North Carolina
Pickleball at Montreat
Program No. 23769RJ
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Pickleball at Montreat
Pickleball at Montreat
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Montreat, NC
Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 (
5B, 4L, 5D
)
Activity Level
From
1,549Discover 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!
Best of all, you'll...
- 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 beautiful indoor courts at Creekside Sports Club.
- Take in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the quaint city of Asheville.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, simple communal meals, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Play is on indoor courts at the Creekside Sports Club. Outdoors courts are also available at Creekside and in Montreat.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Randy Bagamary
Randy Bagamary has been playing pickleball since 2016. What he enjoys most is sharing the knowledge he’s gained through years of experience. Many of today’s higher-level local players credit Randy with introducing them to the game and encouraging their early development. A successful tournament player himself, Randy earned a gold medal in mixed doubles at his very first competition. He is currently a Level 2 IPTPA-certified instructor, dedicated to helping others grow their skills and love for the game.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Tracy Bailey
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.
Randy Bagamary
Randy Bagamary has been playing pickleball since 2016. What he enjoys most is sharing the knowledge he’s gained through years of experience. Many of today’s higher-level local players credit Randy with introducing them to the game and encouraging their early development. A successful tournament player himself, Randy earned a gold medal in mixed doubles at his very first competition. He is currently a Level 2 IPTPA-certified instructor, dedicated to helping others grow their skills and love for the game.
Eileen Reynolds
Eileen Reynolds is an accomplished athlete in several different sports, which include representing Great Britain in triathlon, swimming, field hockey—even skydiving—over 500 jumps in her younger days. She moved to Naples, Florida from England in 1992 and took up tennis. She transitioned to pickleball around 2020 because her tennis friends were playing. Eileen had success winning the gold at the 2024 U.S. Open, a silver and two bronze of 2025. Eileen is a physical therapist, personal trainer, and certified PPR pickleball coach.
Juliana Fortini
Juliana Fortini quickly fell in love with pickleball's energy, community, and strategic depth, ultimately becoming a level 2 IPTPA certified instructor. Now, she spends nearly every day coaching players of all levels, combining technical expertise with genuine enthusiasm to help others unlock their potential on the court. When she’s not teaching or playing, she manages real estate ventures, keeps her creative spirit alive through music, and teaches LesMills BodyPump at the YMCA.
Johnny Stewart
Johnny Stewart was born in Asheville, North Carolina, where he has enjoyed a lifelong connection to family and community. With years of experience coaching golf and youth league sports, he brings a well-rounded approach to player development and a passion for teaching. Now a 4.0-rated pickleball player with IPTPA certification in progress, Johnny is dedicated to fostering an environment where every athlete is actively engaging and enjoying their community, while feeling empowered to grow their skills and build a lifelong love for the game.
Lauren Belk
Lauren Belk is a Mount Pleasant, SC native with a lifelong passion for sports and competition. She played tennis for 14 years before discovering pickleball and quickly embracing its intensity, strategy, and social energy. Now an IPTPA-certified Pickleball coach, Lauren lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and teenage son, where she spent several years homeschooling. She loves staying active and being outdoors, appreciating the natural beauty and sense of community she experiences.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Pickleball instruction and play up to 4.5 hours per day on indoor courts. Walking up to 1 mile per day over uneven terrain with occasional inclines and hills. Program will require approximately 16.5 hours of pickleball instruction and play and 1 mile of walking over 4 days. Additional walking around the grounds and additional play time during free time according to personal choice. Due to pacing and activities, this program is not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Program is suitable for all skill levels. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Helpful Links
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Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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