Blog Post written by Jorge Carmona – Tamarindo Real Estate
You’ve probably heard about this kind of “new game”, which is played by a growing number of people around the globe. Those who play it say that it’s an addictive type of leisurely fun that once you start, you’ll never go back!
But what is pickleball? Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors, on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game. It’s social and friendly! People like it because it’s easy to learn and play, and is a great way to stay active and healthy.
About Pickleball
The game was invented in 1965 in the United States by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. The objective is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s field of play, trying to prevent the ball from being returned. The basic rules include serving below the waist, returning the ball after a single bounce, avoiding hitting the ball in the non-volatile zone and avoiding interfering with the opponent’s play. Play continues until one of the teams reaches 11 points and is at least two points ahead.
Pickleball is played with a perforated ball similar to wiffleball and with paddle rackets that look like table tennis rackets, but larger. The ball is made of high-quality polypropylene with 26 perforations that make it light in flight and bounce. and have dimensions that range between 7 and 7.5 cm in diameter and a weight of between 22 and 26 grams. The balls can be yellow (to play on the outdoors), with 40 drilled holes, or orange with 26 holes (for indoors).
Pickleball rackets are usually made of composite, which is a combination of materials, typically fiberglass and polymer. This paddle material is also known for durability and resistance to scratches and dents. They offer a good balance between power and control, and are often more affordable than graphite paddles.
Now regarding the size or measurement on the rackets, the official USAPA rulebook states that “the combined length and width, including any edge guard and end cap, shall not exceed 24 in (60.96 cm) and the paddle length cannot exceed 17 in (43.18 cm).”
There is no restriction on paddle thickness and there are multiple sizes that go according to how comfortable you feel grabbing the paddle, pick one that fits better in your hand!
Pickleball is played in doubles (two players per team) or in singles (one against one), but doubles is the most commonly seen game. The same playing area size and rules are used for both single and double matches. The pickleball net (length 6.7 m long stretched on both sides of the court, which is 6.1 m wide and height is 36” at each end and 34” at the center) is similar to the nets used for tennis and paddle tennis.
Looking for pickleball in Tamarindo Costa Rica?
This game is gaining many followers around the world and Costa Rica is no exception. For Pickleball fans, Guanacaste has several pickleball courts in Tamarindo, Hacienda Pinilla, Four Seasons Peninsula de Papagayo, Playas del Coco, Punta Islita and Tilarán.
If you are visiting town and find yourself looking for Pickleball in Tamarindo Costa Rica, we recommend you visit Tamarindo Tennis Club, here they offer pickleball courts in a natural environment and very close to the sea.
Reservations can be made at +506 2653-0898 or +506 7075-9002
In the gated community of Hacienda Pinilla (just 30 minutes from Tamarindo beach town), there’s a pickleball clinic every Saturday at 9 am. This place also offers access to a world class golf course, surfing, 5 Km of beach, bike trails, beach club and many more amenities in a familiar environment.
For more information about Hacienda Pinilla pickleball clinic, contact Sylvain Halais at hptenniscr@gmail.com
In Playas del Coco, many expats reside, so it is always easy to find some enthusiastic pickleball fans ready to play! There’s a group that gathers to play at the “Salón Comunal” (ADICOCO), just pass El Coco gas station at the Toro Grounds. They play on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometimes Fridays from 6 to 8 am.
For further information check their Facebook Group page
In the Playas del Coco area there is also a program that includes 4 pickleball courts, located at The Club at Coco Bay, and although membership is required, there are special passes to enter the club and enjoy the Pickleball courts.
Contact theclub.crdg@gmail.com for more information
In the Four Season hotel, on the Papagayo Peninsula, north of Playas del Coco, you can find 3 pickleball courts that open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Being a gated access resort, only guests would have access to the pickleball courts, but if you ever visit this luxury destination, you can have access to the beach, nature and pickleball.
In the south of Playa Samara, there’s also pickleball courts in the world-famous Hotel Punta Islita, a place known for its luxury and natural beauty.
For more information, contact via WhatsApp Greg Kaknes at +7814434444
Pickleball in Costa Rica – other areas
If you’re in the central valley region of Costa Rica, there are also pickleball courts in San Ramon de Alajuela and although they are outside of Guanacaste, we found it interesting that in Costa Rica we have Official IFA and USA Pickleball Ambassadors, like Tony Hortel. Tony is American but lives in San Rafael de San Ramón de Alajuela with his wife Celeste, where they created the first pickleball group in Costa Rica, offering tours and training facilities.
Contact Tony Hortel at +506 8639-3087 or info@pickleballcostarica.com.
In the town of Tilarán, very close to Arenal Volcano, pickleball enthusiasts can find training courts in Cinco Esquinas and practice this sport in a cooler weather and greener environment.
Contact the Tennis and Pickleball Shak at arenaltennisclub@tutanota.com or Whatsapp them at +506 8860-1299
Whether you are a pickler professional or might want to try this growing sport in Costa Rica, now you are aware of the places amongst Guanacaste where you can stay active and have fun with friends and family.
Enjoy your match and pickleball in Costa Rica!
