1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL 32117
After weeks of enjoyable cooler weather, temperatures are on the rise! As the courts heat up, so does the risk of overheating. Stay safe and keep your game strong with these essential tips for staying cool while playing pickleball.
Timing is everything! Avoid playing during the peak afternoon heat. Instead, schedule your matches in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower, ensuring a more comfortable and safer game. At Pictona there are also 13 covered courts for shaded play - another way to beat the heat! Courts 1-8 and Courts at P2 surrounding the MetroHealth, Inc. Stadium are covered. Click HERE for a map of courts. Members can reserve courts 2-weeks in advance. Click HERE for info on Court Reservations.
Your choice of clothing can make a big difference in the heat. Opt for sweat-wicking, dri-fit fabrics that help keep you cool. Light-colored attire—such as white, tan, or pastels—reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Long sleeves can also help shield your skin and keep you feeling cooler.
Proper hydration is key to peak performance and safety. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages before, during, and after your match. A good guideline is to consume half your body weight in ounces of water daily, with an additional 16-20 ounces for every hour of physical activity. The NIH cites a study that found people who do not properly hydrate are more likely to develop chronic diseases. The diseases included heart failure, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and dementia.
Beat the Heat!
Give your body time to adapt to rising temperatures. Start with short bursts of exercise, such as a light jog or a brief pickleball session, before gradually increasing intensity. Over time, this helps condition your body for hotter days on the court. It is also important to take breaks during extreme temperatures to give your body a rest. The Conviva Cooling Cabana at Pictona is equipped with fans and misters and is available for all players.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can escalate quickly and have serious consequences. Beat the heat and watch for early symptoms, which according to the Mayo Clinic, are muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or excessive sweating. If you or a fellow player experience these signs, take immediate action—get out of the heat, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.
By staying mindful of these tips, you can continue to enjoy the game you love while keeping cool and safe. See you on the courts—stay hydrated and play smart!
6 Signs of Heat Stroke
Summer is just around the corner.
It’s time for frozen drinks, afternoons spent at the beach, and, of course, sweaty, scorching pickleball matches.
For pickleball players – especially those who play outdoors – the summer heat adds an extra layer of risk. Heat stroke is more likely to occur after prolonged exposure to heat and is more common in the summer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heat exhaustion can occur after excessive sweating, according to the CDC.
Planning ahead can help reduce your risk. When the dog days of summer get a little too hot, it’s crucial to have a few strategies to stay cool on the court.
We’re sharing our best tips for protecting yourself from the summer heat, as well as a few products you’ll want in your arsenal before the sweltering summer begins!
Yes, your pickleball game is on fire – and so are the summer temps. It is up to you to take the precautionary steps to beat the heat by adding these tips to your pre and post-match routine, and snagging a few stay-cool products, you’ll be able to stay cool on the courts all summer long.