The rhythmic “pop-pop-pop” of plastic balls echoed across Surf City’s pickleball courts Sept. 19 as the community gathered for a day of high-energy competition to support the borough’s volunteer fire company and EMS. If you can’t stand the heat, you might have stayed out of the kitchen – but for the 32 teams competing, the intensity of the non-volley zone was all part of the fun.

(Photo by Ryan Morrill)

The excitement actually began Sept. 13 at the Surf City Hotel, which hosted a suspenseful partner-drawing event,…