A community favourite is returning to Bundaberg Regional Council’s Be Active Be Alive program with free pickleball classes back from Saturday 31 October.
The fast-growing sport was a standout success earlier this year, attracting an average of 29 participants to each Bundaberg session.
Leading the classes in Bundaberg and Woodgate is local fitness instructor Barry Franklin who has been involved with the Be Active Be Alive program for four years.
Barry said many people who first picked up a paddle through the program have since become regular club members.
Some have even gone on to compete at state level while others simply enjoy the fun, friendship and sense of community the sport provides.
We caught up with Barry to learn more about the sport and its impact on the local community.
What can people expect from your classes?
The classes are fun, inclusive and interactive.
We make sure that by the end of each session everyone, regardless of their skill level, gets it and wants to come back for more.
What benefits do attendees gain from?
They get outside and active, meet new people, learn a new activity and we help them choose the correct pathway forward in their pickleball journey.
How do you support people of different ages, abilities or fitness levels?
We cater for everyone’s needs.
We play fun warm-up games and from this we gauge their ability and group them with players of a similar skill level.
Some want to be a bit more competitive, some like to hit and giggle and some want to stick with their family or friend group.
We let them decide, we just guide.
What’s your favourite thing about the Be Active Be Alive program?
The fact it’s free for people to try and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they realise, “I can do this. This is fun.”
What would you say to someone a bit nervous about trying a class?
Don’t be. We find your fit, or if not, we’ll make a new fit for you.
Join a class today
The Be Active Be Alive program continues to offer a mix of classes and new ways for residents to move, stretch, strengthen and enjoy the outdoors.
Pickleball enthusiasts can join sessions in both Bundaberg and Woodgate, making it even easier for residents across the region to give the sport a try.
All sessions are free, inclusive and suitable for all ages and abilities with no bookings required.
For all classes and times, check out the full program here.
For class notifications and updates, follow the Be Active Bundy Region Facebook page.
