LONG BEACH — Christmas came early to those locals lucky enough to participate in a December Cape Columbia Pickleball Camp at the Lighthouse Resort.

It soon became apparent this camp was the type of experience that creates lifetime memories when the devil, angel and Mikuláš (also known as Father Christmas, St. Nicholas and Santa Claus) arrived to join the players. These intense characters came to oversee Czech Christmas celebrations, and an extraordinary dinner prepared by the Lighthouse Resort’s tennis and pickleball pro — Roman Sada.

Before players could experience Czech Christmas celebrations, they first had to endure ordeals related to the first-ever Intenzivni Pickleball version of Mikuláš Day. Mikuláš Day is a Czech holiday traditionally celebrated on Dec. 5. In the Czech Republic, good children receive sweets or potatoes on Mikuláš day. They can later exchange their potatoes for small gifts. Naughty children are given coal by the devil. These and other traditions associated with Mikuláš Day help mark the start of the Christmas season in the Czech Republic.

Coach Sada is well known for challenging pickleball players’ bad habits. When his challenging advice is adhered to, players vastly improve their game. Players expect, appreciate and mentally prepare for having their technique challenged and improved in their sessions with Coach Sada.

When Coach Sada arrived at camp dressed as a Czech representation of the devil, players realized they were soon to face challenges none of them prepared for. Shortly after Coach Sada’s girlfriend, Sarah Gentry, arrived as the Angel. Later, member David Moldenhaur entered as Mikuláš. There was widespread trepidation amongst the players regarding new and unique challenges the Intenzivni pickleball version of Mikuláš Day was about to bring.

Players began camp by focusing on executing basic skill drills Coach Sada had them run through. As the camp progressed, players’ trepidation melted away as players concentrated on implementing skill drills of increasing intensity and physical exertion. Just as campers were beginning to become confident and comfortable with their game, Coach Sada began the first ever version of Intenzivni Mikuláš Day Pickleball.

Players were divided into teams. While playing, individual players were handed coal by the devil for naughty play and potatoes by Mikuláš for good play. Players were required to hold their punishment or reward while playing. Initially, more than half the players received coal from the devil.

Eventually, the devil tired of repeatedly pointing out to players the same mistakes he had already given them coal for and left the building. Mikuláš remained and worked diligently to see some good play in every player. Mikuláš eventually took all the coal from the players who had played naughtily and made sure each and every player left the court with a potato. Once Mikuláš finished his mission of finding good play in every player, he proceeded to dazzle campers with his magical pickleball skills in games with and against campers.

Meanwhile Coach Sada discarded his devil attire and traded it in for a chef’s outfit. He proceeded to cook Czech pork and chicken schnitzel. This he served to campers with Vánočka (Czech sweet bread), bramborový salát (Czech-style potato salad), Czech Pilsner and lager, Czech wine, and Becherovka liqueur.

All those holding potatoes were offered Czech beehive and sugar-coated croissant cookies for dessert. These cookies were so deliciously heavenly; it was obvious they were made by an angel. Though Coach Sada held no potato, Lighthouse Resort General Manager Kevin Wojcik informed all present: “Because Santa’s bar for good behavior from Czechs is so low, he has even given Roman a gift.” Wojcik then proceeded to give a “Santa’s Favorite Czech” shirt to Roman Sada.

As they enjoyed the splendor of a traditional Czech Christmas dinner, campers were transcended from the season’s oppressive pounding rain, wind and darkness to an enchanting camaraderie of comfort and joy amongst the Lighthouse Resort’s beautiful Christmas ambience.

Campers expressed their desire to experience more of Czech culture. Inquiries were made as to whether Roman Sada would ever take locals back to the Czech Republic for cultural and/or pickleball experiences. Kevin Wojcik said that he plans to make Intenzivni Pickleball version of Mikuláš Day an annual tradition that will be open to all locals wishing to participate.