Pickleballer in the 808: Ivory Kalber

Aug 26

Pickleballer in the 808: Ivory Kalber

Kona—It was December in Kona, and I was speaking at a conference. When I arrived, I sat down in the back corner, to gather myself and mentally prepare.

That’s when I saw her.

Tall, blonde, and impossibly sophisticated, gliding across the front of the room in a bright fuschia cocktail dress.

She was a speaker at the conference too. She was real, interesting, funny, and by the time she finished her talk, I was a big fan.

And then, six months later, I saw her name in the list of winners at the Pac Rim Tournament, and I reached out.

We reconnected, and today, I’m excited to introduce you to Ivory Kalber…Realtor Extraordinaire, Mom, and pickleballer, repping Hilo and the Big Island!

Ivory, at the Pac Rim Tourney

Currently residing in: Kea'au (20 minutes south of Hilo)

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

I grew up in this area and in Hilo. I went to Hilo High School for three years then my senior year I went to Hawaii Preparatory Academy and I graduated from there. Vikings/Kamakani strong!

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

Well, apparently there was some conspiracy to keep it from me. I was playing a ton of beach volleyball in Southern California and kept hearing about pickleball (this was like 2016 or something!) but I didn't actually try it out until 2022 (after moving back to the Big Island).

What the heck!? Why did no one invite me?

Only wish I'd found it sooner!

What do you love most about pickleball?

Honestly, EVERYTHING!!!

The camaraderie, the partnerships, the challenge, the nuances of the game, the rate at which one can improve...I love that it's so simple and fast—it has so many facets and there is so much to learn!

To me it's just the best sport—and since there are opportunities to play under cover, I love it that much more since I'm slightly allergic to sun.

What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, school, etc)?

I’m a very busy REALTOR® and investor. I’m primarily a listing agent in the Kea'au and Hilo areas and I own an acre on the Big Island with my home and a guest home (check my instagram @halewoodbigisland…come stay with us!).

I spend a lot of time with my dear boyfriend, Alex and I'm also a mom to three beautiful children: Tay (13), Wynn (9) and Iris (7) who I hope someday soon want to play PB! (I don't wanna force it, but I secretly hope they're obsessed like me soon haha).

We are always doing fun things as a family—on and off the water.

We're one of those fun families!

Ivory, at work as a Realtor

What paddle are you playing with?

I recently got a R.A.W. Stinger and I love it. Solid, all-around paddle and light so my tennis elbow doesn't flare up.

How often do you play?

I probably average about 4 times a week now, at one point I was up to 7+ times per week, haha, but I've mellowed out.

I have a super addictive personality so I gotta be careful!

I also love playing in tournaments—I take them pretty seriously...especially the outfits haha—my original partner, Erica is an amazing seamstress and she made a bunch of pickleball skirts for players over here. They are so great and they inspired me to put our names on our backs and kind of look like the pros on tour…I mean, you gotta start somewhere, right?

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

I'm playing at a solid 3.5+ level right now (I've medalled at a handful of 3.5 tourneys so far and even a got a gold at a 4.0 mixed tourney last weekend).

I'd really love to be feeling comfortable playing at the 4.0 level in the next year or so...I'm training and putting the work in!

Personally, I just want to continue living joyfully and peacefully with lots of listings and pickleball!