It seemed that in the 1970’s, tennis enthusiasts in Italy, the epicenter of beach tennis, could not get enough of the sport, even when relaxing at the beach. And today Puerto Rico is no exception to this phenomenon.
Local lore credits tennis player Tommy Mora as the one who brought the sport of beach tennis a decade ago to Puerto Rico after a trip to Barcelona.
The popularity of beach tennis, a variant of the sport played on the sand, grew to the point that there is a Puerto Rico Beach Tennis Federation, which currently maintains an active calendar of events and is governed by the International Tennis Federation.
But beach tennis is not only the realm of professional players.
The game has attracted folks of all ages and backgrounds who dig the blend of sport and beach vibes, not to mention that it´s a fun way of keeping fit and after a tough match a refreshing plunge is just steps away.
The rules and scoring are like those in standard tennis, and the object is to hit the ball in a way that your opponent is unable to return it. However, the net is lower than the one used in standard tennis and the ball is depressurized. The paddle used in beach tennis is smaller than the average tennis racket, but larger than those used for regular beach paddle board. Games can be played in singles and doubles. The sport is not limited to the beach, however. Courts have sprouted in towns such as Guaynabo, Bayamon, and San Juan, in public as well as private locations, such as parks.
“These off-beach locations in part came up, because people who could not get to beach, say when they were at school or at work in late afternoon or when the sun sets, have a place where they can take lessons or play beach tennis,” said Luis Reyes Peñalverty, a top-ranking player as well as beach tennis instructor. “It is a good time for beach tennis in Puerto Rico, because not only we are making our mark in the sport at a professional level, but also because more and more people are discovering the sport and integrating it into part of their healthy lifestyle.”
Pickleball is taking Puerto Rico by storm
Pickleball is another fast-growing marvel on the island. There are over 50 courts available and most tennis centers have courts available for rent and offer classes.
This hybrid sport is not tennis, not badminton nor is it ping pong. Pickleball is a combination of these three sports and it´s no secret that it is taking Puerto Rico by storm.
Everyone from kids to seniors can play. It was first introduced in 2018 in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Pickleball Association was established that same year.
Pickleball is an entertaining and social way to stay fit and active while combining strategy and skill that keeps you on your toes with its scoring system and rules. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.
For many, pickleball has become more than a game, it is a lifestyle. Once you pick up a paddle, it´s possibly you´ll never want to put it down.
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