World Pickleball Convention Draws 1,100 Fans to West Palm Beach

Pickleball has rapidly evolved from a backyard pastime into a major cultural phenomenon, attracting diverse players and communities across the U.S. Events like the 2025 World Pickleball Convention in West Palm Beach celebrate the sport's social and wellness aspects, with health retreats and tournaments highlighting its inclusive and strategic appeal. However, the sport's boom has brought challenges, including a significant rise in foot and ankle injuries linked to inappropriate footwear, as experts recommend tennis shoes with specific support features to prevent common injuries like sprained ankles. Noise pollution from pickleball courts has also emerged as a health concern, with studies reporting adverse effects such as stress, sleep disruption, and even PTSD-like symptoms among nearby residents. To meet growing demand, new facilities like Boca Paddle in Boca Raton are being developed, offering extensive indoor and outdoor courts, professional coaching, and lifestyle amenities designed to create community hubs for players of all skill levels. Meanwhile, local scenes such as Carpinteria demonstrate pickleball's grassroots growth, with passionate advocates working to expand court availability and foster inclusive, thriving communities.