You won’t believe it, but I dove headfirst into the world of shuffleboard down at the NSB Flagler Avenue courts. And let me tell you, it was more than just sliding pucks around. I stumbled upon the Coronado/Mainland Shuffleboard Club, where I met some characters straight out of a shuffleboard saga. They regaled me with tales of the club’s legendary past and even let me in on the secrets to joining their exclusive ranks.

But that’s not all – they decided to give me a crash course in puck propulsion. Picture it: me, trying to master the delicate art of shuffleboard under the watchful eye of seasoned veterans. Let’s just say there were more laughs than points scored, but hey, it was all in good fun. Who knew sliding discs could be so entertaining?

As an added bonus, the day we decided to “take on” the shuffleboard courts, it was the Masters of Shuffleboard event. What luck! It was amazing to watch skilled players in action. I got plenty of material for my story and a newfound respect for the game. It was an unexpected adventure that turned out to be really exciting!

As I arrived at the court, it was like stepping into a whirlwind of shuffleboard action. The Northern District Masters was in full swing, spanning across counties and drawing in players from all over. Everywhere I looked, people were totally engrossed in the game, sliding their discs with precision and watching with anticipation with every move. It was like being caught in the middle of a shuffleboard frenzy! The energy was contagious, and I couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement. Who knew shuffleboard could be this intense?

The Northern District Masters tournament was in full swing or should I say, full slide. We’ve got four groups vying for glory: pro men, pro women, amateur men, and amateur women. Think Olympics, but with more shuffle and less spandex. Each group has their top eight contenders, all gunning for those coveted master points.

I had the opportunity to chat with a few members, but specifically Dennis, who has been at it since he retired at 51 and is now 80. You’d never guess, though, because he looks fantastic. We started by discussing the history of the club. The Coronado Shuffleboard Club was located on Riverside Drive by City Hall. In 1937 the club moved over to the island, right on Flagler Avenue, where it sits now. In February 2011, after Hurricane Charlie, the Mainland Shuffleboard Club came together to form the Coronado/Mainland Shuffleboard Club.

There is a $25 membership fee to play for the year, and you have to be 18 years or older. When you join, it’s Dennis’s job to show you the rules before you can start playing. You can play Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. year-round.

Dennis gave me a crash course in the game of play, but before that, he threw some glass beads on the court for better movement of the discs. He handed me a cue, and it was mano a mano (or should I say womano) against Tiffany. I quickly got the upper hand, scoring cleanly, then she bumped me. But in the end, I forced her into the -10, also known as “the kitchen.” Chalk one up for the good guys. Kidding aside, it was a lot of fun, and I might even become a member of the club.

I also had the opportunity to chat with Joan, who is a past president of the club, Mike, the groundskeeper, Charlie, a skilled shuffleboard veteran, and Zach, the scorekeeper of the tournament that day. They painted a vivid picture of their club, emphasizing that it’s not just about competition but also about fostering social connections and staying active outside the confines of home. Their faces lit up with smiles as they spoke, and it was evident that their involvement was keeping them youthful. I couldn’t believe it when they pointed at one gentleman who is 96 and still going strong.

If you’re looking for more information check out their blog, The Coronado/Mainland Shuffler. It is regularly updated and has the scoop on upcoming tournaments, latest scores, and stories about what the club’s up to.

I want to thank everyone we met there for their time and generosity, and to anyone else reading this, let’s keep this historical piece of our great city right here where it should be on Flagler Avenue. The easiest way to join is to simply drop over to the courts and talk to any of their members, but I bet Mike will find ya first. Tell him Bobby G sent ya!

Bobby G… out!

Coronado/Mainland Shuffleboard Club
CMShuffleboard.org
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m.
Tuesday & Thursday Night Play: 6:30 p.m.
Member Contact: Dennis Buelk (386) 426-1289