ICYMI: The Inside just launched a paddle in collaboration with Recess Pickleball! Adorned with our best-selling print, Jade Cherry Blossom, the limited-edition paddle brings one-of-a-kind style to one of America’s fastest-growing sports. But before we dive into the “why” behind this fun partnership, let’s start with a little pickleball 101.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and has been steadily gaining popularity around the world. It was created by three dads from Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington, in 1965. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were trying to find a way to entertain their families during the summer months, and after failing to find badminton equipment, they improvised a makeshift game using a Wiffle ball, wooden paddles, and a lowered badminton net. It was named after the Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball and hide it. From that point on, the sport started to gain a following in the community.
Simply put, it’s a hybrid game of ping pong, tennis, and badminton, played on a smaller court. It can be played as singles or doubles, with the goal of hitting the ball over the net and scoring points on the opponent’s side. Pickleball is an excellent workout for players of all ages, with low impact and fewer injuries than many other sports. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to learn, especially compared to tennis or racquetball.
Over the years, the game’s popularity grew, and it was eventually standardized by the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) in 1984. Now, pickleball is played at different levels worldwide, from casual games in backyards to professional tournaments.
The 411 on Recess Pickleball
In the spring of 2020, Maggie Brown – like most people – found herself increasingly stir crazy and isolated in the face of a growing global pandemic. In a world of WFH, drive-by birthdays, and happy hours on Zoom, opportunities for satisfying social connection and good old-fashioned fun were at a premium. As was outdoor recreation, with everything from basketball courts to lap-pool lanes being quickly snapped up by people who, like Maggie, needed a safe space to let off steam, support their physical and mental health, and regain some semblance of normalcy.
Maggie found her solace in pickleball – a somewhat obscure sport that was beloved by older generations and relatively unknown to anyone without a minivan and a mortgage. But pickleball was exactly what the doctor ordered. Social, fun, and super accessible, the sport was easy to pick up and impossible to put down. Maggie was an instant convert, going on to build a pickleball court in the backyard with her family and inspire friends to pick up a paddle and play, too.
The only problem (besides that whole global pandemic thing…) was the paddles themselves: every paddle on the market had an edgy, competitive intensity and an outdated design reminiscent of 2002. Seeing the white space in the market for paddles that looked as fun and approachable as pickleball itself, Maggie set out to create a lifestyle brand that focused on the top-of-the-funnel recreational consumer. And to hone in on the brand’s light, playful aesthetic, Maggie brought on creative entrepreneur and childhood friend, Grace Moore.
Inspired by the pair’s elementary school roots – they used to play together at recess – and the universal nostalgia of playing on the playground with friends as a kid, Recess Pickleball was born. Since its 2021 launch, Recess Pickleball has brought that wholesome recess feeling to people of all ages, encouraging them to take a break, have fun, and play.
Meet The Founders of Recess Pickleball
Maggie Brown: Maggie Brown is the founder and CEO of Recess Pickleball, a dynamic lifestyle pickleball brand based in Austin, Texas. Since the company’s founding in 2021, Maggie has been the driving force behind its explosive growth, transforming it from a pandemic passion project to a renowned pickleball gear company with a focus on quality and design. Prior to establishing Recess Pickleball, Maggie worked in strategic partnerships for Uber, where she played an instrumental role in growing the food delivery market. Maggie also served as Vice President of Action in Africa, a nonprofit and community-based organization that operates a thriving community center in Uganda. Maggie graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, where she received her B.S. in International Relations and Affairs in 2016. When she’s not busy leading Recess, Maggie loves learning about other cultures, being outside, bringing people together and traveling.
Grace Moore: Grace Moore is the co-founder and Chief Brand Officer at Recess Pickleball. Drawing on her creative background and entrepreneurial spirit, Grace oversees all brand visuals, including brand identity, design, packaging, photography, marketing collateral, social media, and Recess’ expanding e-commerce platform. Prior to Recess, Grace was a freelance designer and social media manager, where she developed unique brand identities and social strategies for new and upcoming brands. Grace graduated from Belmont University in 2016, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She is an active member of her community and enjoys hosting, traveling, painting, and spending time with her high-school sweetheart husband and their two young kids, Eloise and Arthur.
Q&A
TI: Why did you launch a partnership with The Inside?
RP: We align with The Inside’s mission to make the world more beautiful than when we found it! Recess Pickleball is design-forward and on a mission to create more fun for all kinds of people. We love that The Inside is doing the same with furniture.
TI: How would you describe your home interior/design style?
RP: We have lots of natural light, natural textures such as wood and linen, and potted plants at our Headquarters in Austin. We aim to create a bright, inviting environment that is conducive to both work and play. We have our upcoming campaign photography and design inspo scattering throughout the office to inspire the team and create alignment.
TI: What are your favorite products from The Inside?
RP: We are big fans of the outdoor cabana chairs. They are perfect for watching a good pickleball game with your friends!
If you want to match your Pickleball Paddle to your Cabana Chair checkout Jade Cherry Blossom. We also love mixing and matching prints, like White Cinque Terra by Old World Weavers or Cerulean Cabana Stripe.
TI: What are your favorite home design trends right now?
RP: We are loving outdoor / indoor living spaces right now. We pull a lot of inspiration from Slim Aarons photography and we love incorporating a retro, heritage feel into all of our designs.
Pre-order your limited-edition Jade Cherry Blossom pickleball paddle here! And if you want to match your paddle to your outdoor gear, check out our Cabana Chairs. We also love mixing and matching prints, like White Cinque Terra by Old World Weavers or Cerulean Cabana Stripe!