Pickleball Smash

A Pickleball card game!

 

2-4 players

Ages 8+

15 minutes per game

Be the first player to play enough tricks that equal exactly 11 points.

A fun and affordable pickleball themed gift. Buy online at pickleballsmash.net

I don’t know how to play real Pickleball. Can I play Pickleball Smash?

Absolutely! In fact, we’ve found Pickleball Smash to be a great way to introduce new players to the vocabulary of the sport. You will learn name of shots like dink, lob, smash, ATP, and drop shot. You will learn other important terminology like kitchen violation, poaching, and Ernies. And while a person could play Pickleball Smash without ever playing Pickleball, you might just get the desire to try out the sport once you master the card game!

Pickleball Smash provided their card game to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

 

Paddletek

The Tempest Wave Pro 

The Tempest Wave Pro delivers unmatched accuracy, power and forgiveness, allowing you to reach the highest levels of performance. Smart Response Technology and a large, consistent sweet spot add finesse to every shot, while the balanced weight increases speed and maneuverability for even better play.

Tempest Wave Pro offers standard or thin grip preference. And seven color choices. Specs are clearly outlined so you know what you are getting. The surface is textured graphite and the core is Tempest SRT Core (Graphite Polymer Composite Honeycomb). The Tempest Wave Pro is the most popular Paddletek paddle. 

It has been two months with the Tempest Wave Pro on the courts – I love it! The Tempest has available speed, provides good ball control, is lightweight, and has a comfortable grip. And I like the simple design and color – Aurora (purple). It is an amazing paddle.

Email notes from dawn @ yahoo dot com for a 10% off discount code on your Paddletek order

Paddletek signature paddles include the Tempest Series, Bantam Series and Phoenix Series to help you reach your next level of play. 

Paddles are always a topic around the court! I would like to thank Paddletek for the opportunity to show off this incredible paddle in the Raleigh NC area. 

Paddletek provided the Tempest Wave Pro to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

Paddle Candy Pickleball

 

 

Paddle Candy Sea Turtle Pickleball Paddle

Made in the design of the Vulcan V520 Control Pickleball Paddle which offers maximum control and feel, perfect for tactical players. Standard paddle shape, polypropylene core with fiberglass V-Skin surface, control grip at 4-1/4”, 7.8 oz.

I took right to this paddle. It has a comfortable grip and nice balance. All around good performance on the court. Bright colors and turtle image on this paddle stand out. It’s a paddle that definitely gets noticed. 

A portion of the sales of the Sea Turtle paddle supports the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC.

Paddle Candy PIckleball Backpack

I love a good bag! This backpack is designed to go with your Paddle Candy paddle. Bright colors included. Not overly complicated with pockets; there are two large main areas, two small front zipper areas, and side net pockets. I can easily carry three paddles, a few balls, a jacket, hat, and the small stuff (keys, phone, ect) It has a hook to hang on the court fence. A flat bottom lets the bag sit upright and the overall size is just right for a pickleball outing.

Vulcan Sporting Goods Co. provided the Paddle Candy paddle and backpack to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

Vulcan Sporting Goods Co.

 

Vulcan 8′ Practice Pickleball Net

The Vulcan practice net comes with a sling style carry bag. The bag does the job of keeping everything together although it isn’t very supportive. Also it would be more convenient if it had a zipper top like a duffel bag.  

Setup of the net is easy.The two upright frame poles have a spring button connection. Other poles just fit together small end into large end. The net sleeves slide on each end of the the frame and an elastic bottom keeps it taut.  The net stands an inch taller than regulation height of 34″.  I place a tie trap around the bottom of the net and pole to compensate for this and bring the net down to 34 inches. 

It is very lightweight so there is a hint of a wobble. It’s not a hefty system but it does the job. For the price, it is a nice little net. A great way to practice drills and dinking when you are away from the courts. Use on any flat surface indoors or out. Store indoors.

Vulcan Sporting Goods Co. provided the practice net to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

OnCourt OffCourt

Since 1994, OnCourt OffCourt has become the tennis and pickleball industry leader in creative training tools, training aids, and practice equipment.

PickleNet Mini

A smaller version of their popular PickleNet system.

It is regulation pickleball height at 34” at the center of the net. This net system measures 10 feet in length for practice away from a court location such as a garage, driveway, basement, and similar flat surface. For use indoors or out but store indoors for best care. Oval tube frame keeps net system straight. It is lightweight and easily portable. The convenient storage/ carry bag has velcro tabs inside and a storage sleeve on both inside sides. I keep the net in one of the side sleeves and lay all the frame tubes in the middle. All frame pieces have a small number sticker which is helpful for the first time assembling. Very easy and quick to put up. We use chalk to mark the kitchen line (7′ feet from net). 

It gets my stamp of approval as something a pickleball player would actually use! 

OnCourt OffCourt provided the PickleNet Mini to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

Selkirk

 

 

 

Selkirk’s newest paddle – Amped Epic. It boasts both power and control. 

Power and control are two characteristics you would expect from a pickleball paddle and yet, before AMPED,  Pickleball paddles were designed for either power or control, not both. Selkirk set out to change that.

Determined not to sacrifice one characteristic by focusing on the other, we were relentlessly uncompromising in the creation of a paddle that delivers both characteristics you need to win the game.

To achieve this, the AMPED Series pioneered an entirely new technology, never before seen in the Pickleball industry. Combining a state of the art FiberFlex™ Fiberglass face with a thicker Polypropylene X5 Core™, AMPED paddles revolutionized the sport we all love and continue to amplify your power and your control.

 

FiberFlex™ Fiberglass face/ Polypropylene X5 Core™

Available in a mid-weight or light-weight and three color options.  Amethyst Purple looks great.

One week into my review of Selkirks’ Amped Epic I find it performs great for placement shots. The handle is comfortable and the grip keeps my hand feeling dry. The surface is pretty thick but the paddle is not heavy at all. There is no vibration. The thickness of the paddle gives my hand a different feel. The first few times with it, my plays felt kinda soft and serves felt solid but not necessarily powerful.  For me, it will take a few more times with it on the courts to get the power part of it. It’s coming. 

Have you tried this paddle? What has your experience been? Leave your comments below.

Selkirk offers several paddles. Details and specs are given for each of the paddles so that you can select what you want. A local sports store has pickleball paddles for beginners but they do not offer a quality paddle for intermediate + players.  I highly recommend the Selkirk high-performance paddle brand. 

Made in the USA. USAPA Approved.

Selkirk provide an Amped Epic Pickleball paddle to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

Survival Skills

The Survival Skills Handbook is the must-have survival guide for all young explorers. This practical field guide is full of information about the essential skills needed for outdoor activities, with step-by-step instructions, tips and level-headed advice from Bear, plus cool facts and incredible illustrations. Don’t leave home without it!

Author Bear Grylls

Volumes One and Two

Flexbound, 192 pages

Great books!! Recommended ages are 8-13 but I think many adults would appreciate them also. They are 5½ by 7½; a good size to take in a backpack/ bag. Each book is divided into four sections. The pages are glossy which make them easy to turn. Clear color illustrations are all throughout the book and go hand in hand with the information.

A great resource and good gift idea. Highly recommend 🥾

 

Kane Miller EDC Publishing provided these books to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

 

Wild Nights Out

paperback, 192 pages

The Magic of Exploring the Outdoors After Dark

Learn how to call for owls, walk like a fox and expand your sensory perceptions. Wild Nights Out is a wonderful new hands-on guide for those who wish to take kids (of all ages) outdoors for fun, thrilling nighttime nature adventures.

The cover did look good but I found this book a disappointment. I was expecting a book on nature at night in the way of facts, information, and stories to said subject. Didn’t happen. The 192 pages were uninteresting. Many suggested games needed participants as would a group or class. There was mythology galore in Chapter 5, Learning the Night Sky, and I don’t care to know about this tradition/ belief.

The book’s description states that there are black-and-white illustrations throughout; however, there is a one page illustration before each chapter making only 7 illustration in the entire book.

This title aside, I would still be interested in the many titles offered by Chelsea Green Publishing. “Since 1984, Chelsea Green has been the leading publisher of books about organic farming, gardening, homesteading, integrative health, natural building, sustainable living, socially responsible business, and more. Now employee-owned.”

Chelsea Green Publishing provided a copy of Wild Nights Out to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

Enjoy the Ride

We all enjoy the ride. Whether commuting by bike to escape traffic or stay in shape, exploring trails and mountains on a mountain bike with friends, pushing mental and physical limits in a weekend race, or taking a two-wheeled adventure with the family – the bicycle allows pure enjoyment like few other things in life. At Pedro’s, we are committed to offering innovative, unique, and high quality cleaners, lubricants, tools, and accessories that keep your bike running right, so you enjoy every ride. Pedro’s – Enjoying the Ride Since 1989.

A huge thank you to Pedro’s for providing the following products for review here on Notes From Dawn. Think Spring – and get ready to ride, if you aren’t already. 

Reviewed: Pedro’s Starter Kit

Enjoy a beautiful day out on your bike – Spring IS coming. And no matter what your mechanical misfortunes, this kit will have your bike up and running in no time. Here’s what is in the Starter Kit:

• 7pc L Hex Set w/ Holder: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm hex sizes.
• 8mm L Hex
• Tire Lever Pair – Yellow
• Cassette Lockring Socket
• Phillips #2 Screwdriver
• Flat 5.5mm Screwdriver
• Apprentice Pedal Wrench
• Six-Pack Chain Tool with Spoke Wrenches (3.2, 3.3 and 3.5mm)
• Cable Cutter
• Cog Wrench
• Toothbrush

There’s even extra spots for tools down the road. It’s durable and waterproof, a perfect way to stay organized. Save bench space and hang the wrap by the two metal grommets. A great kit.

Reviewed: Folding Hex Set w/ Screwdrivers and the Folding Hex Set w/ Torx 25

Two essential tools you’ll wanna have this spring. Both backed by Pedro’s lifetime warranty.

Reviewed: Chain Pig

“Pedro’s Chain Pig: He gets dirty so you don’t have to!” He’s an easy to use, hands free cleaning machine. A neat way to clean your chain.

 

Reviewed: Folding Repair Stand

“Durable and stable three-point base. 360-degree rotating clamp accepts tubes up to 65mm. Trigger-style clamp for quick and secure one-handed clamping. Height adjustable from 42″ to 73. Includes heavy duty carrying bag.” Handy to use and simple to store out of the way. Spoil yourself with this one!

Bike. Buy from Pedro’s. Enjoy the Ride.

Notes From Dawn received these items from Pedro’s in exchange for an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

Wake Up

Introduce your little one to the little wonders that happen all throughout nature! Choose either Build It, Grow, Hatch, or Wake Up. Holes cut out of each page turn each event into a fascinating transformation to experience!

Hardcover, recycled material, ages 2-4

Cute little story for a young reader. Introduces the dormouse, polar bear, lemur, and tortoise. Recycled board book needs to be kept dry. 

Kane Miller EDC Publishing provided this book to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.