The coastal city of Oceanside has stepped into the Padel spotlight, opening North County’s very first courts dedicated to the sport that’s catching fire globally. Just off the bustling 222 S. Coast Hwy, where once a used car lot stood, now gleams a 9,500-square-foot Padel haven, thanks to a green light from the Oceanside City Council earlier this year.

At the heart of this Padel paradise is a pair of courts with 10-foot plexiglass walls, topped with an extra 6 feet of netting – a design both aesthetic and functional, keeping the balls in play and the community spirit high. Amir Palmen, CEO of Padel California, describes Padel as a hybrid of tennis, racquetball, and ping-pong, offering an exciting blend of each sport’s best bits. “They convinced me to try it and I kind of fell in love with the sport,” Palmen recalls, echoing the sentiments of many who’ve stumbled upon this engaging game.

With the courts now open to the public and bustling with members for six weeks, the site’s transformation is nearing completion. A once run-down trailer is being revamped into a sleek office and pro shop. It’s a spot where from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, newcomers can learn, enthusiasts can sharpen their skills, and everyone can soak up the social atmosphere that Padel cultivates.

This sport, born in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, has woven its way through Latin America and Europe and is now gripping the United States with its easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master charm. Padel California has quickly become a community cornerstone, with around 60 members already, many of whom had little previous experience with racket sports. Oceanside local Brad Malecha and his family discovered the courts by chance and have been hooked ever since, drawn in by the inclusive and less intimidating culture compared to other racket sports.

Padel California aims to keep the sport accessible, with membership costs that undercut the pricier private clubs dotted across Miami and New York. “We try to be accessible,” says Palmen, whose vision extends to seeding clubs across the region, spurring growth and fostering a competitive club circuit.

For those in the Oceanside area looking to dive into Padel, or for seasoned players eager to join a vibrant community, a visit to their website is the first step on what promises to be an exhilarating journey into the world of Padel.

For a detailed account of this Padel evolution in Oceanside and to join the ranks of this growing community, check out the full story at The Coast News.

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