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North Carolina

Pickleball at Montreat

Program No. 23769RJ
Learn about the new racket sport — pickleball — as you learn from enthusiastic instructors and enjoy some friendly competition in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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  • Pickleball at Montreat
  • Pickleball at Montreat
  • Pickleball at Montreat
PickleballSmall GroupRetreats
Length
6 days
Rating (4.77)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,299
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Montreat, NC
Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
Activity Level
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!
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 court.
  • Take in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore the quaint city of Asheville.
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Featured Expert
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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 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 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.
Michael Fortin is a certified IPTPA instructor and an ambassador for USA Pickleball’s Mid-Atlantic region. Holding a doctorate in health sciences, he shares how improved pickleball play impacts our overall health. His passion lies at the intersection of athletic performance and wellness. With over 40 years of experience as a teacher in the health field, Michael brings a seasoned, accessible approach to coaching. He loves breaking down the game into easy-to-understand strategies that help players of all levels enjoy and improve their skills.
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 quickly fell in love with pickleball's energy, community, and strategic depth, ultimately becoming a certified IPTPA 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.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Several hours of pickleball daily.
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.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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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's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

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's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

  • 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.