Kipp Sakata: From the Fire Station to the Pickleball Court
Pickleball Spotlight: Kipp Sakata
Honolulu retiree, firefighter, and proud supporter of the pickleball community
Kipp Sakata first picked up a paddle at the fire station during Covid. The court dimensions felt a lot like the badminton games his crew was used to, so getting them to try pickleball wasn’t hard. And like so many of us, it stuck, and the game quickly became part of his weekly rhythm.
He’s always been about showing up—on the court and off. Kipp generously donated items to support our 2-year anniversary celebration last August, a reflection of the kind of community member he is. Now newly retired and managing a few nagging injuries, he’s focused on healing up, staying active, and keeping the game fun, with plenty of gratitude for his wife Shannon, who’s been by his side through it all.
Without further ado, please meet Kipp Sakata!
Currently residing in: Honolulu.
Where did you grow up, and what high school did you go to?
I moved from Kaneohe to Town early on and attended Kaimuki High School.
How did you discover pickleball, and when did you start playing?
First discovered pickleball during Covid while working at the Fire Station. I realized that the pickleball court’s dimensions were very similar to a badminton court (which was a phase for us at one time). In fact, back in the day, we’d move our fire trucks out of the apparatus bay to make room and even had lines permanently painted for some heated Badminton games. So it came as no surprise that I was able to easily convince my crew to delve into this crazy sport called pickleball.
What do you love most about pickleball?
From its inception, pickleball was (and is still) a very social activity. I can’t begin to count the number of terrific people that I’ve met and become close to from the game. Admittedly, the sport does start to become more serious as skill improves and you begin entering competitive play, but I feel that it’s important to always keep a healthy balance. Make time to just get together with friends, laugh & have a great time while working up a little sweat at the same time!
How often do you play?
I was playing four to five times a week at one point until suffering some nagging injuries. Now I limit myself to light play once or twice a week at most, just to keep the joints moving while I wait for a professional opinion from Doc on what path he feels I should pursue.
What paddle are you using, and what do you like about it?
Am currently experimenting with the HPC J6CR. So far, the maneuverability is great for an elongated paddle while also having decent feel as well as power.
What is the next goal you’re working toward (in pickleball or otherwise)?
Currently, my goal is to try to heal up and avoid surgery if possible so that I can return to playing more pickleball and also to hopefully be able to travel again once everything settles down.
What do you do outside of pickleball (hobbies, work, volunteerism, school, etc.)?
Well, I recently retired this past December, but I’m sure that I’ll be busy with a lot of upcoming projects in & around the house.
Anything else on your mind?
Not to bring the mood down but we’ve had to endure a lot this past year as well as possibly dealing with more upcoming challenges ahead, but I just wanted to thank my wife, Shannon for always being there and for continuing to support me in everything that I do!
