Africa Padel has made its KZN debut at Kloof Country Club

Kloof Country Club has recently added a new and exciting addition to its sports facilities - a state-of-the-art Padel court, the first of two that Africa Padel has opened in KwaZulu-Natal. The sport is rapidly growing in popularity around the globe and it's proving to be every bit as trendy in sunny South Africa as it is in the rest of the world. The new court offers a top-notch playing experience for both recreational and competitive players, making it a must-visit destination for Padel enthusiasts in the region.

South Africa is undisputedly a sports-loving nation where sport not only entertains and enlivens us but unifies us as well. So, for Saffers out there looking for the next big thing - why not give padel a go? Never heard of it? Well, we'll break it down for you so you can head over to Kloof Country Club and get in on the latest sports revolution.

The hype behind the racquet
Padel was first played in Acapulco, Mexico, and was the brainchild of Enrique Corcuera who invented the sport in 1969. A few decades later and padel has become the world's fastest-growing sport. According to Africa Padel, there are already ten million players in over sixty countries. It's been so successful that padel has now joined the roster of sports for the Olympic Games and will debut at the 2028 Games that will be hosted in Los Angeles. 

So what's all the fuss about? Well, a major draw of the sport is its similarity to tennis. There are racquets and balls and a court - which all sound pretty familiar to tennis fans. But there are also key differences which help explain the immense popularity of the sport. 

Firstly, the game is more of a mash-up between tennis and squash. The courts are smaller and enclosed in mesh and glass. Like squash, shots can be played off walls adding an extra element to the game. The racquets - called pala - are stringless carbon fibre racquets reminiscent of beach ball paddles, while the balls have less pressure and bounce. The result is a fast-paced game, high on strategy with longer rallies and less reliance on physical dominance. 

The upshot of this is that the game is easily adapted to mixed abilities and ages and is most often played as doubles. Which just means double the fun. It's a family-friendly, healthy outdoor pursuit with a low barrier to entry. And this is probably a major factor in its phenomenal spread worldwide.

Africa Padel is courting South Africa
Not to be outdone, South Africa has joined the padel craze with initiatives like Africa Padel opening clubs throughout the nation. Its aim is to provide a social and inclusive environment where friends and family can meet up at their local club to play and then stay. Its activity, interaction and social gathering all rolled into one. 

The consortium offers individual, couple or family memberships with benefits such as discounts on equipment, court bookings, and lessons; access to leagues and tournaments; and booking priority for members.

An important part of Africa Padel's commitment to growing the sport in South Africa is its philanthropic endeavours. It has undertaken to erect and equip a padel court in a disadvantaged community for every 10 commercial courts it builds. The first is scheduled to be built in Langa and will be overseen by the NPO Project Playground. Meaning you can swing away and feel good about it too!

Whether you're a seasoned player visiting or a local beginner who's keen to try it out, the state-of-the-art court at Kloof Country Club offers an ideal setting for people of all skill levels to experience the thrill of the sport in a modern facility that provides an exciting and dynamic environment for both recreational and competitive players to enjoy!

Keen to give it a go? Then it's simple to get started. Visit www.africapadel.com where you can book a court. Hit the button at the top right and choose your local venue. Follow the prompts from there, and you'll soon be on your way to join the fun at Kloof Country Club where the Padel courts are conveniently located right at the entrance. There's also an exclusive Padel retail outlet located near the courts where you can hire or purchase quality gear. For more information, feel free to call the friendly club manager, Rod Soutter, at 082 855 5186 or drop him an email at rod@africapadel.com and he'll be happy to assist with your queries.