In the ever-evolving world of padel, innovation is key to growth and accessibility. InstantPadel is at the forefront of this revolution, offering unique, portable padel courts that can be set up anywhere with minimal groundwork and permitting requirements. To get an inside look at this groundbreaking company, The Padel Weekly’s Darryle Busa sat down with Christoffer Granfelt, the visionary behind InstantPadel. Here’s a comprehensive look at their conversation, revealing the journey, challenges, and future of this innovative venture.

InstantPadel: Revolutionizing the Sport

InstantPadel stands out in the world of padel for its unique approach to court construction. Unlike traditional courts that require extensive groundwork and permits, InstantPadel courts can be set up almost anywhere with ease. “Our mission is to enable padel anywhere and everywhere,” Granfelt explains. The portable courts are designed for flexibility and simplicity, making it easier for communities to access and enjoy the sport.

The inception of InstantPadel was driven by a clear vision to make Padel more accessible. Granfelt recounts, “During the padel boom in Sweden, we saw the sport grow rapidly. However, it quickly became a premium sport, expensive to play, and difficult for families and social communities to access.” This realization led Granfelt and his colleagues to ask a pivotal question: “Does it have to be so complicated to build a traditional padel court?”

Innovative Design and Materials

One of the key innovations of InstantPadel is the use of polycarbonate panels instead of traditional glass. “A single glass panel weighs around 250 to 300 kilos, making it challenging to handle and install,” Granfelt explains. In contrast, polycarbonate panels weigh only 90 to 100 kilos, significantly reducing the logistical challenges. This change not only makes the courts easier to set up but also maintains the quality of play for recreational players.

Another innovation is the use of sports tiles instead of traditional turf. “We partnered with Versacourt, a US-based company known for its sports tiles,” says Granfelt. This allows for quicker installations and easier relocations, making the courts highly versatile. “Our courts can be built by four people in just a few hours. The record is two hours and thirty minutes in the UK,” he proudly shares.

Global Expansion and Market Response

InstantPadel has seen remarkable success and expansion since its inception. The company has completed over 160 installations in 18 countries. “We’ve had a lot of interest from various markets, but the UK has been particularly receptive,” Granfelt notes. The collaboration with entities like Soho Club in Babington and Gleneagles in Scotland has bolstered their presence and credibility.

The flexibility of InstantPadel courts has allowed them to be installed in unique and strategic locations. “We have 16 courts in the London area alone, which is significant given the challenges of obtaining permits there,” Granfelt explains. This success is a testament to the innovative design and ease of installation that InstantPadel offers.

Adapting to Different Markets

Despite the success, Granfelt acknowledges that some markets need to be faster to adopt new technologies. “In some markets, people are more cautious and prefer to stick with traditional methods,” he says. However, the reception has generally been positive, with many recognizing the benefits of the portable courts. “Players appreciate the flexibility and ease of use, and even elite players have enjoyed the experience,” he adds.

InstantCourts: A Vision Beyond Padel

Expanding on their innovative approach, InstantPadel has evolved into InstantCourts, a brand that encompasses a variety of sports. “We realized that our courts could handle more than just padel,” Granfelt explains. “They are also suitable for 3-on-3 basketball, technical soccer, field hockey, and more.” This broader vision aims to activate unused urban spaces and provide communities with versatile, multi-sport facilities.

Granfelt shares, “When you come to our new site, instantcourts.com, you’ll see that we offer a range of sports options. Our goal is to make sports accessible to everyone, regardless of the space available.” This adaptability makes InstantCourts an exciting development in the realm of recreational sports.

Future Directions and Social Impact

Looking ahead, InstantPadel aims to continue its global expansion while maintaining its focus on accessibility and social impact. Granfelt envisions the courts being used in various settings, from urban centers to underutilized spaces, to promote physical activity and social engagement. “My higher purpose is to become a social impact on kids and families through sports,” he emphasizes.

Granfelt is also exploring new markets and opportunities for growth. “We are excited about upcoming projects, including a new location in New York and several installations across Europe and the Middle East,” he shares. The company’s innovative approach and commitment to accessibility make it well-positioned to lead the way in the growing world of padel.

InstantPadel is redefining how padel courts are built and accessed, making the sport more inclusive and widespread. With innovative designs, strategic global expansion, and a focus on social impact, InstantPadel is poised to revolutionize the sport. As Granfelt aptly puts it, “We want to make it easier for people to come and play and enjoy any sports. In some cases, it will be padel, but in other cases, it could be a variety of sports. The goal is to create spaces where communities can come together and be active.”

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