Gaston Renault
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
BIO
I have been playing pickleball for nearly 2 years. It is such an amazing sport combining table tennis, tennis and badminton! I am proud to be an ambassador promoting safe play while challenging players to “hit each shot with purpose”.
I played in my first Nationals this year - LOVE my Manta Nexus 2G paddle! I started softening my shots these past few months and the results are life-changing for me. I am striving to be a strong 4.0 now that I see the light!
I have my Level I IPTPA Certification and I am enjoy giving clinics and private lessons. I will pursue my Level II Certification in the future as I approach my retirement.
Graham Hall
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
Since 2019
Paddle: Renegade - Lime Green
BIO
I can teach you the basics within 15 minutes; therefore, giving you an immediate feeling of accomplishment. Anyone can play from young children to seniors; no wonder this sport has caught everyone's attention.
I have also caught the Pickleball fever. I was a tennis instructor and tournament player prior to becoming addicted to Pickleball. This new passion has led me to play as often as I can but to primarily focus on teaching this sport to anyone young or old. My most senior person that I coach is 88 years young.
My teaching philosophy is to provide positive encouragement, making sure that you always leave the lesson on a "High Note".
Certification:
Level ll Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional Member of the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Member Pickleball Coaching International Member Pickleball Teachers Network
Ian Miller
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
Manta Pro Team Member Since 2018
Pickleball Paddle: Nexus "Neon Night"
Pickleball Clubs: Parkland Pickleheads, Spruce Grove AB & The Paddle Room, Edmonton AB
BIO
My name is Ian Miller. I was born in B.C. in 1984. I moved to Edmonton in August 2006. I am self-employed installing Vinyl Siding. I have three wonderful children Mayson 10, Mikaela 8, and Marx 2 and my beautiful wife Kimberly.
I was first introduced to Pickleball by my Dad. He had told me about the sport and he thought I would love it. He brought a couple paddles over at the beginning of May 2016. We pulled up some of the basics of the game on YouTube, then we went and played a couple games of singles. He went home to Vancouver and I was very interested in Pickleball. I found the Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball club on the internet. They offered free beginners lessons. I brought my father in-law with me as his lives in Spruce Grove. We both played as much as we could that summer. I played my first sanctioned tournament at 3.0 in September 2016. My mixed partner Pamela Boutin and I won Gold. I was absolutely hooked and wanted to play any chance I got. I have attended as many tournaments as possible and play regularly twice a week. Pickleball has brought back my competitive spirit. I hope to continue to play competitively for many years. My goals are to work very hard to hone my skills and improve my UTPR. I will continue to share my love of the sport with anyone and everyone.
Kevin stanley
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
BIO
I started playing Pickleball in 2017. I immediately fell in love with the game! Within a year I knew that I wanted to be more involved in promoting the game, so I pursued and successfully secured my IPTPA LEVEL 2 certification. My professional career was a professional speaker and business coach. The IPTPA training has allowed me to continue with my passion of helping others learn new skills.
I have played in tournaments in 2018 and 2019, managing to win 12 Medals: 5 Gold , 4 Silver and 3 Bronze, including a Sliver at the Canadian Nationals in 2018.
I have made more friends and met more nice people from playing pickle ball in the past 3 years than from any other sport I have played. I continue to play 3-5 times a week.
My goal in the next two years is to become the best 4.5 player that I can be. To continue to offer coaching and support in the PB community and to have as much fun as possible!
Lin Buckler
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
BIO
Lin is now a happily retired clinical dietitian & has taught many nutrition related clinics/programs (CVD, Diabetes, Kidney clinics & other) in her awesome career.
She started playing pickleball in 2014 in Sechelt, BC when K. Renfrew brought the fun game to the Sunshine Coast (from California). Pickleball grew from there on the Coast!
Lin has played many sports, some at a competitive level. Swimming, ice hockey, running, mountain biking, racquetball, squash and has had year’s of motorcycling; she loves all sports. A motorcycle accident damaged her right knee in 2010; but her knee braces have allowed her to play competitive pickleball!
Lin has been on Sunshine Coast Pickleball Association board of directors since 2014 & enjoys being part of SCPA team. She is involved in coaching & teaching various clinics, is a team member for the ratings committee and assists with SCPA tournaments.
Lin is a very big fan of Manta paddles and especially loves the Manta Cobra paddle.
Lisa Smith
Manta Pro Team - Pickleball
Manta Pro Team Member Since 2018
Pickleball Paddle: Renegade "Lightweight"
Club: Ottawa Pickleball Association
BIO
I have enjoyed playing pickleball for 5 years now but only seriously in the last 2 years where I started entering tournaments. I was one of the original Ottawa players and have watched it grow to its 300+ members now. I hope to continue to grow and play a higher level and eventually retire playing pickleball in a warmer climate year round.
Luc Germain
Manta Pro Team
Manta Pro Team Member Since 2018
Pickleball Paddle: Renegade
Club: Ottawa Pickleball Association (OPA)
BIO
Now that I've recently retired, I aspire to travel to play and teach pickleball for a long time and I want to bring my game to the next level.