NYC Padel Guide
Photos at NYC Racquet Sports by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
NYC Padel is a lively and growing scene that includes many places to play and connect with other Padel enthusiasts. Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, offering an exciting game on a smaller court than tennis. Whether you’re a new Padel player or an experienced pro, this guide will offer insights and tips on the Padel scene in New York City. With an active and diverse population and plenty of popular places to play, NYC is the perfect place to enjoy Padel.
What Is Padel?
Padel, also called Padel tennis, is a racquet sport that blends tennis and squash. The sport is usually played on a smaller court than tennis and surrounded by glass walls. It can be played indoors or outdoors. Padel players can use the walls of the court similarly to squash but the scoring system is more in line with tennis. The International Padel Association is the world’s governing body for the growing sport of Padel.
History of Padel
Padel was created in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera, a businessman who was inspired by the sport of platform tennis. Corcuera built a small, elevated court surrounded by walls to prevent balls from going into his neighbor’s property. The sport of Padel quickly gained popularity in Latin America.
In the mid-20th century, Padel began to spread to other parts of the world. It gained a significant following in Europe, especially in Spain, where it became a national pastime. Padel’s popularity continued to grow throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with new courts being built and tournaments organized around the world.
In 2020, there were 180 Padel courts in the U.S., according to a Global Padel report from Playtomic. And the U.S. Padel Association estimates that there are 50,000 players and 400 courts now, not including private ones.
Padel in NYC
Padel is increasingly popular in New York City.
Padel has gained a foothold in New York City in the past few years, since the pandemic began. Padel continues to grow in popularity in the Big Apple as more courts and clubs open, and competitions increase.
According to the United States Padel Association, the first annual U.S. Open Padel Championships took place in Brooklyn, New York, just one month after the U.S. Open Tennis Championship. A total of 160 players from 15 nations flocked to the Dumbo Padel Haus facility, where the competition was held. With the competition, New York became an important hub in the Padel world.
“Today was a standout occasion for our sport in the United States,” said United States Padel Association President Martin Sweeney. “The U.S. Open Padel Championships has arrived, and there could have been nowhere better to give this Championships liftoff than New York, a city that’s had more than its fair share of U.S. Open stories over the years. The players were delighted to get underway with their matches, and it’s apparent that the standard of competition bodes well for Padel’s prospects in the United States.”
Padel Clubs and Communities
There are several private Padel clubs and courts in NYC with locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Private clubs include Padel Haus, Reserve Padel NYC, and Court 16. There are also private Padel coaches and lessons available if you’d like to step up your game.
NYC Padel Events and Tournaments
New York City’s growing Padel community has seen a surge in the number of events and tournaments. From local leagues to prestigious international competitions, there are plenty of opportunities for players to showcase their skills and compete at different skill levels.
Types of Padel Events
Padel Local Leagues offers regular, ongoing competitions that allow players to compete against others in their skill level. They often have different divisions to accommodate players of varying abilities.
Padel Tournaments are one-time events that typically feature a larger number of Padel players and offer more substantial prizes. Tournaments can range from small, local competitions to major international events.
Exhibitions are non-competitive events that showcase top-level Padel players and attract large crowds. Exhibitions are often held in conjunction with other sporting events or festivals.
Padel Culture and Lifestyle
The NYC Padel scene is vibrant and growing, in keeping with the city’s energy. Padel is a social sport that brings people together for friendly competition, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. Padel events and tournaments provide opportunities for players to connect with others in New York who share their passion for the game. Padel gatherings often feature social activities, such as food, drinks, and music, making it a fun sport for everyone and an excellent way to stay active and healthy.
NYC Padel Gear
NYC Racquet Sports continues to be at the forefront of the racquet sports world, offering premium Padel gear at our flagship location in Herald Square.
If you’re looking to elevate your Padel game, we got you covered. With a wide selection of top-quality Padel rackets, balls, shoes, and accessories, we have everything you need to dominate the Padel court. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect gear to match your play style and skill level.
Visit NYC Racquet Sports today and experience the ultimate Padel shopping destination in the city that never sleeps.
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Marnie Kunz is a writer, fitness trainer, and founder of Runstreet based in Brooklyn, NY.
