North Carolina

Pickleball at Montreat

Program No. 23769RJ
Learn about a new racket sport — pickleball — as you learn from enthusiastic instructors and enjoy some friendly competition in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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At a Glance

Discover one of the fastest-growing sports in America as you try your hand at pickleball! Created in the 1960s, pickleball is played by over two million Americans. This racket sport combines elements of tennis and badminton, using a paddle and whiffle ball on a small court. With less running and longer rallies, this game offers opportunities for hours of fun in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn from IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professionals as you enjoy some light-hearted competition. Plus, get the chance to explore lovely Asheville during free time!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Several hours of pickleball daily.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn the rules and techniques of pickleball from experts on the game.
  • Develop new strategies through driving, dinking, lobbing and attacking drills, and enjoy rousing hours of play on the court.
  • Take in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the quaint city of Asheville.

General Notes

Itinerary and skill levels vary by date.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Russell Elefterion
Russell Elefterion is a 36-year-employee with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department/Tampa. He has been involved with pickleball since 2009. His interest began while officiating matches at the Tampa Bay Senior Games, leading to him taking up the sport and developing pickleball programs in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Coach Russell divides his time in Florida and North Carolina and offers his Suncoast Pickleball "boot camp" programs at Montreat each year. He is an accomplished player and an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Russell Elefterion
Russell Elefterion View biography
Russell Elefterion is a 36-year-employee with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department/Tampa. He has been involved with pickleball since 2009. His interest began while officiating matches at the Tampa Bay Senior Games, leading to him taking up the sport and developing pickleball programs in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas. Coach Russell divides his time in Florida and North Carolina and offers his Suncoast Pickleball "boot camp" programs at Montreat each year. He is an accomplished player and an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Professional.
Profile Image of Paul Coletta
Paul Coletta View biography
Paul Coletta is from Flat Rock, N.C. and has won Gold Medals in both singles and doubles at the U.S. Open and at Nationals in Indian Wells California. He is one of the most sought after pickleball instructors in the nation! Paul began playing pickleball when he lived in San Diego after playing tennis and squash for most of his life. He loves to share his knowledge with other players and help the sport grow in popularity!
Profile Image of Tracy Bailey
Tracy Bailey View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Profile Image of Suzanne Bernstein
Suzanne Bernstein View biography
Suzanne Bernstein is a highly skilled pickleball instructor and player based in Columbus, Ohio. With her IPTPA and PPR certifications, she is qualified to train players of all ages and skill levels. Suzanne’s unique coaching style focuses on making the learning process fun and enjoyable for her students. As a playing professional, Suzanne is sponsored by TMPR Sports and SuperGames. Her accomplishments in Senior Pro Singles, Senior Pro Mixed Doubles, and Pro Women's Doubles testify to her skills and dedication.
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Michael Fortini View biography
Michael Fortini, a certified IPTPA instructor with a keen interest in health and a doctorate in health sciences, is driven by curiosity about better pickleball play. He finds joy in exploring the intersection of these diverse fields. His journey has been one of continuous learning and growth in sports health. Michael loves breaking down the sport of pickleball into easy to digest strategies. A teacher for over 40 years in the health field, he strives to make the game as simple as possible.





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