Take a Swing at Padel at Knysna Hollow

Padel has well and truly earned its place as one of the world’s most loved racquet sports, which is why it has a proud home at Knysna Hollow Country Estate.

Fast-paced, social, and endlessly entertaining, padel is the kind of game that draws you in from the first rally. Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply curious to step onto the court, our padel facilities offer the perfect excuse to grab a racquet, gather your friends, and join the action.

Set against the leafy calm of the estate, it’s padel as it should be: energetic, accessible, and a whole lot of fun! If you’re staying with us or live in the Knysna area, we invite you to come and make use of this fabulous facility and, who knows, maybe stop in at Social Eatery & Bar afterwards for a spot of lunch or dinner…

Padel sits comfortably between tennis and squash, combining the best elements of both into one fast-moving game. Played in doubles on a court one-third the size of a tennis court, with glass walls that keep the action going (and the ball from flying off into the distance), it’s accessible, exhilarating, and addictive. The scoring system mirrors tennis, but thanks to the walls and compact court, rallies are longer, points are quick, and the laughter never stops.

One of the biggest draws? Anyone can play. Children, teenagers, adults – even those who’ve never held a racquet before – can jump in, rally, and have a blast. And because it’s usually played in doubles, it’s a deeply social sport: you’re talking, strategising, laughing, and moving together from the first point.

If you didn’t grow up playing racquet sports, fret not! Nobody is brilliant at anything when they first start playing it. It’s all about not taking yourself too seriously and challenging yourself to pick up a new skill or pastime. In time, you may surprise yourself by how much you improve.

Knysna Hollow is proud to be among the first venues in and around Knysna to introduce a full Padel sports facility. Guests and visitors alike can book one of our two state-of-the-art courts, complete with floodlights for evening play and a full back-up power system so the fun never stops mid-game.

Need equipment? No problem. The on-site pro shop has everything you need, from racquets to balls, and the friendly staff are always ready to offer tips or a brief coaching session. And when you need a break, grab a snack or drink from the conveniently located grab-and-go station and recharge before your next rally.

Padel really does feel like it’s everywhere these days, from schoolgrounds and gyms to public areas in the middle of your city. So, you have to ask yourself: What’s the hook?

It’s simple:

• Beginner-friendly: Unlike tennis, you can pick it up instantly and feel part of the action.
• Social and fun: Doubles play means everyone’s involved, so making new friends is almost a guarantee.
• Fast-paced and exciting: Every point is quick, and the wall-bounces keep it unpredictable.
• Inclusive: Age, gender, or fitness level doesn’t matter, padel Knysna is for everyone. Of course, your fitness is sure to improve the more you play.
• Minimal gear, maximum fun: All you need is a racquet, a ball, and a willingness to learn.

Whether you’re staying with us at Knysna Hollow or visiting from the surrounding area, our courts are the perfect place to experience why padel is sweeping the globe.

Teams: Padel is always played in doubles (2 vs 2).

Serving: Serve underhand, bouncing the ball once, diagonally into the opponent’s service box.

Scoring: Same as tennis – 15, 30, 40, game; sets are usually best of 3, but can be best of 5.

Walls in Play: Balls can bounce off the back and side walls after hitting the court, just like squash.

Ball Bounce: The ball must bounce once on your side before hitting it, except when volleying.

No Out-of-Bounds: Hitting the ball outside the court boundaries loses the point.

Let Serves: If the serve hits the net but lands in the correct box, it’s a let and can be replayed.

Return Rules: You can hit the ball before it bounces (volley) or after one bounce.

Continuous Play: Keep the rally going; only stop when the ball bounces twice, goes out, or hits the net without going over.

Fair Play: Respect your opponents, call lines honestly, and enjoy the game!

Ready to join the craze? Don’t knock it till you try it! Book your session on one of our Knysna Hollow Padel Courts today, grab a racquet, and let the bug bite. Padel isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, a social experience, and a whole lot of fun rolled into one.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6am – 9pm | Sunday: 8am – 7pm

BOOK HERE