Growing popularity of padel on the North Coast
In just over a year since Station Padel arrived, four more courts have been developed on the North Coast alone.
Padel’s growing popularity in KwaZulu-Natal can be traced back to the province’s first courts at Sugar Village in Umhlali.
Station Padel was established in July last year and proved to be prescient about the future of the sport which has been called the fastest growing worldwide.
In just over a year since Station Padel arrived, four more courts have been developed on the North Coast alone at Ballito Hills (private), Salt Rock Country Club, Manor House and Eden Village.
A fifth set of courts at Karibu is opening this weekend, showing that there remains demand for further growth in the sport locally.
There are now at least 20 courts spread across KZN.
“In hindsight it looks obvious that the sport would explode across South Africa,” said Station Padel co-founder, Marcus Rivera.
“But when we started development, there were just a few courts in Cape Town and Johannesburg and we weren’t sure how they’d be received here on the North Coast.”
Originally from New York, Rivera has made the North Coast home since marrying his South African wife, Louise.
“Although padel started in Mexico, I only heard about it once I moved here and it was taking off in Europe,” he said.
Padel is a racket-based ball sport which is something of a cross between tennis and squash, with a scoring system similar to tennis.
It has proven popular with all generations, given it scales well depending on the skill level and agility of those playing.
Courts can be booked via the Playtomic app and cost between R320 and R400 for an hour-long session, depending on whether it is peak time or not.
Singles games can be played, but the sport is best suited to two pairs of players.
“We thought it was important to create the feeling of a club, not just a set of courts,” said Rivera.
“There are a number of leagues and coaching sessions that can be found under the ‘competitions’ tab on the app. We also plan on creating a ‘ladder’, which will rank the best pairs on the North Coast.”
Rivera said he hoped the sport would grow to a point where inter-club matches could be played.
For now however, individual leagues like the popular ladies spring series (pictured) are the best way to meet new players.
Download the Playtomic app or visit stationpadel.co.za to find out more.
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