DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — Many people may be proud of a workout streak of a week, 30 days, maybe a few months. One Daytona Beach Shores man has those beat and then some. 

Day, after day, after day, Paul Connifey makes the drive to Pictona Pickleball Club. His appearances have been something everyone’s learned to count on. 

“I’d played 30 days in a row and at that point everyone wanted to be a part of it, and they wanted me to keep going so it’s just grown from there,” Connifey said. 

He recently hit 1,000 consecutive days of pickleball. The impressive streak began after he learned of the sport from neighbors in Daytona Beach Shores, who he said were always smiling.

“Said it was a combination of tennis and ping pong, and I’m like, ‘Well, I played tennis at a 5.0 level and I had a ping pong table in my basement growing up’ so it was a perfect game for me,” Connifey said.

It’s a perfect fit for someone who’s motivated to stay active. 

“I know it sounds crazy, but if you’re moving every day, chances are you’re going to live a nice, happy life,” Connifey said

So what constitutes a game during the streak?

“It’s got to be a full game to 11, won by two, and it can be singles or doubles on a regulation-size court,” Connifey said.

Connifey’s come across his fair share of obstacles along the way, including sweltering heat, a battle with plantar fasciitis and good ol’ Florida challenges. 

“During the hurricane, we had to improvise and mark a court off and use a temporary net,” Connifey said.

Anything to get the 15-20 minute game in, within 24 hours. 

“You can usually fit it in if you’re running late, 11:30 at night, which I’ve done also,” Connifey said.

The 54-year-old’s very popular on the courts, and it’s easy to see that he enjoys himself. 

“It’s healthy, I’m outside, it’s very social, and for the most part, it’s easy on the body,” Connifey said. “I used to play tennis, and I would never be able to play more than a thousand days of tennis every day.”

It’s such a social game, Connifey estimates he’s played with close to 2,000 people. He also competes in tournaments and just won gold in the 50-plus, 5.0 division at Pictona. 

“When you play in competitions and you play at higher levels, it helps you see if you’re doing the right things or not,” Connifey said.

But he doesn’t just play with other exceptional players, he also volunteers to teach the basics. 

“I didn’t think I’d like it, but I like it, I like it a lot. I like helping people learn,” Connifey said.

And he has a lot to pass along. 

“I work on footwork a lot, so it matters to me to make people sure that they’re safe on the court so people don’t get hurt and that they’re having fun with it,” Connifey said.

After playing and teaching, it’s time to cool off. And the question on everyone’s minds, just how long will this streak continue?

“I pretty much have overcome a lot of things that it makes it hard, now that I’ve got a covered roof, to not just come out and play a game,” Connifey said.

His friends and everyone he comes across eagerly await updates and will keep rooting him on. 

“It means sometimes more to other people than it does to him, but that’s the type of person he is and he gets everyone excited about pickleball and he’s a great ambassador for the sport,” said Connifey’s friend, Sinny Richardson. 

Connifey is a pickleball poster boy, who relishes his dedication to the sport. 

“I keep saying I’m going to take a day off, and I don’t,” Connifey said. “I make it happen somehow.”