Pickleball courts open at Cabarita club

CABARITA Beach Bowls and Sports Club has opened two new purpose-built pickleball courts, aiming to boost revenue and meet demand for the fast-growing sport.

The move is part of a plan to secure the club’s future while catering for one of the fastest growing sports in the region.

Pickleball players from Kingscliff, Pottsville and Tweed have already been using the new courts.

The sport involves using a paddle and a lightweight ball on a court smaller than a tennis court.

The club’s new general manager Chris Watson said there has already been strong interest from people wanting to take up the sport.

He paid tribute to the board and outgoing general manager Steve Penfold for getting the project across the line as part of a major redevelopment.

“There has been a lot of interest here and they’re coming from a lot of different areas,” Watson said.

“It was the brainchild of Steve Penfold and things like this can really reinvigorate a bowling club.

“It is another avenue for us to remain relevant and keep up to date with what the community wants and needs.”

Bowling clubs across the country are making similar moves by converting greens into pickleball or other uses to help cover operating costs.

The Cabarita club has already seen some of its members take up the new sport, while its lawn bowls community remains at the forefront.

A pickleball group has now been set up within the club.

Members and non-members need to use the online booking system to play.

They can create an account on the club website where bookings and payments can be made, with discounts for club members.

“The club is right behind this. Once they register online, they can make bookings for most of the week between Monday and Saturday,” Watson said.

“Every Tuesday we’ll have a beginner’s coaching session for two hours, which we recommend if they haven’t played before.

“This also gives us the ability to host tournaments in the future while offering pickleball in other packages with barefoot bowls as part of group social events.”

To make a booking, visit the club website.