Pickleball isn't exactly a niche hobby anymore. The easy-to-learn paddle sport has found fans of just about every age and skill level, and the Santa Cruz area is no exception.
If you've heard friends talking about "the kitchen" but still aren't entirely sure what they're talking about, getting started is easier than it may look. You don't need years of tennis experience or much equipment — just a paddle, a ball and somewhere to play.
And around Santa Cruz, there are several options. The city has pickleball courts at Sergeant Derby Park on the Westside, while nearby county and municipal parks offer additional places to play in Live Oak and Scotts Valley.
Here's a beginner-friendly look at pickleball, from the rules you actually need to know to places to play in and around Santa Cruz.
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a court smaller than a tennis court, with a net, a plastic ball with holes and solid paddles. It can be played as singles or doubles, although doubles is especially common.
Part of the appeal is that you don't need to master a long list of rules before getting into a game. USA Pickleball's beginner guide describes the sport as one that can be played by people of different ages and skill levels, with relatively simple fundamentals for newcomers to pick up.
That doesn't mean the game can't get competitive. There's plenty of room to work on strategy, placement and technique once you've gotten the hang of it. But if your immediate goal is simply to get outside with some friends and figure out which end of the paddle to hold, you can do that, too.
You don't need to memorize the entire official USA Pickleball rulebook before your first game. A few basics will at least help you know what's happening on the court:
USA Pickleball has a more detailed guide to serving, scoring and the kitchen rule if you'd like to know a little more before showing up for your first game.
The basic equipment list is refreshingly short: a pickleball paddle, pickleballs, a net and a court. If you're playing at a public court with a permanent net, that makes things even easier.
Wear comfortable athletic clothes and supportive sneakers or court shoes, and bring water — especially during warmer weather. If you're trying the sport for the first time, there's also no need to turn paddle shopping into a major investment before you've played a single game. Check with a recreation program, club or the friends you're joining to see whether equipment is available to borrow.
Santa Cruz players have options in the city and nearby communities, including public courts on the Westside and in Live Oak. Before heading out, it's smart to check with the municipality, county or facility for any current schedules, reservations, programs or court closures.
508 Woodland Way, Santa Cruz
On Santa Cruz's Westside, Sergeant Derby Park has pickleball courts, according to the city's current park listing. Players need to bring their own nets.
The city gives pickleball priority on the courts Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to dusk. The park also has tennis courts, a playground, swings, a skate park and a portable restroom.
For players who would rather join a group than organize their own game, the Santa Cruz Pickleball Club currently holds club play at Sergeant Derby Park on Sunday and Wednesday mornings, with a new-player introduction beginning at 9 a.m.
1451 30th Ave., Live Oak
A short drive east of central Santa Cruz, Brommer Street County Park has four pickleball courts, according to Santa Cruz County Parks. The park also has two tennis courts, a playground, half basketball court, picnic areas, lawn space, restrooms and a parking lot.
The county offers online pickleball court reservations and a live court schedule for Brommer Street Park. The Santa Cruz Pickleball Club also currently holds organized play there on Monday and Friday mornings, with a new-player introduction at 9 a.m.
361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
For another option north of Santa Cruz, Skypark in Scotts Valley has tennis and pickleball courts that can be reserved through the city's recreation department. The larger park also includes playgrounds, soccer fields, bocce courts, a skate park, pump track, dog park, walking and jogging space, picnic tables and restrooms.
The Santa Cruz Pickleball Club currently holds Saturday morning play at Skypark from 9 a.m. to noon, including a new-player introduction from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Because Scotts Valley has been evaluating court hours and other operating measures, check the city's current tennis and pickleball information before heading over.
If you're new to pickleball, you'll probably run into the phrase "open play." Rather than reserving a court with the same group of friends for an hour, open play generally means players rotate in and out of games with other people who show up during a designated period.
The exact setup varies from place to place, so don't assume every open-play session works the same way. Some are divided by skill level or use particular courts, while others are more casual. If you're unsure whether a session is beginner-friendly, check with the organizer or recreation department before you go.
One reason the sport has attracted such a broad following is that it can be adapted to different ages and ability levels. The smaller court means players cover less ground than they would in tennis, and newcomers can start with a fairly basic serve-and-return game before worrying about more advanced shots and strategy.
Still, pickleball is a sport. Warm up, wear shoes that provide good support for side-to-side movement and play at a pace that makes sense for you.
You don't need to know every rule, own an expensive paddle or have a perfectly executed "dink" shot before showing up at a court.
Learn the basic serve, remember the two-bounce rule, stay out of the kitchen when you're volleying and go from there. Whether you're looking for a new way to get moving, meet some neighbors or finally find out why everyone seems to own a pickleball paddle now, Santa Cruz has several places in and around town to give the game a try.
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