Author: Sid Parfait

About Sid Parfait

Co-founder of PickleTip.com · Director, New Orleans Pickleball Club
Quick Snapshot: Hosts DUPR ratings, beginner & intermediate clinics, and soon free tournaments. Helps players of all levels connect with the New Orleans pickleball community.

Building a Thriving Pickleball Community

Hi, I’m Sid Parfait, the co-founder of PickleTip.com and the director of the New Orleans Pickleball Club. Every week, I collaborate with my son AJ to host DUPR rating events, beginner and intermediate clinics, and - soon- free tournaments that bring players of all ages and skill levels together. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first lesson or helping a new venue prepare for its grand opening, my mission is simple: make pickleball more accessible, more organized, and more fun for the entire New Orleans community.

My Pickleball Journey

My passion for pickleball started on March 11, 2023, when I stepped onto a court for the first time with zero expectations and a borrowed paddle. I struggled with the same hesitations and confusion most beginners feel - overswinging, misreading the Kitchen, and battling nerves that made every rally feel like a test. That origin story shaped my coaching philosophy, and you can read the full experience in my First Day Playing Pickleball, a narrative that continues to inspire many of the players I teach today.

Even though I’m now a 3.2-rated player, I still remember the exhilaration, frustration, and breakthroughs of being a complete beginner. Those early experiences led to the creation of Sid’s Journey on PickleTip, where I share honest reflections that help new players improve faster and with more confidence.

Supporting Local Venues and Players

I’m equally passionate about helping local facilities thrive. I’ve consulted with four pickleball venues before their grand openings, offering guidance on membership models, scheduling, tournament operations, and community-building practices that keep players engaged. I also collaborate with brands and equipment companies, ensuring that everything I recommend is thoroughly tested by both beginners and advanced players. Every paddle review on PickleTip includes real on-court feedback, not just specs or marketing claims.

Vision for the Future

My long-term goal is simple: help pickleball grow the right way. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or refining your game for competitive play, I want New Orleans to be one of the most welcoming, knowledgeable, and tightly connected pickleball communities in the country. Through PickleTip.com and the New Orleans Pickleball Club, I’m committed to sharing practical advice, supporting local venues, and creating pathways for more people to join the sport we all love.

If you’re looking for reliable tips, local insight, and a coach who has walked the same path you’re starting, I’m here to help. Let’s keep building this community - one rally at a time.