Platform Tennis vs. Pickleball — Which is More Popular in Nantucket?

Over the last couple of years, several reputable new sources have reported pickleball as the world’s fastest-growing sport. One of the places where pickleball seems to have exploded in popularity is Nantucket Island. Some reports have alluded to the fact that the island is steering pickleball toward global dominance.

Pickleball isn’t the only sport that has been gaining popularity in Nantucket; there’s also platform tennis. It’s common to think that platform tennis and pickleball are similar if you are new to both sports, but they are different. Here are insights into pickleball and platform tennis, their differences, where Nantucket sits in all of this, and their health benefits.

What is Platform Tennis?

To grasp pickleball well, you first need to understand platform tennis. Platform tennis, also known as paddle tennis, is played on one-third of a traditional tennis court, which is 40 feet long. James Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard created the game in 1928 as a derivative of the traditional tennis game that could be played in the winter. The duo had tried to play volleyball and badminton, but the available court was too small.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a more recent invention than platform tennis, as it was developed in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by congressman Joel Pritchard and a couple of his friends. The companions tried to play badminton but couldn’t find the shuttlecock. So they improvised a new game by grabbing a Whiffle ball, setting the badminton lower, and playing with make-shift paddles cut from plywood.

The Differences Between Pickleball and Platform Tennis

Several differences set apart the game of pickleball and the game of platform tennis. The five primary differences between the games are

  1. The Court: The platform tennis court is one-third the size of a conventional tennis court, while the court for pickleball is four feet shorter than the court for platform tennis.
  2. The Fence: The pickleball court has no fence, while a 12-foot-high chicken wire fence surrounds the platform tennis court. In platform tennis, the ball can bounce off the fence and remain in play, yet no such rule exists in pickleball, as there’s no net.
  3. The Ball: The pickleball ball is a plastic ball that resembles a circular shell with holes, while the platform tennis ball is a spongy ball similar to the one used in conventional tennis.
  4. No-Volley Zone: Pickleball has a unique no-volley zone, also known as “the kitchen,” on each side of the net, while platform tennis has no such zone.
  5. The Paddles: Competitive pickleball paddles are mandated to be smooth, and specialized tools are used to ensure standard smoothness. Varying levels of paddle smoothness can give one player an advantage in pickleball. In contrast, competitive platform tennis paddles are allowed to have texture and holes.

Which is More Popular?

Pickleball has recently surpassed platform tennis in popularity. Pickleball’s popularity star started shining brighter over platform tennis among seniors in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas as a winter sport more than a decade ago.

While people of all ages can play both sports, it’s in Nantucket that pickleball is gaining traction as a sport for all ages. This Nantucket traction has already started influencing people of all ages all over America to develop an interest in pickleball.

You might wonder: “How is Nantucket different from all other places where pickleball is already popular among seniors?” Well, on Nantucket Island, pickleball is more accessible to the general public than in other places.

The most visited pickleball courts on the island are near Nantucket Memorial Airport. When you are here, take a walk down Macy’s Lane, and you will come across a couple of platform tennis courts. Behind the platform tennis courts sit four brand-new pickleball courts. All courts are fitted with sufficient lighting that allows you to play and enjoy the matches after dark and in the winter.

The “sports complex” has a kitchen, a lounge with a fireplace, and two restrooms. The “sports complex” is owned and run by the Nantucket Racquet Sports Association (NRSA), which charges a $10 guest fee to use the courts.

Should You Even Care About Pickleball and Platform Tennis?

Yes. Research by John Ratey, MD, a Harvard Medical School medical professor, shows that pickleball and platform tennis have unique health benefits compared to other sports. The two sports exercise the brain and the cardiovascular system, unlike other sports, which only exercise the cardiovascular system.

Takeaway

Pickleball is more popular, but that does not mean you should disregard platform tennis. Both are equally beneficial. Whether you’re young or old, it’s time to start participating in one of these sports to reap the health benefits and improve your physical condition. There’s no better place to begin your journey than on Nantucket. Rent a Nantucket home today to get tranquil accommodations that will enable you to experience the island’s sports and numerous other unique offerings.

Sayle’s Seafood, Nantucket

Sayle’s Seafood is a full-service retail fish shop on Nantucket’s 99 Washington St. Ext.

They specialize in Nantucket Bay scallops, native Nantucket lobsters, Atlantic sea scallops, and their homemade Nantucket clam chowder.

Sayle’s Seafood also sells fresh lobster meat, cod, grey sole, salmon, swordfish, tuna, halibut, steamers, littleneck clams, mussels, oysters, and a variety of other seafood.

Sayle’s is the seafood shack that both locals and visitors brag about. Nothing beats the quality and freshness of the fish here. Check the lobster dinners, which come with corn, chowder, and steaming red potatoes. If you stop in for lunch, the lobster salad wrap and fried clams will not disappoint!

The market also sells ready-to-eat meals such as fried fish, lobster feasts, and clambakes for take-out to enjoy on the market’s water front terrace, on Nantucket beaches, or at your Nantucket home.Sayle’s will also cater a Nantucket clambake for any party or event!

Sayle’s Seafood has been a prominent Nantucket institution for years, serving as both a seafood retail shop and a dining hotspot. Stop by Sayle’s for a traditional seafood lunch!

The Juice Bar, Nantucket

Located near Steamship Wharf, The Juice Bar Nantucket serves ice cream, smoothies, frappes, juices, and more. With over 40 ice cream flavors available every day, there is bound to be one you will enjoy.

With a mouth-watering assortment of fun, tasty, and imaginative flavors to pick from—not to mention handcrafted waffle cones, ice cream cakes, smoothies, and other treats—having your first Juice Bar ice cream of the season is a Nantucket summer “must.”

And although we might be just a touch biased, we don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that a visit to The Juice Bar might just be the ideal excuse you need to start planning your next ACK holiday.

If you’re searching for some of their amazing handmade ice cream without the wait, go early while the masses are away. Make sure to bring cash—Juice Bar is cash only! Or, run over to the ATM, get your ice cream money in hand, and come enjoy this iconic summer island experience!

Something Natural, Nantucket

Sandwiches served on the island’s famously fresh bread at Something Natural are a staple. You’ll find this well-liked store and bakery on Nantucket Island, off the coast of Cape Cod.

The outside seating area at Something Natural is great for enjoying your sandwich and baked goods order. Eat your fill of their award-winning chocolate chip cookies, piled-high sandwiches, and carrot cake.

Sandwiches, soups by the cup or quart, bread, and cookies are all available throughout their daily hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may place an order online by clicking the button on their website, or you can order and pay in advance by calling. Then just go to the outside window, and they’ll bring your order out to you.

Marine Home Center, Nantucket

Originally constructed in the 1940s as a lumber yard, today’s Marine Home Center is the largest retail complex on the island, providing a wide variety of services for homeowners. Customers looking for everything related to interior design, gardening, or woodworking will find it at Marine. When you go to the home center, you’ll discover helpful people who are happy to assist you with whatever you could need around the house.

While Marine’s roots are in the lumber industry, the company has expanded to include many other product lines. Marine established the island’s first garden center, home center, and contemporary department store. Building materials, household goods, and even specialized goods were available to customers thanks to the store’s expansion. There were a number of specialty shops within, including a wine and cheese shop, a beauty salon, and a posh clothing boutique.

In the 1950s, a flower shop opened on Petticoat Row and a hardware store opened downtown. In addition, the lumber sector grew as panelized houses, like the ones currently located along Goldstar Drive, were constructed. To make room for these new items, the original location was enlarged, and the millwork shop next door, the Colonial Craft Shop, was bought.

To further showcase its goods and services, in 1966 a brand new building with huge display windows was built.

Sister Ship, Nantucket

Sister Ship is a restaurant, café, and relaxing cocktail club that serves enhanced cocktails alongside seafood-forward, Mediterranean dishes made with New England fish and local ingredients.

The Sister Ship, which can be found inside the Faraway Hotel on Centre Street, is a trendy new venue for meals, drinks, and afternoon cafes. Sip on original drinks while dining on delectable seafood meals from the Mediterranean. Visit the inviting terrace or the lively interior.

Sister Ship is not the kind of restaurant you’d expect to find on Nantucket, and that’s exactly why we love it! In a garden setting, the Faraway hotel offers comfortable dining both on the outdoor patio and indoors. This place has an incredible energy. Everything there is buzzing with activity. The food: wow.

This is the place to go if you want to experience something truly out of the ordinary on a tropical island.

Sea Grille, Nantucket

If you’re looking for authentic American cuisine, look no farther than Nantucket’s Sea Grille. Our prominent menu dishes, including chicken, together with our daily specials will have you coming back for more.

Come in to Seagrille’s freshly refurbished facility to try their tasty spin on traditional seafood and meat dishes served in a contemporary setting. Have a meal on the terrace or indoors in this elegant setting!

Plus, given that practically anything can be made gluten-free upon request, it’s great news for those of us who have celiac disease. The staff has an extensive understanding of gluten-free and non-gluten-free options. It’s imperative that you specify to the waiter that you have a severe sensitivity to gluten and that they note this on your order form.

21 Broad, Nantucket

This tourist paradise can be found in the heart of Nantucket at 21 Broad Street. Unwind in one of their tasteful common areas, such as the spacious dining room, chic guest lounge, or spacious balcony.

21 Broad invites you to a one-of-a-kind getaway by fusing the historic charm of Nantucket’s busiest area with sleek, contemporary furnishings. This magnificent hotel combines urban chic with an island spirit. The sleek, contemporary decor is paired with unexpected comforts like vitamin C showers, a steam room, a morning juice bar, spa services, blackout drapes, USB power outlets, and “white noise” iPod docks.

The concrete, freestanding fireplace in the big dining area is a great spot to host dinner parties or social gatherings. On warm summer nights, come out to the back deck and take advantage of our BYOB evening mixer bar.

The 27 rooms at 21 Broad are all light and airy and include modern decor, plush towels, and other finery to please the most discriminating guests.

The Steamship Authority ferry station is only two blocks away, making 21 Broad a prime location. You can spend no time getting to the heart of downtown Nantucket’s action from 21 Broad.

TOPPER’S Nantucket

The Wauwinet, home to the nationally renowned TOPPER’S, is a nine-mile drive from Nantucket town and offers some of the island’s most breathtaking vistas of Nantucket Bay. This chic yet laid-back Nantucket eatery has New England dishes that change with the seasons and include fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In the cozy dining room, enjoy a delicious prix fixe cuisine, or on TOPPER’S Deck, enjoy casual fare. Enjoy the tastes of the island with locally obtained Retsyo Oysters on the half shell, grown just 300 yards away.

The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and seafood. Chef Kyle Zachary collaborates with local markets and farmers to produce a contemporary coastal cuisine menu.

TOPPER’S, which boasts a whopping 1,450 wines and has been honored with the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award and AAA’s Five Diamond Award, is without peer.

Dine under the stars at TOPPER’S, where the awning-covered deck overlooks Nantucket Bay. Enjoy a pint and a lobster roll while watching the harbor activity. Visit the bar for a glass of wine or a cocktail and take in the vibrant environment.

To enjoy the waterfront while traveling to TOPPER’S at the head of the harbor for lunch or supper during the season, book a seat on the Wauwinet Lady, a 26-foot open launch. Both the boat and TOPPER’S require advance reservations.

The Tuckernuck Island

Tuckernuck is a beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts. It sits off the western edge of Nantucket and on the route to Martha’s Vineyard. The island may be small, but it has plenty of amazing things to offer. Here are some amusing things you should know about it.

Facts About Tuckernuck Island

Most of Tuckernuck Island is privately owned, and only the landowner authorizes access. There are 11,166 residential units, whereby locals occupy some and the rest are available for rent. A typical house costs $1,000,000, and residences purchased with mortgages make up 63.69% of all units. Rental costs per month on the island typically top up to $2,000.

We do not advise trespassing on private land unless you have reserved a rental on Tuckernuck Island.

How to Get to the Island

If you want to experience Tuckernuck Island, just rent a boat and start your epic sail. The fact that you can only reach this tiny island by boat makes it the ideal location for solitude. But remember, don’t enter the island unless you have permission. While on the island, you can travel by bike, car, or trekking.

Exciting Things on the Island

There are several delightful things and activities to experience on the island, including:

Distinctive Plants

Due to its remote location, the island is home to many protected species of animals and plants. You will encounter a variety of distinctive plant life forms, like carnivorous plants. You will also come across uncommon birds and seals, as it is more private than Nantucket. If you ever visit, you’ll understand why Tuckernuck is said to be a veritable gold mine of natural magnificence.

Fishing

Fishing from a boat in Tuckernuck is the most convenient way to explore the coast. You will see fishermen riding on the fly fishing boats on the Northside as the larger vessels dock the Bonito Bar to the South.

The charter fishing boats on the island can also take you into the ocean to catch some fish for dinner. Head out earlier to get a satisfactory boat. Tuna, flounder, and bass are among the species of fish you can catch.

Field Station

The Tuckernuck Land Trust is devoted to conserving the island for ages to come. The organization has a cozy cabin, formerly an offshore lifesaving station, and only researchers can enter. The station contains data about the island and its animal and plant inhabitants. If you are curious about the Land Trust or Tuckernuck, you can find more information on their website.

The Beach

Some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in New England are on the island, which is one of its main draws. The beaches are celebrated for dazzling scenery, crystal-clear waters, and fine white sand. Several beach activities are available for visitors, like kayaking, fishing, sunbathing, and swimming.

Rentals

Most rentals on Tuckernuck Island are 18th-century, well-maintained island homes. These historic rustic buildings have running water, and gasoline and solar panels provide the light at night. The water is cleaner and more inviting because there is no pollution from large cities nearby. There is also less noise because there are no highways or trains nearby.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Tuckernuck Island is the perfect destination. The island has a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or just taking in the stunning views.

There are many houses on Tuckernuck Island that are available for rent. Locals own some homes, and others are used by vacationers when on the island. Tuckernuck is also home to various wildlife, including seals, seabirds, and lobster. It is the perfect location to spend your next getaway with family or friends.