What is beach padel?

While traditional padel continues to conquer urban centres, a new variant is bringing a breath of fresh air to the coast: beach padel. Imagine the dynamism of padel, the relaxed atmosphere of the beach and the sense of freedom of playing barefoot.

This hybrid sport is not just a summer holiday activity; it is a rapidly growing discipline attracting more and more players seeking new sensations. But what really sets beach padel apart from its big brother played on synthetic grass? We tell you everything.

Origins: When sand meets the racket

Beach padel was born from the fusion of beach tennis and traditional padel . While padel is played on a hard surface with a bounce on the ground, moving onto sand radically changes the game. This sport belongs to the family of sand sports that favour volée play and explosiveness.

In France, driven by the FFT (French Tennis Federation), this discipline is beginning to open its doors within seaside clubs as well as specialised indoor facilities. It is a world where fun and performance meet under a bright sun.

Technical features: court and equipment

To understand beach padel, you need to take a closer look at its specific features. Forget the glass walls and fencing of a traditional court; here, the environment is different.

The court and dimensions

The court for beach padel uses dimensions similar to beach tennis (often 16x8 metres for doubles). The net is generally higher than in traditional padel. The absence of walls means the ball must never touch the ground: every point is won or lost at the volée. Rallies are therefore often shorter but much more spectacular.

Essential equipment

Even though players play barefoot, equipment remains a priority for performance and avoiding injuries.

• The racket: Beach padel rackets are often lighter and thinner than traditional padel rackets, allowing for better manoeuvrability in the air.

• The ball: An intermediate ball is used (often an "orange" tennis ball), which is softer and offers better spin potential.

• Style: On Instagram, beach padel has become ultra-popular thanks to its aesthetic. Brands such as Nox are also beginning to offer products suited to this sandy environment.

Why try beach padel this summer?

A low-impact sport

Playing on sand is excellent for muscle strengthening without putting strain on the joints. It is one of the key factors in preventing recurrent injuries that can occur on hard surfaces.

A club and tournament atmosphere

The French circuit is becoming more structured. Numerous sanctioned tournaments are emerging, attracting men and women of all levels. The first beach padel club in France paved the way for a national network that continues to grow. Whether for a Summer Cup or a local club tournament, the competitive aspect is very much present.

Accessible to young people

Thanks to its playful side, beach padel is an excellent gateway for young people. It is a modern vision of sport: less formal, more visual (perfect for a viral video) and extremely social.

Comparison: Padel vs Beach Padel

The rise of Beach Padel worldwide

The whole world is taking it up. While Italy and Brazil are the historic leaders, the French market is growing quickly. The format of short and dynamic play appeals to broadcasters. Today, watching a live beach padel match on social media has become commonplace, perfectly illustrating the new era of racket sports.

If you already enjoy indoor padel, trying the beach version will help you improve your reflexes and vertical jump. It is an ideal complement that requires excellent physical fitness.

Key takeaways

• Beach padel is played exclusively on sand, mainly outdoors in a fun and relaxed setting.

• No bounce: Unlike traditional padel, the ball must never touch the ground; everything is played at the volée.

• Specific equipment: Lighter rackets are used and players play barefoot, reducing the risk of joint injuries.

• Development: The FFT supports the growth of the discipline through a circuit of national-level tournaments.

FAQ - Your questions about beach padel

Can you use your usual padel balls on sand? It is recommended to use specific padel balls or low-pressure balls, as sand can make a standard ball heavier and alter its trajectory.

Do you need an FFT licence to play in beach padel tournaments? Yes, a club licence is generally required to take part in official tournaments and appear in the French rankings, as the discipline is affiliated with the federation.

Is beach padel more physically demanding than regular padel? Yes and no. Moving on sand requires more energy, but points are often quicker. It is excellent cardio and proprioception training.

What are the best brands for beach padel? Leading brands such as Nox, along with other specialists in beach sports, dominate the market with products specifically designed to withstand salt and sand.