Like many current players, Eric Law was introduced to the sport of pickleball during the pandemic and like many current players, he was immediately hooked. His involvement in the community since picking up a paddle five years ago has continued to grow, as has his reputation as one of top instructors on the South Island.
Law is now a prominent figure in the Victoria pickleball community, leading the instructing for the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association’s (VRPA) Activating Youth Pickleball In BC (AYPBC). He’s also building out his own personal brand, Shangri-Law Pickleball, which provides players with Level 2, Pickleball Canada certified instruction to bring their pickleball game to the next level.
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: Hey, I’m Eric Law! I’m a travel-loving, pickleball-playing explorer who’s always chasing good views, great rallies, and the next road trip adventure. Whether I’m connecting with friends, travelling the world or trying to master the tricky third shot drop, I like keeping life fun and spontaneous. If it involves good people, a paddle, or an open road—count me in.
Q: Can you speak briefly to the Activating Youth program?
A: With respect to the AYPBC program, I would first like to acknowledge Connie McCann, who spearheaded this initiative and made this whole thing possible. Secondly, I’d like to acknowledge Paul Fitzgerald, fellow instructor, and friend who said to Connie that I would be the perfect fit for the program.
It has been a complete honour and privilege introducing the game and skills of Pickleball to approximately 1000 kids ages 5 to 12. It honestly has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life.
Q: How did you get introduced to pickleball?
A: I got introduced to the game of PickleBall like a lot of people at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I was out walking by a local park and saw people playing. I thought ‘Hey, I can do this.’
Like everyone, I went and bought a paddle set and my buddy and I went to the park. The first game I ever played, my friend and I played against a couple ladies that were in their mid 70s. I literally limped off the court after pulling a calf muscle trying to chase down a passing shot. These ladies beat us on the scoreboard and physically beat us down. I was determined to learn the game and play the game well after that humbling experience. It was then I started seeking out more pickleball games, pickleball friends, and creating more opportunities for myself and others to play. I quickly started organizing group play, mini leagues, and dedicated drilling sessions with friends. This was the beginning of Shangri-Law Pickleball.
Q: Can you talk about your instructor role with the VRPA?
A: My instructor role with VRPA started about 18 months ago. It was at that time that I took the Level 1, Introduction to Pickleball course, and obtained my Level 1 Instructor Certificate. I started teaching group lessons for skill levels between 2.5 and 3.5. After getting some experience, I was asked by VRPA to be the lead instructor for the Activating Youth Pickleball program.
Currently, I am gearing up for the upcoming youth program, teaching group classes for the VRPA and teaching several private classes under the Shangri-Law brand. I recently received my Level 2 certification through Pickleball Canada.
Q: What are some highlights you can take away from instructing and playing pickleball?
A: Some of the highlights of my playing career would have to be winning gold at the 3.5 level in two tournaments in the mixed division and winning a men’s league title at the 4.0 level.
Highlights in my coaching career are having one of my students win gold in women’s 3.5 level tournament and also winning a women’s division title at the 3.5 level.
Being the lead instructor for the Activating Youth Pickleball program has definitely been a highlight. One of my students calling me the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of pickleball coaching was also kind of cool. However, my biggest win and what I value most from my playing or coaching career is the people I’ve met in the last number of years that I’m now able to call friends. The sense of community that pickleball fosters is amazing.
Q: What’s next for you with regards to instructing, or playing pickleball?
A: I’m looking forward to continuing working with VRPA’s AYPBC program. Summer pickleball camps for kids in Victoria is something that I continue to advocate for, support, and something I would love to be involved with. I look forward to continuing to build on the Shangri-Law brand and provide more quality instruction and lessons to people of all skills and ages throughout Victoria.
Q: Anything you’d like to add?
A: The only thing I’d like to add is give pickleball a try. It’s an easy game to learn, but a tough game to master. Pickleball provides great exercise both mentally and physically. The sense of community is something like no other sport I’ve ever experienced. Pickleball courts are a place of laughter, smiles and positivity.
Who couldn’t use more of that in their lives?
Connect with Eric at [email protected], or through the Vancouver Island Pickleball, Find a Coach directory.
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Vancouver Island Pickleball celebrates the growth and diversity of the Island’s pickleball community, sharing stories, updates, and resources that showcase the people, places, and passion driving the sport forward. With a vibrant social media presence and dynamic coverage, VIPB connects local and visiting players alike, highlighting the Island as a destination where pickleball and community thrive together.
