Bradley Schnickel
Bradley Schnickel grew up in a small town just outside of Minneapolis, MN, called New Prague. He met his beautiful wife while earning his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Michigan. After getting married in 2003, they welcomed their son Bradley Schnickel Jr.
Being fascinated with traveling since a child, Bradley Schnickel decided to pursue a career as a Travel Advisor. He and his family enjoy traveling around the globe whenever they get the chance. They have traveled to Europe, taken family vacations here in the states, explored all of the theme parks, and have been on many cruises throughout the Caribbean. In his blog, Brad Schnickel will offer tips and tricks on how to save you valuable time and money.
Bradley Schnickel has over fifteen years of experience in the field. Brad Schnickel understands how stressful it can be to plan you and your family’s dream vacation while maintaining a specific budget. Travel Advisors help make travel arrangements, reserve lodging and/or transportation at the destination, create travel schedules, and provide information concerning attractions, weather, and travel requirements.
Anniversary, Honeymoon, Family Vacation, or any reason is a great reason to book your next getaway! If you’re more of the spontaneous type, you’re also in luck as last-minute deals offer significant savings. You deserve the help and first-class service that Travel Advisors like Bradley Schnickel can provide.
What is your hobby?
Playing pickleball
How did you get started with this hobby?
During Covid I decided to try a sport I stopped playing at 11 years old. I wanted to focus more on hockey and baseball. I met people by signing up as an individual player with the hopes of getting on a team.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
The people I’ve met are so genuine and have a love of the game. It’s very inclusive for beginners and experienced players alike. The fitness to compete for 60-90 minutes can be demanding as you’ll have to have good endurance to keep up with the pace of play.
What types of things/equipment have you spent money on for your hobby?
Soccer is a fairly basic game. All that is really required is a proper ball. Most adults use a size 5 soccer ball. Cleats and shin guards are important as well. Cleats can vary in price from $40 to over $200 for a decent pair. Socks to cover shin guards are helpful. Obviously a field is needed as well as two nets.
What are some of your favorite places to shop for your hobby?
I have primarily shopped on Amazon to find equipment as there are many good reviews by others who have purchased the products. Many sporting goods stores, as well as soccer specific stores have plenty of options too.
How much money have you invested into this? How much would a beginner have to invest to get started?
I’ve invested about $200 over the past four years but a beginner can get by on spending about $50 on basic cleats, shin guards and socks. A soccer ball can also vary in price from $15 and up.
Are there any good books for beginners?
I am not aware of any.
Are there any online videos you recommend to help beginners?
Watching professional soccer on TV has been the most helpful way for me to advance my game. Also, asking others who are better than you if they see areas of your game that you can improve on is important! There are many videos on YouTube that can be helpful for beginners.
How has your hobby changed your life?
I have gotten more physically fit and have met many people who I now consider friends. They all have a love of playing what is considered the “beautiful game.”
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Take the leap, many leagues offer the option of signing up as an individual player so that teams needing someone can contact you if they have an opening on their team. You never know the type of friendships you’ll make or what you’re missing out on until you try!
