ABOUT US
WELCOME
Welcome to our story, where the love of the game meets the joy of exploration. We're proud to be pioneers in bringing Pickleball Worldwide through our educational products, seminars and retreats.
OUR STORY
A pioneer of the sport of Pickleball, Tom Kiatipis began coaching high school students the game back in 1999, Toronto Canada at Malvern Collegiate. For the next 20 years he would introduce the game to thousands of students as a physical education teacher for 4 week pickleball units. In 2020 Tom retired and moved to Costa Rica and a few years later founded Flow Academy, the premier pickleball training academy in Guanacaste, Costa Rica where the program thrived under his leadership. During that time he co-founded the Coco Bay Classic Pickleball Tournament, attracting the best players in Costa Rica. He also very frequently assisted future Pickleball Hall of Famer, and legendary Dave Weinbach, winner of 10 US Open Championships and 9 USAPA National Championships at his 4 day coaching clinics in Costa Rica, learning from one of the true masters of the game.
Tom is one of the leading pickleball strategists and author of numerous pickleball books including The Pickleball Book They Don't Want You to Read, The Pickleball IQ Advantage, 4 Week Drills Program, Pickleball GamePlan BluePrint, 9-9 Clutch Zone and Wall Drills, all designed to bring out the best in players and expand the game globally with international sales throughout the world including USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Central America, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and more.
Tom's passion and commitment to the sport of Pickleball has led him to Greece, to bring this great game to Europe where he intends to expand the sport's reach in an impactful way. That and the desire to compete at some prestigious European Tournaments to help put Greece on the map in the Pickleball World. Why Greece; specifically the Greek Islands? It's his desire to match this great game with the unmatched beauty of Crete's fabulous beaches, incredible landscape, rich history and phenomenal cuisine and share it with Pickleball enthusiasts everywhere.
TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
BEST OF THE BEST SKILLS TRAINING
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Dinking (technique, placement & selection)
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3rd Shot (drop, drive, decision making)
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5th shot & 7th shot
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Volleys (blocking, punch volleys)
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Footwork
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Offensive and Defensive Lobs
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Overhead Smashes
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Doubles/Mixed Doubles Strategy
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Game Improvement Drills
PROFESSIONAL COACHING AT IT'S FINEST
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Certified Pickleball Pro Coaches
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Former / Current Professional Pickleball Players
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Dedicated Small Group Coaching
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Try to beat one of our Pickleball Pro's in Singles or Doubles!
OUR TRIP HOSTS
Our trips offer elite pickleball instruction and training from certified coaches, including former pros, social media personalities, and popular coaches you may already know. Each trip is hosted by our local hosts, such as Tom, Renata, Matthew, John, Sandra, Scott, and more, who speak the native languages of each country fluently, along with English and other languages. These pickleball fanatics are experienced in planning events, ensuring that your trip is seamless from start to finish.
RENATA
TOM
MEET THE COACH
TOM KIATIPIS
26 YEARS OF RACQUET COACHING EXPERIENCE
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26 years of Racquet Sport Coaching Experience
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25 Year Background in Sports Performance Curriculum Design, Training Methodology & Elite Performance
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Coached Hundreds of Collegiate & Professional Athletes Strategy
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Creator of Flow Pickleball Academy
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BEYOND THE COURTS!
But beyond the courts, Pickleball Nation is all about connection. It's about meeting new friends, exploring new places, and sharing unforgettable moments together. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, you'll find a warm welcome and a community of fellow pickleball enthusiasts ready to cheer you on.
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So why wait? Join us and let the adventure begin! We can't wait to see you on the courts.
IF YOU STILL WANT TO LEARN MORE, THATS OKAY!
Below is where we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our retreats!
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What level of pickleball skill is required to participate in this retreat?No matter your skill level, you're welcome to join us! Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, our retreats cater to participants of every level. Our experienced coaches tailor instruction to meet the needs of each participant, ensuring that everyone has a rewarding and enjoyable experience on the court.
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How much do Your Pickleball Retreats Cost?It depends on the specific trip you're interested in! To learn more about the prices for each trip, you can make an inquiry to our team HERE and we will get you all of the information you need ASAP!
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Can we build a Customized Trip with you?Absolutely! Let us know where you want to go within Europe, Bahamas, USA, Costa Rica, you name it, we will see what we can do and we will develop a custom itinerary for your party of 6-12 participants.
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Is transportation to and from the retreat location included in the package?Absolutely, transportation to and from the retreat location, including transportation to the courts and excursions, is included in the package. From thrilling adventures to relaxing sightseeing tours, we'll take care of getting you to each destination so you can focus on enjoying the experience to the fullest. Our transportation services are designed to be seamless and convenient, allowing you to sit back, relax, and soak in the excitement of each excursion without any worries about logistics.
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What is the skill level of the instructors leading the pickleball sessions?Rest assured, our instructors are the cream of the crop when it comes to pickleball expertise. They're all certified pickleball pro coaches, with many boasting impressive backgrounds as former or current pros, or highly respected and experienced coaches. If you're familiar with the pickleball community, you may recognize some of these instructors, as they have a strong online presence and are well-regarded within the sport. Get ready to learn from the best and take your game to new heights!
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Can I bring my own pickleball equipment to the retreat? Or is equipment provided?All participants MUST bring their own paddles and any other preferred equipment. If there is an event where you lose or break your equipment, there may be a chance that we can provide you a substitute, however this is NOT GUARANTEED. When it comes to everything else, we've got you covered with everything you'll need for a fantastic pickleball experience. From top-quality balls to exceptional facilities and even some custom merchandise, we've thought of every detail to ensure your enjoyment. So make sure to pack your favorite racket and get ready for an unforgettable retreat filled with fun and excitement!
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Can beginners join the retreat or is it tailored for more experienced players?Absolutely! Beginners are more than welcome to join our retreats. Our programs are designed to accommodate players of all skill levels, including those who are brand new to the sport. Our experienced coaches provide personalized instruction and guidance to help beginners learn the fundamentals of pickleball and improve their skills throughout the retreat. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, there's something for everyone at Pickleball Paradise.
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Is there free time available to explore the surrounding area during the retreat?Absolutely! While our retreats are packed with exciting activities and pickleball sessions, we also understand the importance of downtime and exploration. You'll have ample free time to venture out and explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Whether you want to soak in the local culture, discover nearby attractions, or simply relax and unwind, the choice is yours. Our knowledgeable hosts can provide recommendations and assistance to help you make the most of your free time during the retreat.
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What is the typical group size for these pickleball retreats?Our pickleball retreats are designed to provide a personalized and intimate experience for all participants. We intentionally keep our group sizes small, typically ranging from 6 to 12 participants. This allows for more individual attention and instruction from our experienced coaches, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone can improve their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow pickleball enthusiasts.
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How do I reserve my spot for a specific pickleball retreat?To reserve your spot for a specific pickleball retreat, simply fill out our contact form HERE with your details. Our team will then reach out to provide you with a customized quote based on your party size. We look forward to welcoming you to our next unforgettable pickleball adventure!
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How many days do your pickleball retreats last?Our pickleball retreats typically last 5-7 days. We have laid out sample itineraries based on prior trips we've had that can be found on our destinations page HERE. We design our retreats to provide ample time for pickleball sessions, skill-enhancing clinics, excursions, and leisure activities, ensuring you have a well-rounded and memorable experience.
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Do you offer travel insurance?No, we do not. We do recommend purchasing travel insurance from a third party, though. Which travel insurance you select is entirely up to you!
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Can my diet be accommodated?In most cases, yes! However, we will need you to let us know about any diet preferences, allergies, etc before hand. Our all-inclusive locations will have options for you based on your diet, however if you are attending one of our locations with a private chef, it is important you let us know before hand!
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Can I bring a group of friends on a getaway?Absolutely! You can bring a group of friends along for an unforgettable getaway. We'll assist you in reserving spots for your entire group, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to join before the retreat fills up. Just inform us HERE that you'll be coming with friends, and we'll take care of the rest. Additionally, we offer group discounts based on the size of your group, so the more, the merrier!
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What's NOT included in our retreats?-Travel Insurance -Flights -Any extra food / drinks you may want to get outside of our accommodations