From its cross-culture origins in the 1960s to being the sport du jour for London’s racket-swinging, macro-conscious gym-dwellers, it’s fair to say padel is having a moment.
And for those curious, A) it’s pronounced exactly the same as ‘paddle’ and B) you play it by hitting a satisfyingly slow-moving perforated ball off glass walls and fences in a hybrid of tennis and squash. It’s one of those sports that becomes instantly fun the moment you start playing.
The history of the sport is a relatively short one, but it winds its way from Mexico to Britain via Argentina and Spain. It’s believed the Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera built the first-ever padel court at his holiday home in Acapulco in 1969. But a variation very similar to the game we know today was played by passengers on British cruise ships in the 1910s. ‘Platform tennis’ became popular in Washington and New York, with paddles replacing traditional tennis rackets.
Cut to today, the fast-paced, holey-racket game that borrows from tennis and squash, is what pretty much everyone across London seems to be taking a whack at. And leading the pack is Padel Social Club.
Padel Social Club is as much about the sport as it is the social aspect. It currently has three clubs (two open in London – Earl’s Court, The O2, and one coming soon in Wandsworth – and one at Babington House in Somerset) and an always-active, lycra-wearing following. Each club has panoramic padel courts, a bar where padel-ers can mingle post match and even an on-site shop, so you can make sure you look the part while on the court.
As well as the state-of-the-art facilities, Padel Social Club offers coaching sessions. So whether you’re a pro-level player or feeling sheepish about stepping onto the court, you can hone your game with help from expert coaches who cater to all levels.
The Earl’s Court Club, has a Clubhouse for members and a wellness hub offering the ultimate post-match wind down, with a sauna and cold baths to help sharpen your senses. While padel is the main event, players can also sign up to Padel Play Dates and PadelCardio fitness classes to help give you the edge on court. And when you inevitably catch the padel bug (that is, if you haven’t already), put your best play forward at the prestigious Padel Social Club League and Club Championships that even has its own trophy. These benefits and more come as part of the club membership package, which starts at £33 a month or £360 a year.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a padel.
NOTE: Padel Social Club in Earl’s Court is open Sunday – Wednesday 7am-10pm & Thursday – Saturday 7am-11pm. There are changing rooms and showers available and you can rent rackets from the shop. You can find out more about membership, coaching sessions and booking a court on the Padel Social Club website.
Padel Social Club | Earl’s Court, Empress Pl, London SW6 1TT
Need another activity to get your endorphins racing? Check out London’s best boxing classes.
