08/06/2026
This weekend, 6 of our pickleball players travelled to France to visit the newly opened Dink'It Pickleball centre in Rennes.
Saturday morning started with an introduction to fellow Jersey Picklers, who also made the journey. The usual Channel Island rivalry banter emerged but was all in good fun.
A fun pickle up morning of friendly games between Guernsey and Jersey and mixing the teams up. A great opportunity to get to grips with the purpose built centre and for the players to have fun and practice for the tournament that was being held in the afternoon.
Thibault and Damien are the 2 young French men who created Dink'It and opened its doors just 6 months ago. It has 5 courts, a bar selling drinks and tasty hot food as well as a choice of charcuterie boards, a chill out area with sofas and a pool table. These 2 organised an open DUPR tournament for Saturday afternoon, whereby players are awarded ratings that pit them against other players all over the world and evaluates their skill level based purely on match results regardless of age, gender or location.
10 teams entered: 3 ladies pairings from Guernsey, 2 from mixed doubles from Jersey, 4 from France and a mixed Jersey/France pairing. The standard was competitive, but some really great matches and above all, plenty of fun, which is what pickleball is all about. France had the home advantage , topping the tournament but the Guernsey ladies played well and fought hard against some tough opposition. The island rivalry spurred Guernsey on for some close results with friendly banter thrown in for good measure.
Drinks in the bar afterwards to digest the games before heading back to the Airbnb for some much deserved supper and sparkling water!
Sunday began with an all Guernsey pickle-up to get warmed up and then it was time for a coaching session with Thibault. The ladies were put through their paces with drills in d***s and volleys, lobs and serves. All coming away with some helpful advice and new skills to try out.
Guernsey and Jersey then reunited for another Pickle-up for a few hours. Switching partners and paying a mix of rally point and traditional scoring games. Some of the new tips and tricks were tried and tested but the afternoon was mostly about the fun and love for the fastest growing sport in the world amongst new island friends.
Jersey said goodbye to catch their boat, while Guernsey spent the rest of the day with Thibault talking all things pickle and how much he would love Guernsey. He may have even been persuaded to come over to see the pickleball set up Guernsey has to offer.
An evening of games, great food, good wine and entertaining conversation finished this weekend off, with a want and a need for the experience to be repeated in the future.
A massive thank you to Thibault and Damien for their hospitatility and welcoming Guernsey and Jersey with such generosity. Their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for pickleball made their centre a truly inclusive and fun place to be, which is a credit to them.
Until next time.....Keep Dinking.
