Women's Pickleball Retreat

WOMEN'S PICKLEBALL RETREAT PLUS

Three Days to Play, Learn, and Connect

PINAWA, MB - Spring Break 2025

March 31-April 3

For Intermediate Players (rated 3.0 - 3.5)

Explore this unique pickleball retreat experience created for women who want to give attention to their own growth and development (pickleball and otherwise). Our three day retreat goes beyond playing the game, offering a personal journey of skill improvement, community connection, and self-discovery.

Escape to the beautiful natural setting of Pinawa, Manitoba, which provides the perfect environment for pickleball, relaxation, and giving attention to the heart's desire.

When I started to explore the options to further develop my pickleball game, I knew I wanted more than just a clinic or a one-and-done session where I was one of 16 or more people, with no personal attention or feedback. I found some introductory clinics and some 6-10 week lessons in Winnipeg, but nothing that really interested me. I was looking for more of an immersive experience, like a camp or a retreat where I could really focus on improving my skills and connect with others who play and love the game. Just playing games and the occasional tournament simply doesn't provide enough structure and feedback to help me learn and grow in a noticeable way.

At this stage of my (middle) life, I'm also well aware of the need for a time and space where I can connect with other like-spirited women at a heart-level and feel the support that comes from being part of a community.

I found a number of two day pickleball camps offered in other provinces and far away places in the States, with rates ranging from $250 to $650 (USD), not including accommodations and meals, plus travel costs to get there. And, there are weeklong pickleball retreats in exotic international resorts that cost upwards of $3000 (plus airfare). I love pickleball but...

So given that I couldn't find what I was interested in at an affordable price and a convenient location, I decided to create an experience I'd like to attend, using the amazing local Pinawa courts and resources.

The outdoor courts at the Pinawa Golf and Country Club will be used for our pickleball camp sessions in the summer months. Our community/school gym is available during the colder months and acts as our back-up in case of rainy or too hot days. With access to both facilities, there is no risk of sessions ever being cancelled if the weather isn't suitable for outdoor play. Get a feel for The Courts here.

The pickleball focus of the retreat provides ten hours of instruction and coaching in total over the three days. A two hour morning session and a two hour afternoon session on Day 1. Three hour morning sessions on Days 2 and 3. As a bonus, participants also receive curated videos and instruction before and after the retreat. The participant to coach ratio is four to one so lots of personalized feedback is provided.

Our two pickleball coaches are local Pinawa residents, Cindy Mitterndorfer and Chantal Emond. They are both retired Physical Education teachers with years of coaching experience and participation in competitive sports. Pickleball has tapped into their passion and I don't know anyone at a recreational level who has dedicated more time and energy to learning the game and developing their skills through regular drilling, practice, study, and creative games. I encourage you to put aside any concern that they are not certified pickleball instructors. Everyone who has been lucky enough to learn from Cindy and Chantal have improved their game and had fun in the process. They have a way of coaching that invites improvement while letting go of expectations and judgement.

The "Plus" focus of the retreat invites participants to take advantage of time away from the expectations of everyday life. With an afternoon free on day 2, time is available to do a variety of self-directed activities. Go for a hike. Read a book. Get creative. Engage in deep conversation. The invitation is to get quiet and slow down enough to notice what your inner self may be asking for.

I (Patti Phillips) will be providing the accommodations and meals at my Nurtured by Nature Retreat and Playhouse in Pinawa, as well as holding space for other personal growth opportunities. I've been offering women's retreats here since 2016 as a life coach and heart tender. You can find our more about my way of offering support by clicking here.

Click here to get familiar with the retreat place. There are four retreat bedrooms, two beds in each room, which means that rooms are double occupancy. Why not sign-up with your playing partner and share a room with someone you know? This is my home where I live with my partner and pets so they may join in the retreat to varying degrees.

Aside from providing an all-inclusive, retreat-like experience at a location close to home (if you live in southern Manitoba), here's another big differences that may appeal to you. The retreat is limited to 8 participants which allows for personal attention from our instructors. That makes the ratio of players to instructor 4:1 compared to 8:1 at most other camps. You'll get to know the other participants at a more personal level on and off the court as well.

Click here to read a helpful article that may help answer the question "is a women's pickleball camp right for me?"

Below is a very general description of the 3.0 and 3.5 skill level ratings from the Pickleball Canada website.

Rating 3.0

has a consistent serve and return medium-paced balls reliably.
Able to make all basic strokes. Lacks control when trying to place ball.
Attempts lobs and dinks with limited success.

Rating 3.5

Consistent control and placement of medium-paced shots. Able to return fast-paced shots with slightly less success.
Improved control and placement of the ball.
Working on more shot variety.
Can play aggressively at the non-volley zone.
Anticipates opponent's shots.
Learning the strategy of doubles play.

The content of the playing sessions will include instruction, demonstration, skill specific drills, and game-like scenarios to practice and repeat the techniques. Skills we'll focus on are:

Serving and Returning (technique, placement, positioning, strategy)
Transitioning from Baseline to Non-Volley Line (3rd and 5th shot drops, drives)
Dinking (purpose, technique, strategy, shifting, communication)
Volleying (purpose, technique, attacks, resets)

The Agenda

Evening 1 Arrival

arrive between 4:30 -5:00 pm
Supper 6:00 pm
Welcome and personal intentions/goals/stories 7:30 - 9:00 pm

Day 1

Breakfast between 7:45 - 8:45 am
Morning instruction session 9:30 - 11:30 am
Lunch between 11:30 and 12:30 pm
Afternoon instruction session between 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Supper 6:00 pm
Free time and /or group activity (to be decided by registered participants)

Day 2

Breakfast between 7:30 - 8:30 am
Morning instruction session 9:00 am - noon
Lunch between 12:15-1:15 pm
Self-Directed Retreat time - all afternoon
Supper 6:00 pm
Free time and /or group activity (to be decided by registered participants)

Day 3

Breakfast between 7:30 - 8:30 am
Morning instruction session 9:00 am - noon
Lunch between 12:15-1:15 pm
Wrap-up Group Circle Sharing - 1:30-3:00 pm
Departure by 3:30 pm

****additional days/nights of accommodations and meals can be added on to your stay if you'd like to take advantage of being at the Nurtured by Nature Retreat in Pinawa and all it has to offer. More pickleball. Golf. Visit the old Pinawa Dam. Hiking. Cross country skiing. Snowshoeing. Forest bathing. There are many options that your host will help you to explore (including some inner exploration).

Cost

$875 - Includes

three nights accommodations; double occupancy
9 meals; three suppers, three lunches; three breakfasts
10 hours of pickleball instruction and support
life coaching and heart tending support as opportunities present themselves

Registration

The retreats I offer are typically small in number (maximum of 8) and I create space for participants to connect with each other on a personal level. Because of this, I've found that it's important to make sure the women who are attending get a good sense of what they're signing up for and it's most likely to match expectations. Therefore, I have a one-on-one conversation with all potential participants as the first step of the registration process. If it feels like a good fit, a $300 deposit is required to hold a spot. E-transfer is best.

If you're interested, please email me and we'll set up a time to connect by phone. Click here.