Tennis and pickleball are primed and ready for 2026, with pickleball booming and Whakatāne Tennis Club gearing up for a busy summer.

With almost 300 members, including 93 juniors, the Goulstone Road club is heading into the new season in great shape while welcoming newcomers who wish to join the action.

Tennis club president Paul Isaac is excited about the start of the season and what lies ahead.

“The club has invested more than $200,000 into renovating both the club facilities and court upgrades as well as, dedicated pickleball courts, wind protection, a tennis practice wall, ball machine and security improvements,” said Isaac.

“There has never been a better time to give tennis or pickleball a go. It’s taken off incredibly quickly,” Isaac says. “You can pick up the basics in one session, it’s very social and before long it becomes surprisingly addictive”.

“You definitely don’t need to be an expert. If your racquet has been sitting in the garage for 20 years, get it out and come down. We’ve got everything from serious competitive players to people who simply want a good hit, a bit of exercise and some fun,” he said.

While pickleball is proving increasingly popular, tennis remains the backbone of the club, with plenty of opportunities for beginners, returning players and experienced competitors.

The club boasts 10 tennis courts and eight pickleball courts, with organised club sessions, competitive play, coaching and a strong junior programme.

All courts are floodlit, allowing the action and the friendly rivalries to continue well into the evening.

Isaac is keen to highlight the club is about considerably more than winning matches.

“The best clubs are places where people actually want to spend time.

“You come down for a game and quite often stay for a drink and a catchup afterwards”.

“We promote a great atmosphere which is based around competitive games for all abilities alongside social and fun for our members”.

“If you’re thinking about joining this summer, don’t worry about whether you think you’re good enough. Just come down and have a go. We’ll find you a game.”

New players are welcome to come to club sessions at $9 each time, with loaner pickleball paddles or tennis racquets available at these sessions. If you have your own gear, you can also simply book a court for yourself and three friends through the website or book online via Stripe.