One of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand now has a base in Richmond.
Padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash with a net, enclosed glass walls and played under a roof.
“I describe it as if squash and tennis had a baby, the baby was a genius and absolutely hilarious,” says Padel Centre developer Roar Kristoffersen.
As the name suggests, Roar is Scandinavian and he came across padel while returning to Denmark to visit family and friends.
“Rather than go out for a drink and a bite to eat, they would say let’s go and play padel first.
“Before Covid there were about 20 courts in Denmark now there are more than 1500,” enthuses Roar, who came to New Zealand to be a glacier guide at Franz Josef.
The game originated in Mexico and the catch cry ‘Vamos’, let’s go or come on, is ringing around Europe, South America and now New Zealand.
“When we started looking at bringing the game here 18 months ago, there were two courts at established tennis facilities in Auckland.
“Now there are more than 25 around the country. It is a grassroots movement and other padel operators have been so welcoming and happy to share their knowledge.”
Roar and his wife Rebecca’s real estate background came in handy when it came to pitching the idea to secure finance.
“Firstly, we had to explain what padel was.”
After moving from the West Coast to Motueka, the pair eventually established K Real Estate.
The courts are smaller than those used in tennis, but when the ball goes past a player, you can then hit it back off the glass wall.
“It is much easier than tennis as there is no overhand serve, the rackets are smaller and there is less court to cover,” says Roar.
Three double-sized artificial turf surfaces have been laid at the Coman Drive facility, which is close to Berryfields.
The courts already have individual sponsors JAS, K and Coman after the construction company which built the complex.
It is planned to operate from 5am to 11pm with hourly court hire ranging from $60 to $80 shared amongst four players. Games normally take one to one and a half hours.
“So you can play before, during or after work. The whole idea is to bring something fun to the area. When it is wet and grey, it can be difficult to find indoor sport rather than swimming or bowls,” quips Roar.
The Padel Centre will be officially opened this month, and the Kristoffersens hope to host a national tour event there later this year.
