking to level up your game? These local instructors offer lessons across the island:
Tristen Pickleball at LBIF (Loveladies)
Instructor: Kristen
Location: Long Beach Island Foundation (LBIF), Loveladies
CJ Milano – Island-Wide Instruction
Call or Text: 848-992-4488
Covers: All LBI towns
5. Pickleball Rules
6. Pickleball Etiquette
Like all sports, pickleball has a certain basic courtesy or decorum expected from the players, which is not explicitly stated in the official rulebook.
Here are 10 things every pickleball player should know.
Rule #1: Introduce yourself.
Be friendly. Pickleball is a social sport, so always start each match by introducing yourself to your partner and opponents and try learn their names. If there are new players, make them feel welcome and introduce them to others.
Rule #2: Learn and understand the rules of pickleball.
Before playing organized games, familiarize yourself with the rules. It will make everyone’s, including your experience more enjoyable.
If you “don’t have something nice to say then don’t say it all” is probably a good mantra to live by as Pickleball spectator. It’s also best to let the players make the out calls unless you are asked to do so.
Rule 4: Apologize whenever needed.
The casual “sorry” or non-verbal hand-up is always a good gesture to make in instances when the ball strikes the net and dribbles over, making it impossible for your opponents to return the shot, or when a hard shot or put away makes contact with a person’s body rather than paddle.
Rule #5: Be mindful of other ongoing matches.
Be mindful of other matches when navigating pickleball courts, especially when entering and exiting the baseline area or the sideline area.
Rule #6: Be honest about line calls.
This should go without saying, but if the ball lands out of play on your side of the court or if you or your partner’s foot faults in the kitchen, call it. And if you are not 100% sure it was out, always give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent.
Rule #7: Clearly announce the score.
When calling out the score before serving, make sure all the players can hear you. This allows any scoring discrepancies to be caught sooner rather than later.
Rule #8: Prioritize safety.
Always keep your safety and other players’ safety in mind, and be aware of any stray pickleballs rolling into the court and potentially causing injury. Do a quick “Ball on court” call or a non-verbal hand-up to notify players.
Rule #9: Paddle tap after the match.
Basketball has the handshake line, Pickleball has the paddle tap. End every game by meeting at the net and paddle “bump” or “tap” to acknowledge and exchange a “good game” with the other team.
Rule #10: Share the court.
Open play is designed to mix up the players and opponents, not for you and your buddy to go and dominate the courts. Always allow other players to play and cycle through different combinations of matches.
Heidi Block is a resident of Surf City and the Founder and CEO of Play-PKL, which makes men’s and women’s pickleball apparel, equipment and accessories built for the sport. She is also an avid tennis and pickleball player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic rules of pickleball?
The abbreviated form of the rules of how the game of pickleball is played can be found here.
Are there Pickleball clubs in Long Beach Island?
Yes, there are private clubs such as the Loveladies Tennis Club. However, there are various courts open to the public, such as the Bayview Park Pickleball courts.
Is Pickleball suitable for seniors?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, this sport is ideal for seniors, contributing to both their physical and mental wellness.