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Whistler/Blackcomb in Canada's British Columbia is best known for its stellar—and year-round—skiing,  but savvy tennis players have also discovered that this award-winning resort also has an exceptional tennis venue in the Whistler Racquet Club. Former Top 50 player Marjorie Blackwood, a three-time Canadian champion, directs the programs with the help of her co-director and National Masters Doubles Champion Peter Schelling. During her career, Blackwood scored wins over Virginia Wade, Pam Shriver and Helena Sukova, among others. Between them this husband and wife team run a stellar operation, which deserves to be better known beyond the Northwest, not only for the quality and diversity of their programs but also for the exceptionally economical prices, especially for anyone whose currency has held up better than the Canadian dollar.
The club has 10 hard courts (three of them covered), grouped around a clubhouse with a fireside bar/lounge, pro shop, and exercise room. Many summer weekends are given over to special programs, including special camps with former players from the ATP Tour. From late June to mid August, there are also 3-hour-a-day midweek camps for juniors. Meanwhile, even if you miss one of the camps, you can look forward to socials, leagues, and game matching while having full access to all the summer mountain recreation Whistler/Blackcomb offers. Lodging rates for campers remarkably reasonable, making this at once a superb tennis getaway and uncommon bargain.
Here's what others have had to say about Whistler Racquet Club.
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""—M.S., Adv. Int., July 2008
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"I had a wonderful time at the Skill/Drills Camp. I haven’t quit talking about it since “at camp they told us…”“ at camp we learned” “camp was so great”… camp camp camp camp camp camp!“
Marjorie's enthusiasm for teaching tennis is of the highest level I’ve ever experienced. Thank you again!"—C.B., Adv. Int., May 2008
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"The best Tennis Camp I have ever attended. I have gone to at least 1 or 2 every year for the last 5 years. The Pros Marg and Peter are awesome as are all their staff!
Incredible drills with an awesome backdrop of the beautiful mountains.
 They have indoor courts as well so you never miss a day even in inclement weather!"—E.S., Adv., April 2008
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"My wife and I have attended the Advanced Art of Doubles camp two years running. The camp is very well organized and alot of fun. Marjorie and Peter are outstanding teachers and clearly love what they do. Our games have improved after each camp. We can't wait to go again."—D.L., Adv. Int., April 2008
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""—L.S., Int., April 2008
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"The camp instructors offered good instructions for ball hitting and improving techniques. Before attending the camp, I was hitting balls long or into the net, my volleys were weak and game strategy suffered. My tennis got exceptionally better after attending the camp.
I enjoy paying the game more than ever now that I am winning more matches. As a bonus the racquet club is located in the most beautiful resort area in British Columbia with lots to offer the picky vacationer."—C.O., Adv., April 2008
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"This is the 5th year that I've attended Marjorie and Peter's camps, and they get better each time. I attended two Art of the Doubles camps and our win rate has increased dramatically. The camps stress the strategy and positioning that makes for winning doubles, and they do it in an extremely enjoyable and challenging fashion.Everyone came off the court with big smiles.
I've already signed up for camps this summer!"—R.B., Adv. Int., April 2008
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"We attended Intermediate doubles weekend camp in 2007.
It was really good experience. Instructors evaluated our game skills in all possible aspects. After that we were divided in different groups (about 4 people in the group) and worked to improve our weaknesses.
Then groups were changed for different drills. It was almost like a private lesson. Especially when our drills were recorded and we can see our mistakes on the video.
At the end we got papers specified main points that we should work on. I found it very useful and still remind myself about these points during my games. And in addition to the great experience, it is also was fun!"—M.K., Int., April 2008
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"Great teaching staff, lots of drills, small groups, good atmospere. Definitely a "do it again"."—U.B., Int., April 2008
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"I I attended two adult weekend tennis camps last summer; the first camp - my first - was so enjoyable I immediately signed up for another and it was even better. I learned so much about my game and was able to incorporate the suggestions of Margorie and her excellent crew.
I also put my two sons (ages 8 and 12) in the week long kids camp and that was a very positive experience for both my boys. They made quantum leaps in ability and the atmosphere was positive. The setting in Whistler of course is also spectacular. We are all eager to return this year."—B.D., Adv. Int., March 2008
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""—C.N., Adv. Int., March 2008
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"Strengths: great ratio of student to instructor, use of Dartfish to help evaluate strokes for improvement."—J.R., Int., March 2008
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| July 18-20, 2008 |
Women's Only Doubles Camp
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Focuses on stroke technique and footwork, singles and doubles, with an abundance of drills and play. Typically books out early. |
| July 25-27, 2008 |
Women's Only Doubles Camp
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Focuses on stroke technique and footwork, singles and doubles, with an abundance of drills and play. Typically books out early. |
| Aug. 1-4, 2008 |
Extreme Tennis Camp
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Their flagship camp, this 12-hour program focuses on technical improvement by making extensive use of video and repetition. For those serious about improving. |
| Aug. 15-17, 2008 |
Intermediate Art of Mixed Doubles Camp
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For NTRP 3.0-4.0. Camps cover mixed doubles tactics and teamwork, with an emphasis on covering the net more effectively for good doubles play. Special attention paid to improving volley technique, importance and timing of the split step, team movement, and the role of all four doubles positions. |
| Aug. 22-24, 2008 |
Drills/Skills/Matchplay Camp
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For players with NTRP rating of 3.0-4.5 (groupings are by ability). The three day camp comprises 10½ hours of drills and play with an emphasis on dealing with competitive situations, including a tournament on Saturday afternoon. Groupings are by ability. This particular session covers both singles and doubles. |
| Sept. 12-14, 2008 |
Drills/Skills/Matchplay Camp
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For players with NTRP rating of 3.0-4.5 (groupings are by ability). The three day camp comprises 10½ hours of drills and play with an emphasis on dealing with competitive situations, including a tournament on Saturday afternoon. Groupings are by ability. This particular session emphasizes doubles drills and skills plus matchplay. |
| Nov. 7-9, 2008 |
Intermediate Art of Doubles Tennis Camp
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For NTRP 3.0-4.0. Camps cover doubles tactics and teamwork, with an emphasis on covering the net more effectively for good doubles play. Special attention paid to improving volley technique, importance and timing of the split step, team movement, and the role of all four doubles positions. |
| Nov. 14-16, 2008 |
Advanced Art of Doubles
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For NTRP 4.0-5.0 players comfortable and effective at the net and be able to execute a consistent serve and volley. Quality time is spent on the Server's Partner and Receiver's partner crossing more at net, poaching moves, I-formation and more advanced doubles tactics, with further emphasis serve and return of serve for advanced doubles. |
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If Whistler appeals to you, also check out:
Seasons. Summer into early fall.
Rates.
The club has special lodging arrangements with the Summit Lodge (888-913-8811 or 604-932-2778), which has studios, and the Coast Whistler Hotel (800-663-5644 or 604-932-2522), which has hotel rooms, for anyone registered in its tennis camps (ask for the Whistler Racquet Club camp rate).
Reservations:
Whistler Racquet Club
4500 Northlands Blvd.
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 Canada
604-932-1991
Fax: 604-932-0445
Web Link: Whistler Racquet Club
Internet Rates! Lodging in Whistler/Blackcomb. Check For Internet Specials
General Tourist Information. Visit the Whistler Resort Association web site or contact them at 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC Canada V0N 1B4. Phone: 800-944-7853 or 604-664-5625 or Fax: 604-938-5758. Or for general information about travel in British Columbia, log on to the Tourism British Columbia web site or phone them toll-free at 800 HELLO BC. |
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