Pickleball Arrives in Ferrol: A New Sporting Sensation
While relatively unknown in Spain until recently,pickleball has been a popular pastime in the United States as the late 1960s. Now, this exciting sport has landed in ferrol with Pickle Point, Galicia’s first indoor pickleball center. Combining elements of badminton, ping pong, and tennis, pickleball offers a unique and engaging experience for players of all levels.
Located in the A Gándara industrial estate, Pickle Point is the brainchild of Asís Garrido and Jaime Alcalá, two entrepreneurs passionate about bringing this accessible and enjoyable sport to the region.
Garrido emphasizes pickleball’s ability to “democratize racket sports,” making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. He believes it’s an ideal option for those seeking new challenges, even those with experience in tennis or padel.
Even though pickleball’s popularity has surged globally in recent years, Spain has witnessed a especially dramatic rise in the past year. A national circuit has been established, culminating in finals held in Madrid’s Plaza de España, and the number of enthusiasts continues to grow exponentially.
One of pickleball’s key attractions is its versatility. It can be played by two, four, or even more players, with matches often being short and fast-paced. This allows for a high turnover of players on a single court, making it perfect for groups of friends or families looking for a social and active outing.
Recognizing the social aspect of the sport, Pickle Point features a café with a terrace overlooking the courts, allowing spectators to enjoy the action and connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts. Garrido himself is a recent convert to the sport, having discovered its addictive nature less than two years ago.
“It hooks you,” he admits,sharing his passion for pickleball with his friend and business partner,Jaime Alcalá. Both share a love for sports, particularly tennis, which they played recreationally.
Their journey into pickleball began with experimenting by marking out a court on their parents’ property. As they introduced the sport to friends and family, its appeal quickly spread, leading them to establish Pickle Point.
Opened just a few weeks ago, Pickle Point provides equipment for users, which can also be purchased on-site. They are also offering introductory “baptism” sessions during the Christmas holidays, with initiation classes priced at a mere 5 euros.
The duo is thrilled with the positive response to Galicia’s first indoor pickleball center,which is also among the first of its kind in spain. they are eager to showcase Ferrol as a vibrant city with much to offer, hoping to make it a hub for this exciting and rapidly growing sport.
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