Welcome New Pickleball Players!
Welcome to the great sport of Pickleball. We hope this page will provide you with information to get you started playing pickleball with the Santa Cruz Pickleball Club (SCPC).
Visit our Resources page for rules, tips, videos and more.
First: What does a pickleball court look like?
Second: What equipment do I need to play pickleball?
When playing pickleball, each player will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle.
Players will also need a pickleball. The ball itself is unique, with holes through it like a wiffle ball and there are different ball models intended for indoor and outdoor play. The ball travels at 1/3 the speed of a tennis
ball and is usually yellow in color.
If you play with the SCPC, we have paddles available for a donation of $2.00 per use. We recommend using our paddles to start with so you can get a feel for the different paddles and what suits your playing style. We will supply balls and the nets during scheduled play times.
If you decide to purchase your own paddle, see below under “How Much Does it Costs”.
We HIGHLY recommend wearing some type of eye protection as the ball can travel fast and you may not have enough time to protect yourself. Most players wear sunglasses with shatter proof lenses. However, there are safety glasses available that have no lenses but still protect the eyes. So as to not mark up the courts, please wear court or tennis shoes to play in.
Third: Where can I play?
The SCPC has scheduled play 5 days a week and there is also play at Scotts Valley on Saturdays.
New players are welcome; however, we currently have an 18 year old or older requirement.
Each venue has a Site Coordinator who is in charge of that site for that day. Please arrive at 11:30am on your first day and ask for the Site Coordinator.
You will be asked to sign a waiver, and then you will get a quick overview of the game and they will show you some basic shots. The Site Coordinator will then get you your first game and introduce you to the signup board and how to sign up for games.
Visit our Courts page for court times and locations.
Fourth: How much does it cost?
The SCPC requests a small $2.00 donation when you play at one of our scheduled play times. The money goes towards purchasing pickleball nets, balls and loaner paddle. We also purchase equipment to maintain the court and clean the playing surfaces. If you use one of the Clubs paddles, we suggest an additional $2.00 donation for its use.
If you decide to purchase your own paddle, ‘Play It Again Sports’ in Soquel has a good selection of paddles. ‘Big 5 Sporting Goods’ in Capitola has some as well, though typically only those of entry level quality. There are a number of websites dedicated to selling pickleball gear. Also local instructors often have discount codes for online paddle purchases.
Pickleball Central offers a 5% discount (code: crsantacruz) with 5% also going back to the club.
Fifth and Final: HAVE FUN
The SCPC mission is to provide pickleball to people that want to play regardless of age or skill level. We are a fun and friendly group and you will be welcomed no matter what venue to decide to attend We have various activities throughout the year such as Trainings and our Halloween (everyone dressed up) tournament. Again be sure to signup and become a member of the Santa Cruz Pickleball Club so you can receive the club informational emails.
Come Play With US
Santa Cruz – Westside
Sergeant Derby Park
Sundays & Wednesdays, 9am to Noon
11:30 am New Player Intro
Santa Cruz – Live Oak
Brommer Street County Park
Mondays & Fridays, 9am to Noon
11:30 am New Player Intro
Scotts Valley
SkyPark
Saturdays, 9am to Noon
11:30 am New Player Intro
Aptos
Willowbrook County Park
Mondays & Tuesdays, 9am to Noon
All social play. No skill level play.
11:30 am New Player Intro
** When the courts are full and players are waiting, warmup is limited to
two minutes. **