It’s not easy playing pickleball in the Florida heat and humidity. Some players will handle the extreme temperatures better than others, but what everyone should watch out for is heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This can happen quickly, and it is better to ward off than to try to recover from. Below are some tips that I have learned over the years.
- Proper clothing. A hat is extremely important. I use a mesh hat that provides protection from the sun but allows for cooling. Don’t have a mesh hat? Soak your hat in ice water, squeeze out the excess water and put it on. Repeat as needed.
I read the reviews on the cooling shirts and they don’t really work, so save your money. What some of our pickleball players do, is soak their shirts in water before putting on.
2. Ice, ice baby! A must-have is a cooler with ice. Use it to keep your water cold, and apply ice to the back of your neck and wrists 
between games. I recommend bringing a pickleball Tervis tumbler and adding ice and water to cool yourself off with. Ice-cold water is better at cooling your body temperature than just drinking water out of a bottle you had sitting on the bench.
3. Not just water. It’s a good idea to have have fluids in your cooler that replenishes electrolytes. I will have a bottle or two of Bai. It’s a great pick-me-up that I like to drink between a glass of water.
If you
are susceptible to frequent leg cramps, you can make your own recovery drink by adding Cream of Tarter and sea salt to water. Below is the recipe.
Some players swear by drinking pickle juice or consuming a tablespoon of plain mustard for cramps.
These packets in a bottle of water will replenish electrolytes.
4. Personal fans. The internet is a good source for personal, battery-operated fans. Keep one in your bag for relief between games.
Spray bottles. Add ice and water to this water bottle and spritz away.
5. Sun block. Use a good sunblock on your face and all exposed skin. I use different products for my face (do not put of forehead because it will drip in your eyes when you sweat), and a sunblock spray for my shoulders and legs. I usually apply before leaving the house and it will last for a few hours.
Cooling towels. I don’t personally use one, but I see players with a cooling scarf/towel wrapped around their necks. They say they work.
6. And lastly, if you see someone in distress, call 911 as soon as possible. Move them out of the sun, apply ice to the back of their necks, and keep everyone calm.
If you have any suggestions on how to stay cool on the courts, Please send me a comment.
Thanks,
Pickleball Terry
