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"...Shannon is a thoughtful and patient teacher while also being friendly and welcoming. Can't recommend enough!" -- Chester I. Yelp! Review

** NEW PLAYERS WELCOME!

** OVER 600 "FIVE-STAR" MEETUP REVIEWS

** ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED

** CERTIFIED PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTOR

WHAT MAKES JOY CRAZY™ PICKLEBALL SO SPECIAL?

Joy Crazy™ Pickleball is all about creating a supportive, welcoming community of newer pickleball players. My name is Shannon Diffenderffer and I have a master's degree in adult education, and I am a Certified IPTPA Level 1 PickIeball Instructor. Each week I love to teach new players the joys of pickleball!

A cross between tennis, ping pong, and badminton, pickleball is enjoyed by players from a wide range of ages and physical abilities. I myself have a couple of chronic conditions, yet still enjoy the game.

Warning: You might become a little "Joy Crazy" about pickleball once you try it!"

WHAT IS TAUGHT IN A "JOY CRAZY™" PICKLEBALL CLASS?

You can take several types of group sessions through my company, Joy Crazy™, LLC, and all sign-ups take place via this "Joy Crazy™ Pickleball" Meetup Group.

Current Offerings:

  1. Introduction to Pickleball - A 90-minute class, which gives a brief but thorough overview of the sport to brand-new players. It is a great "onboarding" class because you will learn not just about how to play the game, but a bit about the "world" of pickleball and how to navigate in it. Please see Yelp or Google Reviews to learn what students have to say.
  2. Boot Camp - A 3-week skill-building series, Boot Camps help new players develop the foundation needed to play with confidence. The “Intro” class (above) is a required prerequisite for the Boot Camp classes.
  3. Beginning / Intermediate / Intermediate Advanced "Daisy Doubles" - These round-robin play sessions offer individual players a chance to play multiple pickleball games with different players in a welcoming, supportive setting. The “Intro” class (above) is a required prerequisite for the Daisy Doubles classes.
  4. *Quiet* Daisy Doubles - Especially designed for those who are concerned about protecting their hearing, *Quiet* Daisy Doubles are similar to regular Daisy Doubles (see above), but rather than a plastic pickleball we play with a Gamma "Librarian" foam pickleball. This significantly decreases the noise in the gym and for those who are Hard of Hearing or wear hearing aids, makes it much easier to hear other players announce the score.
  5. Team Building - Are you looking for an enjoyable way to strengthen your team's bond? Look no further! Our 90-minute team building pickleball sessions blend fun and fitness while fostering camaraderie among colleagues. Our sessions can be tailored to suit your needs. The Friendly House venue is suitable for 8-12 players per session, though larger venues may be available. For an informational flyer click here, or contact Shannon Diffenderffer - Text/Call: 971/319/2831 or Email: shannon@joycrazy.com

To view upcoming classes, see "Events" and be sure to click "See all..." to view the complete list.

DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE (BESIDES MEETUP)?

Yes, I have two websites worth checking out:

  • JoyCrazy.Com - This website offers a list of pickleball resource links (e.g. paddle buying guide), links to Portland area courts, and links that offer a deeper dive into the Joy Crazy, LLC mission.
  • JoyCrazy.Shop - I am often asked for pickleball product recommendations or what makes me so joyful. I put together a list of "Joy Crazy Approved" products from pickleball and home goods to books and tech items. Please take a look and support a small business (I will earn a small affiliate commission) and you just might find something you never knew you needed!

WHY SHOULD I LEARN PICKLEBALL WITH YOU?

I have been a K-Adult educator for over 20 years. I discovered pickleball in 2018 and was instantly hooked. Years ago, I was a YMCA Adventure Trip Leader, teaching everything from rock climbing to canoeing. After the Covid-19 pandemic, I decided to pivot my career back to my "recreational roots." I am now a Certified IPTPA Level 1 Pickleball Instructor. I began this Meetup group in July 2022 and immediately began receiving 5-Star reviews. In part, because I create a welcoming environment for new players and teach using a variety of tools that help students remember what they have learned.

I named my company "Joy Crazy™, LLC" because I believe we need to be our own "joy advocates" and pickleball is an activity full of laughter and smiles. My focus is on introducing - or "onboarding* - new players to the world of pickleball, giving players the "inside scoop" often missed in other introductory classes, along with a host of resources via my frequently updated website at JoyCrazy.com.

My pickleball sessions are designed to lift your pickleball game, as well as your mood -- no matter the obstacles you face -- in a welcoming, judgment-free space. I encourage you to become your own "joy advocate" and take a class. I LOVE watching players of all ages rediscover the "child in them."

I look forward to meeting you and hope you will become a little “Joy Crazy” for pickleball like me! ☀️

WHAT IF I ALREADY PLAY PICKLEBALL?

If you already play pickleball the Introductory Class is still required to participate in the Boot Camp and Daisy Doubles sessions as it teaches not only the rules of the game, but position etiquette, history, equipment use, and safety. Consider taking the Intro class with a friend or family member who you want to introduce to the sport, whether you're looking for a good refresher or to "fill in the gaps" of your pickleball knowledge (the rules are updated yearly). Most people find they pick up something new from my Intro class even if they have been playing pickleball for some time.

MEDICAL NOTE:

Pickleball can be a fast-paced sport. Prior experience in racket sports or athletic activities is helpful, but not required. If you are recovering from an injury, struggle with balance, or have a chronic condition that may impact your play please check with your doctor first. I want to make this as barrier-free as possible, send me a direct message (DM) with any accommodation needs.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY:

By signing up as a member of the Joy Crazy™ Pickleball (JCP) MeetUp group and/or attending any event, you and your guests or minors (if applicable) accept that pickleball is a physical activity and fully assume all risks associated with such participation, including accident, illness, or injury including travel to and from the event. You agree to be responsible for your own safety and equipment; and realize that obstacles on the property, non-group members, and inclement weather, may be present.  You and your successors agree to hold all Organizers and other JCP members harmless in the event of equipment loss or damage, injury, illness, or death.

Upcoming events (4+)

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