How a Hip Replacement Led One Man to Pickleball—and Palmera Pickleball
After a hip replacement, I figured my days of real competition were over. Then I picked up a paddle. What started as a simple search for a low-impact way to stay active turned into an unexpected reconnection with an old colleague who happened to be building something special in the pickleball world.
A few months after my hip replacement surgery last year, I found myself searching for something that would get me active again—something fun, social, and, most importantly, low-impact. Running and high-impact sports were off the table, but I wasn’t ready to sit still. I missed the feeling of movement, the casual banter with teammates and/or competitors, and the sense of rhythm that comes with a good game, not to mention the element of competition (I like winning). That’s when I stumbled upon pickleball. At first, I was skeptical—wasn’t this just tennis for retirees? Wasn’t this the game that was driving all my neighbors nuts with the noise of a plastic ball getting hit back and forth at all hours of the day? But after one game, I was hooked. It had just enough movement to challenge me without stressing my new hip, and the community was incredibly welcoming.
The challenge for me was that I knew very little about pickleball beyond news stories about how a cult was developing around the sport or how noisy the game could be for those living near courts. Just as I was getting into the swing of things—quite literally—I got an unexpected message from Geoff Bourgeois, a former colleague I worked with in what seems like a former life. Geoff is a brilliant technical mind and had been very successful in the software world. He had retired early, but wasn’t ready to “retire.” In one of those weird timing moments in life, it turns out Geoff had recently launched a company called Palmera Pickleball and it turned out to be just the resource I needed to figure out this pickleball thing.
One of the things I like most about Palmera Pickleball is that the company is making three deliberate bets. First, on a location/experience: a wellness‑and-athletic driven racquet destination at Rancho Santana—a 2-hour flight from Miami to enjoy quality experiences, from pro-led clinics and pickleball vacations to tournaments, moneyballs, drill clubs, and open plays. Palmera is opening an initial 10 pickleball courts and 2 padel courts inside of Rancho Santana—built with JDC for JDC certification and inclusion in the JOOLA Facility-Partner Network. Second, on knowledge and information (so important in this digital, AI-led world): PalmeraSports.Life, a digital archive of high‑quality coaching content to help pickleballers elevate their game and longevity and work toward whatever their end-goal is. Third, on a compelling story: a father‑son docuseries as Jeremy and Geoff grind toward 5.0+ ratings, capturing the work, the setbacks, and the breakthroughs. Together—place, playbook, and proof—this is how something is build to last. It will be exciting to watch and participate in.
For me, the timing of reconnecting with Geoff and finding Palmera Pickleball could not have been better. Given my interest in both pickleball and market intelligence, I’m going to contribute to this newsletter frequently to share the things I am finding in my Pickleball journey. What I love about Palmera Pickleball is that you could be a pickleball player trying to go pro or a complete newbie just hoping to learn a thing or two, and you will find something interesting that helps you become a better player. Or maybe you will find a great resort to travel to and play. Or maybe you will find an opportunity to invest in your own pickleball or other sports-related business.
Each weekend, I’ll spend a few hours digging into what’s happening across the pickleball world—from hot new court destinations and travel trends to paddle tech and equipment innovation. I also keep tabs on up-and-coming professional players, brand partnerships, and community growth. It’s like blending my research and analysis background with a sport I’m falling in love with. It’s been energizing to learn that pickleball isn’t just a pastime—it’s a movement. Cities are investing in court infrastructure, brands are innovating like crazy, and new leagues are creating buzz far beyond local rec centers. It feels good to contribute to something that’s growing and inclusive, especially after a period of personal recovery and change.
Who knew that a hip replacement would lead me to not just a new sport, but a chance to contribute a small something to this growing international movement and new venture. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me—on and off the court. Email me at barry@palmerapickleball.com if you have ideas for me to investigate or any questions you would like to see answered.
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