This interview with Evan Kuterbach, the founder of Canyon Pickleball, reveals a compelling story of personal growth, passion, and community through the sport of pickleball. Evan’s journey started as a reluctant player, but the game quickly became a lifeline as he transitioned to a new life in Florida. His story offers insight into how pickleball not only brought him out of isolation but inspired him to build a brand that embodies inclusivity, sustainability, and a love for the outdoors.
Introduction to Pickleball: A Lifeline in a New Chapter
When Evan first tried pickleball, he had just moved from Denver to Orlando, feeling isolated and unsure of how to build a life in a new place, especially with the added stress of a newborn daughter. “Pickleball truly saved me,” he reflects. What started as a fun game to escape his funk turned into something transformative. The sport gave him both physical movement and mental clarity while introducing him to a welcoming, tight-knit community.
From Passion to Purpose: The Birth of Canyon Pickleball
Within months of playing regularly, Evan found himself wondering if he could turn this passion into more than just a hobby. This led to the creation of Canyon Pickleball, a brand he founded with co-founder Rob. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to share the sport’s benefits with as many people as possible while anchoring the brand to their love for the outdoors and environmental consciousness.
Evan’s approach to building Canyon Pickleball was grounded in the desire to give back. “The pickleball community was incredibly welcoming to me, and I wanted to create something that would reflect that same sense of belonging for others,” Evan explains. Sustainability became a core value of Canyon Pickleball, with eco-friendly packaging and a commitment to donating to the National Park Foundation. It’s a brand that not only sells paddles, but also contributes to the greater good.
Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Growth, Community, and Learning
Starting a business wasn’t without its challenges. Evan and Rob had to navigate where to focus their energy and when to seek outside help. “You can get caught up in all the little details that don’t matter, like website colors,” Evan admits. But through communication, vulnerability, and collaboration, they learned to push forward despite the setbacks.
A major hurdle has been educating potential players. While pickleball is gaining momentum, reaching out to those unfamiliar with the game takes time. However, this aligns perfectly with Evan’s vision to create a welcoming environment for newcomers, just as he experienced when he was first introduced to the sport.
Building a Brand That Cares: Differentiation and Community
Canyon Pickleball stands out not just because of its high-quality products—carbon fiber paddles with cushioned handles—but also because of its deeper mission. Evan emphasizes that it’s about building a brand with an identity, one that stands for community, sustainability, and inclusivity. Unlike other brands that might simply be looking to capitalize on pickleball’s popularity, Canyon Pickleball is in it for the long haul, contributing to a larger cause.
“We don’t just sell paddles,” Evan says. “We’re part of the pickleball community, and we want to give back, not just through donations but by promoting a sport that can genuinely change lives.”
We also have a paddle buyback program where anyone can send us their older paddle in ANY quality, and we’ll give you a gift card to our store. We’ll then donate these used paddles to schools, charities, and other organizations to keep these paddles in circulation, reducing the plastic waste and growing the sport.
Pickleball’s Future and Canyon’s Role in It
As pickleball continues to grow worldwide, Evan envisions an even brighter future for the sport. He sees pickleball clubs forming in schools and universities, and as the sport expands, Canyon Pickleball plans to evolve with it. Evan hopes to broaden Canyon’s product offerings while maintaining a focus on the outdoors, similar to how brands like Prana expanded from a niche into a broader lifestyle mission.
“The brands that last will be the ones that stand for something,” Evan predicts. “It’s about more than just paddles; it’s about community, identity, and giving back.”
Impact on Community and Personal Fulfillment
For Evan, the biggest takeaway from pickleball has been its ability to bring people together. Whether through a buyback program that donates old paddles to schools and charities or the simple joy of meeting new friends on the court, Canyon Pickleball embodies that spirit. “Pickleball isn’t just a game. It’s a way to connect with others, no matter who you are,” he explains.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Evan recounts one moment that encapsulates what pickleball has done for him: “After a few weeks of playing, someone at the courts asked me how my new baby was doing. It was a small thing, but it made me feel like I belonged.” That sense of belonging is what he hopes to spread through Canyon Pickleball.
Final Thoughts
Evan Kuterbach’s story is a great example of how pickleball can change lives, offering more than just a game and a chance to build connections and foster a sense of purpose. Through Canyon Pickleball, Evan is committed to creating not only quality products but a meaningful community that shares his values of inclusion and sustainability. As pickleball grows in popularity, so does his vision for the brand—to inspire others to find joy in the game, connect with nature, and give back along the way.
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