From Port Townsend to Walla Walla, Dave Gibson Shares Insights on Pickleball, Community Spirit, and the Wooden Boat Festival
In this engaging Q&A session, Dave Gibson shares his experiences attending the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival and playing pickleball at the Mountain View Pickleball Courts. Interviewed by Hope Borsato and Jack Olmsted, Dave talks about his favorite spots in Port Townsend, the joy of playing pickleball in the area, and his involvement in growing the sport in Walla Walla, Washington. He also provides valuable advice for small communities looking to raise funds for new pickleball courts. This interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of community, sport, and local events.
Q1: How many times a year do you come to Port Townsend? 0:10
Usually, I come just once a year, Jack, for the Wooden Boat Festival. We always play pickleball here, and it’s really fun meeting people in your community. We really appreciate how gracious and open everyone is here—thank you.
Q2: How many years have you been coming to the Wooden Boat Festival? 0:28
This is our 23rd year coming to the Wooden Boat Festival. You guys have such a great energy here, it's always a highlight of the year.
Q3: What’s your favorite place to eat in Port Townsend? 0:40
Well, we’re kind of food wackos, so we cook a lot of our own meals. But, when we do eat out, we love the Thai restaurant—One Two Three. It’s a lot of food for the money, great customer service, and excellent cooking. We also enjoy the Pizza downtown, but the Thai food is probably our favorite.
Q4: Tell us about your travel trailer. 1:13
Yeah, we have a little travel trailer that we pull around. Right now, it’s parked at Point Hudson. The improvements to the jetties out there are really nice; it’s so protected now. Plus, having the Tally Ho boat here, which is world-famous, is amazing.
Q5: Your wife was taking a knot-tying class while you were playing pickleball. Can you tell us more about that? 1:46
Yes, she took a knot-tying class taught by a Norwegian, which was a special connection since my wife is Norwegian. It was all done by hand, and there were kids helping spin the ropes—it was a real family event, and great fun for everyone involved.
Q6: How is the pickleball play in Port Townsend? 2:08
The pickleball play here in Port Townsend is top-notch! You guys are great. There’s a lot of depth among the players, making it easy to get a good game going.
Q7: Yesterday, you played with some players from New York. What was that like? 2:25
Yes, I played with two guys from New York who were visiting for the first time. They had a great time at the Wooden Boat Festival and enjoyed playing pickleball here. It’s great how your community reaches out to others, and the festival's focus on women and boats this year was fantastic.
Q8: What were your main takeaways from the Wooden Boat Show this year? 3:13
My biggest takeaway is how organized you guys are. With so many volunteers, there’s a lot of support. If anything goes wrong—whether it's with the boats or physically—there’s always someone there to help. You’ve got the event wired tight.
Q9: Can you talk about your involvement in getting pickleball courts built at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla? 3:38
Back in the day, we partnered with the city to turn two old tennis courts into pickleball courts. We raised $80,000 in six months. Recently, we raised $300,000 privately, and the city got a government grant for $1 million. Now, we have eight courts, and it’s become a hub for kids from high schools and the community college. The synergy between the community and the courts is amazing.
Q10: What are some key points to help small communities raise money for pickleball courts? 5:28
The key is to get a core group of committed players who are willing to contribute. When you approach others for money, they’ll want to know how much skin you have in the game. We also had people who weren’t shy about asking for money, which made a big difference. Running articles in the local paper and getting general interest about how pickleball benefits the community really helped too.
Q11: How do you pitch pickleball to the public, especially those who might not take it seriously? 8:09
When we encounter resistance, we simply invite them to come out and play. Once people play, they usually get hooked. It’s such an accessible and fun game that it speaks for itself.
Q12: You’re known for having smooth stroke mechanics. Can you share some insight into your technique? 9:33
I just try to focus on fluidity and keeping my movements efficient. Staying relaxed is key—if you’re too tense, your strokes won’t be as smooth. It’s all about consistency and practice. (Watch 6 Games With Dave At the Port Townsend Mountain View Pickleball Courts)
Q13: What’s next on your calendar? 10:20
We’re lucky enough to have a small condo in Kona, Hawaii. A friend from Walla Walla once told me, "Dave, you’ve got to come to Kona if you love pickleball." Now, there are 20 courts right below us, all run by Hawaiians. It's such a great atmosphere, and we usually play there throughout the winter.
Interestingly, many of the Hawaiian players are starting to visit here. For example, Richard, the pro at our place in Kona, recently played in the Seattle tournament. It's like this cross-pollination where people meet you, enjoy your company, and want to stay connected. They appreciate how welcoming our facility is, and that just keeps the relationships going.
You guys are amazing ambassadors of the sport—friendly and inclusive. When I come to the park, you always say, "Come on down and play!" and I know it’s going to be a great time. You’re doing it right, making everyone feel welcome. Keep up the good work!
Q14: Sharlene Shiroma 11:48
Thank you so much! It was great meeting you. We had a lot of fun today.
Funny enough, Sharlene Shiroma was one of the first people who invited me to play pickleball when I came to Walla Walla about six years ago. I didn’t even know you guys had pickleball here, but she welcomed me right in. It’s amazing how the pickleball community is so inviting.
Anyway, thanks again. It’s been a pleasure!
Summary:
In this interview, Dave Gibson offers an insightful look at the growth of pickleball and how strong community efforts have played a key role in developing the sport, both in Port Townsend and Walla Walla. Visiting Port Townsend annually for the Wooden Boat Festival, Dave shares his love for the town and its vibrant pickleball scene. He highlights how organizing pickleball events can bring people together, not just as players but as a community. Dave also reflects on his involvement in building pickleball courts in Walla Walla, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, committed players, and a willingness to ask for support. For communities looking to build courts and expand the sport, he advises forming a dedicated group, securing financial contributions, and spreading the word through local media. Finally, Dave encourages pickleball enthusiasts to be inclusive, inviting people who may be skeptical of the sport to experience its fast-paced, fun nature firsthand.
Through his storytelling, it’s clear that Dave sees pickleball as more than just a game—it's a way to build connections and strengthen community ties. His passion for both the Wooden Boat Festival and pickleball shines through as he acknowledges the positive energy and organization in Port Townsend while offering practical advice for communities hoping to replicate Walla Walla's pickleball success.
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