Pickleballer in the 808: DANNY TENGAN

Hawai'i Pickleball NewsO'ahu Pickleball Players

Dec 16

Pickleballer in the 808: Danny Tengan

Honolulu—Chances are, if there’s a pickleball event or tournament on Oahu, Danny Tengan is involved. He’s a pickleball super coordinator, organizer and instructor, and recently, appeared in person to represent the interests of local pickleballers at the Manoa Neighborhood Board Meeting.

In a span of just two months, Danny spearheaded the volunteer efforts and helped coordinate the Family Programs HI Pop-Up event, the Aloha Pickleball Games and Festival, Children and Youth Day at the Capitol and the Aloha Stadium’s 45th Anniversary.

There’s a saying that the way we spend our time reflects what’s truly important to us. Danny’s schedule is evident that service to others is important to him, and this manifests in his commitment to spreading the joy of pickleball through pickleball events across the island.

Please help celebrate Pickleballer in the 808 Danny Tengan and all he does for the Hawaii pickleball community!

Danny (R), with PB friends and advocates Alex Berganio and Norman Kawakami, at the Manoa Neighborhood Board Meeting

Currently residing in: Honolulu, Aina Haina

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

McCully, went to McKinley High School.

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

I saw an article in the newspaper and went to Koko Head Gym to see what it was all about.

Got invited to play, even if I didn't know how to play. This was in 2016.

What do you love most about pickleball?

It’s an easy sport to pick up. Also fellowship, friendships, and it’s enjoyable.

What do you do outside of pickleball?

I volunteer (with the following): Angel Network Food Pantry, Red Cross (volunteer with Veterans), Aina Haina Prepared (AHP) Community Preparedness group, Community Emergency Emergency Response Team (CERT) senior instructor, and the United Church of Christ (UCC) Conference Disaster Ministries Response Coordinator.

You were nominated to be featured as a “Pickleballer in the 808” because of the work you do with and for the pickleball community. Tell us about the many ways you’re involved with pickleball.

I’m on the Board of Directors of the Oahu Pickleball Association (OPA). OPA does many outreaches throughout the year to promote the sport of pickleball which I coordinate.

I put on small pickleball tournaments for non-profits, and also am a part-time pickleball instructor for Parks & Rec and faith-based programs for several churches. And I’m assisting Avalon with bringing pickleball to the old Walmart in downtown early next year.

What does being nominated mean to you?

Just happy to spread the love of pickleball—not looking for any type of recognition.

OPA outreach events coordinated by Danny

What is the most common “problem” you see when giving lessons, and what is your suggestion/advice to fix it?

Students want to hit the ball hard. Way too many unforced errors.

Practice, practice, drill, drill until you get muscle memory. About 75% of points or side outs are because of unforced errors.

What paddle do you play with and why?

No particular paddle. I use a paddle I have for students; cost is $15-$25.

Remember, it's the player, not the paddle.

How often do you play?

I don't really play unless I am short a student in class. I would love to play regularly.

What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?

Still in my current goal of teaching students the right way of playing the game of pickleball.

Anything else on your mind?

I would like someday for pickleball be played in the Olympics.

Is there a question I should have asked you but didn’t?

My next pickleball project is the American Heart Association Pickleball Tournament on January 18 at Keehi Lagoon Park. Then, there’s the upcoming ESPN Honolulu Open Pickleball Tournament from April 10-13.