Padel Has Taken Over South Africa, And You’re Probably in the Club

Have you noticed how padel has suddenly become the sport everyone is talking about? Courts are popping up everywhere, your friends are sending invites for “just a quick game,” and even your local gym crowd has swapped dumbbells for padel bats. It feels like an overnight success, but the truth is, South Africa has been quietly building towards this padel boom for a few years now.

Back in 2019, South Africa had just a single padel court at Val de Vie in Paarl. Fast forward to 2024 and we’re now looking at over 600 courts and more than 200 clubs around the country, with upwards of 100,000 players getting involved. That’s some serious growth in only five years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The magic of padel is in its simplicity. Unlike tennis, there’s no steep learning curve. Within your first hour on court, you’ll already be rallying and laughing with friends. The smaller court size makes the game feel fast and energetic without being overwhelming, and the vibe is more social than competitive. It’s less about perfect technique and more about showing up, getting moving, and having fun.

What’s fueling padel’s rise is more than just the game itself. It’s the lifestyle that comes with it. Padel has become a new way to connect — a spot where parents, students, professionals, and even grandparents can all meet up and share the same court. You don’t need to be an athlete to feel included. You just need to bring a little energy and maybe a post-match appetite for coffee or a cold drink.

Developers and estates have quickly caught on, and there are already plans to build thousands more courts in the next few years. That means padel will soon be as easy to find as your local gym or five-a-side soccer field. At this rate, it’s not just a passing trend. It’s part of how South Africans are choosing to spend their free time.

So whether you’re already addicted, still curious, or just looking for a new way to spend time with friends, padel is waiting for you. It’s more than a sport — it’s a movement. And chances are, the next court to open up will be right around the corner.