'The sport can be played by everyone'
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months AGO
Pickleball players packed the courts at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday.
HAILEY HILL/Press
Selkirk Sport Pro Shop allows customers to try out different pickleball rackets at the indoor demo courts before they buy.
One of Selkirk Sport Pro Shop's two demo courts.
Selkirk Sport Pro Shop is located at 7878 N. Government Way, Dalton Gardens.
DALTON GARDENS — Selkirk Sport got its start as a family-owned business in Coeur d’Alene in 2014.
Though the brand is now nationally recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of pickleball products in the U.S., the company, at its core, has remained much the same.
“This is where they’re from,” said Dalton Foss, an associate at the newly opened Selkirk Sport Pro Shop on Government Way. “This is where everything started.”
In addition to pickleball paddles, gear and apparel, Selkirk’s first large retail store also has two indoor demo courts for customers to “try before they buy.”
Every employee at the Pro Shop started out as a customer service representative for Selkirk, Foss said.
“We have more knowledge of not only pickleball as a sport, but Selkirk as a company,” Foss said. “We understand not only the product but also the customer base and how to support them.”
Pro Shop employees are also Pickleball Certified Instructors.
“We have all the answers for you,” Foss said.
Selkirk has continued to expand as a company as pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
Over 36 million Americans play the sport and it's seen a growth rate of 311% over the past three years, according to data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
In addition to opening the Pro Shop, Selkirk has expanded their office staff, and their shipping and receiving department has moved to a larger warehouse.
“The sport keeps growing and our company is growing with it,” Foss said.
Another Pro Shop has also opened in Boise.
Foss said that pickleball’s popularity can be attributed to its “low barrier for entry,” as it can be played by people of all ages, is easy to learn, and does not require a lot of equipment.
“The sport can be played by everyone,” Foss said.
What keeps people returning to the courts, Foss said, is the players’ drive to hone their skills and advance beyond beginner play.
“Becoming a talented player is very tough, so I think people want to keep coming back for more,” Foss said.
Selkirk Sport Pro Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be closed on Memorial Day. It’s located at 7878 N. Government Way, Dalton Gardens.
Selkirk Sport Pro Shop allows customers to try out different pickleball rackets at the indoor demo courts before they buy.
One of Selkirk Sport Pro Shop's two demo courts.
Selkirk Sport Pro Shop is located at 7878 N. Government Way, Dalton Gardens.ARTICLES BY HAILEY HILL
Hayden chamber marks 25 years
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn named Business of the Year
When Andrea Fulks talks about growing the Hayden Chamber of Commerce’s membership, she makes a point to avoid certain words. “I never say you should ‘join,’” the chamber president and CEO said. “I say that you belong in this family.”
NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth
NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth
The first time Jessica Cargile attended a North Idaho Building Contractors Association meeting, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. That feeling returned for only a moment before she was sworn in as NIBCA’s president for 2026.
Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve
Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve
A sepia-toned photograph of about 30 businessmen hangs in the office of Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s President and CEO, Linda Coppess. Though dressed in the fashion of decades past, the men gathered for a purpose that has endured: uplifting area businesses through the Chamber. The photo is a reminder of the Chamber’s 114 years of history, Coppess said in her address to nearly 200 attendees at Tuesday morning’s Breakfast Connect event.