Q and A with Camden Riviere

In the heart of Pennsylvania, where creativity meets craftsmanship, lies the Wayward Racquet Company—a fascinating blend of functionality and artistry. In an exclusive interview with Justin Skaggs, a pivotal member of the Wayward team, Camden Riviere delves deep into the origins, evolution, and future aspirations of this unique business. From fly fishing nets to court tennis rackets, Wayward has embarked on a journey to create not just sports equipment, but functional works of art that are making waves in the sporting world.

The Wayward Racquet Company was born from a fusion of talents and passions. Justin Skaggs takes us back to the beginning, recounting how it all started with a simple request for a fly fishing net. The convergence of his wife's artistic prowess and his woodworking expertise led to the creation of the 'Fat Jake,' a distinctive fly fishing net that soon became a symbol of Wayward's creative spirit. This functional artwork paved the way for a business that thrived on the concept of melding form and function in unconventional ways.

Wayward's journey didn't stop at fly fishing nets. Skaggs highlights the company's diverse range of products, including the 'Big Dipper' and 'Little Dipper' fly fishing nets, each catering to specific needs. But it was a chance encounter that truly altered Wayward's trajectory. A phone call from a member of the Philadelphia Racket Club sparked the idea of crafting court tennis rackets—an endeavor that pushed the boundaries of innovation.

Skaggs walks us through the meticulous process of creating court tennis rackets, emphasizing their functionality and durability. He recalls how the company's foray into court tennis was met with success, even securing a U.S. Open victory. This triumph marked the transition from engineering-focused designs to a new phase where artistry and tennis converge.

As Wayward's journey continued, Skaggs recognized the potential for infusing tennis artistry into their products. He paints a vivid picture of their artistic process, where digital drawings are transformed into laser-etched designs and high-end epoxy inlays create stunning, permanent embellishments. These intricate designs have become a signature element of Wayward's offerings, adding a touch of individuality and personal expression to each piece.

Skaggs highlights the collaborative nature of their work, where his engineering expertise lays the foundation, while his wife's artistic flair breathes life into each creation. He envisions a future where Wayward's products are not just sought after for their functionality, but also cherished for their unique and personalized designs.

The Wayward Racquet Company is a testament to the power of blending innovation and artistry. From their humble beginnings crafting fly fishing nets, to their triumphs in the world of court tennis, Wayward has emerged as a beacon of creative excellence. Justin Skaggs' insights reveal a company that dares to push boundaries, marrying functional design with breathtaking artistry.

As we bid farewell to this enlightening conversation, we're left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Wayward Racquet Company's journey is far from over, and we can only imagine the incredible feats of functional artistry they have yet to unveil on the courts and streams of the world.

Disclaimer: This blog article is based on an interview with Justin Skaggs from Wayward Racquet Company, as conducted by Camden Riviere. The information provided here is a representation of the interview content and is not a direct transcript.

How to make a Court Tennis Racquet

Welcome to Wayward, where timeless tradition and skilled artistry unite to create exquisite court tennis racquets. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse, join us as we explore the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into shaping each wooden masterpiece. Our woodshop recently had the pleasure of hosting Camden Riviere, the world champion, who took an in-depth look at the journey from raw materials to a finely tuned racquet fit for champions.

Step 1: The Selection of Fine Materials

At the heart of each Wayward racquet lies the choice of premium materials. With a dedication to quality, we source locally grown American hardwoods, including hickory and ash, from reputable mills in Pennsylvania. The selection process ensures that every racquet boasts not only exceptional performance but also stunning aesthetics.

Step 2: Meticulous Layering and Bending

In the skilled hands of our artisans, the chosen wood pieces undergo a meticulous layering process. These layers are stacked to form a solid bench, setting the foundation for the racquet's durability and strength. The subsequent bending process, led by our master craftsmen, ensures uniformity and consistency across all our court tennis racquets.

Step 3: Precision Drilling

The secret to a Wayward racquet's superior performance lies in the precise drilling of each hole in the core. Our artisans carefully drill at specific angles, distributing the weight evenly and increasing the racquet's overall strength. This ensures players can rely on their Wayward racquets for both power and precision on the court.

Step 4: The Art of Shaping

As the racquet takes its final form, it undergoes an artful shaping process. Our skilled craftsmen bring out the racquet's unique characteristics, harmonizing form with function. Each stroke of the sanding and routing tools is an expression of artistry, transforming the raw wood into a sleek and elegant court companion.

Step 5: Personalization through Laser Etching

Wayward takes pride in offering racquets that are truly one-of-a-kind. With the help of a laser cutter and the artistic vision of our owner, Tina Lewis, we personalize each racquet to the player's desire. From customized engravings to unique designs, the racquets become an extension of the player's personality and style.

The First US Open for Court Tennis was in 1895

The first U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship was held in 1895. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States and one of the most prestigious events in the sport of court tennis. The tournament was originally held at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, and over the years it has been hosted by several other clubs across the country. The U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship attracts top players from around the world and is considered one of the highlights of the court tennis season.

The first U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship was held in 1895 and was the first major professional tournament in the sport. The tournament was organized by the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA), which was established in 1881 to promote tennis in the United States. The tournament was held at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, which was one of the few clubs in the country with a court tennis court.

The 1895 U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship attracted top players from across the United States and Europe, and the tournament was played in a round-robin format. The winner of the tournament was an American player named Holcombe Ward, who defeated his opponent in the final in three straight sets.

The first U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship was a major milestone in the history of the sport, and it helped to establish court tennis as a professional sport in the United States. Over the years, the tournament has continued to be held annually, and it remains one of the most prestigious events in the sport. Today, the U.S. Open Court Tennis Championship attracts top players from around the world and is considered one of the highlights of the court tennis season.

What is Court Tennis

Real tennis, also known as court tennis or royal tennis, is a racket sport that has been enjoyed by enthusiasts for centuries. This ancient sport is considered one of the oldest racquet sports in the world and is a precursor to modern tennis. Despite its popularity, it remains a niche sport with a small but dedicated following.

Originating in France in the 12th century, real tennis has been played in enclosed courts, which are much smaller than a standard tennis court. The game is played with a racket and a ball, and the rules are similar to those of modern tennis, although there are some key differences. For example, the court surface is made of har-tru, a type of clay, and the use of elaborate, multi-level galleries.

In real tennis, points are scored by hitting the ball into specific target areas, and players use different shots, including volleys, drives, and cuts, to try to win the rally. The objective of the game is to score more points than your opponent, and it can be played as singles or doubles.

One of the most notable features of real tennis is the rich history associated with the sport. Many of the courts are housed in historic venues and private clubs, and many of these facilities have been in operation for hundreds of years. In fact, the Hobart Real Tennis Club in Tasmania, founded in 1875, is the oldest real tennis club in Australia.

Today, real tennis is primarily played in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. The Real Tennis World Association is the governing body of court tennis and is dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport.

In conclusion, real tennis is a timeless sport with a rich history that continues to be enjoyed by enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, the game offers a unique and challenging experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.