Bend’s Pacific Northwest Classic pickleball tourney returns — along with triple-digit temperatures

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More than 500 competitors are facing off at the Pine Nursery pickleball courts this week during the Pacific Northwest Classic pickleball tournament, but they will be battling more than their fellow competitors.

For the next few days, the players can also expect triple-digit temperatures, something Pacific Northwest Classic Co-Director Christie Gestvang was prepared for.

"We have tents for more shade, misters and water stations for players," Gestvang told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday.

But it's not for everyone, for sure.

Gestvang said five competitors have dropped out of the tournament due to the heat.

Joe Baumann who came to compete from Mexico said he was used to the heat, but added that 104 degrees is still 104 degrees.

“The sun also makes the courts hotter," Baumann said. "It just makes the whole environment even warmer. When you’re sweating and moving around that much, it’s easy to get dehydrated.”

Katie Rosenberg, who is visiting from Boise, said she was well-prepared for the heat.

“I was hydrating yesterday, and when I first got up in the morning, I put on sunscreen -- and then every couple of hours re-apply," Rosenberg said.

The tournament lasts through the heat wave, until Sunday.