(mini) All Local Pickleball Gift Guide

Christmas season is in full swing!

If you’re looking for a gift for a pickleball friend, consider buying local. There aren’t a whole lot of local pickleball brands or makers….yet. But here are a few to choose from:

Natch Pickleball

You met Zach Manzano a few newsletter editions ago—he’s the creative and owner behind the Natch lifestyle brand. (Just in case you were wondering, Natch is short for “Natural”). Zach plays and produces music on top of playing pickleball and creating designs for Natch. His clothing has a modern, contemporary vibe and can be worn both while playing and to the after party.

“Pickleballah” tee; $23.99-$30.99 at Natch Pickleball

Shaka Mahalo

Founder John Gephart launched Shaka Mahalo during the COVID pandemic with a vision of a lifestyle brand that is “meant for happy people”. The brand is light-hearted and fun, and is a nod to John’s values of kindness and gratitude. A Realtor by day and father of two, John leads an active lifestyle—he plays soccer, runs, practices yoga, and of course, plays pickleball.

Retro Trucker hat; $25.00 at Shaka Mahalo. You may have seen me wearing my khaki/off white hat :)

Pua Olona

Two local boys and cousins Noel and Eric created Pua Olona, a pain relief CBD gel (no THC). When you play a lot of pickleball, you might be hurtin’ everywhere. President Ryan Winters, a Top 10 tennis instructor and pickleball instructor on Kaua’i, has long suffered injuries from his tennis career and swears by the pain gel…so much so that he joined the Pua Olona team!

Red Soothe Pain Gel and Blue Cool Pain Gel Roll-Ons; $65.00 at Pua Olona

Pickleball HI

James Douglas, a recent “Aloha Pickleballer You Should Know” is a USA Pickleball Ambassador and hosts Open Play at the Diamond Head Courts every week. He’s created a line of shirts and hats (and other merch on the way) of pickleball gear that looks cool and keeps you cool while playing.

Short sleeve Dri-Fit shirt; $20 at Pickleball HI