BY ANDREW DELONG
Bill and Karla Gerczak enjoy staying active during retirement. In addition to tennis, long walks and occasional bicycle rides, they incorporate a high-energy game of pickleball into their fitness regimen.
"It's a good sweat and yet it's fun at the same time," said Karla Gerczak. "You hardly know you're working out."
St. Pete Beach Community Center has two pickleball courts open from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
"It's a game like tennis played on a badminton court with a short net, a Wiffle Ball, and pingpong rackets on steroids," said Jim Wikoff of Bradenton, who along with Carol Walker helped bring the sport to the community center three years ago.
Wikoff, 70, said the accessibility factor of the game is one of its main selling points. He plays twice a week and describes the game as less strenuous than badminton or tennis and easy to learn.
"Anybody that walks in and has a pair of tennis shoes on could pick the game up and start playing. You don't have to be John McEnroe to play it. You can be Jim Wikoff," he said with a laugh.
Pickleball can be played inside or outdoors on a court with similar dimensions to a badminton doubles court. It is played with two or four players and generally lasts 10 to 15 minutes per game.
The goal is to volley a Wiffle Ball across the net into the service zone using a paddle, until it bounces twice or exits the court, which is when the serving team scores a point. You have to be the service team, serving underhanded, to score the points and the team that scores 11 points first wins. If there is a tie, the team must win by two.
"It's a very quick and very good aerobic game," said Bill Gerczak.
The Gerczaks, both in their 50s, spend six months a year at their home in Michigan and six months in South Pasadena. They started playing pickleball two years ago because it adds variety to their exercise routines while boosting their energy levels. They particularly enjoy scoring the games and teaching newcomers how to play.
Wikoff and the Gerczaks enjoy the camaraderie with the other players. Sometimes after the session, a group of players will head out for a cup of coffee or maybe a light breakfast.
"It's kind of a social event. There's no pressure, and we just play and have some fun," said Bill Gerczak. "We're willing to teach people. Stop by sometime. We'll put a paddle in your hands."
17 Today
Le Salon de Danse Part Deux:
A salon style dance series, curated by Michael Foley with Paula Kramer, offers an opportunity to see a choreographer's work designed specifically for the close space
of an art gallery. The opening event features Jennifer Archibald with
a unique blend of hip-hop,
modern dance and ballet. 2 p.m. Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S
St. Petersburg. $25, $15 students/seniors. Call (727) 895-6620.
Music Fest on the Water:
Take in impersonations of many celebrities by the Happy Days Show Duo. 1 to 4 p.m. Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Free. Call (727) 821-6443.
19 Tuesday
Financing Your Business Lunch & Learn: Bring lunch and learn about small business financing. 1 to 2 p.m. St. Petersburg Business Assistance Center, 440 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Free. Call (727) 893-7146 or visit stpete.org/bac for registration or information.
Night Hike: Get a close look at some of the creepy crawlies that come out after dusk. 6 p.m. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg. $3, $1.50 kids. Call (727) 893-7326
for reservations.
20 Wednesday
At Home and Abroad: The Road of Art and Artists in Creating Social Change: This panel discussion addresses social justice issues impacting marginalized populations. Grace-Anne Alfiero moderates. Panelists include Leslie Thomas, Patrick Henry, Carl Lavender, Steve Lesky, Linda Osmundson and Terri Lipsey Scott. This is a companion lecture to the Congo/Women exhibit on view at the Poynter Institute through Feb. 20. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Poynter Institute for Media Studies, 801 Third St. S, St. Petersburg. Call Eckerd College at (727) 864-7979 to reserve a seat.
Healthy Cooking for 2010:
Culinary expert and celebrity
food stylist Debra Murray demonstrates easy ways to incorporate healthy cuisine into a busy schedule in her Rethink the Way You Cook program. 6 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church and School (Wegner Hall), 301 58th St. S,
St. Petersburg. Free. Call (727) 344-2684, ext. 263.
21 Thursday
Investigating Shelter: Families will learn to map, classify and identify an archeological site. Best for ages 8 and older. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Free (registration recommended). Call (727) 453-6500.
Relay For Life Benefit: Wine sampling, raffle and more at fundraiser for participant in Relay for Life.
10 percent of the wine sales benefits American Cancer Society. 5 to 8 p.m. VINO 100, 5056 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Call (727) 522-8466.
22 Friday
Tampa Bay Home Show,. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tropicana Field, 1 Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg. $3, 16 and younger free; free parking. Call (727) 893-8523.
Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show and Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday. Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $4 (good for all three days). Call (727) 892-5202 or visit stpete.org/coliseum.
23 Saturday
The 21st Century Antique and Collectible Show: More than 50 dealers from Florida and 10 states will be buying, selling, trading and exhibiting all types of antiques, from collectibles to furniture. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Piccadilly Museum Warehouse, 3150 71st St. N, St. Petersburg. Free. Call (727) 345-6627 or visit 21centuryexpo.com.
A Reason to Rock: This Parkinson's Disease benefit concert features Chris McCarty, Bootleg, Burning Tree and The Prospect. 6 p.m. State Theatre, 687 Central Ave.,
St. Petersburg. $15 advance, $20
at the door. Call (727) 895-3045.
All About Manatees: Elissa Riley of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission teaches about manatees and discusses the latest research on the mammals. 2 to 3 p.m. Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Free (preregistration required). Call (727) 453-6500.
Train Show: A show and swap meet for all types and scales of model trains. Lunch available for purchase. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, 7177 58th St. N, Pinellas Park. $4, 12 and younger free. Call (727) 244-1341 or visit
regalrailways.com.
If you go
Pickleball
When: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach.
Cost: $2. All equipment
provided.
For more information:
Call (727) 363-9245.
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