Padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world right now — and Plettenberg Bay Country Club is right in the middle of it. If you've been curious about picking up a racquet and giving it a go, here's everything you need to know before you arrive. Spoiler: it's easier to learn than tennis, more social than squash, and genuinely addictive after about fifteen minutes.
What actually is padel?
Padel is a racquet sport played on an enclosed court roughly a third the size of a tennis court. The walls are part of the game — you can play off them, much like squash — which means rallies last longer, points are more exciting, and beginners get into the game far quicker than they expect. It's always played in doubles, which makes it a naturally social sport and perfect for bringing friends along.
The scoring system is identical to tennis, the technique is closer to squash, and the equipment is a solid paddle rather than a strung racquet. If you've played either sport before, you'll feel at home within minutes. If you've never picked up a racquet in your life, padel is genuinely one of the most beginner-friendly ways to start.
Members who come for the golf end up staying for the padel. It's become one of the most social corners of the club — easy to learn, hard to put down.Plettenberg Bay Country Club
Playing at PBCC
PBCC's three all-weather, floodlit padel courts sit alongside the tennis facility and are bookable via the Playtomic app — the same platform used by clubs across South Africa and worldwide. Courts are open seven days a week, and equipment hire is available at the pro shop if you don't have your own paddle yet. You'll need to download Playtomic, find the PBCC listing, and book a slot.
Court slots run for an hour or so — enough for a proper warm-up and a few full sets. If you're new to the game, arrive a few minutes early — the court surface and wall angles at PBCC have their own personality, and a few minutes to get a feel for the bounce before your opponents arrive is always worthwhile.
What to bring
Padel is a high-movement sport, so court shoes with good lateral support are important — running shoes work fine for your first session, but if you start playing regularly, dedicated padel or squash shoes are worth the investment. Wear comfortable sportswear, bring water, and if you have a tennis wristband or grip tape, bring those too — your hand will thank you.
If you don't own a padel racquet yet, don't let that stop you. Equipment hire is available at the club. Try the sport first — then decide if you want to invest in your own gear.
Booking your first session
- Download the Playtomic app and find the PBCC listing
- Book a court slot — midweek mornings tend to have the most availability
- Equipment hire is available at the club — ask at reception on arrival
- Courts are lit for evening sessions — ideal if you're visiting for the week
- Questions? Call the club on 044 533 2132 or visit our padel page
Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned racquet player looking for something new, padel at PBCC is worth an afternoon of your time. Book a court, bring a friend, and see why this sport has taken over every club on the Garden Route.