City set to be ‘court’ up in padel craze
DANIE VAN DER LITH DANIE.VANDERLITH@ACM.CO.ZA
KIMBERLEY, a city steeped in history and culture, is gearing up to welcome a thrilling new sports craze. Padel, a unique blend of tennis and squash, is taking the recreational scene by storm in Kimberley thanks to the arrival of AP Padel Courts.
This exciting addition to the city's sports landscape guarantees excitement, camaraderie, and boundless enjoyment for sports lovers of every age and skill level.
But what exactly is padel?
Padel, also known as padel tennis, is a fast-paced racket sport that emphasises strategy over power. Played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by glass and mesh, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.
Originating in Acapulco in 1969, Padel was created by Enrique Corcuera as a solution to space constraints for traditional tennis courts.
With wooden paddles and innovative court design, this sport has become a popular choice for those looking for a dynamic and strategic game.
Padel, a sport that has seen remarkable growth since its inception, has gained immense popularity in Europe, North and South America.
However, it is Spain that has truly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of padel. With an impressive number of over 20,000 courts and a staggering four million active players, Spain has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the sport.
This surge in popularity can be attributed to the support and endorsement of influential figures such as Spanish King Juan Carlos and former Wimbledon champion Manolo Santana, who played pivotal roles in promoting padel on a global scale.
Not only has padel gained traction in Spain, but it has also now made its mark in South Africa.
The country has caught ‘padel fever’, witnessing the establishment of paddle courts in various cities.
Now, joining this growing trend is Kimberley, where AP Padel Courts is set to open its doors at the end of April. This exciting development will provide padel enthusiasts in
Kimberley with a fantastic opportunity to embrace the sport and be a part of its thriving community.
Attie Jansen and Phillip Bergh, the masterminds behind AP Padel, have graciously shared their incredible journey of bringing the thrilling sport of padel to Kimberley.
This dynamic duo officially registered AP Padel in February 2024, driven by their sheer fascination with the sport after experiencing it firsthand during a memorable trip to Hartenbos.
The spark of inspiration ignited within Jansen and Bergh while they were savouring a delicious South African braai. It was at that moment that they made a resolute decision to embark on a mission to introduce the exhilarating world of padel to the fun-loving people of Kimberley.
After meticulous contemplation, the prestigious Kalahari Lodge was selected as the perfect location for the remarkable AP Padel Courts. This choice was made with utmost care and consideration, ensuring that the grounds would provide an exceptional setting for players to indulge in the thrilling sport.
Construction began in March for the new facility, which will not only provide top-tier sports action but also a lively social setting.
Despite a few minor hiccups, like temporary delays in importing artificial grass, Jansen, one of the masterminds behind this venture, remains incredibly optimistic.
Teaming up with Thomas van den Berg, the owner of two popular restaurants in Kimberley, AP Padel aims to ensure that guests can savour delicious food and drinks while watching live padel matches on television screens in the clubhouse.
Additionally, AP Padel Courts will have a well-equipped clubhouse offering racket rentals and a variety of padel gear for sale. From rackets to balls to apparel, players will have everything they need to fully enjoy the exciting world of padel.
And when it comes to pricing, AP Padel Courts offers an affordable rate of R100 per person for a one-hour game, accommodating up to four players at a time.
But that's not all! They also have special packages tailored for corporate bookings and team-building events, making it the perfect place to bond with colleagues or friends. Excitement is building for the grand opening of AP Padel Courts at the end of April, with the first weekend featuring free gameplay to introduce Kimberley locals to the sport.
With the Wildeklawer event starting in May, the timing couldn’t be better to introduce Padel to a wider audience.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of padel at AP Padel Courts in Kimberley!
Rest assured, every possible effort is being made to ensure a truly unforgettable experience for all padel enthusiasts when the courts open.
As the anticipation builds, Kimberley is gearing up to embrace the thrill and excitement of padel.
The AP Padel Courts is set to become the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts, where the spirit of competition and the joy of camaraderie come together.
So, mark your calendars and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience at AP Padel Courts, right in the heart of Kimberley’s own ‘Kalahari’.*