Help
Questions, answered
Everything people ask before their first session. If your question is not here, WhatsApp the desk — someone replies within the hour during opening times.
01
Getting started
I have never played padel. Where do I start?
Book a single group or private lesson — both assume no experience. You will be rallying within twenty minutes, and rackets are available to hire.
Do I need my own racket?
No. Loan rackets and balls are included in every coached session, and rackets are available to hire for court bookings. Most players wait a few months before buying their own.
What should I wear?
Comfortable sportswear and clean trainers with a flat sole. Running shoes are fine to start with; padel-specific shoes give better grip once you play regularly.
Do I need a partner to join?
No. Group sessions and socials rotate partners throughout, so most people arrive on their own. Court hire is the only thing that needs a group of four.
How fit do I need to be?
Padel is easier on the body than tennis and rallies are shorter than they look. If you can walk briskly for an hour you will be fine in a beginner session.
02
Booking & payment
How do I book?
Use the booking page on this site, message us on WhatsApp, or call the desk. Online booking confirms instantly and sends a calendar invitation.
How far ahead can I book a court?
Fourteen days ahead for everyone, twenty-one days for members. Peak evening slots between 18:00 and 21:00 are the first to go.
What is your cancellation policy?
Courts can be cancelled free of charge up to 12 hours before. Coached sessions and private lessons can be cancelled or moved free up to 24 hours before. Inside those windows the booking is charged in full.
Which payment methods do you accept?
All major cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay online. Cards and cash are accepted at the desk. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm your accepted payment methods.
Are prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes. All prices shown on this site include VAT where it applies. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm with your accountant.
03
Coaching
How are group levels decided?
By a short chat, or a first lesson if you are unsure. Your coach will confirm the right group in the first week and move you if the fit is wrong — that is normal and easy to arrange.
How many players are in a group?
A maximum of four adults per coach, or six juniors. Socials run larger but across several courts with a host organising the rotation.
Can I request a specific coach?
Yes, for private lessons. Every coach has a profile page listing their specialisms and the languages they coach in, and you can pick them during booking.
Do you coach in languages other than English?
Yes. Our team coaches in English and Russian. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — update to match your team.
What happens if my coach is away?
Another coach from the same programme covers the session and is briefed on where your group has got to. If we cannot cover it, the session is credited back to you.
04
Juniors
What is the youngest age you coach?
Five years old. The 5–7 group uses soft balls, short rackets and a reduced court so children rally in their first session rather than chasing missed balls.
Are your junior coaches background-checked?
Yes. Every coach working with juniors holds a current safeguarding certificate and has been background-checked before starting.
Can parents stay and watch?
Yes. There is shaded seating beside each court and a lounge overlooking the academy courts.
Do you run holiday camps?
Yes, through every school break. Camps run 15:00 to 18:00 and can be booked by the day or the week.
05
Membership
Do I need to be a member to play?
No. Everything on this site is open to non-members. Membership lowers the court rate and adds priority booking, so it pays off if you play twice a week or more.
Can I pause my membership?
⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm whether you allow membership freezes, for how long, and whether a fee applies.
How do I cancel?
Monthly memberships need 30 days' written notice after the initial three-month term. Email us or use the membership page in your account.
06
The venue
Where exactly are you?
At Mina Rashid, with a port and sea view. Parking is free on site and the entrance is signposted from the main approach road. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm exact directions.
Are the courts indoor or outdoor?
Outdoor panoramic courts with floodlighting. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — update if you have covered or indoor courts.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking on site. ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm the number of spaces and any restrictions.
Do you have changing rooms and showers?
⚠️ PLACEHOLDER — confirm your facilities: changing rooms, showers, lockers, towel service.
Is there food and drink?
The lounge serves coffee, cold drinks and light food throughout the day, with seating overlooking the courts.
Still unsure?
Ask us anything
No question is too basic. Most people who message us have never played padel — that is exactly who the academy is for.