Facebook Mail RSS
  • The Arts
  • History
  • Sports
    • All
    • High School
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Adult
    • Bargain Bellingham
    • Family
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Kids
  • Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Featured Business
    • Around the House
    • Restaurants and Pubs
    • Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • Community Channels
    • Book Store
    • Chamber of Commerce
      • Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
      • Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
    • Downtown Organizations
      • Downtown Bellingham Partnership
      • Lynden Washington Downtown Business Association
    • Food and Farming
    • Health Care
    • Heating and Air Conditioning
    • Hotel and Lodging
    • Media Partners
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Whatcom County Real Estate
  • Nonprofits
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Search
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • About
    • The WhatcomTalk Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertise with us
    • Marketing Insights
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Company News
Facebook Mail RSS
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
WhatcomTalk
  • The Arts
    • Mount Baker Toppers

      It’s Hard to Top the Mount Baker Toppers: Meet the All-Voices…

      Whatcom Transportation Authority

      Rolling Art Gallery: Whatcom Transportation Authority Whatcomics Bus on Display During…

      Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

      Moving Forward With the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

      Nuages The Unknowns Aperatonic Trio

      Nuages, The Unknowns and Aperatonic Trio Put Contemporary Twists on Jazz

      Congregation Beth Israel tapestries

      The Days of Creation Needlepoint Tapestries and a Long Labor of…

  • History
    • George Hunsby Whatcom County

      Remembering George Hunsby: Whatcom County Storyteller, Historian, and Renaissance Man

      Postmarked Washington Whatcom County

      “Postmarked Washington” Sheds Light on Whatcom County History

      Elmer Cave Bellingham Superintendent

      Learn About Elmer Cave Bellingham Superintendent of Schools From 1909 to…

      Black history in Bellingham

      ‘For Peace and For A Decent Life for All:’ A Black…

      Bellingham’s Historic Pacific Highway 99

      Exploring Bellingham’s Historic Pacific Highway 99: From Early Roads to Today

  • Sports
    • All
    • High School
  • LocalTalk
    • Barron Heating

      Solar Myths vs. Facts: What Western Washington Homeowners Need to Know

      bellingham food bank hunger v hunger

      Hunger Vs. Hunger

      PeaceHealth Lynden Clinic

      Peacehealth Lynden Clinic Celebrates First Year of Caring for North Whatcom…

      Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Teens Against Abuse

      Teens Against Abuse Inspires Prevention Education and Community Awareness in Whatcom County

      SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

      SPARK Museum Announces David Epley (aka Doktor Kaboom) as 2025 Recipient…

  • Activities
    • AllAdultBargain BellinghamFamilyIndoorOutdoorKids
      Kayaking near Olympia

      Challenging Kayaking in Olympia With Rewarding Scenery? Check Out This Day…

      North Slope Trails Olympia

      Downhill Mountain Biking Near Olympia: North Slope Offers Shuttling Access and…

      Wander to Wander 1k

      The Shortest Fun Run in Whatcom County Is Back – The…

      Western Washington University activities

      Discover Western Washington University’s Exciting Activities and Events Open to the…

  • Calendar
    • Calendar
    • Add An Event
    • Event Articles
  • Featured Business
    • AllAround the HouseRestaurants and PubsRetail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      Solarize Whatcom

      Replace Those Electric Bills With Solar Power: Solarize Whatcom Is Open…

      Comcast

      Unlock Unbeatable Internet Value in Whatcom County With Comcast’s New Five-Year…

      Small Business Wins: The Power of Banking With a Community Bank

      Xfinity Internet

      Xfinity Internet Customers in Whatcom County Get Speed Upgrade and More…

  • Community Channels
    • Book Store
    • Chamber of Commerce
      • Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
      • Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
    • Downtown Organizations
      • Downtown Bellingham Partnership
      • Lynden Washington Downtown Business Association
    • Food and Farming
    • Health Care
    • Heating and Air Conditioning
    • Hotel and Lodging
    • Media Partners
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Whatcom County Real Estate
  • Nonprofits
    • love2hope Bellingham

      Love2Hope Provides Food and Health Care to Pets That Need It…

      First Fed Foundation

      Banking on Community: First Fed Foundation Celebrates 10 Years

      Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Teens Against Abuse

      Teens Against Abuse Inspires Prevention Education and Community Awareness in Whatcom County

      Assistance League of Bellingham’s Thrift & Gift Shop

      Behind the Scenes at Assistance League of Bellingham’s Thrift & Gift…

      Cascade Connections

      Cascade Connections Offers a Hand Up Into The Workplace

  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips

Spikeball Hits Bellingham with Skill, Satisfaction and Silliness

By
Jade Thurston
-
Spikeball
Spikeball is taking Bellingham — and Western Washington University students — by storm. ©WhatcomTalk.

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More

At a party last year in early May where many were preoccupied watching “The Fight of the Century,” a professional boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Bellingham resident Andy Gallent’s attention was somewhere else.

barronGallent, 26, recalls four Western Washington University students actively moving around a yellow device on the lawn. Included was a circular net lifted off the ground that was similar to a miniature trampoline and a yellow, rubbery ball sized to fit in a person’s palm.

“That was the exact moment I was introduced to Spikeball,” Gallent said. “I was instantly interested.”

Spikeball
Spikeball is taking Bellingham — and Western Washington University students — by storm. ©WhatcomTalk.

Like what Gallent saw in his first encounter, Spikeball is played with four people divided into two teams. To start, one player on Team A serves the ball to the Team B player across the net. To serve, you must toss the yellow orb up in the air and swat it onto the net, where it may bounce only once.

The two players on Team B then return the ball to Team A by hitting it back off the net. Each team has the opportunity to return the ball in three touches. These touches may be from any part of the body, however, the partners must alternate who touches the ball and get it bouncing off the net by the third touch.

If a player fails to return the ball, the other team receives a point. A point is also awarded if the ball mistakenly hits the rim of the net.

At 11 points, teams switch sides. The objective of the game is to earn 21 points first.

Another detail is the “pocket.” This happens when the ball is hit by a player and slightly embeds in the space between the net and the rim, causing the ball to awkwardly bounce off the net. Players on either team can call a pocket whenever necessary, meaning the play is disregarded and starts over.

Lastly, “hinder” is when a player gets in the way of another player during the game. This also prompts a redo.

Spikeball
Andy Gallent reacts quickly to a swift serve in a Spikeball match. ©WhatcomTalk.

Yet, beyond these basic directions, Spikeball proves to be an entertaining and lively pastime for anyone as the summer days draw even more people than usual outside in Whatcom County.

In fact, Gallent spends much of his summer introducing and playing Spikeball with friends and strangers around town.

Justin Spencer, 23, friend to Gallent, hadn’t played a single game of Spikeball until he and Gallent became roommates this past year.

“Spikeball is easy to learn, but when you first play it feels awkward,” said Spencer. “It’s going to take a little bit of practice, but it’s seriously so fun.”

Though they have varying styles of play — Spencer more laid back and Gallent somewhat competitive — these guys can’t stop raving about the game.

Both agree that Spikeball is similar to volleyball with an easier setup, though there are elements of handball and four square in there, too.

Therefore, they have no problem taking advantage of Spikeball’s simple setup by engaging in matches throughout Bellingham’s many parks and beaches, like Boulevard’s sandy areas or Fairhaven Park’s grassy field.

Spikeball
Spikeball easily packs into a light, drawstring backpack. ©WhatcomTalk.

“The game is lightweight, you can travel with it anywhere, and you don’t need too much room to play,” Gallent said.

Spencer added that you don’t even need all four friends with you for a match to take place. Since most onlookers around Bellingham find interest in the game, they are happy to stand in and give it a go themselves.

“Spikeball is a hybrid sport that people love,” said Gallent.

“And it isn’t just another backyard game,” Spencer added.

They couldn’t have said it better. Beyond beaches, yards and parks, Spikeball also has another local home at WWU. As of two years ago, the University began to offer Spikeball as an intramural sport.

Bob Hofstetter, Associate Director of Facilities and Operations of WWU’s Campus Recreation Services, said that Western is happy to have Spikeball featured as a league and tournament during certain quarters throughout the school year.

Hofstetter believes Spikeball is growing in popularity and claims that various students — athletic or not — enthusiastically play the game. Spikeball is even brought out at WWU’s kids’ camps, where children — pre-teen ages and younger — enjoy the sport.

Spikeball
Justin Spencer lays out his body in midair as he returns the ball. ©WhatcomTalk.

Hofstetter recently received his own Spikeball set for Father’s Day. He appreciates the competitive aspect Spikeball brings out, while still having a great time.

“My family is pretty diverse in athletic ability, yet we all enjoy to play Spikeball,” he said.

Athletic or inactive. Hand-eye or foot-eye coordinated. Petite or large physic. Vying or just playing for the laughs. You may be truly surprised at just how fit of a contender you are for Spikeball.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articlePut Your Best Foot Forward with Pedal Party NW
Next article‘What to Expect When You’re Electing’ Comes to Mount Baker Theatre
Jade Thurston

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

love2hope Bellingham

Love2Hope Provides Food and Health Care to Pets That Need It the Most

Kayaking near Olympia

Challenging Kayaking in Olympia With Rewarding Scenery? Check Out This Day Trip

George Hunsby Whatcom County

Remembering George Hunsby: Whatcom County Storyteller, Historian, and Renaissance Man

STAY CONNECTED

17,793FansLike
8,663FollowersFollow
3,763FollowersFollow

Upcoming Events

May
20
Tue
all-day Socially Distant Trivia with Fri... @ Online through Zoom
Socially Distant Trivia with Fri... @ Online through Zoom
May 20 all-day
Socially Distant Trivia with Friends! @ Online through Zoom
Online trivia through Zoom, every Tuesday night, featuring a mix of gallery and breakout rooms allowing you to socialize while you play several rounds of trivia including a weekly suggested category. Zoom link available each[...]
4:15 pm Youth Outrigger Paddling Lessons @ Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers
Youth Outrigger Paddling Lessons @ Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers
May 20 @ 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Youth Outrigger Paddling Lessons @ Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the[...]
6:30 pm Life Drawing Bellingham @ Karate Church
Life Drawing Bellingham @ Karate Church
May 20 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Life Drawing Bellingham @ Karate Church
Life drawing from the live model – All levels welcome! – $20 at the door, Cash/Card/Venmo – Doors at 6p / Poses begin at 6:45p – Materials & Snacks provided – Short to long poses[...]
7:00 pm Pop Up Chorus. Every Tuesday fo... @ The Majestic
Pop Up Chorus. Every Tuesday fo... @ The Majestic
May 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Pop Up Chorus.  Every Tuesday for 6 weeeks.  Learn 4-part harmony for free! @ The Majestic
Did you sing in school or in the church choir when you were younger and would love to sing again? Do you sing in the shower or with the radio or just love to sing[...]
May
21
Wed
8:00 am NSEA Stream Team @ Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Campus
NSEA Stream Team @ Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Campus
May 21 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
NSEA Stream Team @ Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association Campus
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites that need love. Meet at NSEA’s campus by 8 am and your group leader will shuttle everyone to the site. You can expect to be back[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Solarize Whatcom

Replace Those Electric Bills With Solar Power: Solarize Whatcom Is Open...

Our current economic climate is stressful. It seems like the cost of everything keeps going up. One example? In January 2025, Puget Sound Energy...
Comcast

Unlock Unbeatable Internet Value in Whatcom County With Comcast’s New Five-Year...

Small Business Wins: The Power of Banking With a Community Bank

Xfinity Internet

Xfinity Internet Customers in Whatcom County Get Speed Upgrade and More...

Assistance League of Bellingham’s Thrift & Gift Shop

Behind the Scenes at Assistance League of Bellingham’s Thrift & Gift...

Trending Now

Mount Baker Toppers

It’s Hard to Top the Mount Baker Toppers: Meet the All-Voices...

Where To Go Beachcombing on the Washington Coast

50 Years From Bay to Baker: History of Ski to Sea...

Editor Picks

George Hunsby Whatcom County

Remembering George Hunsby: Whatcom County Storyteller, Historian, and Renaissance Man

Cascade Connections

Cascade Connections Offers a Hand Up Into The Workplace

What Whatcom Families Should Know About the Healthy Children’s Fund

Recent Posts

  • Love2Hope Provides Food and Health Care to Pets That Need It the Most
  • It’s Hard to Top the Mount Baker Toppers: Meet the All-Voices A Cappella Chorus
  • While Visiting Olympia to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer, Head to the Washington Coast
  • Challenging Kayaking in Olympia With Rewarding Scenery? Check Out This Day Trip
  • Solar Myths vs. Facts: What Western Washington Homeowners Need to Know
ABOUT US
WhatcomTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and the surrounding Whatcom County area. Advertise with WhatcomTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@whatcomtalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS
  • About
    • The WhatcomTalk Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • Advertise with us
    • Marketing Insights
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Company News
© WhatcomTalk, Inc.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Share via
    Facebook
    X (Twitter)
    LinkedIn
    Mix
    Email
    Print
    Copy Link
    Powered by Social Snap
    Copy link
    CopyCopied
    Powered by Social Snap