Own Your Life. Own Your Game.
got questions? We've got answers
General FAQ's - the Baseline
What is the core mission of Empowher Pickleball?
Forget what you know about pickleball. Empowher Pickleball is where women connect, grow, and unleash their full potential. We combine expert coaching, a vibrant and supportive community, and unforgettable experiences designed to level up your game, your confidence, and your crew. Around here, it’s about more than dinks and drops — it’s about owning your power on and off the court.
Own your life. Own your game.
What skill level do I need to be to join a camp or retreat? Can absolute beginners join?
Let's keep it real: we love beginners, but this isn't the place to learn what a kitchen is. You don't need to be a pro, but you do need some skin in the game. We recommend a skill level of 3.0 or above. Players should have at least 6 months of consistent play under your belt, confidently know the rules and how to keep score (without arguing), your serves and returns are solid, and you can comfortably maintain a 4-to-6 shot rally without panicking.
What is the difference between a camp and a retreat?
It’s the same elite juice, just different packaging. Our Camps are a high-octane, compacted 2-day hustle. Our Retreats spread that curriculum over a luxurious 7-night layout. Both experiences feature sessions designed by pro player KaSandra Gehrke. You also gain access to Kas' official 30+ page Empowher Pickleball Playbook—the literal bible of everything we teach, coach, and live by on and off the court.
How do they group us? Am I going to get stuck with players who slow me down?
Not on our watch. We start by grouping you based on the skill level given at registration. Once the balls start flying, our hawk-eyed coaches observe gameplay and shift groups dynamically as needed. We ensure you are always in the most fiercely competitive, beneficial learning environment for your exact level.
Who is teaching me and can I request my favorite coach?
Our coaching roster is packed with certified, top-tier, badass women from all across the country. Staffing changes based on availability and registration numbers, but we always guarantee an 8:1 player-to-coach ratio. You'll get at least one lead coach at every camp, and our founder, Kas, personally attends every single retreat! Coaches are also available for private lessons on our retreats. Check out our Meet the Team page to check out our rock-star coaches!
Do you host or offer private retreats?
Yes! Reach out to [email protected] to inquire about private events or retreats.
How do I get more Empowher Pickleball energy in my life (and inbox)?
Subscribe to Smash Talk, our free monthly newsletter. It’s packed with insider training tips from Kas & our coaching staff, upcoming event drops, and community news. Sign up here and join our inner circle. Be sure to also follow us on social media- where you can view live footage & recaps from our camps & retreats!
Retreat FAQ's
How many woman are at these retreats? Am I going to feel left out if I come alone?
We cap our retreats at 80 players, and we almost always sell out! Then our instruction groups are split into 2 groups of 40 players. We always have a healthy mix of women on our retreats: solo travelers, tight-knit travel groups, first-timers, and loyal repeat clients, but no matter how you arrive, you leave with a squad. We also schedule themed nights & activities for the whole group; so you definitely won’t feel alone with us! No matter who you are, you belong here, period.
What does a typical day look like? Do I get a schedule?
Clinics, court strategy, beach vibes, a whole lot of laughs and that's just the beginning. Check out our sample itinerary to get a feel for what a typical Empowher Retreat looks like. Final itinerary and trip details vary based on trip. Final details will be shared in client communication leading up to the retreat! (Or better yet, see the fun for yourself -- Retreat Day in the Life)
Where do your retreats take place?
We only chase the best vibes. Currently, you’ll find us taking over a Club Med in either Turks and Caicos, Punta Cana, or Spain. Check out our retreats page for the full lineup of dates & locations.
What is included with my registration?
Besides an unforgettable pickleball glow-up and walking away with 80+ new friends, your payment covers a massive list of perks:
• 7 Nights in a bright, fully equipped luxury resort room
• King or Twin bed options for double-occupancy reservations
• All meals, snacks and drinks (that absolutely includes cocktails🍹)
• Daily pickleball clinics with an 8:1 player to coach ratio
• Individualized feedback, strategy sessions, open play
• Nightly entertainment + legendary themed events
• Non-motorized activities, fitness classes, pool, and beach sports
• Round-trip airport transfers, Wi-Fi, taxes, and resort gratuities
• Commemorative T-Shirt
• Digital Access to the 30+ page Official Empowher Pickleball Playbook (the literal bible of what we teach, coach, and live by on and off the court)
What is NOT included with my registration?
While we wish we could do it all, you’re on your own for:
• Your airfare
• Off-site excursions
• Your personal paddle.
Note: Don't stress if you need gear — we typically have paddles and exclusive Empowher Merchandise for sale on-site!
Can I upgrade the room or stay longer? I never want to leave!
We love the way your brain works. Room upgrades and trip extensions are totally possible, but they depend heavily on resort availability. Drop a line to our team at [email protected] to see what we can unlock for you.
Can I bring a spouse or friend who wants to just lounge by the pool and not touch a paddle?
Absolutely. Send them through the standard registration process, but make sure they select the “Non-Player” option under skill level. They can work on their tan while you work on your third-shot drop and just won't attend any Empowher Pickleball run events.
What time should I schedule my flights?
Your life, your timeline! We’re not the boss of you; there are zero mandatory activities on arrival or departure days.
Pick your flights to fit your personal schedule & budget, and we'll have your complimentary round-trip airport transfer locked in no matter when you arrive or depart.
When are final payments due?
Final payments for retreats are due 120 prior to departure. A payment link to pay off your trip balance and reminders are sent to you after completing your registration.
If you register for a retreat within 120 days of departure, your final payment is due 2 weeks after the date of registration.
To inquire about a trip payment plan, please email [email protected]
I have strict dietary restrictions or medical concerns. Can the resort accommodate me?
Of course. We collect your health and dietary needs in advance and pass them directly to the resort. Club Med locations also recommend speaking with the Head Chef or Restaurant Manager right when you arrive to review your specific needs.
There is an infirmary on-site, though guests are the ultimate CEOs of managing their own health and dietary preferences while traveling.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Look, life happens, and we’ll miss you terribly, but unfortunately our resort contracts lock us in. Our policy is firm:
• Deposits are 100% non-refundable
• 61–90 days out: 50% refund.
• 60 days or less out: 0% refund. (Total bummer, we know.)
I can't make the original retreat, but I already paid my deposit. Can I transfer my deposit to a different retreat?
Yes! You can request a one-time deposit transfer to a future retreat. Here is the play:
• There is a $100 admin change fee per transfer.
• You only get one transfer—you cannot transfer a deposit a 2nd time.
• You must apply a deposit to a new trip within 12 months of your original trip.
• You have to submit this request in writing before your original final payment due date, or at least 30 days before the trip starts. Email [email protected] to lock it in.
• Transfers are not eligible after the payment due date (within 120 days of the retreat)
To read other frequently asked questions regarding the transfer deposit process, click here.
Should I buy travel insurance?
YES. Protect your investment. We love you, but we cannot bend the rules of our cancellation policy for anyone. Snagging travel insurance safeguards you against flight delays, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or surprise illnesses.
We highly recommend buying coverage right when you book.
Camp FAQ's
What exactly goes down at an Empowher Pickleball Camp?
Think of it as a 2-day pickleball masterclass. It’s a women's-only intensive, serving up 6 hours of court training per day (12 hours total) designed by KaSandra Gehrke to completely overhaul how you think, move, and play.
What is the price of the camp and what does it include?
Enrollment is $599 per camp. That includes:
• 12 hours of elite certified coaching
• Our guaranteed 8:1 player-to-coach ratio
• Digital access to the epic, 30+ page Empowher Pickleball Playbook. (the literal bible of everything we teach, coach, and live by on and off the court.)
• Instant access to your new, fiercely supportive pickleball squad —ready to build you up and dominate the court.
Is lunch included or am I packing snacks?
Lunch is on your own! We break for lunch typically from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM so you can refuel, rehydrate, and rest your feet before the afternoon sessions kick off.
What skills are we actually working on?
Everything you need to stop reacting and start dominating on the court. We focus on tactical mastery: from perfecting the 3rd shot transition and elite footwork to commanding the court with advanced court coverage and the high-art of the mid-court reset. You’ll leave playing with more polish and processing the game at a whole new speed.
Where are your camps currently being held and can I request a camp in my city ?
We are dedicated to bringing the Empowher experience to players nationwide! We're constantly popping up in hot spots across the country, including Texas, Florida, Michigan, Utah, Georgia, Arizona, and up and down the East Coast.
Want us to take over your city next? Our camp schedule is pre-planned, but if you have a killer venue or a city that needs some elite-level coaching, send a note to [email protected]m - you never know where we'll smash next!
Do you provide lodging for camps?
No, you're responsible for your own bed! However, we love a discount, so we post exclusive hotel group rate links directly on the specific details page for each camp event on our website. Check on the specific camp details page for the group rate link!
What is your camp cancellation policy?
We will miss you but we understand that life happens. If you have to drop out of a camp, the timeline matters:
• 30+ Days Notice: 90% refund OR 100% credit for a future camp/retreat
• 15-30 Days Notice: 50% refund OR a 50% credit for a future camp/retreat.
• 0-14 Days Notice: 0% refund, 0% credit. (Total bummer, we know.)
⚠️ The Boring (But Crucial) Credit Rules:
• Camp credits expire exactly 1 year from the month of your original event.
• They belong strictly to you and cannot be passed to a friend.
• You can apply camp credits to a retreat, but they cannot be used to pay a retreat deposit.
• Finally, once a credit is applied to an event, it is spent—even if you cancel that new event later.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? REACH OUT!