Padel serves up new social scene

Namibia Padel co-founder Francois Wahl recently discussed the sport’s rapid growth, its social and accessible appeal, and what is needed to boost participation nationwide.

“Many people who used to play tennis and squash pick up the game easily,” he says.

“But those are technically difficult sport types. The barrier to entry for padel is much easier for players without a racket sport background, making the sport accessible.

Wahl says padel is a social sport, since people have drinks afterwards and watch other games.

He says serious clubs need to have four courts to host proper tournaments and events, one can make it work with two courts.