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.
As someone who has recently picked up the game, I highly recommend giving it a try. For me, the social aspect is a big draw. Getting the chance to play with people of all different ages and backgrounds is a unique and rewarding experience. 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.
1. Where to Play
The following courts are located on the island and are available to the public, often for a small fee.
Address: 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008
- No. of courts: 3
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: You may purchase an annual badge, which costs $80 for non-taxpayers and $40 for taxpayers. $20 for weekly passes, $10 for daily passes.
- Badges can be purchased at the Beach Badge Shack on 68th St or on the My Beach Mobile app. Seasonal badges can be purchased on the app but must be picked up in person at the 68th St Shack. Please bring proper I.D. with you when purchasing a seasonal resident badge.
Address: 10 W 10th St, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
- No. of courts: 3
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: Barnegat Light Homeowners are free. Non-homeowners are $100 for annual, $20 for weekly, $5 daily.
Address: 133rd St Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach Twp. NJ 08008
- No. of courts: 4
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: You may purchase an annual badge, which costs $80 for non-taxpayers and $40 for taxpayers. $20 for weekly passes, $10 for daily passes.
- Badges can be purchased at the Beach Badge Shack on 68th St or on the My Beach Mobile app. Seasonal badges can be purchased on the app but must be picked up in person at the 68th St Shack. Please bring proper I.D. with you when purchasing a seasonal resident badge.
Nelson Ave Park and Playground
Address: 2301-2351 West Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- No. of courts: 6
- Type of Surface: Concrete Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: Non Resident Fee: $120 Resident Seasonal passes: $80.00 Daily passes: $10.00 Weekly passes: $30.00 Veterans: Free lifetime recreation badges are available for all veterans. Go to the Centre St. beach badge office, with proper ID and documentation, to obtain these badges. The badges can be used in all recreation areas. Active Military: Free weekly wristbands are available for all active duty military and their immediate family members. Go to the Centre St. beach badge office, with proper ID and documentation, to obtain these wristbands. The wristbands can be used in all recreation areas.
- Badges can be purchased at the courts with cash or check.
Ship Bottom
Address: 271 W 6th St, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
- No. of courts: 2
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: All players must purchase a Recreation Pass. Prices are as follows Annual Badge Residents $50/Non-Residents $80, Weekly Badge $20, Daily Badge $5.
- Badges can be purchased at the courts from the badge attendant. Residents must show proof of residency (Tax bill, W&S bill).
Surf City
- No. of courts: 4
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: Can access courts with a beach badge for 2024 season.
Harvey Cedars
- No. of courts: 2
- Type of Surface: Hard Surface
- Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
- Nets: Permanent Nets
- Lines: Permanent Lines
- Fee: In-season fee begins on 6/15. All players must purchase a Pickleball Pass. Prices are as follows: Annual Pass Residents – Just need to have a beach badge/Non-Residents $100, Weekly Badge $20, Daily Badge $20.
- Badges can be purchased at the recreation booth on site or at the Borough Hall on 76th Street.
2. How to find a game
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 Pickleball
- Group Code: BL
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
Long Beach Township Pickleball
- Group Code: LBTPickle
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
Ship Bottom Pickleball
- Group Code: SHIPBOTTOMPBTT
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
Surf City Pickleball
- Group Code: SURFCITYPB
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
Nelson Ave. Pickleball (Beach Haven)
- Group Code: Nelsonave
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
HC Girlfriends PB
- Group Code: 08008HC
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate (2.75-3.5)
3. How to find a tournament
4. Pickleball Rules
5. Pickleball Etiquette
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.
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.
Conclusion
Pickleball has captured the hearts of people of all ages, and its popularity in Long Beach Island, NJ, has been growing year after year after year. As someone who has recently got into the game, I highly recommend giving it go!
If you have any questions about pickleball in LBI or any real estate specific questions, please feel free to give me a call at 609-467-4061 or email me at beau@guarinoteam.com. Hope to see you on the courts!
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.
