Have you ever wanted to try a new sport or fitness class, but chickened out at the last minute because you didn’t know what to expect? Us too. That’s why we created our ‘Beginner’s Guide’ series. It’s a place for us to chat to founders, trainers and business owners throughout the Gold Coast. To find out what to expect, what to bring and (often most importantly) what to wear, we’re going straight to the source.
In this instalment, we catch up with Darren McMullen, Co-Founder of Gold Coast Racquet Club.
“We’re a social racquet club built around two of the fastest-growing sports in the world – padel and pickleball,” says Darren. “Both give you a great workout, but the beauty of them is that they don’t really feel like exercise. You’re too busy chasing balls, trying to outsmart your mates and arguing about whether that shot was actually in.”
How did you get into racquet sports? And when?
I first discovered the new wave of racquet sports overseas and immediately understood the obsession.
What really grabbed me about both padel and pickleball was how accessible they are. You don’t need years of lessons before you can actually enjoy yourself. You can put a racquet or paddle in someone’s hand, explain the basics and pretty quickly they’re having rallies, competing and laughing.
I loved the idea of bringing that experience to the Gold Coast and building somewhere that wasn’t just about playing sport, but about the culture and community around it.
What do you love about it?
What do you love about it?They’re both ridiculously fun.
Padel is fast, strategic and has the added chaos of being able to play the ball off the glass. Pickleball looks deceptively simple until someone starts destroying you at the kitchen line.
With both sports, you’re moving, reacting, thinking and getting a workout without staring at a clock wondering when it’s going to end.
And you absolutely don’t need to be the strongest or fastest person on court. A little bit of strategy and cunning can go a very long way.
Who should try it?
Almost anyone.
That’s probably the biggest reason both sports have grown so quickly.
We get complete beginners, serious athletes, former tennis players, couples, groups of mates and people who haven’t picked up a racquet in years.
You can start socially and keep it that way, or, if you’ve got a competitive streak, there’s a very deep rabbit hole waiting for you.
What equipment do you need to bring? And what should you wear?
Keep it simple. Comfortable activewear and good court shoes or trainers with lateral support.
You don’t need to go out and buy an expensive racquet or paddle before you’ve even played. If you’re a beginner, come down, grab some gear and work out which sport – or both – you fall in love with first.
The only essential equipment is probably a willingness to become annoyingly competitive with your friends.
How many times per week should you do it in order to see results/improvement?
Two or three times a week and you’ll start seeing improvement pretty quickly.
The great thing is that progression isn’t only about fitness. You’re learning positioning, anticipation, shot selection and how to work with your partner.
Although, in my experience, once people start playing two or three times a week, the bigger problem is convincing them to take a day off.
Is it social?
Massively. It’s one of the best parts.
Both padel and pickleball are incredibly social sports. You’re close to the other players, there’s plenty of interaction between points and they’re perfect for mixed levels and groups of friends.
For us, the club part of Gold Coast Racquet Club is just as important as the racquet part.
We want people to come for a game and stay for a drink, some food, another game or just to hang out.
It’s exercise disguised as a social life.
How much experience is needed before the first class/session?
Absolutely none.
You don’t need a tennis background, you don’t need to know all the rules and you definitely don’t need to “get fit first.”
Both sports are incredibly beginner-friendly. Within your first session you’ll understand enough to start having proper rallies and enjoying yourself.
Nobody walks onto a court for the first time looking like a professional. That’s half the fun.
What are the long-term benefits?
Physically, both sports are great for cardiovascular fitness, coordination, agility, balance and reaction time.
But I think the bigger long-term benefit is finding a form of exercise you genuinely look forward to.
You’re moving your body, getting outside, competing, laughing and meeting people at the same time.
If exercise feels like something you want to do rather than something you have to do, you’ve probably found something you’ll stick with.
What would you say to someone who is interested in this workout, but scared to try it for the first time?
Don’t wait until you think you’re ready. Just come and have a hit.
You don’t need to be fit enough, coordinated enough or experienced enough. Everyone on those courts had a first game once.
Come down with a mate – or come by yourself – grab a racquet or paddle and give it a crack. Mention you saw this article in scout and we’ll throw in free racquet rental for your first try.
Worst-case scenario, you get some exercise, meet some people and have a laugh. Best-case scenario? You’ve just found your new addiction.
