Heat and humidity change how a paddle plays and how long it lasts. From grip slip to face wear to car-trunk storage, here is how to choose and care for a paddle in a coastal or tropical climate.

Most serious pickleball players do not wear gloves, and there are good reasons for that. But for sweaty palms, recurring blisters, cold-weather play, and certain skin conditions, a glove can be the difference between a comfortable session and a ruined one. Here is when to wear one — and when to skip it.