Summer Fun in the Sun

The summer heat settled over Craven County this week, and while some people stayed inside to cool off, others found ways to keep moving outdoors. For those who enjoy playing pickleball, the sun may not be a deterrent. As the heat rises, pickleball players at Creekside Park in James City found a way to beat the heat and keep on playing.

“It’s hot,” several players admitted as they wiped away sweat between serves. Some chose to sweat it out on the court anyway.

Wayne McCracken of New Bern, a self-proclaimed pickleball enthusiast, expressed his love for the hot weather. “I like to sweat. I like it.” He found that the heat doesn’t bother him much, and he doesn’t see the need to reschedule his games. “I love the hot weather,” he said. However, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Lynn Todes, another player, found that the heat has its drawbacks. “My hair frizzes up, my face is sweaty, and my clothes are sticking to me,” she laughed. She prefers to play pickleball in the cooler morning or evening hours. Kelly Bobrowski summed up the situation with two words: “Profuse sweating.” Despite the heat, she continues to play pickleball. “It doesn’t really bother me that much,” she said.

1. Bring wet rags
2. Take plenty of breaks
3. Wear breathable clothes
4. Play early in the morning or later in the evening
5. Stay hydrated — with water, sports drinks, or Wayne McCracken’s personal favorite: Diet Coke

While most players follow this simple checklist before stepping onto the court, some may be more cautious. Bob Todes, another player, acknowledged that the heat can be overwhelming. “Just be smart about it,” he said. Staying Cool

If you plan to spend time outdoors this week, experts say staying safe is just as important as staying cool. During extreme heat and humidity, your body may struggle to regulate temperature, especially if you lose too much fluid through sweating or dehydration. This can lead to heat-related illnesses, which can quickly become dangerous if not treated. Some of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses include:

Heat Cramps

Painful muscle cramps (often in legs or abdomen)

Heat Exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness or fatigue, cool, pale, clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, headache or fainting

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

Body temperature above 103F, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, rapid, strong pulse, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness, or fainting, loss of consciousness

According to the CDC, first aid steps for heat-related illnesses include:

1. Gently stretch or massage cramping muscles
2. Sip water, unless nausea occurs
3. Move to a cool place, ideally with air conditioning
4. Loosen clothing
5. Apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool bath
6. Sip water slowly

It’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being, especially during extreme heat and humidity. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately.

Beat the Heat with Water

If you plan to spend time outdoors this week, experts say staying safe is just as important as staying cool. When the heat becomes too much, players didn’t hesitate to reschedule. “Just be smart about it,” Kelly Bobrowski said. For some players, like Wayne McCracken, water is a personal favorite. “I just scoot home and jump in a cold shower or the pool,” he said. He finds that staying hydrated is essential to staying cool.

Conclusion

While pickleball players in New Bern continue to beat the heat, it’s essential to remember that staying safe is just as important as staying cool. By following a simple checklist, staying hydrated, and knowing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, you can enjoy the outdoors this summer without compromising your health. So, grab your paddle and hit the courts – just be sure to stay cool!